Help Me Choose a Receiver (1 Viewer)

[WillG]

Hey All,
Receiver I currently have is starting to crap out. Had it for 3-4 years, but I guess now time for a new one.
Was hoping for some advice on what to get based on what I think I would need/want
HD Audio (I'm guessing this is pretty much default now on any current receiver on the market)
At least 5 HDMI inputs
3-D Pass Through
Wireless Internet/Bluetooth compatible
iPod inputs (easily accessible ie. in front)
Controllable via IOS/Andriod
4K Pass Through a plus
What would be best in say the 500-600 dollar range
Amazon recommended the following
Any help/advice appreciated

 

[Al.Anderson]

I think the native network feature is going to limit you. I've never been a fan of Sony receivers, but that one looks pretty nice. The only think I noticed is that is has A|B switching instead of zone 1|2. I think that's a benefit, but if you wanted to run a distinct zone-2 it would be a limitation.

 

[WillG]

Currently I don't have any zones where I live, so that wouldn't mean much to me at this point.
There are some others that we recommended by Amazon (above the sony one). Some Yamaha, an Onkyo (although I have an older Onkyo now that has started to fail). Seems like they all have similar features overall, but are there any clear recommendations on brand that would help me narrow down what to look at?
One thing I forgot to mention is that a phono input would be a plus

 

[schan1269]

Look toward Onkyo(and how old is the one starting to fail?) if you want a phono input.
The 70X(since the models numbers switched gears...717) models are the first...and lowest cost(even at original MSRP) that still have one.
The lowest priced Denons are the 2312(last years, and pretty sure it had one) and this years 3313.
Pioneer I don't think has one, Elite still does, but not till $1200(last I checked)
If Sony still provides one, I'll be shocked(been forever since I cared about Sony)
HK might have one for around the same price as Onkyo...but HK has issues. They sound great...but still have issues.
Yamahas RX-V and HTR don't have one. The RX-A820 I think still has one...if not, the 1020.
Regardless...outside of Onkyo and HK...you are looking at $1000+ for the AVR to include phono.

 

[WillG]

Well, phono input would be a plus, but I suppose I could get get a preamp.
I think am starting to lean toward the Yamaha RX-V673. Overall, seems to have most of the specs/features I am looking for.
Good Choice?

 

[schan1269]

As long as it does what you want.
The only gripe I ever read about the 673(other than "Where did the pre-outs from the 667 go?") is when it comes to the Wii. IF you connect your Wii via component to get 480P, it can't add it to the HDMI.
Makes no sense it can add 480I and 720P/1080I...but not 480P. Unless that is some "gaming refresh rate" snafu going on.

 

[WillG]

As long as it does what you want.

How about in terms of quality. Generally, does Yahama make good receivers (I've heard they have, but wanted to get a consensus here)
Hmm,
I do have a Wii, but I don't use it much anymore. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the WilU at some point.
I'm not sure I'm following when you say, "It can't add it to the HDMI though?

 

[schan1269]

Without question(outside of Anthem/NAD and the other "We don't make bargain stuff") the RX-A line is the best made AVR.
HDMI upconversion...taking analog input(composite, S-video and component) to HDMI. Been a feature in AVR since the dawn of HDMI. Ever prior to HDMI when there was component only. There was "component up-conversion". Matter of fact...all AVR(AFAIK) still do component up-conversion.
The 673 has issues with 480P conversion to HDMI. The only (allowed) way to get 480P is via component(very early in S-video...it was briefly allowed to carry 480P). The only "common" 480P anymore is the Wii.
How many of us still use a 480P component DVD player?
I bet even fewer people are using LD.
And even fewer than that are using S-VHS.
Does anybody on this forum have a D-VHS?

 

[Brainwasher]

Of all of them the 673 or the 720, for a little more the Onkyo nr-818 would be a boss at 679 doll hairs at newegg/amazon

 

[MTrotter]

I don't see how you beat the Onkyo 809 for $469 now at Amazon. I've had mine for 1.5 years with no problem. Immediately upon replacing my Yamaha RX-V1800, the 809 clearly sounded superior on both music and movies.