The year of more features, but lower quality?

I lost a lot of money selling a very solid Yamaha RX-V2600 that I never took out of the box, so I could buy a receiver to handle 1080p. I'd like to spend less than $1000, but the new $850 Denon AVR-2310CI is now made in CHINA! The next step up is a $1500 AVR-3310CI. The only new Yamaha receivers I've seen top out at $600 for a RX-V765. Who knows where that thing is made, because none of the pictures of the back show this information. The newer receivers are lighter, just like Onkyo's receivers, which probably means cheaper power supplies and amps, along with higher THD ratings.

Although better video processing from Anchor Bay in the new Denons sounds promising, I don't want Chinese junk. They skipped over the 2800 series this year. So, it looks like Denon isn't an option for me. Any other suggestions? I'm hoping that Yamaha comes out with something decent for the price.

True, in some circumstances, but I don't think China is there, yet. Chinese quality is generally an oxymoron. It's almost impossible not to buy Chinese products, but when it comes to something expensive (for my budget) I plan to rely on for years, I'll look elsewhere if I have a choice. My XBOX 360 and PS3 are Chinese, and I would've paid $100 more each, if they were made in Japan. Besides, I'm really not fond of the Chinese government.


I know my RX-V2600 was made in Malaysia, but I'm still curious about the new, low end receivers.

Thanks for the links, by the way!

It's not that I absolutely have to have this years receiver, but I loved my old Denon AVR-2500. It had the Apple II-like on-screen display, which was OK for 1995, but it seems like Denon's display is still outdated. I was hoping the new versions are updated, and I believe they are. I was burned on my last purchase of a "future proof" receiver (the Yamaha), and I'm trying my best not to get burned again. You have to admit that it's a confusing time to buy a receiver. Most people don't find out about the limitations until later. The specs don't tell the whole story, unless you dig through this forum. For instance, even though my XBOX can pass a 1080p signal through component, most receivers won't convert this to 1080p HDMI. I'd have to plug the components into my TV (which may or may not accept 1080p through component-doubtful), then run a digital optical wire to the receiver, which may or may not allow this.

The Pioneer SC05 looks like a great deal, but I'd really like to get Anchor Bay video processing. My Oppo has Faroudja DCDi, so if I can be patient and get a smokin' deal on a Yamaha RX-V3900, that would be ideal. That thing looks amazing by my standards, and I'll never fully explore its capabilities.

Which brings me to another problem I have with receivers...Why don't the manufacturers design feature packed receivers with great amps and video processing technology that don't have added "features," like controlling A/V systems in a 10 bedroom mansion while cleaning your swimming pool and monitoring the security system in your home? It reminds me of cable companies charging you for all these garbage channels, just so you can access one or two you really want.

I also noticed that Pioneer has opted to switch to a blue display like Yamaha has done. Some people are upset about this, but I like the blue. Someone provided a link to a soon to be released Yamaha RX-V1065, but the digital optical and coaxial are fixed, and can't be assigned to anything else. Stupid. This would be a problem for me, because my Oppo uses a DVI-HDMI adapter, so I'd be limited to standard RCA connections.

I guess I'm just going to be patient for now.

Thank you for the links, phantom52. That's a deal I would definitely go for, but I want a warranty. I'm kind of picky, so I don't think I'd buy a refurb.

I don't know what FLAC files are, and I don't plan on networking. I'm not into IPODs, MP3s, or compressed computer audio, if that's what it is. I'm really surprised you were able to tell a difference in sound between receivers so closely matched. I'd like to do some reading. Where did you get the information about the amps being beefier in the Denon? I did com across a Sound & Vision test of the RX-V3900, and you're right, it doesn't do 140w x 7. I looked for a similar test from Denon, but there was none. Here is an image from the article:


Since it will only be a 5.1 setup, and I'm pretty sure my Paradigms are 6 ohms, I wonder if that will make much difference?

The warranty is listed at 2 years. I think the only major manufacturer with a 5 year warranty is Sony's ES series.

The 3808CI is being heavily discounted right now, and from what I've read, the replacement for the higher end Yamahas won't come until 2010. I hope this is incorrect.

I've seen pictures of the 3808's GUI, and it looks modern. I don't plan to browse the web, and I never had any use for artificial DSP surround modes, if that's what you're referring to. No receiver that I know of in this price range will pass a 1080p component signal through HDMI. So, it comes down to video processing, and this article doesn't exactly give the 3808 a glowing review:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...at/index2.html

I compared the zip code the Yamaha would be shipped from, to the zip code at hifiheaven, and they're different. You said you contacted them? I appreciate your research. I saved the link!



I have read good things about their video processing, but the quality seems kind of iffy. I'm not ruling them out, though.

It's been a while since I actually tried to make sense of these specifications. I didn't think that seemingly "higher end" companies like Yamaha deceived us with their ratings. It's disappointing for me, but a sign of the times.


This is great information. I've been looking at the Onkyo TX-SR876. The rear panel states 9.5A. Does this mean it's capable of drawing 1140 watts? This just shows what the power supply can provide the amplifier, correct?


I started looking into the 876 even before I found your post. If I can get one on sale, this might be the perfect receiver for me. I'll have to find out when the new models are released.


I would love to have a NAD receiver, but NAD, and Rotel are out of my price range. I don't know much about Cambridge, other than the catalogs I used to get from them in the mail years ago. I looked at Marantz, and even their high end receivers are Chinese, which is strange. I do appreciate your suggestions, but I don't want to stray too far from $1000. In addition to this, I'll be spending close to $2000 on a new TV, plus a few hundred extra for furniture. I could buy an (almost) ultra high end setup, but I'll be perfectly happy with a non-boutique brand. (I hope!)