[ppickard]

I'm considering getting rid of my Sherwood Newcastle R-956 and upgrading to something that can deal with all of our various video sources (DVD, Digital Cable, Apple TV, Wii, PS2 - 5 kids and the kids stuff starts to outnumber mine) through one HDMI cable to the LCD TV.  I've checked CNET reviews, where the editors seem to say that there is always something better in the price range (and then don't reference what that would be) when reviewing midrange receivers.  So far, I have considered the following:

Marantz SR-7001
Marantz SR-8001
Onkyo TX-SR805
Sony STR-DA3300ES

Any others I should be looking at?  Does anybody have any super recommendations (or things I should stay away from?)  The DVD/SACD player in the stack is the Marantz DV7600, and the TV is a Hanspree Xv 37" LCD.

Thanks!

Paul

[JLM]

Denon, Harmon Kardon, Intrega, NAD, and Outlaw are all good names too.

[dorokusai]

I'm considering getting rid of my Sherwood Newcastle R-956 and upgrading to something that can deal with all of our various video sources (DVD, Digital Cable, Apple TV, Wii, PS2 - 5 kids and the kids stuff starts to outnumber mine) through one HDMI cable to the LCD TV.  I've checked CNET reviews, where the editors seem to say that there is always something better in the price range (and then don't reference what that would be) when reviewing midrange receivers.  So far, I have considered the following:

Marantz SR-7001
Marantz SR-8001
Onkyo TX-SR805
Sony STR-DA3300ES

Any others I should be looking at?  Does anybody have any super recommendations (or things I should stay away from?)  The DVD/SACD player in the stack is the Marantz DV7600, and the TV is a Hanspree Xv 37" LCD.

Thanks!

Paul

I've become a big fan of the newer Onkyo WRAT series. My love for the Sony ES series ended a few years ago. Good luck!

Mark

[Doublej]

Add Emotiva and Arcam to the list although I don't know if Arcam has a model at your desired price point.

[randytsuch]

I was in the same boat last year, and went with the Onkyo 705.  I think it is hard to beat for the price.

But, depends on what it's for.  I use it almost entirely for HT, and I like it for that.  If I was planning to use it more for music, I may have gone with something else, like the Marantz line.

I also have the front three channels on an external amp, but that was because I had the amp available from my previous HT setup.

Last factor that drove me was size.  I considered the 805, but it is a couple inches deeper, and would have been hard to fit.

BTW, I have Sierra Ascends up front, with smaller Sierras in the rear, and some old Atlantic Tech dipoles for the sides, with a Rythmik 12" sub, and am very happy with this setup.

I also have a Harmony remote, and it is nice to be able to push one button, to set up the TV and receiver for the right audio and video inputs, and turn on whatever needs to be on.

Randy

[PhilNYC]

Just curious....what is the general perception and reputation of Sherwood receivers?  The name alone makes me think of them as budget gear (on pair with the likes of Aiwa and JVC), but I really don't have any basis for that perception.  Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[randytsuch]

Just curious....what is the general perception and reputation of Sherwood receivers?  The name alone makes me think of them as budget gear (on pair with the likes of Aiwa and JVC), but I really don't have any basis for that perception.  Anyone have any thoughts on this?

When I first saw the Sherwood name a year ago, I had the same perception.  I did a little research, and found the Sherwood Newcastle stuff has a good reputation, they are supposed to be comparable to the better HT receivers.

Here's an old review from Secrets
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/sherwood-newcastle-r963T-5-2002.html

Randy

[Bob in St. Louis]

Hi Paul,

I can't speak highly enough of my Harman Kardon AVR-645. LOVE IT!
As a two channel guy and a HT guy, I need lots of bells and whistles to run everything. I've had the unit ~about~ a year, and it's been flawless.

Features:
- Lots and Lots of inputs
- The remote does everything
- Comes with it's own mic for room measurements (if you need such a thing. It gets suprisingly close)
- Display can be DIMMED or turned OFF!! Big bonus for HT rooms.
- Did I mention lots and lots of inputs!
- All the modern Dolby, DTS, HDMI, USB, multichannel toys you'd expect on a modern receiver
- Quiet cooling fan (or maybe I can't hear it over the 360's fan.  )
- Preferences can be set for different inputs...meaning when it see's my Squeezebox, it's programmed to not add any 'effects'. But when it sees a signal from the Xbox 360, it gets the full blown surround treatment. All by pushing one button.
- Sonic quality impresses the heck outa' me. No complaint there.

A year ago the unit MSRP'd for $1600, but that was a year ago and we all know what that means for electronics.
Regarding all those toys you mentioned, here's what I've got wired to the inputs:

* DirecTv sat receiver
* Xbox 360
* Playstation I
* CD changer
* DVD player
* Squeezebox
* And I still have open inputs!  aa



Website:
http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR%20645&sType=C

Back Panel View:
http://manuals.harman.com/HK/HOM/Quick%20Start%20Guide/AVR645RearPanel.pdf

Bob

edit; typo

[BradJudy]

The Onkyo 805 is considered THE receiver to beat by a lot of folks at the moment and would be my first pick if I were buying right now.  If you watch closely and jump quickly, you can get refurb ones with extended warranties directly from Onkyo for a steal.  Occasionally CircuitCity has deals on the 805 or 705 in-store. 

[Woodsea]

I second the H/K sound.  Mine is a few years old, but the sound is awesome.  The 805 by Onkyo is the buzz of the past 6 months.  It reads like it outperforms everything within $500 of it's price range.  Thankfully I am not in a position to buy a receiver right now, though I have the itch.. Oh hell, I always have the itch.  "But, I need more power, Ma!!!" 

[ppickard]

Thanks guys... I've narrowed it down to the Onkyo 805 and the Marantz SR-8001.  I've read some really good and some scathing user comments, otherwise I would have pulled the trigger on the Onkyo already.  I'm going to try to audition both in person before making the final call.

Thanks again for all the great advice!

Paul