Need a new A/V receiver
 

Long story, but cable company got hit by lightning. Blew up my integra 8.2 receiver. So now I have to find something that would be a good replacement. Here is what I think I need:

Something around $2K
Has 7 channel amplification ~130watts/ch
Composite video upconversion
A reasonable number of digital and analog inputs
At least one other zone with independent vol adjustment
Phono input
Component outputs and inputs.
I don't care about HMDI since my projector doesn't handle it, but compatibility with HD formats would be very desirable.

Any suggestions? I am going nuts trying to sort out all of the options.

I am staying away from anything Sony due to an old beef about their DRM etc.

I would take the question to AVSforum.com. There are so many good AVR out these days.

Michael

^ word. AVS forums is the Pelicanparts for audio/video discussion.

You should also disclose your speakers brand and ohm rating. Also the type of sound you prefer. ie, whether a brighter, neutral, or darker sound. Some receiver/amps match up better with certain speakers.

I used to visit audioreview.com and read some others opinons. The site was sometimes helpful.

I've always had separates, a dedicated power amp with a A/V tuner or receiver. More power! :)

Terry.

What seperates are you using? I am using Anthem, and currently looking for new speakers.

Michael

The Pioneer Elite line is worth looking into. I believe you can fill your requirements for about $ 1,200.00.

Hi Michael, Currently running an older ATI-1504 power amp that I bridged supplying ~900W per channel into a pair of PSB Stratus Silver-i tower speakers. I do a lot of stereo listening and while the power here may be overboard, it makes these speakers sing sweetly.

Using a Yamaha RX-V3200, 125W per channel, as the tuner and amp for the rest of surround system and cross over in two subwoofers, an SVS and HSU.

Most of my stuff is several years old now and still sounding pretty good. A lot of audio components get better with age... wish I did. :)

Heard good things about Anthem. They are very popular amps.

Terry,

900 watts that is a lot. I have never heard the PSB speakers.

If you are looking for a new SVS I have a Plus/2 in Piano Black that I would sell for $900.

Coincidently, your sub has about 900w too. I would buy it in a heart beat if I was shopping for a sub as it would match my PSB's which are piano black also. Probably would sell quick on audiogon.com

The PSB speakers are 4 ohm, hence the 150w amp bridged becomes 450w and 450w@8ohms becomes nearly 900w@4ohms.

My speakers are NHT's 2.5s for the Front. The Center is a NHT (not sure of the model right now. The four surround speakers are Mirage Omnis. I have an NHT powered sub. I tend to like a brighter sound set up.

I loved the integra 8.2 it was a nice piece. I could actually probably use it as a power amp since the amp section seems intact.

I'll take a look at the recommended forums. Audio is such a drag since there are so many options, and many many opinions. I have found that there is a tendency among the high end crowd to spout pure BS or use a different set of laws of physics than the rest of the world.

Thanks for the suggestions. Its good to get an idea of how others have made out.

Island, I had the NHT Vt-2 for 10 years, they make a great speaker.

I would recommend something with a little extra power, as the NHT aren't the most efficent speakers out there.

Michael

The problem with most A/V receivers is they grossly over-rate their amp capabilities. They quote watts per channel, but very few state their ratings with "all channels driven". In other words, they rate their power on each amp separately, but not together where it would become a burden on the power supply. The real problem is there is no industry standard for rating amps and some manufacturers take advantage of that very thing.

Arcam Solo

+1 on Arcam stuff, but the Solo isn't cut out for HT duty.

The AVR350 is the one to look at if you want an all-in-one HT box.

Other do-it-all receivers to consider in your price range:

Marantz SR8001
Adcom GFR-700
Denon AVR-4306
Pioneer (Elite) VSX 84TXSi
Yamaha RX-V2700

SmileWavy

Check www.outlawaudio.com, I have several of their receivers (1050 and 1070), worth it to take a look.

Also I second www.avsforum.com, just take some of the opinions with a grain of salt, not my idea of fun to buy speaker cable (or power cables) at $1,000/foot ( :) )

1+ on the $1,000 per foot cables. i read a review of optical cables once. They talked about how one particular cable sounded so much sweeter that the others. it was about $1k for a 3 foot cable. What a joke. Anybody who knows basic physics knows that for digital transmission at the data rates they used in an audio system the whole issue is just stupid.