Receiver Advice Needed

Srinivas · « **on:** 6 Jun 2005, 05:32 pm »

I filtered down my selection to a ONKYO 702, Denon 885 and a Sony 3000ES. All three are in same price range (about $50 difference but that does not concern me). Here are some links for a quick check on features
http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/AVR885S.pdf
http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR702&p=f&class=Receiver

While browsing here, the Panasonic XR70(way cheaper) looks promising. Is the Sony ES a lot better than the PAnny since its also digital ?

Any opinion appreciated. I want to buy one as soon as I can.

Thanks

CornellAlum · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Jun 2005, 06:57 pm »

The Panny is better than the Sony but without the undreds of inputs on the back. Just my opinion, I have heard both. Plus, the panny plus Bolder mods would be close to the sony alone, and sound-wise, well, let your ears be the judge.

Srinivas · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Jun 2005, 06:00 pm »

I am not into mods - so that cannot be a factor for me. 90% it will be for movies (All my music listening is in the car only). I cannot find a local store that carries the Panasonic digital receivers to give them a try. Anyone know a store in Columbus,OH area that carries them ?

Thanks

tubeytubeamp · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Jun 2005, 06:29 pm »

Srinivas,

You may want to check out the new crop of digi receivers from JVC. Esp the new 301b/302s. They offer excellent sonics for the $$$.

For more indepth knowlege about home theater you should go to the AVSforums
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=90.

Most of the participants on these boards are two channel music enthusiasts.

Dennis

bubba966 · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Jun 2005, 06:55 pm »

Well, if you're looking for a good receiver for 90% movie use you should check out the HT circle here. There's a few different topics there about receivers in the $500 or less range. Here's one of the threads http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16496

The Pioneer mentioned in that thread (either the VSX-1014TX or VSX-1015TX) will work better for HT/video use than what you've mentioned above. And it's certainly much, much easier to setup & use.

Srinivas · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Jun 2005, 01:48 pm »

Thank you all for the feedback. The upcoming JVC 702 looks very promising. I could not get any detailed reviews on the 301s to get an idea how the 702 might sound. I might wait a little more for this receiver to hit the market.
I have a old Sony DD ready receiver and I like its sound. Keeping aside "what sounds best to your ears", is there anything lacking in the Sony ES series ?
I am a very poor judge for sound quality, so I usually use others reviews to make a decision and let my ears get used to the product I bought. I just would like to know before I steer away from it.

THanks