Recommendations for a used AVR?

davidrs · « **on:** 9 Feb 2011, 07:12 pm »

I will be using the AVR purely (only) as a Multi-Analog In component.

- 5.1 or higher.

- 80wpc or higher.

- superior volume control.

- brands that have better competency with their amplification products, in other words, put more emphasis on amplification and isolation/separation of the analog circuit, with their AVR products.

Budget is $1K max, though I'd like to be around $500 ideally, if possible (in used prices).

Primary and essential goal is maximizing sound quality, mainly for movies.

Since the unit will be a used sample, brand/item reliability and longevity is obviously important.

Thanks.

Phil A · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 12:36 am »

I have a Marantz 7300 OSE (Original Special Edition) probably laying around somewhere (had it in the basement at one point for several years). If you're not looking for HDMI and find one used locally check it out. It was $1.3k list - has an all copper chassis and is first rate over analog. Not a small receiver thought. I'd think it could easily be had below $500. It is built like a tank.

http://hometheater.about.com/cs/audiocomponents/gr/aasr7300osea.htm

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/a-v-receivers/marantz/sr7300ose/PRD_143784_2718crx.aspx

Phil A · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 12:45 am »

This is probably another good one - http://www.dealtime.com/Marantz-SR-18EX/prices

oldmp3 · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 01:38 am »

Harman Kardon AVR 645 on the HK Ebay store:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-645-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI-/180620844731?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2a0dd75ebb

Phil A · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 03:19 am »

Just a warning - Harman International in general has had some problems (not confined to the Harman Kardon brand or just quality - the company had financial issues and was sold to investment bankers but the sale fell through). I realize they have a following but I personally avoid anything they make like the plague. So just do some research on anything you might consider for similar issues - http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-645-Receiver/product-reviews/B000E7GDTG

morganc · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 03:57 am »

I have an Arcam 280 and it is great. There are a few 350's available on A'gon at your price point. The 350 has a larger amp than the 280 and has pre-outs for an external amp, otherwise it is identical to what I have. Sound quality and reliability has been great so far for the last 3-4 years.

Phil A · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 04:21 am »

Don't forget the Trading Post here - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=138.0

There's also places like accessories4less.com which is authorized Onkyo and Marantz and sells refurbs and you can get an extended warranty from an independent company - Warrantech.

I recently bought a refurb Onkyo 1000 for the secondary basement system and on my recommendation a friend bought a Marantz 5003 (I have a 6003 in the secondary bedroom system) and he is very happy with it.

There's plenty of good choices at your price point.

davidrs · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Feb 2011, 10:06 pm »

Phil, Morganc & Oldmp3 -- Thanks for your recomendations.

I've always liked the Marantz 'sound' so I see it as being strong possibility.

I don't have prior experience with Arcam, having just read up on the 350, it definitely fits my needs.

Keep the suggestions coming - I'm open and looking forward to trying something different.

I've had recent exposure/experience with Yamaha, Sony, & Outlaw receivers in my system.

Phil A · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 02:16 am »

If you're open to separates and get a good deal and a little luck, you can even get something decent around the upper end of your price point. For example, I recently decided for the main system to go with a separate 2-channel preamp with HT Bypass and get a more modern processor. I found an Integra DTC 9.8 on Craigslist locally for $600. They usually go for around $850. I didn't need anything beyond HDMI 1.3 (my projector is only HDMI 1.2) and it even has HD Radio. It depends on how many channels you need too. So I'd say make a list of what features you want and ones that would be nice but not deal breakers.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Feb 2011, 10:28 pm »

I've had great success, and been very happy with my Harman Kardon AVR645.

I didn't pay the MSPR of $1,600 though. I got it free because the unit I had went bad under warranty and they said the parts are unavailable. Their customer service department sent me an email asking "would it be acceptable" if they replace my faulty $999 unit with this brand new one.

Yea, that'd be fine.

Great customer service though, no complaints.

YMMV, of course.
Bob

geowak · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Feb 2011, 05:40 am »

I think the Arcam is a good choice. They and Cambridge Audio give really good amp section for an AV product. I also think that Marantz makes good products, I have a Marantz AV now. Rotel always makes good gear, and at used prices you might be able to snatch up a good one.

One more name that does not get enough credit is Yamaha. I think they make OUTSTANDING stuff as well.

The key here is to look for a product, which has a good rep, that offers the features you want, with the transformer that can deliver power for movie watching. I have found that Marantz usually does well by this.

milford3 · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 05:00 pm »

I have had the harmon/kardon AVR 645 going on almost four years now. Although dated, i.e. only two HDMI inputs, the 645 is the George Forman of AVR'S.
Only proplem so far is that the unit likes to freeze up at times. Just turn off/on the main power switch and you are back in the game. I have Axiom (M22, VP150, QS4's) speakers and the 645 drives them to the point that my two subs show weaknesses. Hope this helps.

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Mar 2011, 05:20 pm »

Along the same lines I would also ask for an opinion on the Marantz SR5005. Outlaw is selling them along with their 2 channel receiver. So I figure they think it sounds good!

It's 7.1, but also has multizone capability. You can choose both the main and the zoned speakers or just the main or just the zone speaker and select different sources to play through each set of speakers. It also uses Audyssey sophisticated EQ which is a nice touch as well.

I'm thinking about it give it a shot for my family room.

Marantz SR5005

List is $799. I've seen them used from time to time in the $500-$600 range.

Specs/info

This is serious home theater hardware. A perfect combination of brute-force, finesse and convenience, the SR5005 includes
a discrete, 100 watt x 7-channel output stage and boasts 4 HDMI 1.4 inputs and HDMI to HDMI video scaling up
to 1080p. Class-leading features, a super-shallow 14” chassis depth and exciting audio/video performance make the
SR5005 the perfect choice for discerning music and movie lovers alike.

• Dolby TrueHD/Pro Logic IIz, dts-HD Master Audio Decoder
• Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume and MultEQ Auto Calibration
•9 Band EQ, -20dB - +6dB
• HDMI (v1.4a) Repeating: 4-In/1-Out w/ CEC, ARC, HDMI In Stand By, Auto Lip Sync, Deep Color, Standby Pass Through
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Setup
• GUI through HDMI out
• 7.1 Channel Preouts
• Front USB input for digital iPod Connection
• Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmission Capability

• M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
• 2nd Zone Analog audio output
• Anchor Bay 10-bit Video Processing/Scaling
• SIRIUS Ready
• Bi-Amp Drive Capability for Front L/R
• RS-232C, DC Trigger out, Flasher In
• Software Upgradable

Anand.

milford3 · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Mar 2011, 03:02 pm »

Can not go wrong with the Marantz SR5005. I owned a Marantz amp back in the 1970's.

davidrs · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Mar 2011, 03:31 pm »

Anand,

I'd check in with Phil A. He has quite a bit of experience with Marantz, and with their AVRs.

I've had a couple of their products (not the AVRs though) and was very happy with the performance to price ratio. Those values are very high, in my opinion, and especially so at the lower/middle of Marantz's product range.

- David.

Ryanz · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Mar 2011, 03:04 am »

I've had HK, Denon, Onkyo, Sony, Yamaha and Rotel AVR's and Rotel flat out is the best within a reasonable price point.

satfrat · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Mar 2011, 05:32 am »

Quote from: davidrs on 12 Mar 2011, 03:31 pm

Anand,

I'd check in with Phil A. He has quite a bit of experience with Marantz, and with their AVRs.

I've had a couple of their products (not the AVRs though) and was very happy with the performance to price ratio. Those values are very high, in my opinion, and especially so at the lower/middle of Marantz's product range.

- David.

Marantz SR5005 , factory refurbished on EBAY for 499.

Cheers,
Robin

yamaha626 · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Mar 2011, 01:37 am »

pm sent

Phil A · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Mar 2011, 01:41 am »

Quote from: satfrat on 16 Mar 2011, 05:32 am

Marantz SR5005 , factory refurbished on EBAY for 499.

Cheers,
Robin

It's also that price at Accessories4Less - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5005A/MARANTZ/SR5005-100w-X-7ch-3-D-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Mar 2011, 02:19 am »

Quote from: Phil A on 18 Mar 2011, 01:41 am

It's also that price at Accessories4Less - http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5005A/MARANTZ/SR5005-100w-X-7ch-3-D-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

Thanks for the links fellas. In fact that beats One Call's Open Box sale.

Anand.