Dumped VSX-26 for something new...but what? (1 Viewer)

[AmusingistheDawn]

After buying a quintet and setting up my HT in my new home, I came to realize with the help of some awsome people from here, that my pioneer elite vsx-26, although awsome and still working (mainly for music), I need to upgrade to something with HDMI or Component connections for HD. I sold it to my brother and now I'm in search of something for around $800-900...give or take.

Bring on the suggestions! Also...is it worth saving money on a factory refurbished unit, or is that a huge risk?

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

I found a Denon 2808CI for just over 600 new, which is about HALF of what it retails for...so I'm thinking about bumping up my price range to something that can be bought for a couple hundred more, or possibly just purchasing the 2808CI.

 

[gene c]

Factory refurbs are another way to save a lot of money. Just make sure you get it from an authorized dealer and make sure the warranty is acceptable.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Thanks for the input. I would say my budget is negotiable

I have been thinking a lot about the 2808 only having 2hdmi inputs, but I don't know if I'll ever use more than that, because if I did, I think I would end up going the video processor/ pre/pro route, and re-evaluate my whole set-up. I will be getting a new tv in the next month, and I wanted to get my receiver up to date. I honestly listen to more music than I do watch movies, but I REALLY enjoy movies as well.

I read a bunch of bad reviews on the Yamaha-RX-V1800B, how it doesn't work with a 120hz refresh tv, and that it has problems decoding DTS Master HD. I also read on the Onkyo TX-SR875 about how it runs extremely hot, has had quite a few documented failures, and customer service hasn't been getting the best reviews either...needless to say, enough to sway my impressionable mind thus far.

I am thinking Denon right now. Very little if any bad reviews, but I'm still open to suggestions towards other brands. I'd prefer to spend no more than 800-900 dollars, but I know there are many fine line deciding factors that slide in for a 100-200 difference. In other words: HELP ME OUT!

 

[gene c]

I've always felt there was no perfect receiver but the Denon's seem to have fewer issues than most of the others. The good thing about the Onkyo 875/905 is they have a better video processing chip than most others. But there are those "other" things. The lower end Pioneer Elites (and the 1018) are the other receivers that come to mind, but the 2808 is pretty good for that price. People who have the Denon 3808 seem to be very happy with it but I'm not sure it's worth the several hundred dollars more. Guess it's up to the individual.

Speaking of price, I can't figure out why I was confused about your budget . You made it very clear in your original post. Maybe too many cups of coffee this morning??

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Yea, for 600 bucks I think I will be more than happy with the 2808CI. Even if I get a game station or something else that makes me feel bad about only having 2 hdmi inputs, I can always use the component inputs for video and one of the digital inputs for audio. I've been doing some thinking and I think the 2808CI is the one. I always get caught up in things and blow whatever budget I once had. I "could" spend twice as much and be just as happy...but as far as money goes...600 dollars could be spent elsewhere...like towards my new tv.

My one friend just spent $5000 on a new receiver and I REALLY feel it wasn't worth that much. Also considering each year the price drops. If I buy an awsome 1080p tv with hdmi inputs, and run it through the 2808CI while watching HD SAT...I think I will be blown away by sound and video. I don't even have a DVD player with HDMI, so my next purchase after the tv would be such...leaving me many years before I really need a third HDMI input.

I'm going to wait ONE day more...and if I don't hear any reason why I shouldn't buy the Denon 2808CI or why I SHOULD buy a different A/V receiver...then I'm making the purchase.

 

[MTrotter]

I recently got the Yamaha 1800 and it sounds pretty good to me. I believe the most recent firmware is supposed to fix the DTS-HD "bomb" problem. I don't know about the 120hz issue, as my TV is 1080i. I like the fact that I have it in my equipment rack and it doesn't seem to get particularly hot. Also, it has 4 HDMI inputs. Sounds real good on music, too.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

...still stuck on the 2808CI

...will be ordering in a few more hours unless I find hard evidence that I am making a poor choice.

 

[gene c]

Forgot to mention it earlier but since you still have a few hours left, you might want to download the owners manual from Denons web site and skim thru it. Might see something to confirm or question your decision.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Excellent idea, and thank you.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

... been reading and it looks good. A question I have is: using the audyssey, should I still use my SPL meter and set-up disc?

 

[gene c]

You can use your spl meter after running Audyssey to double-check it's settings. The more common errors these auto-setup features have include subwoofer volume, speaker size and crossover settings. These can be re-adjusted if needed.

 

[RAF]

Jumping in here...

For those considering the 2808CI please be advised that the 2809CI has come out with the same list price. With FOUR HDMI inputs this is a no-brainer (unless you get a GREAT price on a remaining 2808CI).

The GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the 3808CI and models above that is, however, not present on the 2809CI so that's a consideration. I love the difference between GUI and the old "White Block Letters + Pointing Finger" days.

My 2 cents.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

The only problem is that while the 2809 has 4 hdmi inputs...it costs $1200. (Checking for lower prices ATM) While the 2808 only having 2...allows you the save $600. A bit of a dilemma...

 

[RAF]

I was just going by the list prices on the Denon web site. Both are priced at $1199 MSP. Of course, with the 2809 being the newer unit I'm sure that the 2808 can be had for a much greater discount.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

I found the 2809 for about $800. I'm seriously thinking about spending the extra $200.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

I'm thinking about it so hard...I'm filling out the form online

Denon AVR2809CI AVR-2809CI 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver With Network Client Compatible D-Dock Port In Black - FotoConnection.com

 

[gene c]

Remmember, if you buy from an un-authorized dealer, Denon may not honor their warranty. Here is a list of authorized on-line dealers.

 

[AmusingistheDawn]

Do you think it is a bad idea ordering from such a place? I was also looking at a tv from them as well, does that warranty go for samsung too? I have another thread discussing the search. I'm hesitant now.

Seems as though it's min. $1200 for the 2809 from any authorized dealer, although the other places still offer a one year warranty, with the option of buying an extended warranty.

 

[gene c]

It's a tough call. I'd hate for there to be a problem and have Denon turn you away. Some "third party" dealers offer their own warranties and/or extended warranties but how good they are when you need them is un-known. I would think so. I'd be real hesitant about buying a LCD/plasma without a manufacturers warranty.