Compare these 4 receivers... (1 Viewer)

[Chad Sunderland]

Hi, I'm looking into getting a new reciever to replace my Yamaha HTR-5460. A few of the reasons that I'm looking to upgrade is, I don't have enough digital audio inputs, and I'd like to have Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 for watching VHS and satellite.

The 4 recievers I am looking at are the Denon AVR-2802, the Yamaha HTR-5490, the Onkyo TX-SR700, and the Harmon Kardon AVR 320.

I am also going to be upgrading my speakers to Axiom M22ti's for the front, a VP150 for the center, and QS-4's for the rear. Any ideas on which receiver would match these speakers best.

I'd appreciate any help you could give me, I realize these are all pretty nice recievers, but I'm having a lot of trouble making a choice. I'm still pretty new to this, so I need the help! Thanks

Chad

 

[Paul Clarke]

Well it appears you already like Yammy...and the 5490 has more digital inputs than the space shuttle. I own H/K but the 5490 was in the running for me before I purchased. Actually the 5490 is getting a little long in the tooth so getting one on a closeout should be a great buy.

When you get like you are and need to make a decision between equivalent quality pieces you really need to hear them. Sound characteristics vary between manufacturers as I'm sure you know.

 

[Jason Wilcox]

the downside i see to the 5490 is the lack of pre-outs. hopefully its replacement will have em.

 

[Tony Lai]

This is just my opinion and prejudices and neuroses.

Out of these four, I take the Onkyo.

Here's my reasoning...

The Denon is getting old and about to be replaced. It lacks EX, lacks enough digital inputs for me and the remote is horrid.

I don't like Yamaha. Never have and like the non RX-V series even less.

The H/K lacks the power for what I need. And overpriced here because it is American (yet made in China, go figure).

The Onkyo is newest, all formats catered for. Has dual 6 channel inputs, full preouts, decent power, decent remote, decent BM (although the 80Hz isn't good) and component switching.

This is a game of catchup and the others are catching up to Onkyo IMO.

T.

 

[Chad Sunderland]

I've just seen the Yamaha RX-V1300 online. Anyone see this unit in person yet? Looks like it has every feature the HTR-5490 has, plus preouts and a few other small features. And...it can be found for less than $600. Anyone have any hands-on experience with this unit? Thanks!

 

[Yogi]

I'd wait a few months and go for a closeout deal on a new 3802. IMHO it will beat the rest of the pack in terms of features and processing and have nice musical sound.

 

[Baldemar Garcia]

I've been looking at these and other receivers as well. You noted that you'd like to have DTS Neo6. Isn't the Yamaha the only one capable of this? The H/K has Logic7, which is similar and even superior to some people. If features don't specifically list DTS-ES discrete or DTS Neo:6, I'm assuming they aren't supported. It seems to me the receivers listed here don't support either. BTW, I've heard that there will be no HTR-5490 replacement (here on this forum), so you'll be stuck with the RX-V1300 as the cheapest Yamaha option. It also adds official Dolby Digital EX. I've seen the RX-V1200 on clearance at some local stores, but supplies are dwindling. Good luck.

 

[Yogi]

3802 has both DPL II and DTS Neo:6.

 

[Greer_R]

the SR700 has DPL2 and DTS Neo as well.


-Greer

 

[JerryLang]

I have used Axioms with a few receivers. Always had excellent results.

 

[Richard Harvey]

I would seriously consider the 2802 or 3802. Saying they are "getting old" is a misnomer -- the 2802 supports DD (including "EX" 6.1 matrix), DPL2, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS NEO:6, 5/6 channel stereo, etc. 3 digital optical in/1 digital coax. Full pre-outs. Full wide bandwidth (100 kHz) 5.1 inputs for DVD-Audio. Dual component vid inputs (wide bandwidth, up to 720p/1080i). The 3802 is the bigger brother, and even more powerful.

The fact that they are about to be replaced in the product line is a bonus IMHO -- it means you can probably get these at a much better street price, so more value for your $$$. Yes, the remote is horrid, but I certainly wouldn't base my purchase decision on that! If anything, buy the 2802 at discount and put your savings into a good HT remote and get rid of ALL of your remotes (I'm a happy Marantz MkII remote owner myself).

I'm certainly not putting down the others (I like the Onkyo and H/K too, though I bought a 2802 for myself). Not a big fan of Yammy, but can't give you any good reasons.