TX-RZ10 or STR-DN1080 (1 Viewer)

[iLIKEmovies]

It's been a while since I've been on here but I'm finally financially able to really get a good setup going. I'm in need of a new receiver to replace my Sony STR-DH820. I have a 5.1 setup in my living room that's open to the back and mostly open on the right. Listening space is approximately 12'x20' and 9' ceiling with wood floors. All speakers are Polk Audio, monitor 70s front, monitor 60s rear. TV is a Sharp LC-70UH30U. I'd like to stay under $1,000. Must-haves include powered zone 2, Bluetooth, 4k upscaling (I think), and more power available for my speakers to real get the most out of them. I've been searching around and I think I've narrowed it down to two: Sony STR-DN1080 or Onkyo TX-RZ810. I've always had sent receivers and they seem to hold up over time. I've heard of issues with Onkyo receivers in the past but I like that it has a little more power to work with. What are your thoughts? Any other receivers I should add to my short list? Thanks

 

[JohnRice]

If your budget goes up to $1K, I recommend you at least look into a closeout of the previous models from Marantz. They replace their models regularly, and the latest ones are only a minor update, so you can get a virtually identical previous model often for 40% off or more. I checked into both the SR5011 and SR6011, and they both have the capability for powered zone 2. It isn't pre-defined like on the Sony, but is set up in the receiver's menu. HERE'S a link to how it works on the 6011. It takes away two channels form the max configuration. For example, the 6011 can run 9.2 without a powered zone 2, or 7.2 with a powered zone 2. The 5011 is 7.2 without, or 5.2 with.

You can get new 6011s for $900 new (the 6012 is $1,400) and around $750 refurb. The 5011 is about $750 new (the 5012 is $900) and about $500 refurb. Lots of people here have bought closeouts and/or refurbs from Accessories4less, but you can also get them from Amazon. Just be certain to buy from a reputable seller. I'm getting to be a real fan of Marantz. They've really been kicking it up with their gear lately. The bottom line is, you can do much better than Sony or Onkyo in your budget range.

 

[John Dirk]

As John said, your basic requirements could be easily met with any number of receivers but, if you truly have the budget, look into higher end equipment like Marantz. I am also a satisfied customer of theirs.

 

[iLIKEmovies]

Thanks for the quick response. After looking around at the models you listed I really like what the 6011 has to offer. Looks like the 6012 basically just gives you HEOS connectivity and compatibility with Alexa, which may be useful in the future. But I'm not sure it's worth the jump in price right now so I think I'll go with the 6011 unless there's something I'm overlooking

 

[iLIKEmovies]

Well, now I see through that link that I can get a 7011 refurbished for $1,000. That seems like a damn good deal. You said a lot of people have purchased refurbs from there. Anyone report any issues? A 5-year warranty is only $150 extra so I may end up going that route. More power and lower THD for around the same price...

 

[JohnRice]

This was a few years ago, but I bought a refurb Marantz receiver (an SR5004, I think) and it had a problem. They had me send it to a service center and they sent me a different one.

As far as the 7011 vs the 6011, there don't seem to be many feature differences. It's more about a step up in general quality. You DO gain the second display behind the door, which is nice. My AV7703 has that. Marantz has gone with this very low profile design, with the tiny display. It makes for a more attractive and classy looking unit, but it's very small. You have a very informative onscreen display you can bring up, but people do like their bigger displays on the unit itself. The 7011 can also run Auro 3D, but don't pay to add that on. I think Atmos and DTS:X have pretty much supplanted Auro 3D. I expect it reflects an increase in processing power in the 7011, though. BTW, the 5 year warranty for the 7011 shows up as $109 for me, not $150. It's worth considering, especially since you're saving over $1K on the receiver.

The SR7011 is a wicked good receiver for $1K.

 

[JohnRice]

BTW, I forgot to suggest you look into Amazon. You can see their listings for the SR7011 HERE. Currently there are better options than A4L.com. You'll see both IQ Home Entertainment and OneCall have like new units with warranty for only a little more than the refurb and shipping. OneCall is a very reputable seller, and you'll see both have 100% positive. I actually bought my AV7703 from IQ. currently there are a couple good options that are even a little cheaper.

 

[iLIKEmovies]

Pulled the trigger on the 7011. Added the 5 year warranty which ended up being cheaper because of a $22 discount for purchasing it. Only went $97 over budget haha. Thanks for your help