Onkyo versus Denon? (1 Viewer)

[RAFAEL71]

Hi. I am building a new 5.1 system (with option of 7.1 in the future) and I am torn between these two receivers:


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=searchDriven&useProductString=true&productString=1218183109742*1218187475402&unProductString=1218066769529*1218199620702*1218187475755*1218183106937*1218173776031*1218173773915*1218166513419*1218066766851*1218171550446*1218170047669*1192232615058*1218202520325*1218173777379&catId=


Does 125w versus 100w make any noticeable difference? I like it that the Onkyo has more HDMI inputs. The Denon has more rear A/V inputs, are those composite video inputs? I don't know what a preamp output is (onkyo has it and denon does not). What is speaker A/B switching (denon has, onkyo does not)? According to this comparison, the Onkyo has more surround sound decoders. Is that for real, or did they just not list it all for the Denon?


Any comments, recommendations, answers would be appreciated? Thank you.


BTW, I have search and I can actually get these two receivers for about $420 from other places.

 

[Robert_J]

Wattage is the least important spec to look at. I like a lot of inputs but if you run out of HDMI inputs, you can buy an external switch. Pre-amp output is if you want to add an external, multi-channel amp like this - http://emotiva.com/upa7.shtm . I don't trust sales sites. Confirm the decoding at each manufacturer's site. But as long as it has DD, DTS and the new HD formats you are good. I've never used my receiver's simulated surround modes.

 

[gene c]

If you've got it down to those two I suggest you down-load both manuals and give them a good going over. That's where you will see what they can do. Comparison charts are a good way to get a glimps at what a product has to offer but they are usually a little in-accurate and/or mis-leading. In this instance the chart doesn't mention that the Denon has the better Audyssey Multi/eq vs the 608's 2eq or the 791's better video up-scaling/conversion. And the Denon 791 is really a 90 wpc receiver and not a 125watt one (read the manual). But you won't find in the chart or the manual that, IMO, the Denon is much more difficult to setup and use and their manual is a PIS and the remotes even worse. That's why I thought I'd mention it here ) opinion. But the Denon is a great performer. Just get a Harmony and toss the manual.


A/B switching has a second pair of speaker outputs that parallel the front left and right channels for use in another room. It was a common feature in older two channel stereos. Most newer receivers offer Zone 2/3/4 instead which offers a bit more flexibility.

 

[Adam Gregorich]

Welcome to Home Theater Forum Rafael. I second Gene's advice about the manuals, and Roberts about the wattage. Denon and Onkyo are both excellent brands and I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[RAFAEL71]

Thanks for the replies.

What does an external multi-channel amp do? How would I use that?

With the A/B switching, does that mean I cannot be watching a movie in one room and be playing music in another room from the same receiver at the same time? Hence the term switching.

 

[Robert_J]

Originally Posted by RAFAEL71

Thanks for the replies.

What does an external multi-channel amp do? How would I use that?

As stated earlier, receiver manufacturers sometimes "fib" on their wattage ratings. You would connect that Emotive amp to your receiver's pre-amp outputs and then connect your speakers to the Emotive amp. If you were using 4 ohm speakers you would have a true 185w/channel. I chose the Emotive amp because they advertise here. You could also use 7 Krell Evolution One amps (1 amp per channel) - http://www.krellonline.com/evolutionone.html . That is out of most people's price range since they are $30,000 each ($210,000 for a set of 7). Pre-amp outputs allow you to be flexible in upgrading amps.

 

[gene c]

"With the A/B switching, does that mean I cannot be watching a movie in one room and be playing music in another room from the same receiver at the same time? Hence the term switching."


Nope, can't do that with A/B switching. What you described is Zone 2. With A/B, whatever comes out of A also comes out of B. By switching they mean from one to the other (or both at the same time) not one Source and the other.