Marantz, Nakamichi or Panny xr50 for bedroom? (1 Viewer)

[MarkusP]

I know that I'm probably making this far more complicated than need be but I'm looking for a decent system solution for my bedroom. I just spent months upgrading my main system (Anthem, Bryston etc). and now want something that sounds great on a budget for my stereo listening / tv viewing in the bedroom. My sources are:

* Cambridge Audio 540D dvd player for both CD listening and dvd viewing
* Motorola DCT-6208 Hi Def PVR for tv viewing (digital output)

These are hooked up to Monitor Audio Bronze B2 speakers. I will only have a stereo configuration - no 5.1 but want the DD 2.0 from my cable box.

I don't want to spend a lot of money, I just want good sound and flexibility. My top 3 contenders are:

* Marantz sr6400 (used)
* Nakamichi AV10 (used)
* Panasonic SA-XR50 (new)

Any recommendations and comments?

Thanks,
Markus

 

[John Garcia]

If you are going 2ch only, how about an integrated amp? They will always sound better than a comparably priced receiver, and they can be found quite inexpensively used. I'd probably look for the NAD C320 or C370, Marantz PM7000 (which I use in my bedrooom), all around the $300 range.

You would be giving up an FM tuner. You'd also give up digital connection capability, but if you are doing stereo only, it shouldn't make a huge difference anyway.

 

[MarkusP]

Unfortunately - I need the video switching capability of a receiver. I also want the digital DD 2.0 signal from my hi def cable box.

Thanks.

 

[John Garcia]

With the cable box, if the broadcast is not in DD2.0, you will only get whatever is broadcast. I've seen a few cable boxes that require you to have the analog connection also, becuase non-digital audio broadcasts would have no sound on the digital connection. Just something to check with your box.

In that case, the XR-50 sounds like a good candidate.

I've had a 6200 and a 6300, and I can tell you they have a slight problem locking onto digital audio streams at times (not a problem with analog), so they might not be the best choice, though I love the way they sound. I believe the 6400 still has this problem.