Recently bought a Denon 11 channel to replace an Onkyo 7 channel that died. Liked them both and hear a real difference. I’m running 7.1.2 through Emotiva speakers.

Sorry for slight thread drift.

If I'm considering the Denon AVR-X3700H vs the Integra DRX-4.3, which would you choose for music (jazz, classical, piano, sax, violin, cello, and vocals). I have mid-line Paradigm floor standing speakers in a less than optimal room. I like the Integra I have but wondering if Denon would open up (used) buying options.

I'd probably be fine with both for home theater so looking for differentiation in music.

My only other comparison point is the Pioneer SC-75 Elite (still have but for minor usages). Similar class of unit but prefer the Integra for music.

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
There are very few AV receivers that also play music at an audiophile level exceptionally well

Agreed, which is why I decided on the multi-component route. I have to respect O-O's choice though and know the rabbit hole one can get into, putting together a true hi-fidelty sound system. Being in Argentina, he may also be limited in sourcing the latest components, not to mention we don't know his budget.

O-O: Have you considered getting an integrated amplifier (given you don't need a tuner)?
Here are a few suggestions, if you're interested:
1. McIntosh MA5300 (the top dog, but pricey)
2. Marantz PM7000N (if streaming)
3. Cambridge CXA81
4. Denon PMA-800NE (if you're still a vinyl guy, this one may be the most well suited given it can operate in an analog mode)

I have separate stereo and home theater systems. The later currently runs a 2007 model Onkyo in my 7.1.2. Definitive Technology setup. Prior to that, if memory serves, was a Sherwood.

When the Onkyo dies I suspect Denon will end being my choice much like mcrimm did.

I have a 50 year old McIntosh system. Could not be happier. Although in a small room I had to add a pair of Klipsch R3 to bring out the highs at low volume. When I crank it up I drop out the Klipsch.

Although i don’ t have the opportunity to listen to music or watch tv/movies as i used to do, i still collect media like a maniac.

Well aware the HT path is a huge compromise but it is what it is.
Down here the constants are that the choice is extremely limited since it’s a tiny market and the prices are at least double of what you guys pay for it. Let’s not talk about income, don’t want to imagine grown men crying.

Have had a huge first class stereo system, am done with that. My world is made of mp3, mkv and streaming nowadays. The isp, maybe the best in the country doesn’t even offer native ipv6. My hearing is on its way out too. Enjoyed shooting too much, now am paying the other price. No regrets.

Some of you know i’ve been trying to restore my Ess Amt 1a speakers since 1978 without success. In the States parts are easily available, here it’s a logistics nightmare no one will touch, specially the experts. Seeking help, i recently found the argie rep and scored two pairs of Ess Amt 12 for the US price of one pair. He was that desperate to make a buck.
Don’t have access to other great speakers to compare but i fell in love with the Ess sound 50 years ago and it is still there with the current trchnology. I love it.
My original Amt 1a remain the top of my bucket list. I WILL fix them.

Mostly looking to have HDMI connectors. My Yamaha A1 doesn’t have them.

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Currently Denon (x3300w) but I would not mind going back to a Yamaha receiver.

Denon sounds amazing. It's easy to setup. The Audyssey Multeq xt32 eq system is awesome to work with.

AFAIK, Denon, Marantz and Yamaha last gen, early Receivers have the HDMI 2.1 bug and that is why i am waiting for the next revision.

The Denon AVC X3700 , back when they were in stock, were priced at $2450.

When i first read about the Yamaha RX-V6A at SF it got my juices flowing. Pretty much what i was looking for. Now with the bug issue i aim at the soon to be released A2A or A4A if i can afford them. They will ne very expensive down here. Payed 4k for the A1 back in 2000 but only because a friend won the lottery and gifted me some fun cash.

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Glad to see all the mentions for Denon.

It's what I replaced my Sony with when it died at the recommendation of my AV guy. I had to trust his judgement as I'm no audiophile. Driving klipsch speakers.

quote:

Originally posted by snwghst:
Arcam
There are very few AV receivers that also play music at an audiophile level exceptionally well

I've had many of the above mentioned brands and tried many at dealers. I had an audiophile dealer set up Arcam FMJ components and Paradigm Signature speaker systems and was sold after hearing the demo. I bought separate Arcam components and the Paradigms. Amazing experience. It's worth a listen.

I haven't had a receiver in a long time, but my integrated amp is a NAD, and it is good. Reliable, sounds good, not crazy expensive. They do make receivers.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
I wouldn't say it it the epitome of audiophile quality but Yamaha certainly is a great bang for the buck.
Also Onkyo (I think they are worldwide but Onkyo USA has pulled up stakes) maybe something in a good closeout can be had.
Of course Pioneer and Marantz but I still like the Yamaha the best.

What makes you say that about Onkyo?
They still appear to be going along.
https://www.onkyousa.com/home/

It is common knowledge in the business that Onkyo is in severe trouble in the USA.
It doesn't negate the quality of their products and not sure about how it affects the rest of their distribution in other parts.
The fact remains that they are struggling to survive here and I definitely wish them well but business is business so who knows?

https://www.strata-gee.com/onk...ribution-to-klipsch/

https://www.audioholics.com/ed...distribution-klipsch

https://www.reddit.com/r/Onkyo...ing_out_of_business/

https://www.audioholics.com/ed...ight-to-survive-2021

Running a Denon x4300 in a 7.1 or 5.1.2
Bowers and Wilkins fronts with SVS elevations as rear heights.

Would like to do Front elevation (.4) but that's my shared condo wall and I think they may hear them.

I don't know how much of this still applies, but it might be worth a read: 10 Things to Consider When Shopping for an AV Receiver at AVS Forum.

I was looking at the Marantz NR1711 on-line, last night. Looks interesting. I think that may be the lowest-end Marantz that has Audyssey MultiEQ room correction? Kind of spendy, though.

I have an Outlaw Audio receiver, quite happy with it, good power and built very well. I also have a Vintage Kenwood. I love the silver face receivers.

I worked on the edge of the AV world for 20+ years doing situation rooms for various companies and also Homeland Security, which was where I did most of my business the last 10 years or so.

It's amazing how many "situation rooms" have flat screens and 5 or 7 channel sound, just the thing for sports viewing when the room isn't in use as a Situation room, which is 99.999% of the time.

And the #1 Receiver in the hundreds of rooms I did was Denon. Hands down the most used.

Nick

when I bought my first surround sound system I had a Sony STR, quickly followed by another Sony STR

my next machine was a Denon and it was a step up from the Sony's

my current receiver is an Anthem and its got awesome sound. I have a Denon BlueRay. My speakers are Paradigm's.

Denon or Marantz for reliability, lack of software bugs (except the HDMI chipset bug mentioned above) and Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 Pro room correction. I cannot stress how well the room correction works.

I have Paradigm Reference Studio V1 (mains) and V2 (center and dipolar surrounds) speakers and a Seismic 12 Sub and they are outstanding, but I still have major room issues. The sub is in a corner because it can't really go anywhere else and on it's own it's out of control, along with other issue typical of a great room in a sorta open floorpan with a cathedral ceiling.

The room correction fixes everything. The sub is tight and well controlled with deep extension. You don't really know it's there until LFE content makes it jump out. Mids are smoothed out and highs are tuned perfectly. Everything sounds better and "right" even music. Blu-ray Audio or SACD in 5.1 is just outstanding too.

I started my HT setup with NAD over a decade ago and the HDMI implementation and overall digital programming and performance were buggy as hell. I went through a couple units with various issues, firmware upgrades, repair, and finally dumped it all. Denon was plug and play, as much as a complex AVR can be.

Right now I have a 4300X for my living room and a 3300X upstairs with a small 5.1 system. Might upgrade for better 4K integration (can't overlay graphics on a 4K DV signal), but it still works fine.

If I was willing to pay more I would go with Anthem and their ARC room correction.

Still using old Adcom gear (amps and a simple pre woth no Tuner) and a modern HTPC (teeny Intel NUC) and a "dumb" Television with no apps or other bullshit built in. Works gloriously. Wouldn't have it any other way.

As the great oracle known as The Offspring once said:

"You gotta keep em separated."