A/V Reciever Recommendations

Nexus

Nexus

Nexus

Soldato
Joined
13 Feb 2003
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Hello, I'm hoping I could get some advice on options for a new Home Cinema A/V Receiver.

Currently I have a Sony 5.1 Receiver, I don't have the model number to hand, but it's one of the ES models, so it's not budget. It is however now ten years old and basically there seems to be an issue with the pickups on it, so that only Stereo works and the surround channels keep dropping out. I've been wanting to replace it for a while now.

The rest of my setup is a pair of Mission floorstanders at the front, a Mission Center, a Gale Sub, a couple of small Sony speakers at the rear (which I'm looking to replace). Again I don't have model numbers, but we aren't talking about top of the line speakers that the new Receiver would be driving.

I live in a flat, but it's a new build with good sound insulation. However I still obviously wouldn't be playing it at the highest the volume will go to!

Ideally I want:

- 7.1
- Good future proofing (HDMI 1.4)
- Ability to connect an iPod/iPhone
- It will need to support the following:
PS3 - HDMI
Xbox 360 - HDMI
Sky - SCART/Optical Audio
Samsung HD TV - HDMI

- Budget - I'm willing to spend at least £600, but wouldn't really want to go over £1000 on it.


I was originally looking at another Sony. But I'm in two minds due to the fact this one broke. Obviously getting 10 years use out of it though is pretty good though I suppose really. The current sort of mid price range Sony EXs though don't seem to be getting top mark reviews from what I've seen.

Some of the Denon systems look like they have quite good features, especially in regards to connecting an iPod. I have no experience with them though.

Infact, I've not heard or used any of the systems really, so I don't know what to go for.

Can anyone suggest some recommendations?
 
Yep - Sony STR- DA2400 ES. seems to be a bit of a bargain right now, can be had for 250 notes, even though its an AV receiver that been around for about 2 years. originally sold for double that price.
 
Sorry to Hijack but I'm going to tag along. We need a new AV amp as well with the following:

1.4 HDMI (3D is a must)
HD Audio support.

For up to £400.
 
Grimley said:
Yep - Sony STR- DA2400 ES. seems to be a bit of a bargain right now, can be had for 250 notes, even though its an AV receiver that been around for about 2 years. originally sold for double that price.
Click to expand...

That doesn't support HDMI 1.4 though does it, like you said, it's a few years old.
 
How are the Denons?
For sound and usability, menu systems etc?

The Denon 3311 looks pretty good.
 
Nexus said:
How are the Denons?
For sound and usability, menu systems etc?

The Denon 3311 looks pretty good.
Click to expand...

Sound for home cinema is pretty good (not quite so for stereo though)
menu systems = a lot to do if you want to set it up manually. The instruction book on my AVR2808 is almost as thick as the phone book! :rolleyes: In that regard its a pain as all I want to do is switch on, load a disc & watch it without having to mess around with any settings. The AV receiver manufacturers cater too much for the 'tweakers' these days. :(
 
It seems to be a real nightmare knowing what to go for.

I've had a good look at shops on Tottenham Court Road and most aren't plugged in. The store where you can 'try' them, they have to faff around trying to plug them in, at which stage you can't really try them properly anyways.

Don't know what to do!
 
I have a Cambridge Audio 640R at the moment, amazing receiver with silly amounts of power in stereo and multi channel. It has three HDMI but they are only passthru so are just for convenience, single cable to TV.

If I were buying a new receiver now, which I've considered as I want (need!) more HDMI, though 3D and higher bitrate audio aren't massively important to me.

I've looked a little into it over the past couple of days, and have come to the realisation that there is nothing on the market for under a grand that can match the raw power output of the CA 640R, especially when using it in stereo where it excels over any receiver bar the Arcam AVR350 etc.

Waffling a bit, but I'd be looking at the Yamaha RX-V2065 if you can find one, about £500 or so, 5in/2out HDMI.
Yamaha RX-V2067 if you want 1.4/3D, 8in/2out! About a grand or so.

Yamaha are known to be warm receivers that match the speakers I have, B&W DM60x series.
 
I think I've put myself off Sony.

Those new Yamaha's look pretty good.
I think it's between that or a Denon.

May have to go and see if I can try either out.
 
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