Which AV receiver to buy??

Warlock:

I guess I am one to talk now, since I seem to be in the same boat as you are. I am also shopping for an A/V Receiver. But I am shopping for a Harman/Kardon. Why?? I like the features/performance/price ratio that the current models in their line have. And also, I like the power that their amplifiers sections deliver (the "RMS" or "Continuous" power isn't rated that high..... but instead, they have a much lower power output, but they back it up high current capability...... and I think that high current is better than high voltage). What I am having a problem with now is that in some circles, it has been said that the reliability of their receivers are in question. And if that pans out, then I am going to take that into (A WHOLE LOT OF) consideration and consider a either a Denon AVR-2801, an Onkyo TX-DS676, or an NAD T751. But that's just me, though. I was also looking into getting an Outlaw (A/V Receiver.... not their amp........ their amp is rated higher than their receiver, so I heard) until I have read some reviews about it in "Audio Review". After doing that, I have backed off considerably.

But now, to speak in general terms, the major players in the A/V Receiver market seem to be Denon, Marantz, NAD, Onkyo and Yamaha. Any of these seems to give very good performance for the money spent. And just like "Jowillia" has said, they also seem to have a very wide dealer network. And that's going to be VERY important just in case something goes wrong and so forth.

Good luck. I hope your dilemma isn't no where as difficult as mine is going to be.

--Charles--

Warlock,
In your latest post you refer to the HK as having mor reserve power (current) than is stated. Be advised that the Denon 3300 and above, as well as the Marantz line, are all rated the same way. The reserve currents are excellent.

On that note. beware of the denon 3300. That model had a noisy fan problem. That was 1 month ago, I know they had a fix but don't know where they are on that now. Barring that, performance wise I would lean to the 3801 then 4800 then 5800. The step to the 4800 is NOT (IMO) a very radical jump in performance, the jump to the 5800 is. Good luck on the hunt.
Gerry

Hello Gerry:

In reference to the mentioning of H/K, I think that me who have mentioned them and not Warlock. With exception of the Outlaw (in my opinion) that Warlock has mention, he has listed some excellent choices. Though, I would keep my guard up about Onkyo's Integra line too. While they may not have any reliability issues to worry about, I would be careful when it comes to the speakers I would mate with this receiver (don't use it with any speakers that have a low impedance and then try to play "bass heavy" movie soundtracks at THX reference output levels..... this was said in two publications (The Perfect Vision and Widescreen Review). I am not saying for "Warlock" to eliminate Onkyo/Integras from any consideration. I'm just saying that he should be careful if he decides to go with this receiver. The Denon has a very nice line overall. Had I had a bigger room to deal with and a bigger budget as well, and if I would've REALLY wanted a Denon, I would go with the AVR-3801 as well. Of the models that is listed in their current line, the AVR-3801 looks like it's going to be the sleeper of the line (meaning, it's going to be the value model...... it offers a VERY NICE package at a VERY NICE price -- performance, features and price). From there on, I wouldn't look at the AVR-4800 either. If I really want to improve on the AVR-3801, then the next logical upgrade would be the top-of-the-line AVR-5800. The AVR-5800 is a beast.

But anyway, it was me and not "Warlock" that has made any mention of H/K at all. Just thought I bring that up anyway.

Thanks.

--Charles--

I have used the Outlaw 1050 and for the price it is very hard to beat. If you are on a budget, I would highly reccommend the Outlaw.

Charles:
Sorry for the confusion, got the names mixed up. I was originally looking at the Denon 4800 (over the 3300 as the 3801 was not out yet) and thought it was a great performance jump. Then I decided to bite the bullet and go for the big guy. After the 3801 was released, I auditioned and thought it was very much like the 4800 in performance. With a price point such as this, I would expect the 4800 to either go away or become a 4801 (3801 with more power.)

PS I compared the Lexicon DC-1 / Rotel RMB-1095 combination against the Denon 5800. I could not detect any significant (to me anyway) differance. So I elected to go new 5800 ($2700 at an authorised dealer) over the DC-1 (1500 to 1800 used on the internet, couldnt check out before purchase, and was afraid of problems) and the RMB-1075 (cheaper than RMB-1095 at #1100). Many people might say I made a bad choice, but I am glad I did.

Gerry