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I currently own an Onkyo TX-NR905 that I use as a pre-amp in a 7.1 configuration (L/C/R, three sets of side surrounds wired in parallel, and rear surrounds). For power, the 905 connects to a Bryston 4BSST (mains), Bryston 9BSST (center and surrounds), and a Parasound amp that powers the sub. Up front, I've got VMPS RM30s (L/C/R) that are pretty efficient, from what I can recall of their specs.
All of this exists in a 12' x 20' dedicated HT that is sound-proofed to the point that I can drive it to high levels without fear of waking up my 5-year old.
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I do enjoy good 2-channel and multi-channel music listening and place a premium on ensuring the experience is as high-quality as possible from a sound quality point of view.
With this in mind, would there be any benefit to stepping up to either an Onkyo 5007 or a Denon 4810CI to replace the 905? What I am most interested in are opinions of those who have heard and compared the 905 to either one or both of these relatively new AVRs from a sound quality perspective, not necessarily a feature perspective. In other words, which of the three options do you think is best for music listening, thinking about characteristics such as 2-channel imaging, depth/width of soundstage, transparency, etc. Other perspectives of sonic quality are greatly appreciated, too, such as the effect of the various multi-channel and equalization features these AVRs offer.
I welcome all opinions, although I'm really most interested in hearing from those of you who have done direct comparisons of the 905 to either or both of these AVRs and have come to some conclusions about sound quality.
I realize the newer AVRs have more bells and whistles, but I want to make sure that I am not sacrificing sound quality for extra features. SQ is my top priority here!
On paper, I suppose the nod goes to the 5007 as a result of the 32-bit DACs and maybe a few other specs. However, specs don't always mean much.
Finally, I have never owned a Denon AVR and would be very interested to hear your opinions of how it differs (sonically) from Onkyo. If I swapped out the 905 and put a 4810CI in its place, but changed nothing else in my system, how might it sound different?
TIA and let me know if I can offer any more info that will help with responses.
All of this exists in a 12' x 20' dedicated HT that is sound-proofed to the point that I can drive it to high levels without fear of waking up my 5-year old.
With this in mind, would there be any benefit to stepping up to either an Onkyo 5007 or a Denon 4810CI to replace the 905? What I am most interested in are opinions of those who have heard and compared the 905 to either one or both of these relatively new AVRs from a sound quality perspective, not necessarily a feature perspective. In other words, which of the three options do you think is best for music listening, thinking about characteristics such as 2-channel imaging, depth/width of soundstage, transparency, etc. Other perspectives of sonic quality are greatly appreciated, too, such as the effect of the various multi-channel and equalization features these AVRs offer.
I welcome all opinions, although I'm really most interested in hearing from those of you who have done direct comparisons of the 905 to either or both of these AVRs and have come to some conclusions about sound quality.
I realize the newer AVRs have more bells and whistles, but I want to make sure that I am not sacrificing sound quality for extra features. SQ is my top priority here!
On paper, I suppose the nod goes to the 5007 as a result of the 32-bit DACs and maybe a few other specs. However, specs don't always mean much.
Finally, I have never owned a Denon AVR and would be very interested to hear your opinions of how it differs (sonically) from Onkyo. If I swapped out the 905 and put a 4810CI in its place, but changed nothing else in my system, how might it sound different?
TIA and let me know if I can offer any more info that will help with responses.
