help: integra, onkyo, nad, arcam?

Originally Posted by theater_dma

Hi All,
I am picking up a new plasma this week which will more than likely be the 58" commercial panasonic model and of course I need a receiver upgrade to go with it

I currently have an integra 7.1 that is driving my paradigm studio reference 60v3's, cc-570 center, adp 470's, and seismic 12 sub.

I am considering the following models and would like to get some thoughts from you on video scaling capability (if I need it?), sound (I'll be using it for 75% movies/25%music), and general capabilities.

Integra 8.8 (possibly 7.8) I think these both have the reon processor
Onkyo 905
NAD T775
Arcam AVR 300

Which one of these would you recommend for my setup and listening environment?

Thanks,
David

Originally Posted by theater_dma

Coldmachine, thanks for the info!
I have been spending quite a bit of time reading reviews of the Onkyo/Integra, Arcam, NAD, and Denon receivers. I have ruled out the NAD for now based on the number of comments I read regarding QA problems.

The current Integra and Onkyo seem to be good as far as reviews go. I currently have an Integra 7.2 and am looking for a replacement. It has been trouble free and overall a great receiver for the money.

Just curious how was the video switching between the Onkyo and Arcam? Everyone is talking about the Reon in the 905 but not sure if it actually looks any better than the Arcam. As I would probably just go direct from source to TV for now anyway it sounds like the Arcam may be a better choice.

Looking forward to reading a more detailed post from you on the Arcam vs. Onkyo...

I have seen several folks also discussing Denon vs. Arcam and it seems to go back and forth based Denon features and not a large "noticable" difference in SQ for the money. Not sure how true this is.

Also, would you mind PM'ing me with info on expected street price for the AVR 350?

Thanks,
David

Originally Posted by bommai

My H/K 745 kills the Onkyos. I love the NAD too.

Originally Posted by expresso712

I agree -- most come to conclusions based on there own opinion - which is fine - - i went to Harveys to listen to the new NAD's - and while there - was rethinking - about price etc. and sound - since i been out of the audio field for a long time now - i listened to a Marantz - and it was very nice - i belieave i may go with one of the newer models of Marantz - it fits what i need and price wise is very good since i need to buy everything - TV Stand - 46 inch lcd - etc. so price is a bit of a concern - the new model does have HDMI 1.3 - 4 of them i think going in and one out -
it is not future proof compared to the NAD and the Onkyo but my main purpose is for good Music - i dont need 7.1 which is has and i dont really care about the future audio features for surrond etc. - what it has is just fine - i listened to it and sounds great - i will use it with a pair of older Klipsch i have - two channel for now - and add center - sub and rear in time - which leaves me with 2 channels left which i can bi-amp to the front - any input on the Marantz ??? i never had one - how does the Marantz compare to Onkyo or NAD for that matter in terms of audio music sound etc.. --

thanks -

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Always interesting to read notes like this. - The HK simply "KILLS" the Onkyos. - Of course, we have no suggestions as to what you mean by this statement, and whether you are speaking of audio quality, versatility, features, HDMI 1.3 capabilities, future proof design, etc., etc. Or which model Onkyo you listened to. If you did.

Assuming that you were referring to audio quality, and assuming that the speakers were compatible with the particular amps (no clipping, no unusual power or current requirements), what is the basis for your conclusion? - Did you by any chance conduct blind listening tests, WITH VOLUMES LEVEL-MATCHED TO WITHIN .1 dB, listening to the same material, on the same system, in the same room? If not, your conclusions are questionable to say the least.

Jim