New receiver

[jpendley]

Hello all,

Having just received my VT speakers, and STF-2 sub, I'm about to spring for my 1st AV receiver. I thought I'd narrowed it down to the Onkyo 502 but find that I can spring for a unit with more bells and whistles. I realize that every buck spent might or might not bring a comsenerate upgrade in value received, but I'm going to buy a receiver I can grow into. Right now, I'm thinking about two, one of which has THX Select and one of which does not. That's not the only difference, of course, but would THX be a deal breaker for those of you who have experience it?

Thanks,
John

"Once down is no battle."

[menglish]

I have had the Onkyo TX-NR 801 for about a year now. Great A/V receiver...lots of power...lots of bells and whistles...fairly future-proof. The only complaints I have are that it doesn't have composite-to-component video upconversion and it's a BEAST...37.1 lbs.
Enjoy,
ME

[jpendley]

I have had the Onkyo TX-NR 801 for about a year now. Great A/V receiver...lots of power...lots of bells and whistles...fairly future-proof. The only complaints I have are that it doesn't have composite-to-component video upconversion and it's a BEAST...37.1 lbs.
Enjoy,
ME

Thanks for the help. The Denon AVR-2805, one of the receivers I'm considering, has "Video Conversion of Composite to S-Video and/or to Component, with on-screen display," not that I understand all the implications of all that. :confused: I'm really a novice at all this, having spent my audio life listening to stereo music reproduction.

John

[judgeblast]

John "The Denon AVR-2805, one of the receivers I'm considering"

I just did all the research & bought a Denon AVR-3805 for $995 localy.
Crutchfield wanted $1199 & their are a bunch of unlicenced scammers on EBAY.

The next best pick on my list was the 2805 it's autoset-up feature & other cool things are reviewed at soundandvisionmag.com check out the 3805 review there also.
Good luck, I have also recently bought a VTF3-MKIIR.
Roy

[Rob Babcock]

The video conversion feature is pretty cool- the main advantage of that is that you need only connect one set of video cables to your TV/monitor. In my older Denon, I have to run both a component & S-vid cable out, which is a PITA since I use a ceiling mounted FPTV. That means instead of just a 25' component running on the ceiling, I also need a 25' S-vid. And I have to switch inputs on the PJ when I want to watch the VCR. Not a deal breaker, but a bit cumbersome.

[Yank]

i would recommend the Pioneer vsk-1014 tx....it's THX certified,has up-conversion to component video,on screen display,auto and manual set up,great learning remote which now controls my whole audio-video system...sounds fantastic and very easy to use...got it online for app $400...i dont think there's a reciever out there for the money that can even come close to this 7.1 beauty!!!

[MacG]

I just got a Denon 3805 and it's loaded with features. Being new to this, I'm still trying to learn of it's capabilities. It's little brother, the Denon 2805 has basically the same features except it's less powerful at 100W/channel vs 120W/channel on the 3805. Plus the 3805 has a cooler remote and more zones. Other than that the 2805 is pretty close to the 3805 for a lot less money. Be careful when purchasing from unathurized dealers. You don't get the 2 year manufacturer's warranty, but get the unit at a much cheaper price. You weigh the risk.

[TexAgg]

I usually buy stuff online to avoid tax, is there a good place you can get one of these online, or is it better to find a store.... I live in San Antonio TX, so not sure where I fould find one here for a good deal.

Thanks

[gr1m]

i would recommend the Pioneer vsk-1014 tx....it's THX certified,has up-conversion to component video,on screen display,auto and manual set up,great learning remote which now controls my whole audio-video system...sounds fantastic and very easy to use...got it online for app $400...i dont think there's a reciever out there for the money that can even come close to this 7.1 beauty!!!

I second the Pio 1014. if you can wait another 3months, the 1015 will be out. this 1014 has a very accurate MCACC auto-calibration feature should you decide not to get an avia disc + a ratshack meter and is rated and reviewed at 115w per channel x 5-channels drive. Yanks is right, it blows away anything in its price range and a few others several hundred $$ more

[BradyLackey]

I second the Pio 1014. if you can wait another 3months, the 1015 will be out. this 1014 has a very accurate MCACC auto-calibration feature should you decide not to get an avia disc + a ratshack meter and is rated and reviewed at 115w per channel x 5-channels drive. Yanks is right, it blows away anything in its price range and a few others several hundred $$ more

I think the Pioneer is not nearly as good as the Denon with all it's features, clean sound and QUALITY.

[gr1m]

I think the Pioneer is not nearly as good as the Denon with all it's features, clean sound and QUALITY.

brady, which denon model and @ what price point? the 2805, 3805? 3805 i don't doubt it... :D

[hifi_homeboy]

The Onkyo is one of the easiest ones to operate along w/ Harman Kardon receivers. I highly recommend one of these two.

I own the 503 and I did not even need to read the operators manual to know how to operate the unit or the remote. Good option and tweek settings from the 503. Get one and you will be on your sofa,blasting the speakers and enjoyng a dvd movie before you know it.