Denon 1801 or Sony STR-DB930... Your thoughts (1 Viewer)

[Brian Mansure]

I'm assisting a buddy at work with purchasing a DD/DTS receiver and recently found a gently used Denon 1801 and Sony STR-DB930 for about the same cost($225-$250).
He will be pushing Paradigm mini monitors up front, not sure about a center or sub and in-wall paradigm surround speakers with this receiver. I told him that I have and like the combination of Paradigm speakers with a Denon receiver but wasn't sure if the Sony STR-DB930 was better.
He said he'll be about 10-12 feet away from the front speakers and TV.
Please add comments or suggestions on which one of these receivers mentioned you prefer for the job.

I appreciate your help.

Brian

 

[Juan_R]

Tell him to go with the Denon.

 

[John Garcia]

930 is a waste of time, IMO.

 

[Brian Mansure]

Thanks for the replies so far.

What about if I found a Harmon Kardon AVR-110 into the comparison mix for the same cost?

Brian

 

[Angelo.M]

I'd take the H/K over the Denon and the Sony.

--AM

 

[John Garcia]

Agreed, the H/K would be a better choice, but for that price, you can get a newer model. Directly through Harmanaudio.com you can get a refurb 120 for $200 and a 220 for $300.

 

[Brian Mansure]

I've read a few reviews here and at audioreview.com about some lower-end to mid-fi receivers from HK are prone to be less reliable than most other reputable receivers.

Have you experienced this yourselves or heard anything similar?

I really like the solid build quality of the Denon 1801, is the HK AVR 110, 120, 125 of similar quality?

Another consideration would be the AVR-110, 120 and 125 are all rated much lower per channel than the 70 watts on the Denon...
Would there be a noticable difference in sound quality and overall volume between the respective Denon and HK receivers?

Brian