Ask Engadget HD: What's the best mid-range AV receiver?
By Darren Murph 
posted Feb 11th 2009 7:00PM
posted Feb 11th 2009 7:00PM
"My old receiver is starting to crap out on me and I'm looking to replace it soon. I don't know a lot about receivers but I'm looking at something in the $500 to $700 range. Any suggestions?"
Like we said, brief and beautiful, and tons of wiggle room. Show this guy what kind of knowledge you've got, and make sure you point him out a solid deal, too.
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pioneer 1018
The Pioneer VSX-1018AH is missing DTS-MA decoding, which most newer blu-rays use. Then again, your BD player may decode these already.
Ooops. It's not clear if it has DTS-HD MA or just DTS-HD.
I just did a review of the harman/kardon AVR 254, which I quite like.
http://www.michaelsmith.tv/2009/02/11/review-im-enjoying-the-harmankardon-avr254/
Actually, the complete model number for the Pioneer unit is the VSX-1018AH-K and it DOES decode DTS-HD MA. This top of the line receiver is the only non-Elite receiver worth buying simply because it is the only one that features both audio and video HDMI switching. The remainder of the line only features video switching thru the HDMI port.
Throw in all of the other top of the line codecs, MCACC speaker calibration that is second to none and 130w x 7 at .05% THD and you've got a terrific receiver that will handle pretty much anything you want it to at a price that won't break the bank.
Well, you have to look at the Onkyos in that range. TX-SR706 and TX-SR806 are $550 and $620 at Amazon.
I'm partial to Denon, but to get equivalent features you have to spend rather a bit more with Denon (AVR-2309 ($850), although maybe the AVR-1909 ($650) will do).
I have the Onkyo TX-SA806 and I really like it. I got mine for under $600. Why I got over some of the lower end Onkyo Receivers and other Brands, is I like the Large Cover on the front to hide all the buttons and whatnot while the lower end ones are all out there, but a huge plus was the 5 HDMI In ports!!! So many only have 2 maybe 3 at most, this one has 5 in this price range. I'm currently using 4 of the HDMI ports and a S-Video connection and all going to my HDTV using a single HDMI cable!!! It's a THX Ultra 2 receiver, and supports DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD and many, many other features. It replaced my Pioneer Elite Receiver which worked great, but I wanted the HDMI switching Capabilities. I can bitstream to it from my Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray player and Toshiba HD-A35 HD DVD player.
I like being able to put whatever name I want for each Input so I can have it say Comcast TV or Blu-Ray, or TIVO, etc. I've had ZERO problems with it. Sounds great with my Klipsch Speakers.
Onkyo TX SR-606, which you should be able to get for under $500. Its got all the TrueHD, DTS- HD MA, 4 HDMI inputs, Audessey set up, 7.1, and has a second zone. Bang for the buck. I don't have a ton to compare it with, an older Yamaha and a new Samsung and this blows them out of the water. The sound is amazing and the Audessey is key for a proper set up. Most professional reviewers (cnet, etc) give it high ratings for value.
Just picked one of these up @ Circuit City for $375 since they're going out of business. I'm extremely happy with it. I wanted to get the 706, but couldn't justify spending $200 more for those extra perks it had over it. RIP Circuit City
I'm looking to upgrade in this price range as well and I think i'm going to go for the Onkyo 706 or 806. They have 4 or 5 hdmi ins, offer DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD decoding, and both are THX (select for 706 and ultra2 for 806) certified. I know it's kind of a laughable stamp these days but I really do like the THX Cinema Re-EQ which tames some of that high end treble on movie soundtracks. I haven't experienced it myself but I'm also looking forward to Audessy Dynamic EQ to fill out the sound at lower volumes. You can get the 806 for just over $600 and the 706 is a little under if you shop around online.
sony 820 goes for about $350 770 watts 110x7
stay as far away from sony as you can. Their audio is horrendous. The Denon 1909 is a perfect choice. simple to use, fully functional and excellent quality. Pioneer makes a decent receiver but it takes a lot of in depth tuning to fully utilize it. They arent the easiest to setup.
Oh dear... Sony? They don't do Audio really might as well buy a couple of PC speakers and use them on your iPod. First AV receiver I owned was a Sony, horrible, traded it in within a week for an Onkyo. Recently made the same mistake again... absolutely horrible. Got a Denon 2805 instead and never looked back.
forget about Sony they have a dynamic range that starts at about 200hz and cuts of at 10.000 and still manages to sound flatter then a pancake in that range. horrible horrible horrible...
Harmon/Kardon AVR-254 OR 347. They give you a lot of bang for your buck. Plenty of power and inputs (3 HDMI) plus they look really good to. That's my opinion on a great receiver.
These H/Ks are plagued with problems. Completely unreliable. However, they do sound great.
Check out the AVS forums for details regarding these...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15642618
I'd recommend a Denon. The 2809ci/989 if you have the means, or a 2309ci/889 for a little less. I just got the 2809, and it has everything, except THX. 4/1 hdmi, DD HD, DTS MA, lots of power, etc...
Pioneer VSX-9130 fits the bill
If you can't find a discounted or refurbished Denon AVR-2309CI or a special on the AVR-889 (the first is the 'pro' series, the 2nd is found in more stores), then I'd say the Denon AVR-1909 is a really good choice.
The amps on Denons always sound great, so "90" watts per channel is a lot more reliable predictor than the swelled estimates often used elsewhere. It up-converts (transcodes) analog signals to HDMI. Handles all the new high resolution audio formats for Blu-Ray -- Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD Master Audio (via the HDMI cable). If you have an older Super Audio / DVD-Audio player, it has the 8 analog inputs.
The remote does a lot, but like most receiver remotes basically sucks, so they assume you're probably using a universal remote.
If you run 2nd zone audio for another room (or via a system of volume controls / speaker selectors for other rooms), mid-level Denons are great and very flexible. The built-in 'amp' for "2nd zone" just re-assigns 2 of the surround speakers, so if you want full 7.1, it's necessary to use a separate amp for zone 2 / 3.
It does have a full set of surround sound pre-outs, so if you want to use external amps for surround sound, then this isn't right for you, but usually in this price range that's not what people are looking for.
MSRP of $649, can be found for less.
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4241.asp
On the other hand, most receivers by the majors (Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, Harmon-Kardon, Sony even) in this price range are pretty darn good and a lot of the differences often come down to preference. You can often hear differences, but some people find them much more differentiated than others.
They all do a phenomenal amount to make life & viewing easier for the whole family too, making switching sources very easy because all inputs go to the receiver and then just 1 HDMI (or component video set) has to go to the TV.
I just picked up a Denon 2808CI on a closeout for $699. I'll tell you what, it's probably as good as it gets in this price range. Every codec under the sun, great sound quality, the audessy EQ actually does work magic. You just gotta have some home theater know how to get it going the right way. It also looks classy, which is a plus.
So DENON 2808... 2809 has some more HDMI ports and some rather minor feature upgrades that aren't worth the extra cash IMHO.
I like the denon 'cause it does everything it's supposed to do without complaining. NO known video or audio issues from any device at any resolution.
Exactly, the Denons just work. You have to have the skills to set it up, but then it's smooth sailing--hassle free. And also, like you mentioned, they look great. Build quality is fantastic, and if you get something in the 28xx series or up, it's made in Japan at Denon's #1 factory, and not in China.
Harmon Kardon AVR 347. Rich, Full Sound and All the codecs plus 3 HDMI. Great Bang and Boom for the buck!
The guy mentions his receiver price range, but he doesn't mention what his current speakers are, which is an important consideration. If he needs help finding a receiver, there's a good chance he doesn't know that a $700 receiver is kinda silly if you only have $500 speakers, etc. Hopefully he has a good speaker setup already, but I thought I should point this out.
I'm going to throw my vote in for the Denon AVR-1909. Although depends on your wants/needs it might be worth it to upgrade to the AVR-2309. (10 more watts per channel, extra HDMI input.)
In that range, many reasons to go with Onkyo TX-SR806. 5 HDMI inputs and the decent
Faroudja DCDi/EDGE processor make it worth a look.
Deal: $598.46 after 5% coupon 'AFL5' @ 6ave.com.
If you plan on LISTENING to your receiver via your speakers then don't look to Onkyo. If you love looking at bullet-point lists of features online, then Onkyo's your receiver of choice.
Where's the love for the Yamaha RXV 863 or RXV 663?
They're very good. I have an older Yamaha receiver too, and I still like it a great deal. Yamaha usually has among the coolest features. They were the first (I think) to offer processing specifically to make MP3 (etc) playing devices sound better, for example.
I use Yamaha Denon and Marantz receivers in my installs. They're all very good. I was just reminding people about Yamaha as well, and I guess Marantz too now...
I'm with you.. the RX-V663 is solid. The 863 is going above the price range, but two great receivers
I'll second the Denon AVR-1909. It has 4 HDMI inputs, upconversion, has gotten great reviews. I saw it a while ago on a sale posted through TechDealDigger for just $449. Here it is - http://www.techdealdigger.com/deals/denon-avr1909-449-at-sixth-ave-electronics/5635
Unfortunately, the 1909 only has 3 HDMI inputs. Some of the others in the same price range have more, so if the # of HDMI's in is a priority and 3 aren't enough, one of the others might be better. But remote-controlled HDMI switchers are fine and really, really cheap, $50 or so.
BE CAREFUL BUYING DISCOUNT DENONS.
Denon will only honor warranties when bought through an authorized dealer (listed on the Denon site). Generally this means that you pay the Denon-suggested price, although there are some authorized dealers that discount. If they do not clear say they are authorized Denon dealers, then they are not. I believe ABT and 6th Ave are authorized.
Sell your spleen and get the Denon 2809CI.
See if you can find last year's Onkyo TX-SR805.
I've been looking at the sony STR-DA3400ES lately. The 2400 is a little less without the GUI or THX. I'm not normally a sony fan, but I was checking this unit out a Bjorn's and it sounds really great, and the interface is very slick. I like the 4 HDMI ports since I have 4 HDMI devices. PS3, Xbox360, HD-A30 and Dish DVR.
If you are anti sony the Harmon Kardon AVR 354. It's a little cleaner at full power than the Sony, but the sony is just as clean at the same levels as the HK is capable of. They both use the Faroudja DCDi upscalers which are perfectly serviceable at 1080p24.
My current reciever is a Pioneer VSX-35TX and I just don't pioneer's interfaces. Although the VSX-1018 has great specs for it's price point.
i found the Sony STR-DG910 at Circuit City for $120, good deal??
Unfortunatley, most people here are audiophiles to a certain extend meaning that they like high-quality sound. High quality sound and video is the basis/reasoning for having a high-end theatre system.
The receiver you mentioned I think does DTS and Dolby Digital which means it can handle 5.1 surround sound from regular DVDs. However, if you hook it up to a Blu-ray player or a 7.1 surround sound system, it wont be that great. You wont be able to hear the lovely loseless master audio, etc and other features provided by Blu-ray. If you aren't interested in high definition audio or video, the receiver is fine and would accompany a good CRT tv pretty well which is all you need to display all the data on a regular dvd.
Most of the receivers being recommended are around $400+ as you need a 400+ dollar receiver to use TrueHD // DTS-HD MA. With masterless audio it sounds 'just' like the theatres in theory and the 7 channels makes the sound feel more like its coming from every direction.
If you going to invest in a $300.00 blu-ray player and invest $30-40.00 per movie on blu-ray, it would be a same to limit your audio system to this 100 dollar Sony receiver. If your not playing on going blu-ray, not planning on high-def video sources and DVD is your objective, the sony player would be not-bad.
Actually, while it doesn't do DTS-HD or Dobly True HD, it does do PCM 7.1, it has 3 HDMI inputs. So right now I've got my PS3 doing the decoding and sending it as PCM to the reciever. What I wasn't sure about is because its a 2-3 year old reciever, and I'm not sure what the turnaround is on recievers (a noob in this area). Like with cell phones or computers where an older unit doesn't compare to the newer models, I was wondering if it was good deal to have bought this reciever at that price or if maybe I should've spent a little more on a newer model. The Sony 920 is the current model, though its over a year old and should be getting replaced soon.
I also need to start looking for new speakers, right now its hooked up to my old spears wich came in a Sony HTIB from like 6 years ago. Any recommendations?
I have owned several recievers, and worked in the HT industry for years and to this day I've never heard anything that compares to the sound on my Harman Kardon in the price range. To me the only thing that matters coming from my AVR is the quality of the sound. Forget all the bells and whistles, and features and consider just the quality of the sound. Features can't be benefits unless you start with the basics.
Yes, the H/Ks sound great, but what about reliability? Investigation outside of this site is key. Educate yourself so you can be properly informed before buying a receiver.
Get a Harman 347/354 or Denon 1909/2309. Stay away from Onkyo if you can. Harman provides one of the cleanest sound but only 75w/ch in case of harman AVR-354. but I still prefer my Denon 2309.
i think i am one of the first few customers to receive denon 2309 and love it. thanks to a guy i know ;)
The Onkyo 706 is probably the best reciever for the money. It has more HDMI than most and all the decoding you can use. It is also probably the easiest to setup and use and with the Audissy EQ set up system probably will sound better than most without doing maual setup. I ended up buying the Sony 3400es beacuse I got a great price on it but I would be happier with the Onkyo. Don't let sony fool you they still don't know how to make a good interface. The onscreen menu is terrible and takes for ever to use and understand. Oh and just try to input a custom label for an input without having a seizure. The letter are split in the middle so just inputing "Blu-ray" is a long ordeal.
I love my Yamaha 663, and it can be had for under $400.
For those who like the Sony's, note that Sony sells its own factory recertified / refurbished products via its own official website, and fully warranted.
For example, the ES-series STR-DA3300ES, with 3 HDMI in, and upconverting to HDMI from analog video inputs, 100W x 7... In other words, lots of useful 'features' and to the ears of some some pretty nice sounding amps (I'm not crazy about them, Sony's almost always sound compressed to me, but hey) can be had for $699.
So, regular price $999, refurb via Sony's own website, $699.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665194261&langId=-1
If you don't need or care for the upconversion from analog to HDMI or the ES-series line, you can get the STR-DG920 for $479.99 when it's normally $599.99.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665366447&langId=-1
I have had fewer product failures from factory refurbished products than I have had with brand-new products, so I'm always fine with considering them for personal use. (Though I'd never deal twice with a company which sold me a refurb / recert without telling me first.)
If it does what you need, it's a fantastic deal.
onkyos are great but some get a little hot. if you got air around em they are worth a good long look.
I have been very happy with the Denon 2809CI, http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4484.asp, available in Google product search or Pricegrabber at sites for $720 - $800, If that is too expensive, the Denon 2309, http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4527.asp, is available for $550 - $600.
I just picked up the Pioneer VSX-1018AH. It works great, but the menu is worse than an old DOS screen... Luckily, you don't have to use it often -- but you do use it if you plug in your iPod/iPhone to its USB port (which, is fantastically handy -- who needs a Sonos when you can just plug in any old HD-based iPod with all your music on it).
Seems to support all the formats you need (how many titles even use DTS-MA HD or one of the other exotic formats)...
Of course, you could go with an Onkyo -- like the 636; or one of the Yamaha's; or one of the previously mentioned Denons. Or, go with one of the Sony models -- which has the best manual and menu system of anything around.
It all depends on what you're looking for....
just bought sony STR-DG 820 few weeks ago, and i cannot say a bad word obout it. It decodes all HD formats and works perfectly with my PS3, my Bravia and AE Speaker package. Really easy to use, set up and relatively cheap (£280) when you look at the power/connectivity/HD audio support and compare it with competition. I was also thinking about getting Pioneer 1018 or Harman Kardon AVR247....
onkyo 706 is great, but the price of the 806 is closing in on the price of the 706.
I bought the 706 for work and I love it, but i think I'm going to get the 806 for home.