What are the best 7.1 recievers to get besides Onkyo?

[SicilianKing]

I was just wondering...when talking about receivers..everyone always brings up Onkyo. Are they the best over-all?

[Arkadin]

No, of course not. They have just embraced decoding of the newer audio codecs faster. have embraced HDMI 1.3 faster. In fact, just today I was looking at this new Integra (Onkyo higher end) $800 1.3 receiver (the 5.8 model #) with onboard dts-MA and TrueHD decoding. looks pretty nice, but doesn't have the Realta Hqv chip that everyone is raving about. + only 2 Hdmi in/1 out. Still pretty damn sweet however.

[SicilianKing]

yeah I just picked up the SR804 from Circuit City. It was a display model, and I got it for $650. Went home..plugged it in.and it does not even turn on. Now my only option is to get a brand new one for $200 more...has anybody used the 804? how is it?

[james]

I was just wondering...when talking about receivers..everyone always brings up Onkyo. Are they the best over-all?

Denon makes outstanding recievers, but have yet to add DTS-MA or Dolby TrueHD support...

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3409.asp


Sony, Pioneer, and Yamaha also make great receivers:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6466_7-...edRating7+desc

[illegalprelude]

Denon
Pioneer Elite
Harmon Kardon

[JU1CYFRU1T]

yeah I just picked up the SR804 from Circuit City. It was a display model, and I got it for $650. Went home..plugged it in.and it does not even turn on. Now my only option is to get a brand new one for $200 more...has anybody used the 804? how is it?

GET RID OF THE 804 ASAP! It has a known hum issue, that affects something like 75% of owners.

If you are talking about spending ~$600-800, I would suggest that you look at their new lineup. The TX-SR805 is a good one in that price point, but you might only need the TX-SR605 (MSRP$599, but can be found from J&R for $399). From what I have heard it's a great receiver for the price.

There is a video scaling issue with the 605, but for $400, it's hard to complain.

I, personally, am waiting for the TX-NR905 (MSRP $2099, J&R = $1599). I won't buy something that isn't 'as much as I can possibly afford'...

[glocks out]

Lexicon, Halcro, Mark Levinson, Meridian. You asked for better, there it is.

[james]

GET RID OF THE 804 ASAP! It has a known hum issue, that affects something like 75% of owners.

If you are talking about spending ~$600-800, I would suggest that you look at their new lineup. The TX-SR805 is a good one in that price point, but you might only need the TX-SR605 (MSRP$599, but can be found from J&R for $399). From what I have heard it's a great receiver for the price.

There is a video scaling issue with the 605, but for $400, it's hard to complain.

I, personally, am waiting for the TX-NR905 (MSRP $2099, J&R = $1599). I won't buy something that isn't 'as much as I can possibly afford'...

That is an expensive philosophy to live by...

[james]

Lexicon, Halcro, Mark Levinson, Meridian. You asked for better, there it is.

What do you think the best brand is?

[glocks out]

What do you think the best brand is?

Depends on how much you want to spend. Mark Levinson has a pre/pro that has a separate component for the video and audio. Halcro has "the best amplifier ever" according to Stereophile. Lexicon is known to have industry leading processors and theater amps. Meridian is hard to beat, and they have an all digital system with amplifiers for each driver in each speaker (you hook the speakers up with cat5).

[james]

Found another one:

Integra DTR-7.8

http://www.integrahometheater.com/mo...&m=DTR-7.8&p=i

It looks like it's a seperate brand of high-end Onkyo.

[Arkadin]

At this point most people on this forum would probably be most interested in receivers that are HDMI (with both video and audio switching). I know I am due to the fact that I have the A2 (no analog outs). I really feel we should try to help people understand the differences in these hdmi receivers because it can be very confusing. This new Integra receiver has me intriqued. Also, this could be a great reference thread for everyone. So Please all of you that have the knowledge, pass it on.

[glocks out]

You'll be interested in Halcro's SSP100 with 4 HDMI inputs and an LCD display.

Or maybe Lexicon's MC-12 HD with 6 HDMI inputs.

The Mark Levinson Nº 40 HD Media Console has 3 HDMI inputs

The high-end was reluctant to add HDMI, but they've got it now.

[SicilianKing]

Well I just got the SR804 brand new for $650. The box had a corner that was open, so they had to give it to me for $200 off. What is the difference between this and the SR805? Just one more HDMI in?

[Sbert]

The onkyo is $899 cheapest (sr805).