I currently have the Onkyo 705 feeding my Energy Take classic 5 (in a 7.1 configuration). I need more HDMI outputs, 3D and Network features such as DLNA, Sportify, etc. I don't own any Apple hardware so Apple's airplay isn't necessary but will be nice to have in case I ever buy an Apple product.
Anyway, I initially started looking at the Onkyo 818 but decided that it was an overkill for my speakers and living room so I moved on to the 717. I soon found out the 717 was missing the Audyssey MultEQ XT which meant this had to be crossed off my list as well. Then I started looking at the Denon's (AVR-2313CI) and the Yamaha (RX-A820).
These two receivers have their advantages and disadvantages but I need help figuring out which of the disadvantages below to overlook.
AVR-2313CI
- 5 HDMI's on the back might not be enough
- No universal remote control
- THX Ultra2
- Missing party mode or something similar
RX-A820
- THX Ultra2
- No MultEQ XT
After reading a lot of the posts on here, it looks to me like people prefer the Audyssey more than the YPAO. Can someone explain to me what makes Audyssey much better and if that is a deal breaker?
Lastly, for zone 2, I see that the Denon has the one channel RCA port (unless I'm missing something) but on the Yamaha there are two (L & R) terminals for zone two. Can someone explain this as well. It is my understanding that I can hook up the Yamaha to my 7.1 in the living room and hook up two additional speakers to the L & R terminal for zone 2 (patio). When I have zone two on, it switches to 5.1 in the living room, when I have zone 2 off, I get my 7.1 back. Does the Denon work the same way?
On the Denon forum it states that "Network audio (including AirPlay) can stream independently to Zone 2", can I still stream airplay to the main 7.1 setup?
Anyway, I initially started looking at the Onkyo 818 but decided that it was an overkill for my speakers and living room so I moved on to the 717. I soon found out the 717 was missing the Audyssey MultEQ XT which meant this had to be crossed off my list as well. Then I started looking at the Denon's (AVR-2313CI) and the Yamaha (RX-A820).
These two receivers have their advantages and disadvantages but I need help figuring out which of the disadvantages below to overlook.
AVR-2313CI
- 5 HDMI's on the back might not be enough
- No universal remote control
- THX Ultra2
- Missing party mode or something similar
RX-A820
- THX Ultra2
- No MultEQ XT
After reading a lot of the posts on here, it looks to me like people prefer the Audyssey more than the YPAO. Can someone explain to me what makes Audyssey much better and if that is a deal breaker?
Lastly, for zone 2, I see that the Denon has the one channel RCA port (unless I'm missing something) but on the Yamaha there are two (L & R) terminals for zone two. Can someone explain this as well. It is my understanding that I can hook up the Yamaha to my 7.1 in the living room and hook up two additional speakers to the L & R terminal for zone 2 (patio). When I have zone two on, it switches to 5.1 in the living room, when I have zone 2 off, I get my 7.1 back. Does the Denon work the same way?
On the Denon forum it states that "Network audio (including AirPlay) can stream independently to Zone 2", can I still stream airplay to the main 7.1 setup?