Thoughts on ~$300 Receiver?

[Marc_G 95]

Hi folks,

 

I'm still rocking my circa 2005 Onkyo SR603 receiver. Pre-HDMI, using optical inputs. 

 

It's time to move on to something with HDMI inputs. I would need at least three inputs (from HTPC presumably HDMI, from smart TV [optical], and another HDMI input from something like a Roku).

 

Any recommendations on a 7.1 (or 7.2) system that would handle my basic needs? I'm not an audiophile but I like that my SR603 converts DTS into pseudo 7.1... simulates a rear channel.

 

At the moment my HTPC is an older model with sound coming via digital optical so I haven't been ripping full HD audio, but I might in the future.

 

I would appreciate any input. I've had my eye to some extent on the Sony  Model: STRDH770 SKU: 4914601

unit here on sale for about $200:

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-1015w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/4914601.p?skuId=4914601

 

Thanks

 

Marc

[Jdiesel 1431]

In terms of an upgrade I don't think you can go wrong with any recent receiver as far as features go. As for the Sony, I've never been a bit fan. I much prefer Denon or Marantz recievers for the far supieror, IMO, Audyssey room correction. A bit more than $300 but this looks nice:

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/denon-1155w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/4895904.p?skuId=4895904

 

Others swear by Accesories4Less, I don't have any experience with them as I am Canadian but a quick search found this:

 

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs710w/denon-avr-s710w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

[Marc_G 95]

Thanks for the great links. The Denon 720 looks superb... Maybe I can flex and the budget :-) to cover it.

 

Any other thoughts from folks? I may order something tonight while cyber Monday promotions still in effect!

[mastrmind11 722]

Agree completely w/ @@Jdiesel, you can't go wrong w/ Denon or Marantz (I prefer the latter), so just pick one in your budget. 

[Guest asrequested]

Stay far away from Sony. Pioneer has just come out with a cheaper range of their elite receivers.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DMW92ZG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480348203&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=pioneer+elite+receiver&dpPl=1&dpID=41iQjJ5MW-L&ref=plSrch

[ebr 16169]

I have used Pioneer Elite for a long time so can't really compare them to anything else but am happy with the results.

 

I would say to be sure and choose one that can pass 4k.  You may not care now but, based on how long you kept the last one, you should future proof yourself.

[Marc_G 95]

Thanks to all who participated. I wound up buying the Denon s720W since it was on a good sale and appears to meet all my needs. Won't get it hooked up until Xmas but looking forward to playing with it!

[fredg89 8]

ETA: Nvm, they already linked you to what I was going to link you to.

Edited November 30, 2016 by fredg89

[pir8radio 1312]

Thanks to all who participated. I wound up buying the Denon s720W since it was on a good sale and appears to meet all my needs. Won't get it hooked up until Xmas but looking forward to playing with it!

 

 

Good call, I had that same sony receiver it sucked...Clunky menus that looked like a 4 bit game, crappy front display (didn't tell you anything useful) and it didn't support ATMOS. Plus sony hardly ever releases any kind of receiver firmware. I took it back and bought a Denon.  You will like that receiver!  I'm now a fan of Denon for sure, Much better onscreen menus, way better auto setup features (with the external mic), the front panel display shows all kinds of good (useful) "stuff", plus Denon keeps up with their firmware, and releases new features in their firmware so you don't feel like the receiver is just getting old...   

Edited November 30, 2016 by pir8radio

[Marc_G 95]

Thanks again guys! It's good to get confirmation I made a good choice!  I always get such great support in this forum.

[Heckler 147]

Hi folks,

 

I'm still rocking my circa 2005 Onkyo SR603 receiver. Pre-HDMI, using optical inputs. 

 

It's time to move on to something with HDMI inputs. I would need at least three inputs (from HTPC presumably HDMI, from smart TV [optical], and another HDMI input from something like a Roku).

 

Any recommendations on a 7.1 (or 7.2) system that would handle my basic needs? I'm not an audiophile but I like that my SR603 converts DTS into pseudo 7.1... simulates a rear channel.

 

At the moment my HTPC is an older model with sound coming via digital optical so I haven't been ripping full HD audio, but I might in the future.

 

I would appreciate any input. I've had my eye to some extent on the Sony  Model: STRDH770 SKU: 4914601

unit here on sale for about $200:

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-1015w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/4914601.p?skuId=4914601

 

Thanks

 

Marc

 

 

Welcome to the club.... I'm still rocking a 2000 Yamaha DSP A5  (5.1) along with a mix of JBL Control 1's, 5s and a kenwood centre & Yamaha Sub.... Still going strong after 16yrs.

 

But the system in my office is on it's last legs and I was thinking of replacing the lounge system with a more modern 7.1 system (with HDMI) and moving the old Yamaha up to the office so I can have my 5.1 sound back (currently only 3.1 as the rears have failed on that amp).

 

I've been trawling ebay for a while looking for something second hand... mostly keeping an eye out for collection only auctions within 20-30 miles of one of my locations... but also a decent bargain with reasonable delivery.

 

Missed out on a Sony system earlier today by £1... but have a couple more ending on Monday & Tuesday that are both in my town and collection only auctions... currently sitting at just a few pounds. One a Pioneer and the other a Yamaha.

 

So fingers crossed I'll be getting an upgrade soon too.

 

Also looking for anything with minor faults, as a friend of the family is a bit of an electrical genius, he retired last year after 30yrs in the electronics industry and can fix just about anything if all it needs is a replacement part or a re-soldered joint. He's just fixed a 32" Samsung TV that I'm now using as a second monitor in my office... Just for watching stuff through emby in the browser... total cost... 99p for the TV and £12 for the part and 45 mins work.

 

So don't knock getting something used... you might find a bargain for a fraction of your budget.

 

The money I save doing that sort of thing goes in the gaming rig upgrade fund, or the need more storage for the mediaserver fund.  

[Marc_G 95]

I agree something used can be a very good buy. I've been known to visit the scratch-n-dent aisle at the store as well. Right after Christmas, many open-box deals are sure to be had at great discounts. I'm not shy about these things. :-)

[Guest asrequested]

I just sold a nearly new one of these for $150. I had only used it for 3 months

[Marc_G 95]

Wow! That's taking a bit of a loss, eh?

[mastrmind11 722]

Speaking of which, I just remembered I have a Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV w/ all the accessories (remote, manual, etc) in mint condition sitting in my basement closet doing nothing, if anyone wants it.  $250 + shipping from NY.  Figure about 40lbs in your shipping calculations.  PM me if interested.

Edited December 2, 2016 by mastrmind11

[mgworek 134]

In terms of an upgrade I don't think you can go wrong with any recent receiver as far as features go. As for the Sony, I've never been a bit fan. I much prefer Denon or Marantz recievers for the far supieror, IMO, Audyssey room correction. A bit more than $300 but this looks nice:

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/denon-1155w-7-2-ch-4k-ultra-hd-and-3d-pass-through-a-v-home-theater-receiver-black/4895904.p?skuId=4895904

 

Others swear by Accesories4Less, I don't have any experience with them as I am Canadian but a quick search found this:

 

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs710w/denon-avr-s710w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

 

 

Thanks for linking accessories4less. My living room receiver went up in smoke last week. I need 2 new receivers one for living room and one for bedroom. Cant afford either right now but getting a refurb from there and using in the living room until i can afford a new one and then moving the refurb into the bedroom sounds like a perfect plan.