[coffeecup]

Hello all,

I am looking for a 5.1 HT receiver recommendation for my speakers.

Budget of $600 to $1000.

Thread on speakers (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=137863.0) or summary is here:

I am building a pair of GR Research X-LS fronts:
http://gr-research.com/x-lsencorekit.aspx

And a subwoofer to match:
sW12 04  http://gr-research.com/sw-12-04.aspx
A370PEQ  http://gr-research.com/a370peq.aspx
Enclosure  http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/singleservo.pdf

The room is small, so eventual goal is 5.1 audio. No room for 7.1.

Inputs will include:
DVD player;
ROKU; and
Chromecast Audio.


I am considering:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642NR1504/Marantz-NR1504.html?tp=179
http://smile.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S710W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00ZIGUE8Y?SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00ZIGUE8Y&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC23349&sa-no-redirect=1
http://smile.amazon.com/NAD-748-Surround-Sound-Receiver/dp/B00HZW7ADQ?sa-no-redirect=1
https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/ele/5342000685.html (no DAC though, so would have to purchase eventually or use analog outs of various devices)

Any suggestions on receivers I missed? Or which you suggest?

Thank you -- Justin

[Phil A]

Don't forget accessories4less.com

[Atlplasma]

I suggest you read the reviews on the Secrets of Home Theater site. They will help you to select the best performing receiver for your budget.

[youravhandyman]

As an integrator I would urge your to think about future proofing yourself as long as possible.  The Denon AVR-X3200W because it has the latest codecs, more power that is not shared and is able to be updated to the new DTS codecs to come.  You should be able to find this one less than a $K.  My personal receiver is the Marantz NR1606.  Awesome receiver though I do not believe it will provide the power you are looking for.

Matt

[coffeecup]

Phil - thank you, I was not aware of that site. A great find, I buy all my tools refurbished, did not think to look for electronics.

Altplasma - thank you, that's a great site.

youravhandyman - good thought. Every time I think of having to buy yet another piece of equipment that needs firmware/software upgrades I want to just go back to analog

[youravhandyman]

Nice.  I just read my previous post again and it left me wondering if I typed while drinking.   

[Phil A]

Phil - thank you, I was not aware of that site. A great find, I buy all my tools refurbished, did not think to look for electronics.

Altplasma - thank you, that's a great site.

youravhandyman - good thought. Every time I think of having to buy yet another piece of equipment that needs firmware/software upgrades I want to just go back to analog

I've bought a few factory refurbs there, recently a Marantz 5010 and I moved the old Marantz 6003 to the bonus/guest room where it is powering GR Research N3s

[roscoe65]

I use my xls speakers in HT, powered by a Yamaha Receiver I purchased from Accessoriesforless.  They sell a combination of refurb and old stock.  Their pricing is unbeatable.  If you're looking at a 4k/HDCP 2.2) receiver you can do very well for under $600.

[asliarun]

I have a Marantz slimline AVR that I am using with Carnegie Acoustics CST1 (which I believe is primarily Danny's design) floorstanders. Even in stereo mode, I felt the AVR did not have enough power however. Adding a power amp significantly improved the sound quality. The Marantz now works as a pre. Oh, and I bought the AVR from accessories4less too - in fact, based on this forum's advice.

May I suggest a pre/power combo? There are not many preamp AVRs in this budget range, but Outlaw Audio has a nice minimalistic slim model: Model 975. They also bundle it with their Model 5000 5 channel power amp - for $1000, which I think is really good value for the quality of amplification.

https://outlawaudio.com/products/975.html

[lacro]

Your situation mirrors mine. I too have a small listening room, and my mains are GR X-LS Encores with stock crossovers. I am using a Marantz NR1403 slimline receiver. It drives the Encores easily to any volume level I can stand without any distortion. Some think these receivers lack enough power because the volume must be turned up quite a bit. By design normal volume is 50-75%. This receiver delivers!

I use mine for 2 channel and HT. My inputs are similar to yours: BRD/CD; Netflix, Pandora, and Amazon video/Audio via Fire stick. I am currently building an X-CS Encore for center duty to replace my current Paradigm center.

The appeal of these slimline receivers is they are small, and are NOT loaded with crap you will never use! Audyssey
works well to integrate all channels, and there are just enough settings to customize the sound to your room/taste.
Sometimes I use the pre-outs to connect class D amps I build, using the Marantz as  a preamp. Even little 15 watt class D power amps drive the Encores easily, and the Marantz works great as a preamp.

The suggestion that Codecs are changing, making current receivers obsolete is something to consider if you want to keep up with the latest. Look at Ebay for used receivers. Receivers that originally sold for $500 are listed for less than $100 with NO takers! I wouldn't spend a lot on any receiver, and consider upgrading every couple years.

The slimline Marantz receivers are the sweet spot, reasonable price, great "Marantz signature sound" and enough power to drive your speakers.

[rif]

I've had very good experiences with Denon receivers, I've owned several and keep upgrading.  Get one with the best Audyssey you multieq you can afford.  Makes a HUGE difference.

[youravhandyman]

Just an update to my original point.  Getting a "new" model receiver not only gives you the current available codecs for surround but allow for downloads of the new formats once they become available.  The new models are no longer immediately obsolete.  And from what I do know the Denon and Marantz models allow for and include the option to download the updates to the latest DTS codecs once available.
   Can you get refurbs on these current models?  I would have to assume yes.  This does bring up a question that should probably be for another thread though I will ask it anyway.  What is with the race to the bottom around here?  So many recommend used, refurbished and classic gear when that, IMO for this case and some others I have read, is not often the best option.  Especially when referencing home theater gear you could be creating more frustration for yourself by trying to save money above purchasing what would be, again IMO, the proper features for the money.
   Sorry gang if sitting at home with a nice case of the norovirus has me cranky, among other things.  Also I really hope Phil A doesn't think this is a shot at him for recommending refurbs since he has given great HT advice on this site for quite a while now.       
     

[Phil A]

Also I really hope Phil A doesn't think this is a shot at him for recommending refurbs since he has given great HT advice on this site for quite a while now.       
   

Not at all. And cranky is OK given the circumstances (I'm in the middle of some medical and dental crap too). Everyone can have a different opinion and what's good for one person may not be for another.  In my case, the Marantz I got (which is a current model) came with an extended warranty. So I got 3 years just like a new unit.  I'll probably look at factory refurbs again in a few months for the main system to incorporate the overhead channels I put in months.  Not in a rush.  In each case for me, I'm dealing with a system with a 2-channel preamp with HT Bypass so I am also not really all that concerned about it impact 2-channel listening.  I also look at receivers as somewhat disposable over the course of time.  The receiver in my main system is an Onkyo 1008, which was also a factory refurb and I purchased it for the basement of my old VA house.  I originally bought a new Pioneer 1120 on a really good deal to replace an older Marantz 7300 Original Special Edition (which I traded for and btw was really nice sounding).  The old basement was a really huge room (almost 700 sq ft) and even though I used an outboard amp for the center channel, the Pioneer just didn't seem to have the guts with my speakers down there.  I moved it to the office of my old house and it sounded really nice and it is currently in my master bedroom system.  If I get a new receiver for the main system, I might use the Onkyo in the bedroom, which also feeds the outdoor speakers. We'll see.  One thing at a time.