stogie1020

I need a new receiver.

OK, I WANT a new receiver. I currently have a Yamaha RX-V596, which I have had for many years, and love it (in that it has never let me down, broken, failed, hiccuped, nothing) so I guess I am a bit partial to Yamaha. Unfortunately, I have no HDMI on my receiver...

My needs:

5.1 (I only have 5 speakers+sub) although 7.1 or 7.2 wouldn't hurt, I just wouldn't spend extra JUST for it, but I realize most newer receivers will have 7.1 so I am OK with that.

At least 95-100 watts per channel. Preferably 100+. Speakers are Phase Technology Teatro 4.5s (x4), Phase Tech Teatro center (model with the aim-able middle tweeter) and a B+W ASW1200 sub.

I anticipate needing HDMI x4 for HTPC (to be built) PopcornHour, BluRay and Cable DVR.

I don't have a separate preamp or amp.

So... Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Walmart? Budget is around $1500 or less from an authorized dealer (B+M or Interweb). If I don't need to spend it all, I don't feel like I need to just to have a higher level receiver. I don't suspend my speaker wire 12 inches off the ground from concrete blocks...

Sarlacc

I bought my Yamaha 2 years ago and have been VERY happy with it.

I have 3 HDMI, HD audio codec decoding for the new BR/HD formats.

I NEED (want) new speakers...have for some time...will have to keep waiting.

I'd say keep with Yamaha, for the price you're looking to pay you'll get a great component.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

I believe Sarlacc and I have the same receiver, and my advice is similar. I like my Yamaha and it's ease of setup compared to some other major brands. Plus the sounds is pretty crisp compared to my old equipment. The mircophone speaker tuning thing is pretty cool too.

stogie1020

Thanks guys. Which model do you gents have?

Yeah YPAO is a nice feature I am potentially looking forward to.

My only concern with the Yamahas is that I have a very harsh sounding room (lots of laminate floor and high ceilings, and the Yamahas tend to be a bit on high side...

It would be a real pain in the ass to try out one of each in my house and return them to Amazon within 30 days if i didn't like...

Anyone with Marantz? Denon? Onkyo?

Sarlacc

I have the 1800 and I know Scrib does, too.

And in your price range and with 2 year newer models out I know there is something that fits exactly what you want in their line up.

litesout

I've got a Denon 2809ci and its fantastic. I can't say enough good things about it. If you can find one, I'd go with it. There was a lot of criticism on the AVS Forum over the 2010 models, so I'd check there before looking at one. Audyssey MultiEQ XT made a noticiable difference in my living room. I too have high vaulted ceilings. Currently I have carpet, but that's going to change before too long. It even seems to have corrected for my less than ideal front speaker placement. And the output would be more than sufficient for your set up.

Scrib

Yes, I do.

csmeance

my onkyo has been a hit and a miss, sounds great, awesome features, etc. However it took a ROYAL DUMP on me 2 weeks ago and I had to drive it over to tampa (3 hr drive each way) in order to get it to them before the warranty expired. They are still working on fixing it... Yay!

stogie1020

<-------- Crosses Onkyo off list...

Hopefully yours was just an isolated problem and will be fixed soon, but Onkyo was a brand I never payed much attention to, so it was already at the bottom of my list.

csmeance

they had 10 others there waiting to be fixed for some reason... I say go with denon, I haven't heard many bad things about them, also Yamaha is a great company!

litesout

One of the biggest concerns that most people overlook is heat. The Onkyos run extremely hot. Its a problem that they have across their entire line. If you're looking to put it in any kind of enclosed area or stack other equipment on top of it (DVD player, cable box, etc) then you really should reconsider. The Denons run much, much cooler. That was a consideration of mine when I selected it as mine is in a full enclosed space in my entertainment center. Even with the door closed it never gets all that hot.

doopstr

FWIW, less heat = lower electric bill.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

I have an Onkyo and love it. It has never given me any problems or anything like that.

csmeance

I called up the service center, it's going to be at least another week, the main circuit board is on order with onkyo and it's on "nationwide back-order." The tech said that a portion of the board had melted and burned, thus causing failure. The odd thing is that I never smelled anything burning...