What should i get out of these few receivers? Onkyo 3009 denon 4311 or yamaha 3010?

Are you upgrading for newer features? Do you use Audyssey now?

Many report the move to XT32 is audibly significant. If so, you can move to the latest iteration and have the Denon experience you have now with the 4311ci.

The best-sounding receiver on the market, bar none, is the Cambridge Audio 650R. It's feature set is different from the typical HT receiver in that it takes more of a purist approach to amplifier design with a massive power supply and amplifiers that deliver over 100 watts from all 7 channels with all 7 fully driven.

It is only $1600, and is a steal at that price if your priorities lie more with the sound quality and less with pushing buttons and trying to decipher 300-page manuals.

Home Theater did a review on it which anyone interested should read.

Maybe not that good according this review


http://www.google.no/url?sa=t&rct=j&...PbrH6MSbpyO-ug

What about the newly annonced Onkyo 818 with Audyssy XT32 and DTS neo X and Pioneer LX75/85?

I am in the same dilemma as you. Just sold my old Onkyo 905 and have no clue what to choose

I would get the Yamaha. Mainly because of reliability.

YPAO in the 3010 is better than in older and lower model Yamahas in that it does subwoofer eq, handles reflected sound and has more input data. Whether or not it's as good as Audyssey XT32 depends on who you ask, but the difference between XT32 and the YPAO in the 3010 is much less than the difference between XT32 and older and lower versions of YPAO.

I think the difference in reliability is more of a factor than the difference in room eq. If they only cost $500, reliability wouldn't be a big deal, but for $2000, it's imporatant.

The Yamaha and Denon can do up to 11.2 with an external amp. The Onkyo's only go up to 9.2.

As far as amp distortion and power, you probably won't be able to tell much difference.

No matter what, you'll be getting a top of the line receiver with all the newest features and there's not much difference between them.

If all you want is to add height and XT32, the new Onkyo 818 will probably be the cheapest. It won't be available until sometime in May. The MSRP is $1199, but the initial street price will likely be at least $100 less.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that to get 9.2 in the 818, you'll need an external amp. You can get a cheap 2 channel amp for under $100 and for just heights, you won't need anything great. I also think the 12v triggers only work for zones 2 and 3.

IMHO, Audyssey MultEQ (any flavor except 2EQ) is just one part of the game, but what makes Audyssey techology outstanding is the combo of MultEQ + DynamicEQ. MultEQ in itself is a fine product once one only wants to listen at 0 dB Master Volume, but that's not the case for us mortals, that's movie theater reference level not really meant for home use (too loud). Once the Master Volume is set lower than 0 dB things start to change, namely the low and high frequencies start to disappear (due to characteristics of the human ear) ending up in a sound of an AM radio. With Audyssey's DynamicEQ engaged that problem is for the past.

More knowlegable members will tell you whether that feature is available in Yamaha or Pioneer gear,...well if not I would definitely go for the Denon 4311ci or the Onkyos!

Just my 2c!

How much do you figure each of these cost? Just curious if you have actually shopped these or if you are going off MSRP.

OK, so here's my take on the fight!!! Onkyos typically contribute to global warning. No kidding, some have fans under the amp heatsinks that kick on when needed. I'm a Denon guy by all means...

The 4311 is a good choice. It is rock solid with a capable amp section and XT32. I love mine. It street's for around $1300. I don't have as much experience with the other brands you are looking at--I typically stay with Denons--but I don't see how you go wrong with a 4311. Good luck with whatever you choose.

They are biased, just like any one of us!

It seems from some of the posts I have read in the 4311 and SC-57 threads, that the SC-57 has a lot of satisfied customers, but some have switched over to the 4311 because the SC-57 won't eq a sub. If you already have external sub eq, the SC-57 appears to be a solid unit. If not, I'd give the nod to the 4311 for this reason, as sub eq is important to me. Others may not find this feature as important.

See also this thread for an EQ discussion:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1386567

Telling you again. Look for a similar feature like Audyssey's DynamicEQ, and if you can't find it, go for the Denon 4311ci. Price wise my advice is that we don't buy an AVR every day, so it shouldn't be an object unless you are on a really tight budget!

Hello again,

I originally suggested you stick with Denon even though I use an Onkyo processor and love it. I did so for the following reasons: You like the product you had and can simply add the features you want and expect the same level of performance and quality. It's a win-win. Nothing wrong with the 3009 but why go there? Save the $50 bucks.

Hello,
Audyssey MultEQ XT32/SubEQ HT is a major improvement. I do not think you will find the 4311 more powerful than the 4308, but features like Audyssey Dynamic EQ will give you more active Surrounds and Subwoofer interaction below Reference Level (0db)

As for the 3009, on the whole the x09 Series has seemed to improve on reliability on the whole. Many x09 Owners also are finding that they run cooler than past Series. I do think the 3009 has a slightly stronger Amplifier Stage than the 4311, but if you can get the Denon for $50 less, I do not think the difference is that huge. I personally do enjoy THX Post Processing, but some do not care for it. The Denon is also a safer choice as far as reliability goes historically.
Cheers,
AD

Stick with the Denon and save $480.-

I would get the Denon. Onkyo receivers at this price point have been reliability disasters the last few years. The 09 models seem okay now, but so did the 07 models a year into their life cycle. If by mid 2013 the Onkyo 09s are still going strong, and running cool, then we can say that the reliability problems have been solved.

Make sure it's an authorized Denon dealer.

You can get the same realistic deal through electronics expo if you call them... Btw, they are an auth dealer and match low priced deals from non auth retailer such as newegg.

I must agree with sphinx, Onkyo has QC problems. Large numbers of X08/XX08 models, including Integra models affected by a problem covered in a press release just about 1 year ago. Another press release a few weeks ago covering many of the X09/XX09 models (shutting down shortly after powering on). When they work, they are fantastic... but as Harry Callahan so aptly states "Do you feel lucky?"