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Getting a new a/v receiver this weekend, any thoughts (1 Viewer)

PaulDA

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I thought I had winnowed the list of auditions to three, but now I've been told to consider some more options. Was considering separates but the WAF is a no on price. (Besides I've done such a good job of convincing her that $$$ is best spent on speakers as they are least likely to be obsolete that the rest of the system's budget has shrunk.)

My current trio is

Arcam AVR200
Denon AVR3803 (am aware of 3805 but don't need the extras)
Integra DTR 6.4

but I've been told to consider
Rotel RSX 1055/6
NAD

my budget is 900-1200$US and musical quality is a must have (over extra DSPs, channels beyond 5.1, assorted bells and whistles) I also don't listen at deafening levels (well sometimes, but not enough to be a factor).

I like a warm sound and the current contending speakers (to be purchased 4-6 months from now) are Monitor Audio Bronze, Energy Connoisseur, Acoustic Energy EVO, Paradigm Monitor series. (2000-2500$US incl. sub--which will likely be SVS PCi at 550$)

I've eliminated (apologies to any fans of these): KEF, Def Tech, Boston Acoustic.

I'd happily stay with my current modest HT for movies and get a dedicated two-channel setup for music if it weren't for SACD/DVD-A. (You see where my priorities lie).

I'd appreciate any ideas, especially if anyone has experience in combining any of the above equipment. Also, are the Rotel and NAD must listens?
 

Jason_Paik

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It sounds like your challenge is to give more or less equal time to "traditional" 2-channel audio from analog sources, plus surround processing for digital sources. I'm in the same boat. Going to separate pre-amp/processor + multi-channel amp would be great, but your budget is too low.

I've always liked audio gear from the Brits. I have auditioned the Arcam AVR200 -- terrific: very "musical". (MSRP CAN$1895 -- sells for less). I agree with your list (but don't know how the Integra sounds). I would certainly add the NAD and Rotel a/v receiver products.

One other product I'm waiting to audition is the new a/v receiver from Cambridge Audio (out of the UK...again!). Early reviews on the Azur 540R are very positive. MSRP CAN$939 (!). Definitely should be on your list. Try to audition the amplification products with the speakers on your audition list. I bet the Acoustic Energy series will be a nice match: depends on so many factors including room size.

Just my CAN$0.02

Have fun auditioning!

J.
Oakville, ON
 

Chester II

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Dude,

I have the Rotel RSX-1055 and it is an EXCELLENT machine. The new RSX-1056 is out which means you could find the 1055 at a good discount. Great receiver for music as well as home theater.

Dude,

Chester
 

PaulDA

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Took the plunge, got the Arcam. The Denon was far brighter than my current 1600, at least with the Energy speakers that I am seriously considering. The Integra was nice, and if not for the Arcam, would likely have been my choice. Had to order it, it arrives early next week. On to speakers.

Currently a tie between Monitor Audio Bronze series and Energy Connoisseurs. Slightly leaning towards Energy because of CC-3 centre speaker (more impressive than Bronze series centre).

Still left to audition, Acoustic Energy Evo and Paradigm.
 

Thomas_Berg

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i've done alot of comparisons lately and have concluded the Marantz SR-7400 to be my top choice in the ~$1000 price range. it really is a remarkable unit with good ergonomics and an even better sound. if nothing else, it's DEFINITELY worth adding to your shopping list!
 

John Garcia

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I did a lot of auditioning too, and it was the Marantz sound that I preferred the most. I really liked the 7300 (owned a 6200), so I'd expect the 7400 to be very good as well. I think I could have gotten by with a 7400 since I am now using monoblocks for my mains, but I am very happy with my 8300.

A buddy of mine just bought a "little" 2ch system, powered by an Arcam A80. I went with him to audition it, and I was very impressed with it. Pricey for an integrated yes, but IMO, it's worth it.
 

Shannon S.

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I have a Nad integrated receiver for my bedroom 2 channel music. It is more on the warm side to me, which is good because I have it paired with speakers that are on the brighter side.
 

Drew_W

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In light of the fact an AVR300 is on the way, I hope you got a good price on the 200. The Arcam sound is very nice, I auditioned some Paradigms with them and it was fantastic. I hope you get many good years out of it. :)
 

PaulDA

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Drew,

Got a decent deal and my dealer tells me that new 200s are shipping (mine included, he says) with assignable digital inputs (not that that mattered to me but a nice upgrade to have).

Everybody, thanks for the suggestions.
 

Dean Wette

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That doesn't really follow. The AVR300 is not a replacement for the AVR200. It's an entirely new model in the line, meant to sit between the AVR200 and the AV8 pre/pro. The AVR200 will continue as a current model. The 300 is also $800 more than the 200.

I agree the 200 was a good choice. I've had mine for a year and love it, even though I'm upgrading it to a 300 when that comes out.

Dean
 

PaulDA

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Dean,

You seem to be the head cheerleader in here for Arcam (I hope I'll be as happy). Just a minor point that bugs me (but not enough to not buy the Arcam), is the 100hz crossover a bit high or do you set all your speakers to Large? I only ask because the overwhelming consensus seems to be that 80hz is the "ideal" crossover point. I will, of course, judge for myself, but any experiences you might have had would be appreciated.

P.S. I took a look at the Dynaudio site as per your suggestion elsewhere, but they are, sadly, out of my budget. Will be auditioning the Acoustic Energy Aegis Evos this weekend (with Arcam equipment--not always easy to do).
 

ScottCHI

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capeche? this is discussed, with graphs, in the HT beginner's primer, in the section about crossovers, if i'm not mistaken.

if the inflexibility of that arcam's bass management crossover frequency bothers you, then i'd seriously consider something else. i just bought a 3803, myself; $899US. the only complaint i have with it, so far, is that, except for some basic level adjustments, you absolutely MUST use your connected tv or monitor to make any major settings changes. i find this a pain. most are probably like this, including the arcam, probably, but some are able to display all of that setup info on the receiver's front panel. just a minor consideration.
 

PaulDA

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Thanks for the detailed info. No, the inflexibility of the bass management doesn't bother me as such. I enjoyed the sound of the arcam in direct mode (no bass management) so much more than the denon, integra, yamaha through the same pair of Energy connoisseur C-5s at the dealer that I decided I'd shop for speakers that would fit its parameters. I'm not a engineer and until the past six months, I knew nothing about frequency directionality, nor did I use anything other than my ears to set up my speakers. Now I'm armed with a Radio Shack analogue SPL meter, a tripod, and probably way more technical info than I thought I could assimilate. Ultimately, I know, it comes down to liking what I hear. It's just that I also like to understand, if I can, how something works.

As for Denon, I've been a fan for years. My 14yr old Cd player still works like a charm, my current receiver is the AVR1600, my headphones are Denon and I'm almost certain I'll be getting the DVD2900 or 2200. I'm selling my 1600 to my brother in law, who wants to start a modest HT setup and buying my cousin's Denon AVR3600 to mate with my modest HK sub/sat system as the living room (secondary) system. I just couldn't resist the Arcam after 2 1/2 hours of comparison listening at my local dealer.

Again, thanks for all the insights.
 

ScottCHI

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yeah, unless you're getting some really, really small speakers (and i know you're not), that fixed crossover shouldn't really be a concern. most speakers, bookshelf or tower, unless they're really exotic, strange, or bizarre are going to work fine with it.
 

Rich Wenzel

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Paul, congratulations on the Arcam...

If you are looking at speakers, you must give Triangle a try...they are amazing.

Rich
 

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