AV Receiver Options

Stretch

Stretch

Stretch

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I’m looking at getting one of the following receivers for my home. I don’t really know much about them so I’m looking for a bit of advise on what would best suit my needs. It’s mainly going to be used for Virgin Media HD, DVD and Blu-Ray etc

Onkyo TX SR308 (£200)
Onkyo TX SR508 (£260)
Yamaha RXV667 (£300)
Pioneer VSX920 (£345)
Pioneer VSX-520-K (£240)
Sony STRDH810 (£249)

I’ve heard good things about the Onkyo amps on these forums but I’m not sure about the build quality, looks or remote. It just dosen't feel like a qulity product.

The Sony looks like very good value.

I’m planning on using them with Boston Acoustic Soundware XS 5.1 speakers as I’m after something discrete that I can wall mount.

Are any of these amps suitable, do any offer features that the others don’t, anything I should avoid?

Other suggestions in a similar price range welcome :)
 
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Comparisons are made harder because the playing field isn't level. Both Onkyos are current entry level amps giving excellent value for money at their price points. Most of the rest were more expensive at launch, and it shows in build quality. Some may be end-of-line or otherwise heavily discounted to move stock.

Onkyo TX SR308 (£200).......original launch price £200
Onkyo TX SR508 (£260).......original launch price £260
Yamaha RXV667 (£300).......original launch price £450
Pioneer VSX920 (£345)........original launch price £500
Pioneer VSX-520-K (£240)....original launch price £280
Sony STRDH810 (£249)........original launch price £300

The two to have a real look at are the Yamaha 667 (which would be my choice) and the Pioneer 920. Both come from a price and performance class well above the others.
 
lucid said:
Comparisons are made harder because the playing field isn't level. Both Onkyos are current entry level amps giving excellent value for money at their price points. Most of the rest were more expensive at launch, and it shows in build quality. Some may be end-of-line or otherwise heavily discounted to move stock.

Onkyo TX SR308 (£200).......original launch price £200
Onkyo TX SR508 (£260).......original launch price £260
Yamaha RXV667 (£300).......original launch price £450
Pioneer VSX920 (£345)........original launch price £500
Pioneer VSX-520-K (£240)....original launch price £280
Sony STRDH810 (£249)........original launch price £300

The two to have a real look at are the Yamaha 667 (which would be my choice) and the Pioneer 920. Both come from a price and performance class well above the others.
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That's very helpful. With the Onkyo amp being newer dose it have features that the older amps don't?

I work for competitor and I could get the Pioneer VSX920 for around £300. Would people take that over the Yamaha RXV667?
 
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They're both good amps. Compared to the rest of the group either would be a good choice.

As for the Onkyos being newer, apart from perhaps HDMI 1.4, they are still lower end products with a smaller "toys" feature set than the 920 and 667, so you really need to look at the specs and judge for yourself.

What I would say is that a £450-£500 amp is likely to have a better power supply and some higher quality components. That would be more significant for sound quality that an amp that can handle Ethernet over HDMI and Audio Return Channel which is pretty much the only significant upgrade of HDMI1.4 over 1.3 Also, the bigger amps would be more adept at video conversion and scaling.

Anyway, if you work for a company that buys Pioneer directly or via distribution why not talk to your supplier and get the word from them on features and benefits.
 
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The 920 also has HDMI 1.4. I'm just struggling to see why anyone would buy the Onkyo SR508 over the 920 with only a £40 price difference. Unless I'm missing something the 920 is clearly a better product with 7.1, Ethernet, iPhone control, more HDMI inputs, better build quality and a better name too.

Think I've decided on the 920. It's £300 from Richer Sounds so I can collect. I work for the Jersey people so not a specialist Hi-Fi supplier and I'd have to order online like everyone else :)

Is there any problem using a 7.1 amp with only 5.1 speakers?
 
One of the benefits that jumps out straight away with the Pioneer over the Yamaha (esp. if you own one) is the ability to plug an iPod Touch directly into the USB connection without the need for a cradle/adaptor as with the Yamaha.
 
Stretch said:
The 920 also has HDMI 1.4. I'm just struggling to see why anyone would buy the Onkyo SR508 over the 920 with only a £40 price difference. Unless I'm missing something the 920 is clearly a better product with 7.1, Ethernet, iPhone control, more HDMI inputs, better build quality and a better name too.

Think I've decided on the 920. It's £300 from Richer Sounds so I can collect. I work for the Jersey people so not a specialist Hi-Fi supplier and I'd have to order online like everyone else :)

Is there any problem using a 7.1 amp with only 5.1 speakers?
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None at all :)
 
Stretch said:
The 920 also has HDMI 1.4
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Good to know. I didn't bother to read the spec lists of all the amps. Life is too short and my beer was calling :D

Stretch said:
The 920 also has HDMI 1.4. I'm just struggling to see why anyone would buy the Onkyo SR508 over the 920 with only a £40 price difference. Unless I'm missing something the 920 is clearly a better product with 7.1, Ethernet, iPhone control, more HDMI inputs, better build quality and a better name too.
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The 920 is undoubtedly an excellent buy, but without the massive price drop from Pioneer (not the dealers) the 508 and 920 would rarely be considered in the same purchasing decision. Six weeks or so ago you might not have had the opportunity of either the 920 or the 667 at such outrageously low prices.

Who knows why people buy. It's rarely logic. We buy with our hearts. Very few of us have rooms large enough to justify 7.1; yet it is seen as a must have in amps above a certain price point. There are buyers for whom the 308 is affordable and the 508 a real stretch. For them the £300+ amps just aren't an option no matter what the features. That's just life.

As for Pioneer vs Onkyo in brand terms.... Hmm... For the last five years it has been Onkyo that has held the high ground amongst AV enthusiasts in all price categories up to £1000. In fact, Pioneer has been very much behind the times compared to Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha. They're just now starting to regain some lost ground.

Be happy with your Pioneer. It's a good amp at a great price. :)
 
If you can stretch to the Onkyo 608 I can assure you that you will not be dissapointed !! got mine last week for £389 with a free ipod dock froma well known high street AV/HiFi store!!
 
Am I'm right in think that the 308 doesn’t have any provision for an active sub?

I haven't quite made my mind up between the Yamaha RXV667 and Pioneer VSX920. This might sound a bit stupid but the clinching factor might be quality of the blu-ray players both companies produce. I'd like them to match so I can stack them. I've not heard good things about the Pioneer players so it might mean buying the Yamaha.

Another question is why do the manufactures insist on putting hardwired power leads on these amps. A kettle lead can't cost a lot more and offers more flexibility and transporting much easier.
 
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Simon said:
Yamaha, all the reviews I have read dont rate the Pioneer that great. I didn't upgrade from my 763
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5 out 5 stars here http://whathifi.com/Review/Pioneer-VSX-920/
Purposeful, focused stuff – this is a genuine contender and a must-hear
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http://hometheatergears.com/pioneer/pioneer-vsx-920-k-review/
Conclusion
Pioneer has made great strides in design, build quality and performance of its products in recent years. In the case of the VSX-920-K receiver, they have clearly over delivered. Never before has a receiver been available with such features and performance at this price point. It is made to last through the next evolution of home theater entertainment and offers you a great movie experience at home.
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http://www.electronicsme.com/reviews/pioneer_VSX-920-K_review.html
Summary
If you do not mind a few minor issues, such as lack of HDMI pass-through in standby mode or backlit remote, then by all means this is probably the A/V receiver for you. Some consumers have gone as far as comparing the Pioneer VSX-920-K to competing devices that cost upwards of $1500. Needless to say, with the latest technologies and support for advanced devices and codecs, this receiver is definitely one of the best for the price and one of the best for the average home user.
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I meant reviews by AV forums. I dont trust these magazine reviews as many are sponsored by the company who provides products to review.

Yamaha offers 'warm' sounds rather than bright like the Pioneer. Shame though as I really like the look of it and would match my 5090 well
 
I don't think you'd be disappointed with either unit, they're great bits of kit. Personally I would go with the Yamaha because IMO they have a very cinematic sound, its kind of hard to explain until you hear it. Crank a Yamaha and it feels much more movie-theater like (in a good way :p) whereas I find other manufacturers just sound louder.

Just read that back and it sounds stupid :p. I know what I mean!
 
I also seriously suggest you go and listen to the amps you have shortlisted also try and listen through the speakers you have or are wanting to buy. There are big sound differences and you may like a certain sound more than another, if that makes sense
 
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