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40.1 vs. 886 vs. NR3007

2311 Views 42 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Mattrix, Feb 11, 2010

D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · Feb 9, 2010

I am ready to jump but have been wrestling with this:

Grab the features of the 40.1 (would love internet radio) or go with the upscaling and SQ of the 886.

Price wise these look to be about the same (within a couple hundred anyway though the 886 would be a refurb). All will probably be paied with an XPA-5.

40.1:

Internet radio/Pandora - can get by with the PS3's browser I suppose

Internet updates

3 yr warranty

886:

Reon

Toroidal and 4 power supplies

other SQ feature

MultiEQ XT

HD Radio - not a big deal as I have the Sony tuner

I suppose the wildcards are the 3007 and UMC. Though I am leaning away from the UMC and have an itch to try separates.

Thoughts?

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1 - 20 of 43 Posts

Beemer533

· #2 · Feb 9, 2010

I've been looking at these 3 (40.1, 886 & 3007) as well. As far as I've been able to tell the 3007 has most of the features of the other 2 (pandora, internet updates, reon etc) except for the HD radio; for some reason that was left out.

I would like to try separates as well; my I run my DIY CC with an active xover and A500 and I'm planning to do the same with my mains.

I'm leaning towards the 3007 as I figure I can use it as a pre/pro at some point and I still get built in amps for zone 2/3 use...

Since I first heard about the UMC1 a year ago I've been hoping to try it out, but I think it isn't quite ready yet....

Knucklehead90

· #3 · Feb 10, 2010

The DTR 40.1 and the NR807/RC180 are virtually the same. All three have Ethernet built in like the 3007 with firmware updates via the net. The 3007 will give you 9.2 if you care about that but the 40.1/807/RC180 can do a 5.1 with high or wide speakers (Audyssey DSX). Most people don't care about the rear surrounds which is what you'd give up to utilize the DSX format.

If you are going all separates take a look at the Integra DHC 40.1 - pretty much an NR807 without the amp section - which is rather weak anyway. I think the SC886 is a fine prepro but it's day has come and gone.

D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 /forum/post/18104236

The DTR 40.1 and the NR807/RC180 are virtually the same. All three have Ethernet built in like the 3007 with firmware updates via the net. The 3007 will give you 9.2 if you care about that but the 40.1/807/RC180 can do a 5.1 with high or wide speakers (Audyssey DSX). Most people don't care about the rear surrounds which is what you'd give up to utilize the DSX format.

If you are going all separates take a look at the Integra DHC 40.1 - pretty much an NR807 without the amp section - which is rather weak anyway. I think the SC886 is a fine prepro but it's day has come and gone.

I know you like you're 40.1 from reading the other threads and you had an 885. So I'm very interested in your thoughts on SQ between the two and why you think the day has come and gone for the 886.

DSX is not much of a draw for me - it really boils down to making a long term investment in SQ and an interest in internet radio. And right now I don't have a use for a quality upconverter but I think I might in the future (if I can find a box that will let me stream Hulu)

Bill Mac

· #5 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by D_Strasse /forum/post/18104501

I know you like you're 40.1 from reading the other threads and you had an 885. So I'm very interested in your thoughts on SQ between the two and why you think the day has come and gone for the 886.

DSX is not much of a draw for me - it really boils down to making a long term investment in SQ and an interest in internet radio. And right now I don't have a use for a quality upconverter but I think I might in the future (if I can find a box that will let me stream Hulu)

I have the 886 and will most likely have it for awhile. I think KH's comment regarding the 886 (I think

) is that it is an older model without FW updates available via the web, no DSX and no streaming capabilities to name a few features off the top of my head.

I think if you could find a used 886 in the $800-900 range it would be a good buy. But the DHC 40.1 looks to be a very interesting piece which would be on my short list. The 3007 would also be a fine choice if you decide to go the receiver route.

Bill

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D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac /forum/post/18104623

I have the 886 and will most likely have it for awhile. I think KH's comment regarding the 886 (I think

) is that it is an older model without FW updates available via the web, no DSX and no streaming capabilities to name a few features off the top of my head.

I think if you could find a used 886 in the $800-900 range it would be a good buy. But the DHC 40.1 looks to be a very interesting piece which would be on my short list. The 3007 would also be a fine choice if you decide to go the receiver route.

Bill

Bill,

I will admit that you voice is the one that is generally pulling me toward the 886 and KH's toward the 40.1.

Pricewise, I was looking at the refurbed 886 which is a couple hundred more than your target price. Firmware updates via internet - not sure how many more the 886 will need. Streaming does sound cool and I would use the internet radio but again I am more interested is SQ.

Today I'm almost sure I'm going with the 886. Yesterday, it was the 40.1. Ughh...

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Mattrix

· #7 · Feb 10, 2010

Im in sort of the same quandry:

Demo 886 $1990

New 805 $1190

New 40.1 $1699

New 707 $1350

New 807 $1550? guessing

I think I really want the firmware upgradability.... but as with you prefer the higher need for SQ.

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Knucklehead90

· #8 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by D_Strasse /forum/post/18104662

Today I'm almost sure I'm going with the 886. Yesterday, it was the 40.1. Ughh...

LOL!

I know how you feel. I was going for the UMC-1 all the way. Now that I have the 40.1 and I've been reading the Emo Lounge firmware update debacle going on I can't imagine what I'd feel like if I had one. When I first got the 40.1 - and after getting some things working like Pandora music streaming and other user settings I decided I should see if any updates were available for it. There was one - so with some trepidation I hit the upgrade button on the remote. 15 minutes later (I never timed this) it was ready to go. I thought I'd have to re-enter all my user settings but much to my surprise it saved all of them.

Sound quality is very much the same as the SC885. The 885 is a great prepro - if I hadn't had video switching problems with it I'd probably still have it.

D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 10, 2010

KH,

Where did you get that quote? I never said anything like that.

Bill Mac

· #10 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mattrix /forum/post/18104705

Im in sort of the same quandry:

Demo 886 $1990

New 805 $1190

New 40.1 $1699

New 707 $1350

New 807 $1550? guessing

I think I really want the firmware upgradability.... but as with you prefer the higher need for SQ.

Mattrix,

I'm assuming that the pricing your quoting is not in the US. Where are you finding a new 805?

Bill

Bill Mac

· #11 · Feb 10, 2010

3

Quote:
Originally Posted by D_Strasse /forum/post/18104662

Bill,

I will admit that you voice is the one that is generally pulling me toward the 886 and KH's toward the 40.1.

Pricewise, I was looking at the refurbed 886 which is a couple hundred more than your target price. Firmware updates via internet - not sure how many more the 886 will need. Streaming does sound cool and I would use the internet radio but again I am more interested is SQ.

Today I'm almost sure I'm going with the 886. Yesterday, it was the 40.1. Ughh...

D_Strasse,

I think the best way is to decide what features you need or want and then do a direct comparison between the two. If video processing and the more advanced Audyssey of the 886 is not needed then I would go with the 40.1. You are correct that most likely there will be no more further FW updates for the 886. Actually the only way to get any FW updates was either here on AVS or take the unit to an Onkyo service center

.

Not to push you one way or the other but if it were me and I could get the 40.1 for less than the 886 I would go that route

. You would be getting an excellent prepro with the latest features and a 3 year warranty. Good luck

!

Bill

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Maestro J

· #12 · Feb 10, 2010

Are you considering the Denon 4310 at all? Seems to be the best of all worlds - Audyssey XT, networking, upgrading via Ethernet, good video processing, etc.

I was going to go with the pre/pro 40.1 as well but it not having XT is a downer for me...

Bill Mac

· #13 · Feb 10, 2010

2

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maestro J /forum/post/18106551

Are you considering the Denon 4310 at all? Seems to be the best of all worlds - Audyssey XT, networking, upgrading via Ethernet, good video processing, etc.

I was going to go with the pre/pro 40.1 as well but it not having XT is a downer for me...

I also have looked at the 4310. If I was looking now I would definitely look at the Denon line as well

. Not to make deciding any harder but I read that Anthem is going to release two AVRs at $1300 and $1800 both with ARC room correction. I had a AVM 30 before going to Onkyo and will be very interested to see what other features these two AVRs will have. The AVM 50 and D2v are way out of my budget but if the Anthem AVRs have SQ equal to the AVM 30 I would strongly consider them

.

Bill

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D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maestro J /forum/post/18106551

Are you considering the Denon 4310 at all? Seems to be the best of all worlds - Audyssey XT, networking, upgrading via Ethernet, good video processing, etc.

I was going to go with the pre/pro 40.1 as well but it not having XT is a downer for me...

Maestro,

To be honest I wasn't - I really had been looking harder at Pre-Pros than receivers and just came across the 3007.

Ok, so looking at the 4310, I am wondering why someone would go with that over the 3007. Aesthetics aside, (imho, the Denon does look nicer) it seems that you give up more by choosing the Denon over the Onkyo. The Denon isn't Ultra 2 rated, you lose internet radio, some watts/channel, and only gain HD radio. Price wise I think they are around the same price. Am I missing something?

D_Strasse

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac /forum/post/18106456

D_Strasse,

I think the best way is to decide what features you need or want and then do a direct comparison between the two. If video processing and the more advanced Audyssey of the 886 is not needed then I would go with the 40.1. You are correct that most likely there will be no more further FW updates for the 886. Actually the only way to get any FW updates was either here on AVS or take the unit to an Onkyo service center

.

Not to push you one way or the other but if it were me and I could get the 40.1 for less than the 886 I would go that route

. You would be getting an excellent prepro with the latest features and a 3 year warranty. Good luck

!

Bill

Bill,

Features wise the 40.1 wins for me. I would use internet radio from the start - the radio is NC is horrendous, and HD Radio in the 886 is a moot point as I have the Sony Tuner. Reon is also an intangible as I'm currently not upconverting anything. My only sources right now are cable (no box, or dvr) and a PS3 for Blus and DVDs.

So the hard part is trying to quantify the value of all the upgrades the 886 offers, more power supplies, MultiEQ XT, toroid, XLR connections, etc. I really have no reference to know if those are desirable.

Lastly, while the longer term plan is to find a space for my own personal 2 channel heaven system, I am struggling to squeeze the most performance out of the current set up without breaking the bank.

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Maestro J

· #16 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by D_Strasse /forum/post/18106868

Maestro,

To be honest I wasn't - I really had been looking harder at Pre-Pros than receivers and just came across the 3007.

Ok, so looking at the 4310, I am wondering why someone would go with that over the 3007. Aesthetics aside, (imho, the Denon does look nicer) it seems that you give up more by choosing the Denon over the Onkyo. The Denon isn't Ultra 2 rated, you lose internet radio, some watts/channel, and only gain HD radio. Price wise I think they are around the same price. Am I missing something?

Well you are right about the THX cert. and I thought it had internet radio. Maybe I'm wrong about that. I've gotten so confused researching all these AVR's lately...

One thing that has me leaning towards the 4310ci is the fact that x007 owners have complained about audio dropouts that haven't been corrected via firmware update yet. Apparently not everyone has them but there has certainly been complaints about it in the threads.

Like you, I pretty much was sent on either a 1007 or 3007 (the 40.1 being out because no XT) but then after reading about the dropouts, slowly migrated over to the Denon.

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phantom52

· #17 · Feb 10, 2010

I think you could also add the the Pioneers Elites SC 25 & 27 to these as use as pre-pros also. They deserve a look. Or even the 23 would serve well and cost less to boot.

CCONKLIN1

· #18 · Feb 10, 2010

2

Once I saw the title of this thread I knew I would see some familiar names posting here. Let me toss my hat into this ring.

I have had the 885, the 886, the 876(receiver) 805, 1007 and currently 3007.

Also had a Denon 5308 for a short time.

I have also a Denon 4810 sitting in a box that I have not hooked up yet, because I am insane an am finishing up my 11.3 set up...

You can not go wrong with any of the Onkyos if you get a good one. The REON processor in the 876,3007,886 seem TO ME to be identical, but better than the one in the 885. I do not have test result from a certified lab to back up my findings so tale it for what it is worth...

Seems to me that you should pop for the 40.1 if you don't need the Reon processor for video, or maybe the 1007 and use THAT as a pre-pro. However, the video processor in the 1007 is clearly NOT as good as the 3007 TO ME. That is what I did when I had the Onkyo 876. It was basically an 886 missing a few features AND had an extra 7 channels of amplification that I COULD have used for another system, but never did..

Also, as much as I love the Emotiva amps, there is no way I would touch a UMC. TO ME, it seems that all users that have one right now are "beta tester" and there are wayyyyyyy too many issues with it as of right now. Also, the feature set is about 2 years behind IN MY OPINION.

I doubt if I gave you any good advice with this post but hopefully you will be able to figure out what YOU NEED from all the posts. Me, I can not live without the REON or good video processing..

Best,

Chris

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Knucklehead90

· #19 · Feb 10, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by D_Strasse /forum/post/18104864

KH,

Where did you get that quote? I never said anything like that.

???

OK - it's early - now I remember. I was on another forum (political) and I did a copy and paste of some numb sculls' post. When I came back here to reply to you're post I highlighted the part of your post I wanted to copy into the new quote - not wanting to quote all of your words. Apparently I didn't do the copy right.

I've corrected that quote.

Sorry about the confusion.

CCONKLIN1

· #20 · Feb 10, 2010

Also, as you have an XPA5 XLR's might be nice if your amp is located far from the pre-pro. Mine was literally beneath it and I could not tell the difference between XLR and RCA with a 2 foot cable anyway..

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