Help me choose friends. Onkyo 601, yamaha 1400, denon 2803..

shaolin95 · « **on:** 24 Jan 2004, 08:39 pm »

Hi!
I need a receiver for my Home THeater Direct Level 3 towers and I narrowed the search to the following list. Best sound is my biggest concern so bells and whistles come second as those input connection quantity and quality.
Onkyo TX-SR601
Denon 2803
Yamaha RX-V1400
HK230
Panasonic sr45 (the one with digital amps)
Most are in the $500 range minus the Panny wich is cheaper. Please recommend.
Regards

jjb · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 08:47 pm »

Save or Spend a bit more at look at the Marantz A/V line, their built like tanks with exceptional sonic quality.

shaolin95 · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 10:14 pm »

Any recommended models? How much more they cost cause I am already going over board with the $500 range since I was going for $300 first. Any comments about the ones in my list?
Regards

jackman · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 10:32 pm »

I have only heard the Panasonic. It sounds pretty darn good for $300.

Tyson · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jan 2004, 11:13 pm »

Panasonic sr45 (the one with digital amps) with a bybee on the digital input and a better power cord.

shaolin95 · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Jan 2004, 12:06 am »

First of all thanks for the responses! Second about the pany 45 and those mods...can you tell me more about it? Will the mods make it sound on par with the other models listed above?

ONE BIG QUESTION:

Can I really expect the SA-XR25 to compete with and Onkyo 601, Denon 2803 or Yamaha v1400 at basically half the price? I want the best one sounding of my list so please let me know. Modding is only I dont think will be easy for me to do so base your comparisons on the stock version.
Regards

audioaffliction · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jan 2004, 03:21 am »

I think it depends on what you're using the receiver for. If you need it to do music and HT, then the Marantz is probably the way to go. I don't know about the Panasonics with the digital amps, because I haven't heard them. If this is for a pure HT-only environment, then I'd look very closely at the Yamaha 1400. I have one for my HT and find that it's an exceptional value (wouldn't go anywhere near it for music, though).

chino · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Jan 2004, 04:59 pm »

Hi sorry to bump in... saw this thread. Im also planning to get an av receiver to replace my denon. Strictly for HT tho. So far I have in mind this Pioneer Elite VSX-53TX. On-Screen display through component video is what Im after since I hook everything up thru comp video. Anything similar or better than this about the same price range or less

?

duff138 · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Jan 2004, 05:14 pm »

i'm "borrowing" a panasonic xr25 from Circuit City just to hear one after reading all about the xr45. You should definitely give the xr45 a listen before you make a decision. even stock, the xr25 thing sounds suprisingly good. i wish i need a new receiver.

shaolin95 · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Jan 2004, 07:07 pm »

duff, what do you compare the xr45 to? Any of the list I mentioned before?
I asked the guy who did the Onkyo 601 review at audioholics and between the Denon 2803, onkyo 601, Yamaha 1400, Pany XR45, he told me that he would buy the yamaha 1400.
Now I also hear good things about HK like the HK230 but the comments about a Marantz for both music and ht to be the best make me curious. What models are in the $500 range (marantz)?
Also, is the yamaha 1400 so bad for music compare to the others in my list?
regards

audioaffliction · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Jan 2004, 06:14 am »

Quote from: shaolin95

Also, is the yamaha 1400 so bad for music compare to the others in my list?
regards

Well, I suppose it isn't all that bad for music and I guess a lot will depend on your source and the speakers you pair the receiver with. The thing about the Yamaha is that it is very clear, detailed and forward. In many cases, these traits will sound "bright". I consider these characteristics quite desirable in a receiver that will be used exclusively for home theater. The warmer, more laid back receivers like the Marantz, Harman/Kardons and, to a certain extent, the Pioneer Elites, tend to be better for music listening. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that these receivers don't do home theater well--they just offer a more even balance of home theater and music performance. Onkyos have always sounded neither here nor there to me--solid performers that usually prove very reliable, if a bit uninspiring.

If your receiver is going to do double duty for BOTH home theater and music, then I suggest you look at something other than the Yamaha. But as usual, try to listen before you buy. One more word of caution...if you seriously consider the Marantz receivers, make sure you give it enough room to "breathe" in your rack, as they tend to run quite a bit hotter than the other receivers on your list. Good luck.

Eric Teeter · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 07:05 pm »

Quote from: Tyson

Panasonic sr45 (the one with digital amps) with a bybee on the digital input and a better power cord.

New to all this so please indulge me and explain what a "bybee" is and how do you go about doing it. And how do you upgrade to a better power cord.

drunkonjack · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Feb 2004, 03:17 pm »

I own the pioneer elite 53tx Does excellent job with movies and it also is so easy to set up. Has a cool mic that you plug into receiver and place the mic at the seating area and it sets distance speaker levels delays and everything. Listening to cd's this sounds very nice. A little more than your budget but if you can swing it its worth it.