[moorejh]

I want a new receiver to run my surround in my living room. I have 7.2 set up with Axiom speakers (M60's, QS8's, dont remember the center model but Axiom, and dual velodyne subs). My room is 28' x 20'. I currently have an NAD T773 (for sale) which I love, but I need HDMI inputs in a bad way. I want to spend between 2K to 2.5K but may be able to spend a little more. I am thinking about NAD again but I wanted to hear from everyone to see if that is a good choice or should I look at other brands. The T773 was the flagship for NAD back when I purchased it several years ago. The new top of the line is the T785 (4K) or refurb for (3K). Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!!!


Some advice on subwoofer upgrades would be welcome as well.


Thanks in advance for your input on this topic.


Jay

 

[MichaelJHuman]

You have three options in that price range -


1) Preprocessor and amp

2) Receiver and amp

3) AVR


Receiver (with pre outs) and amp is the best bang for the buck.


Some think a dedicated processor sounds better. Integra makes some of the best value processors and Emotiva makes some of the best value amps.


An AVR is simplest. And can provide plenty of power at your price range, though not as much an adding an external amp can.


Denon and Yamaha seem like reliable choices for your budget range.


The Yamaha RX-A1000 is pretty much the same design as the higher priced 2000, 3000 with less features. The Denon 4311 seems popular if memory serves, but you would want to look into that a bit more.


If you bought something like the Yamaha RX-A1000, you could augment it with an external amp, such an the Emotiva XPA-3 (I use the XPA-3 with my Yamaha RX-Z7)


Anthem just released an intriguing line. You might want to do some reading as some people were having some issues with the room correction system.


Marantz has it's fans


Pioneer SC line seems quite popular and uses class D amplification.


Onkyo may have the best power for the price, but may have occasional reliability issues compare to Yamaha/Denon.


Harmon Kardon seems to be a bit outdated at the moment, but I would presume is working on new models.

 

[centauro74]

You can do the denon 3311ci with the

xpa-3 and be more than happy.

 

[iimig]

Integra DHC-40.2 Processor leaves lots of room to get some HQ amplification

 

[moorejh]

Thanks for the responses. I think I may stick with an AVR just because I have limited room in my entertainment center for additional components.


I really liked my NAD and actually have an Onkyo TX-NR3007 currently. Its a nice unit but I really liked the NAD sound and how clean and effortless it was much better especially for my music. If it wasnt for the lack of HDMI inputs I would keep the NAD T773 until it died (although I dont know if it ever would).


I have heard some good things about Rotel and Cambridge receivers as well. I would like to hear anyones input on these receivers as well.


Oh and does anyone have an idea what I should try to sell the Onkyo 3007 for?


Thanks

 

[mjfink]

Your setup is pretty similar to mine; and, in my decision process, I quickly narrowed it to 2 AVRs; a Denon 4311 and a Onkyo 3008/5008. The reason for this is the dual subs; the Onk and Denon both have MultiSubEQ-HT, the new Audessey software that allows it to independently balance a dual subwoofer setup. Also, both of these devices have the best Audessey software in them (MultiEqXT32, IIRC), a feature that I considered critical.


I eventually decided on the 3008; the 5008 has a better amp section, but, with my eventual move to external amps, I didn't feel it was necessary. The 4311 was my first choice, but I got gun-shy after seeing all the HDMI issues that people are having with that AVR.


I'm very happy with my decision (you can see my mini-review in my sig line); although I did have to send my first 3008 back for a QC issue. The sub EQ on these AVRs is dramatically better than it was on my old Pioneer; it's a very noticeable (and, IMHO, big improvement) moving to the new Audessey.

 

[moorejh]

After talking to some knowledgible people I think I need to re-set my Onkyo TX-NR 3007 using the audissey set up to see if it improves my sound. I guess I will give it another chance before punting it.


Im thinking if I do go another direction I will look hard at the pre/pro options.


Thanks for all your suggestions guys