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Need new receiver... No idea where to start

post #1 of 16
1/24/12 at 9:57am
Thread Starter 
I have a ~6 year old Sony DG-800 that I need to replace. Not only is it starting to act up (audio cutting out every so often), but I'm also going to be getting a new TV soon and need something that works well with all the new technology. However, I really don't have any idea where to start... I've read a ton of threads on here, looked through lots of receiver listings on many vendor/retailer websites, read tons of reviews, etc, but I'm really not sure where to go. It's just kind of overwhelming because there are so many models and I'm not exactly sure what I need and what I don't.

Some info on my setup:

For speakers, I have Cambridge Soundworks MC300 for L/R/C, M400 (in-wall) for surround, and their Basecube 8S subwoofer (a bit underpowered for my current home, but I can deal with that).

As I said, I'll be getting a new TV soon, as well... something in the 50"-55" range. Unsure of plasma/LCD/LED. (I might be making a similar thread in the TV section, too! HA!) I currently have a Samsung 40" LCD 720p that's ~6 years old, but please don't factor this into anything since it will be replaced.

Other devices connected to the receiver are a Samsung Bluray player and a Verizon FiOS HD set top box.

My room is a 16' x 18' living room that is open to a ~25' long kitchen (open floorplan) and all 9' ceilings. The TV is located in the corner of the living room, unfortunately, as the fireplace, windows, and doorway make the room less than ideal for a home theater. Alas...


Other considerations:

I may want to add rear surround speakers in the future, although it might be logistically and architecturally difficult unless I start cutting open sections of walls for wiring (which will not be approved by my wife, for sure!) The only realistic possibility here is wireless, although I don't see many kind reviews for wireless speaker setups...

There could be a video game system in the future. I haven't played video games in about 5 years, but my kids are getting to the age where they may play, so it should be considered.

I don't have an iPod/iPhone (I'm an Android guy), so docking or a iPod/iPhone jack doesn't matter to me.

If I'm able to stream music/video from my computer on the local network, that would be very cool. Not a deal breaker, but definitely a great bonus.

Budget is in the $500-$600 range.


Any other details I'm missing to give you guys an idea of what I want/need?
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post #2 of 16
1/24/12 at 10:35am
Given the information provided along with the budget I would highly reccomend the Onkyo 709. It would have more than enough HDMI ports for future expansion if needed, you can add the Onkyo UWF-1 Wireless LAN Adapter for only $30 to make it wireless so you can stream music and such from you computer. It also has the MultEQ®XT Audyssey for the 2EQ style in whcih is a big advantage IMHO.

Couple links here:
Onkyo 709
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR709...7429189&sr=1-9

Onkyo UWF-1 Wireless LAN Adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-UWF-1-Wi...ref=pd_vtp_e_1

* I just used Amazon as a refernace as I happen to be on there at the time.
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post #3 of 16
1/24/12 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for your reply. I had previously thought of Onkyo as having a good reputation... until I started reading recently about a lot of problems popping up. Do I want to go in that direction and risk having issues with my unit?
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post #4 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:02am
I suggest that you consider the Denon AVR-2311CI, which is just under $600. Onkyo would be my 2nd choice.

If I had that large living room I would get a Mitsubishi 73" projection TV; they have a fabulous picture. I have the 60-inch, in a smaller room, but I think it is discontinued. They still make the 73" and the 82". I was going to get a 60-inch Samsung plasma set, but the picture on this is just as good and it uses a lot less power and weighs a lot less (and it was half as much money). A Tech-Craft stand to put it on costs about $200, and has two wide shelves for all your gear and center speaker underneath. The Mitsubishi also has good enough amplifier and speakers built-in that we use that for routine viewing of ordinary programs; much better than most TVs.
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post #5 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:05am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman View Post

I suggest that you consider the Denon AVR-2311CI, which is just under $600.

If I had that large living room I would get a Mitsubishi 73" projection TV; they have a fabulous picture. I have the 60-inch, but I think it is discontinued. They still make the 73" and the 82". I was going to get a 60-inch Samsung plasma set, but the picture on this is just as good and it uses a lot less power and weighs a lot less (and it was half as much money). A Tech-Craft stand to put it on costs about $200, and has two wide shelves for all your gear and center speaker underneath.

I agree with you on going with a larger TV..... However, the wife has absolutely vetoed that idea. I consider it a victory that I've gotten her to "compromise" at a max 55".

Please tell me more about that Denon AVR-2311CI and why to consider it?
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post #6 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:38am
^^
A better choice than the 2311CI (from 2 years ago) is the current XX12 series, and more specifically the Denon 2112CI which can be had for up to $150 less than the above listed price for the 2311CI by "calling" one of several authorized resellers to include AV Science, Electronics Expo, or J&R. The 2112CI offers networking, Airplay, and Audyssey MultEQ XT, none of which the 2311CI offers. Review post #2 in the Denon XX12 Owner's thread linked in my sig for a comparison of the existing models as well as review posts #3-6 for more general information on purchasing/setup/troubleshooting.
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post #7 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:48am
You are absolutely right, except that the price I saw was more than he had specified.

Ah, the deadly WAF.



Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

^^
A better choice than the 2311CI (from 2 years ago) is the current XX12 series, and more specifically the Denon 2112CI which can be had for up to $150 less than the above listed price for the 2311CI by "calling" one of several authorized resellers to include AV Science, Electronics Expo, or J&R. The 2112CI offers networking, Airplay, and Audyssey MultEQ XT, none of which the 2311CI offers. Review post #2 in the Denon XX12 Owner's thread linked in my sig for a comparison of the existing models as well as review posts #3-6 for more general information on purchasing/setup/troubleshooting.
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post #8 of 16
1/24/12 at 11:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdr127 View Post

I agree with you on going with a larger TV..... However, the wife has absolutely vetoed that idea. I consider it a victory that I've gotten her to "compromise" at a max 55".

Please tell me more about that Denon AVR-2311CI and why to consider it?

The 2112 is this years model and it can be found under 500 if you call around to Authorized online dealers. The 709 is another great option and has a few more features than the 2112 for about $100 more. They both have Audyssey MultEQ XT which did a great job for my system.
I also had a Samsung 40” LCD and I spent a lot of time looking at upgrades. I went with the Panasonic plasmas 55ST30 and it’s a great TV. It looks much better than the Samsung that I had before it and does an excellent job with everything I’ve thrown at it. I can say that I am plasma guy for sure now. There is a new version coming out (ST50) so you will find some good prices in next few months. I wish I would have waited because I could almost get the 60” now for the price I paid for the 55 but I was impatient and wanted a new TV so I one when they first came out. I would say to always go bigger than the size you want because in a few months you will wish that you had a bigger screen. If you can install while the wife is out I’m sure you could convince her it’s a 55. Its worth a shot.

EDIT: JD beat me to the 2112 part so sorry for the repeat info.
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post #9 of 16
1/24/12 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdr127 View Post

Thanks for your reply. I had previously thought of Onkyo as having a good reputation... until I started reading recently about a lot of problems popping up. Do I want to go in that direction and risk having issues with my unit?

Given the fact I have always had good luck with Onkyo is why I reccomend the 709. I have had my Onkyo 808 for a little over a year now with no problems what so ever. I'm not that familar with Denon or others so I could not reccomend a receiver to fit your situation is all. I do believe Denon is an excellent receiver as well... from what I have read up on that is.

Have fun!

Jeff
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post #10 of 16
1/25/12 at 1:48pm
Thread Starter 
After an entire day's worth of reading and research, I think the Denon AVR-2112CI might just be the receiver for me. Comparing it to the 2312, the 2112 does 90 watts/channel while the 2312 does 105 watts/channel. Is that something I'm going to notice? I enjoy music and movies and great sound... but I'm not a crazy audiophile. The 2112 has all the features I need (and more). The 2312 has more inputs and outputs than I would ever use. Is getting that 15 watt boost worth it?
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post #11 of 16
1/25/12 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bdr127 View Post

Is getting that 15 watt boost worth it?

No, I've gone from a Denon 1508 to a 3310 and the extra power never made a difference for me. Also 15 watts is basically nothing considering you need to double your power to get a 3db gain.
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post #12 of 16
1/25/12 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsmoothie View Post

^^
A better choice than the 2311CI (from 2 years ago) is the current XX12 series, and more specifically the Denon 2112CI which can be had for up to $150 less than the above listed price for the 2311CI by "calling" one of several authorized resellers to include AV Science, Electronics Expo, or J&R. The 2112CI offers networking, Airplay, and Audyssey MultEQ XT, none of which the 2311CI offers. Review post #2 in the Denon XX12 Owner's thread linked in my sig for a comparison of the existing models as well as review posts #3-6 for more general information on purchasing/setup/troubleshooting.


^^^ Everything he said. For sh**s and giggles I'd also see what the 3312 is running at the above mentioned stores in case you ever want to use pre-outs, as I bet it can be had for substantially less than MSRP. Otherwise, the 2112 really hits the sweetspot for price/features.
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post #13 of 16
1/26/12 at 6:43pm
Thread Starter 
To update my thread..... I just placed an order today for the Denon AVR-2112CI with Electronics Expo. As I previously mentioned, it definitely seems to fit what I am looking for and is a great quality Denon product. Can't wait for delivery (probably Monday)!
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post #14 of 16
1/26/12 at 8:00pm
go to amazon look at the goldbox deal they have a pioneer on sale today.not sure if it's what you want but it's on sale today.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27
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post #15 of 16
1/26/12 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by keyboardcat View Post

go to amazon look at the goldbox deal they have a pioneer on sale today.not sure if it's what you want but it's on sale today.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27

I guess you didn't read my previous post?
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post #16 of 16
1/26/12 at 11:23pm
Onkyo nr 609, htrc 370, nr 709. Best bang for your buck for mid range amp. 7.2 ;2 subs. Windows 7 compatible, dlna, THX certified. Easy upgradable in the future.
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