[General Kenobi]

My receiver has been rock solid but I'm ready for something that will do a better job decoding TrueHD and DTS HD-MA than my Pany BD55 is doing internally and using the analog outs. Something that will be user friendly to program/set up and open up some options not available with my current receiver.


I was looking at the Denon AVR-1910 and Integra 20.1... looking to keep it around $500. Any recommendations would be appreciated

 

[jzoz01]

Although the 1910 has many features that you current Denon lacks, you'd be giving up quite a bit in terms of DACs and the amp section. You could always look for a closeout or open box 2809. It would have the HDMI features you are looking for without giving up as much in terms of the amp section.

 

[batpig]

do you listen to stuff really loud? and are you a critical 2-ch music listener?


if "yes" to either of the above, you should recognize that an "entry level" $500 type AVR is not going to have the amplifier quality or raw musical chops of your 3801. if so, you should consider keeping an eye out for closeout deals on AVR 2809/989 which will be more in line with your 3801 (should be available for $700ish). if $500 is a firm budget, look out for a good deal (ebay or audiogon) on a used 2808/988 model.


if "no" to the above, then one of the newer mid-tier models like 1910 would work fine. I have used a 3803 and now own a 789 (same as 1909) and -- since I live in a townhouse where I can't crank the volume -- the new Audyssey MultEQ room correction combined with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume provide a much improved experience for moderate volume listening, even though the 3803 has a much beefier amp section.

 

[General Kenobi]

Thank you both for the response.


My primary use is for movie watching but I do a fair amount of 2ch audio listening as well and don't want to step backwards in power/dac/general SQ just to step forward in what I hear when watching bluray flicks.


I may be able to stretch the budget a bit but $700 is pushing it. Are there other brands I should consider that would offer similar SQ/power to what I have but also process the lossless audio codecs via HDMI? Maybe the Onkyo TX-SR806?

 

[batpig]

assuming we stick with your $500 budget, you will probably not be able to have ALL of the newest features (e.g. 4 HDMI inputs, Dynamic EQ, etc.) and have the kind of amp power and audio quality you are used to. But if you are comfortable with 2-3 HDMI inputs, I would recommend these options:


1) Denon AVR 2808CI/988 (same thing) which has 2 HDMI, all the HD audio codecs, and Audyssey MultEQ XT, and will have amps/DAC's/sound quality that you are used to.


you will have to prowl the used/refurb market but they are out there.


here's one on audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....cludes-3-hdmi-


or you can go for a refurb from Dakmart (which is an authorized refurb dealer w/ a 1-yr warranty)


2) recent vintage Onkyos with THX cert, e.g. 805, 706, 806, etc. probably will have to monitor refurb deals also (check accessories4less)


3) Marantz receivers from the past couple of years, also availble for good deals at accessories4less. they are authorized and provide a 1-yr warranty on refurbs.


good deal on a refurb SR7001 for $499: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...OSEOUT-/1.html

 

[General Kenobi]



Quote:
Originally Posted by batpig /forum/post/16837456


assuming we stick with your $500 budget, you will probably not be able to have ALL of the newest features (e.g. 4 HDMI inputs, Dynamic EQ, etc.) and have the kind of amp power and audio quality you are used to. But if you are comfortable with 2-3 HDMI inputs, I would recommend these options:


1) Denon AVR 2808CI/988 (same thing) which has 2 HDMI, all the HD audio codecs, and Audyssey MultEQ XT, and will have amps/DAC's/sound quality that you are used to.


you will have to prowl the used/refurb market but they are out there.


here's one on audiogon: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....cludes-3-hdmi-


or you can go for a refurb from Dakmart (which is an authorized refurb dealer w/ a 1-yr warranty)


2) recent vintage Onkyos with THX cert, e.g. 805, 706, 806, etc. probably will have to monitor refurb deals also (check accessories4less)


3) Marantz receivers from the past couple of years, also availble for good deals at accessories4less. they are authorized and provide a 1-yr warranty on refurbs.


good deal on a refurb SR7001 for $499: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...OSEOUT-/1.html

I really don't need more than 2-3 HDMI inputs so the 988 would be a solid option if you think it would not be a step backwards in other areas?


I'm also very much considering the Onkyo 806 but haven't done much homework on it yet with respect to ease of use, SQ, and any potential lipsync issues.