[OmegaRed1723]

It's been a long time since I've upgraded my Denon AVR-1804 receiver and I could really use some help wading through the myriad units on the market right now. I'm looking to spend no more than $700-800 (less is also fine!) and am comfortable buying used/demo/refurbished if need be. Current equipment is as follows:

TV: Samsung HL56A650 DLP
Speakers: PSB Image5T Fronts, 9C Center, 2B Surrounds, Subsonic 6 Sub
Blu-Ray: Samsung BD-P2500 (haven't purchased yet)

Xbox 360

Comcast Cable w/ Motorola DCT3412


I want 4 HDMI inputs, and audio pass-through is a must. I like the idea of having the newest technology (Audessey, ABT chip, most updated codecs, etc.), however, I'm not sure whether my setup would even benefit from it.

Bottom line: If last year's model is going to look/sound as good (if not better) than a new model with bells & whistles I won't be able to take advantage of, I'm all for it.


I've always liked Denon & Marantz products, but I'm more than open to other suggestions. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Craig Peer]

How about a Denon 2310 CI ?? It has 5 HDMI inputs - http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5011.asp


The 2310 would be a nice upgrade from your current 1804 !!

 

[OmegaRed1723]

Taking a closer look at things, I've narrowed my choices to the following:


Denon AVR-2310CI

Denon AVR-1910

Marantz SR5003

Onkyo TX-SR706

Onkyo TX-SR607


I have a couple of questions. First, how big is the difference between the Faroudja and Anchor Bay processing? Is it a night & day thing? Similarly, how big is the difference between the ABT2010 chip found in the 2310 and the ABT1010 chip in the 1910. I've read what the differences are; I'm curious how appreciable the difference is in practice.


The Onkyo 607 doesn't have MultEQ, and the Marantz only has 3 HDMI, but I'm not excluding them based solely on that (or should I?). Also note that I'm not concerned about a fancy GUII've never had one and probably wouldn't miss it.


A couple notes about my viewing/listening habits. We watch DVDs (soon to be Blu-Ray), and Netflix streaming over the Xbox 360. Lots of TV (mostly SD, unfortunately) and gaming. My speakers are pretty efficient, and aren't usually played at ear-splitting levels so I'm more concerned about the quality of the wattage, not the quantity of it.


Any feedback would be welcomed with open arms.


Cheers!

 

[Jason Turk]

The Faroudja is old school processing. Though in it's day it was top end, there are some major drawbacks to it now with HD being so prevalent.


That being said, I would buy a receiver based on how it sounds more than anything...video processing should be way down on the importance list.

 

[OmegaRed1723]

Thanks for the confirmation on the Faroudja processing. I remember DCDi being cutting edge before HDTV, so it makes sense that it's a little long in the tooth at this point.

 

[samsurd2]

Given the list of AVRs you're considering, it's likely that your TV will do a better job of video scaling than any of them. JMO. Good advice from Turk.

 

[jmystikcfl]

If you look around you might be able to find a Denon 2809ci in your price range. It should more than meet your needs, but it does use the older Faroudja chip for upscaling. I can't comment on the quality as the only video that goes through the AVR is from the PS3, and I've got it set to just pass that without any processing.