[nickracer9]

let me know whats out there that would work great for my home theater. 5.1,6.1,7.1. thanks in advance.

 

[MrMcGoo]

There are several receivers in the range you specify that are excellent. My first choice would be the Pioneer Elite VSX-59TXi which retails way above your range, but can be found for less than $3,000. The 59TXi has i.link and autocalibration that is excellent. It is feature rich and has more connectivity than most folks can use.


Bill

 

[Canman]

How about the B&K AVR 507 at Audio Advice for #2999.00. 7 x 150w, DLPII, & THX Ultra Rated.


or


My fav - Denon 3805 with solid seperate 5 channel amp to bi-amp mains and center. Has DLPIIx, upconversion, auto cailbration and room eq, and zone 2 & 3 capabilities.


Almost 2k for an amp. How about an Outlaw 770:


Power output: 200 watts RMS x 7 (all channels driven simultaneously into 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than 0.05% total harmonic distortion). 300 watts RMS x 7 @ 4 ohms


or


NAD T973


Power Output: 7 x 140W Minimum Continuous Power (8 / 4 Ohms); all channels driven simultaneously


I would go for seperates, but with the B&K 507 on sale, it is a tough choice.

 

[7Below]

Arcam AVR 300. See their website for details. Has all the bells and whistles and stunning audio quality.

 

[Hammerli]

If you are going to seriously consider the B&K 507, make sure you order a new one with the muting circuits installed, since no ones current stock will have the latest fix according to what I was told today. Of course some owners say it doesn't bother them, but I don't think it is worth the risk to buy old stock at this point, and then have to pay for shipping for the upgrade; YMMV.

 

[nickracer9]

thanks. i was thinking about the elite 59txi and b&k 507 also. can you tell me about the nad and arcam. any website links? thanks.

 

[7Below]

 http://www.arcam.co.uk/diva/cinema/avr300.html

www.nadelectronics.com

 

[jylee]

I second Arcam. Often times budget components from high end brand perform better than best consumer brand components. NAD also makes great entry level high end gears.

 

[cmclaughlan]

The Arcam AVR300 is an "audiophile" grade amp with all the home theatre trimmings.


It will drive 7 speakers (4 or 8 Ohms) at 100W (simultaneous)

Can use zone 2 to bi-amp/bi-wire fronts if used in 5 speaker mode.

Does up conversion to component from s-video or composite inputs.


I've had mine a week now and absolutely love it to bits.


Colin

 

[F355]

pioneer 59 Txi .

few months later, try the upgrade at www.alexhardware.com

 

[graphicguy]

I'll 2nd (or is it 3rd) the vote for the 59 TXi.....high quality build and intermal components....very powerful....all the latest surround schemes and the wonderfull MCACC. I-link and HDMI connections make a significant sonic and visual improvement (and also protect against future needs for upgrades) A great sounding and great looking AVR. Can be had for around $3K.


There have also been reports of getting the 49 TXi for around $2K. If you can live without DPL IIx, it's the way to go.


If you can live without i-link and DPL IIx the 55 TXi would be the way to go for about $1K.


Stay away from B&K!

 

[Valnar]

I think the Pioneer Elite 59TXi is a no brainer at this price point. Nuthin' else worth considering unless there is a feature elsewhere you need not on the Pioneer.


Robert

 

[dmtremblay]

Quote:

Originally posted by graphicguy If you can live without i-link and DPL IIx the 55 TXi would be the way to go for about $1K.

Doesn't the 55txi have i-link? I was just on their website and I swear the srp jumped from $1500 to $1700. Am I just seeing things?!?

 

[Valnar]

The 55TXi does indeed have I-link.


The 59TXi has a more powerful amplifier, video conversion, 9-band Auto-eq (instead of 5 on the 55TXi) and DPLIIx.


Robert

 

[graphicguy]

I must be losing it. Yes, the 55 TXi does indeed have i-link. Like Valnar, there's nothing near the pricepoints any of the Elite come in at that can touch them.

 

[topspeed]

For $2-3K I'd seriously consider separates instead of a receiver. More flexibility and let's be honest, has anyone ever heard a receiver that can outperform a good separate amp? After a quick scan of audiogon and videogon there was a terrific Parasound Halo A52 that could be paired with any number of quality pre/pros from B&K, Lexicon, Anthem, and Proceed that would be tough for any receiver to touch, even the mighty Denon 5803. Just another wrinkle...

 

[graphicguy]

Quote:

Originally posted by topspeed For $2-3K I'd seriously consider separates instead of a receiver. More flexibility and let's be honest, has anyone ever heard a receiver that can outperform a good separate amp? After a quick scan of audiogon and videogon there was a terrific Parasound Halo A52 that could be paired with any number of quality pre/pros from B&K, Lexicon, Anthem, and Proceed that would be tough for any receiver to touch, even the mighty Denon 5803. Just another wrinkle...

Well, yes I have heard quite a few AVRs than equal or exceed the sound quality of some of the separates you mention. Namely, the above mentioned Pioneer Elite 55 and 59 TXi, Yamaha RXZ9, Marantz 9300, and the Denon 5803 you mentioned.


First, with the exception of the Denon 5803, the others have updated and high quality DACS, extensive copper shielding, and in the Elite's case, a design that very effectively shields all the different internal compartments from each other. In addition, unless you are trying to hit reference level decibles in a gymnasium, any of the above AVRs will have plenty of power. Add to that, the Pioneer Elite and Yamaha have all the current surround schemes and what I consider the single biggest improvement in sound since multi-channel...autocalibration capabilities. I think some of the top end AVRs are surpassing separate pre/pros.


This is coming from a previous separates owner. You'd have to spend 2X-3X more for separates to equal what the top end AVRs offer, IMHO.


As far as B&K pre/pros (and AVRs) are concerned, I have very little good to say about them. Take a look here.....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=396816

 

[RaceTripper]

Another vote for Arcam AVR300 here. Had mine for several weeks now and love it. Best AV receiver I've ever heard. At $2K it's a great deal.


And for those who have one, Audiophile Systems has the first software update (2.74) available for download at their website: http://www.aslgroup.com/arcam/AVR300...00Software.htm


Dean

 

[topspeed]

Quote:

Originally posted by graphicguy Well, yes I have heard quite a few AVRs than equal or exceed the sound quality of some of the separates you mention. Namely, the above mentioned Pioneer Elite 55 and 59 TXi, Yamaha RXZ9, Marantz 9300, and the Denon 5803 you mentioned.

Everybody has an opinion. I guess a lot of it would have to do with what speakers your are driving. Easier, less demanding speaks will be more forgiving of the source. Personally, I haven't heard any receiver, including the ones you've mentioned, that have the authority and reserves to really let my B&W's play up to their potential, and believe me I tried. I'm not talking spl's here, I talking dynamics, extension, and that something that makes music sound like, well...music. Bare in mind I'm 80/20 music/ht so someone who is a little more balanced would probably find any one of the fine receivers you listed as more than adequate.

Quote:

First, with the exception of the Denon 5803, the others have updated and high quality DACS

What's wrong with the dacs in the source equipment?
Quote:

extensive copper shielding, and in the Elite's case, a design that very effectively shields all the different internal compartments from each other.

Good, everything is discrete. So if we pop the hood, what kind of caps and transformers are we going to find? Hovland? BlackGates? Will each amp channel have it's own dedicated power supply? How much current will each amp section deliver while all 5, 6, or 7 channels are being driven and will it be stable?

Quote:

Add to that, the Pioneer Elite and Yamaha have all the current surround schemes and what I consider the single biggest improvement in sound since multi-channel...autocalibration capabilities. I think some of the top end AVRs are surpassing separate pre/pros.

Agreed. Without a doubt the single most important feature they have added. FAR more significant than another "Stadium" dsp mode. The flagships definitely have a lot of bells and whistles (if that's important to you) and I'm sure it won't be long before the Lexicon's, Theta's, and even Parasounds follow suit with auto-calibration.

Quote:

This is coming from a previous separates owner. You'd have to spend 2X-3X more for separates to equal what the top end AVRs offer, IMHO.

Glad you're happy with your rig. I'm simply adding another option and still think the poster should listen for him/herself and decide. Obviously, if they can't hear the difference they should go with whatever is cheaper, don't you agree?

 

[graphicguy]

topspeed....we are violently agreeing.


It does depend on the room, speakers, etc. That said, you should "lift the hood" on some of those AVRs. You might be surprised as to what you might find.


Believe me, if cost were no object, I'd be in the Krell camp. As far as trading my AVR for Sherwood, Outlaw, Anthem, B&K, etc separates...that's not something I would consider an upgrade. And, at the $2K-$3K pricepoint the original poster wants to stay, a top end AVR would be the way to go, IMHO.


My current Elite series, in addition to the "bells & whistles" (which it has in spades) has been quite the performer with less than efficient speakers. While not the largest of HT rooms, mine isn't small (20'X24'). It "attacks" transients with no "hangover" or compression. I'm getting some stunning sound with both power and finesse. It allows for that difficult to describe "air" around voices and instruments, yet will "crack the whip" when called upon to reproduce dynamic soundtracks and movies.


I never was a fan of Pioneer gear in the past. My mind has changed, though. I'm impressed with their engineering expertise, their ability to play in the sandbox of more esoteric gear, and the thoughtfullness they incorporate into their Elite products.