[ElBrento2]

Due to space considerations, I have begun to dismantel my Carver system.  The Denon receiver lineup is very appealing, as is the Yamaha and Marantz lines.  It will be used in a home theater setup for television, movies, and music (airplay, Pandora, CD, and digital format).  I will maintain my Monitor Audio Radius HD 5.1 surround system.  I am looking to spend about USD1500 and would appreciate some recommendations.

[Dan Driscoll]

FYI, Denon & Marantz are owned by the same company, D&M Holdings. There is some debate as to whether current models are simply re-badged or if there are real differences between the brands, other than the faceplates.

Is the priority pure sound quality, features or some combination? $1500 is a pretty decent budget and there are many better options in that range than the 3 you mentioned, IMO. Some others I would strongly recommend you look at are the Cambridge Audio 551R,  the NAD T757, Anthem MRX 300/500. You might also be able to find an Arcam AV360 or another high end receiver in your range, if you're willing to buy used.

[benguin]

I was in a similar situation and was headed for the Anthem MRX700, or similar unit.  However, after comparing features and price I went with the Denon 4311.  Since the 4520 came out, the current pricing on the 4311 was hard to beat.  I had a need to drive 4 ohm speakers, so that narrowed down my field a bit- if that isn't a concern you definitely have a lot of options in your price range right now.

I've had the 4311 for a few months now and have no regrets, having used it as a preamp only and with its internal amplification on both Salk and older M&K speakers.  No shortage of features, and seems to be much better than some of their entry systems.

[jarcher]

You can get a Marantz SR7005 on close out from accessories4less for $1,050, leaving you a lot of spare cash.  I don't see spending the extra $750 on the successor SR7007 just for 4K support. 

As for the SR7005 vs NAD / Anthem / etc, I think it would be very competitive.  I did a shoot out of the AV7005 vs processors from Anthem (AVM30 & D1) & Krell and didn't feel it was at all left behind (in fact it was quite better than the Krell Showcase).  The Anthem was a bit more warm and meaty, but not a hugh difference, especially for the $.

[geowak]

To me this is a no brainer. Marantz SR7005. I had the SR7500 and got rid of it to build a second 2 channel system and left HT alone.
But really I should have kept it. Of about 6 or 7 HT receivers that I have had, the Marantz was the best.

[Doublej]

A friend who used to be in the business told me that the Anthem units were spectacular but I have never heard them. He thinks they are a notch above Marantz which is his second choice.

[ElBrento2]

Thanks for all this insight.  I did not consider some of these suggestions, but will review my short list now! 

[WC]

I went and listened to the Anthem receivers and was going to get a MRX-300, but Marantz was clearing out their previous year models of AVRs so I picked up a Marantz SR-6005 instead for about half the price of the Anthem. I have been happy with the Marantz. I mainly use it to listen to 2 channel music from CDs or the computer, since the surrounds and center channel are not in their proper locations at this time. On the Anthem AVRs you are limited to 6 inputs and all the analog inputs are put into the digital domain.

[Bob in St. Louis]

First off, welcome to AC. 

Second, do you really [/i]want[/i] to spend $1500, or are you willing to spend less?
My buddy Matt (a dealer/member here "youravhandyman") directed me to a unit that I just bought the other day. (I should get it by the end of the week).

The list of features are amazing:
- 7.2 (yes, the ".2" handles two sub channels)
- THX Select2+ certified
- Network/WiFi capable with remote Android/iPhone control with Cloud streaming
- Audyssey DSX (room correction)
- Pandora
- 3D
- 8 HDMI inputs

By the way, I spent a third of your target dollar amount for all those features. 

[ElBrento2]

If the quality and feature set match, I am happy to reduce my budget.  You mentioned specs, but not the brand or model.  I'm interseted.

[Doublej]

WC- Where did you get your Marantz?
Bob - What did you get?

[Bob in St. Louis]

You mentioned specs, but not the brand or model.  I'm interseted.

Sorry, that would have been helpful. 

The two "finalists" in my receiver search turned out to be these:
Yamaha RX-V673
Onkyo TX-NR616

In the end, I chose the Onkyo since it was THX, and it was less expensive. This, despite the less than glowing reviews of the Onkyo electronic glitches. I got it from Amazon for $350+ shipping.

One of the features I saw on some unit (not sure which one) that I was researching, is there's a "direct through" feature that shuts off all non essential electronics for purity of audio signal and less electrical interference when two channel listening. Some even had Burr-Brown internal DACs. Not bad for sub $600 AVR units. 

Bob

[WC]

WC- Where did you get your Marantz?
Bob - What did you get?

I bought it in August of 2011 from Amazon. It was actually from an Amazon Reseller. Can't remember which one right now. The big brands release most of their AVRs on a yearly basis and they typically clear them out during the summer before they announce new year models at CEDIA in the fall. It normally sold for $899, but they had marked it down to $550.

[kenreau]

Fwiw, I'm currently using separates (Integra (Onkyo) HT Preamp plus separate Amp), but wanted to share my opinion that the Audyssey DSP (room eq/correction) system is my most valued feature.  So much so that I would gladly spend up +/-$500 to get the best Audyssey version that works within your budget.  I think they are up to an XT32 version now.  Not sure which version is offered on current HTRs, but I would imagine it varies on price points. 

The sound quality improvement Audyssey makes in my room is very substantial.  I would guesstimate it is ~50% better with it.  I suggest you might demo 2 or 3 HTRs in your budget range and see if any offer different (better) versions of Audyssey to evaluate if they make a notable difference in your HT room.  Then, make your selection after hearing them.

Best regards
Kenreau

[adydula]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR5009/Onkyo-TX-NR5009-THX-Ultra2-Plus-3-D-9.2-Channel-Network-Receiver/1.html

I have bought several AVR's from this source....at a real savings and never had an issue with their stuff...they are authorized by the OEM.s

All the best
Alex

Note: they carry Denon, Yamaha and Marantz as well...

[pslate]

Has anyone heard the latest Pioneer units? Especially any of the new elite models? Please pardon the hijacking. Is MCACC at all comparable to Audyssey?

[Doublej]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR5009/Onkyo-TX-NR5009-THX-Ultra2-Plus-3-D-9.2-Channel-Network-Receiver/1.html

I have bought several AVR's from this source....at a real savings and never had an issue with their stuff...they are authorized by the OEM.s

All the best
Alex

Note: they carry Denon, Yamaha and Marantz as well...

I've never seen Yamaha there but have seen lots of Denon, Onkyo and Marantz.

[steveoat]

Anything new on the horizon for 2013?

[marsjx]

ShopOnkyo has some great deals on onkyo receivers from time to time with full year warranty. Being part of their club give syou better prices and coupons. I have bought two receivers from them (809 and 805) and have not had any issues even though the 805s were known to overheat and fry the hdmi boards.

Val