Around 2020, I bought a Denon x4700h receiver to future proof my home theater. I've liked it over the years, but the wifi is starting to go in and out, and my Left Rear height channel has broken. I'm currently down to a 5.1.2 setup and would like to get that back to a 5.1.4 and would like an upgrade over my system before the rest of it fails.

If I'm going to do another Denon or a Marantz, I'm only considering models Made in Japan, but the Marantz Cinema 40 and the Denon x6800h is steep at about $3,600 each.

I tried the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 that Best Buy has marked down to $1,999, but it would lock up on the menu screen and I could never tune it to sound as good as my Denon despite being a spec upgrade. Since it's also the same thing as the Onkyo RX70, I'm not real crazy to give that a try even though reviewers like the sound tuning more.

I've heard the Sony at a local store and thought it was pretty good, but I've also heard of quality control issues.

That leads me to Yamaha as I don't have anywhere to demo it and would be a blind purchase. They undercut Denon/Marantz in price by a nice deal, still have a 5 year warranty, and has a more powerful amp for the money as well.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions that I missed (like the sale that ended last week... )?

I’m on my second Yamaha receiver. This one has Bluetooth and I love it for practicing guitar. First Yamaha AV system was used with television, this one is strictly audio for me, but the thumper, treble, and mid-range speakers from the first set-up are still going strong.

Check out Outlaw Audio. That is what I am using for my home theater.

Are you looking for receiver only? Or is pre-amp/processor and separate amp a possibility? For example, amp I've kind of bought once, cry once to last 20 years but replace the pre-amp/processor (pre-pro) on occasion (new codecs, hdmi/hdcp, etc).

For me, Onkyo/Integra (basically, the higher end of Onkyo) has been the best value for me (sound and price; specifically stereo music while also doing home theater). But Integra is gone now so doesn't speak much to my preferences. I generally favor made in Japan so my next option is Marantz or Onkyo (again, only the upper tiers).

I've have a Pioneer Elite (SC-75) that is okay but not crazy about. I won't buy Pioneer again. YMMV.

My first and last Yamaha was 30 years ago. It, coupled with KEF speakers, just sound muffled to me. Could've have been largely the fault of the speakers since other people's Yamaha's since then have sounded decent. But every since landing on Anthem and Integra, I haven't had a reason to change. I know they are not great systems but they fit my ears.

I would consider other brands as well. Anthem, Arcam, NAD, others. Especially used (I haven't been buying new for at least a decade or two). I can't afford new and also prefer to see what issues arise first. Every brand seems prone to issues now - pre-pro seems much more susceptible to issues than amp which is another reason why I separate.

I would look at audiogon, the music room, crutchfield for issues, reviews and pricing. I search hard for issues on the webz more than anything.

quote:

Originally posted by Calif Phil:
Check out Outlaw Audio. That is what I am using for my home theater.

They don't make AV receivers, but jumping into konata's post below, a 7 channel amp from them while using my current Denon as a preamp could be an option.

quote:

Are you looking for receiver only? Or is pre-amp/processor and separate amp a possibility? For example, amp I've kind of bought once, cry once to last 20 years but replace the pre-amp/processor (pre-pro) on occasion (new codecs, hdmi/hdcp, etc).

Biggest issue I keep finding on going with separates is they generally cost more money. Like above, I could get an amp and use my current Denon as a processor and run my surrounds, but I'm not sure what's going to break next (if anything).

quote:

For me, Onkyo/Integra (basically, the higher end of Onkyo) has been the best value for me (sound and price; specifically stereo music while also doing home theater). But Integra is gone now so doesn't speak much to my preferences. I generally favor made in Japan so my next option is Marantz or Onkyo (again, only the upper tiers).

I've have a Pioneer Elite (SC-75) that is okay but not crazy about. I won't buy Pioneer again. YMMV.

Onkyo/Pioneer/Integra are all the same company, but the owners lost the use of the Pioneer trademark (which is why Pioneer stuff is going for cheap) and Integra is only being sold through custom installers or very select dealers.

quote:

I would consider other brands as well. Anthem, Arcam, NAD, others. Especially used (I haven't been buying new for at least a decade or two). I can't afford new and also prefer to see what issues arise first. Every brand seems prone to issues now - pre-pro seems much more susceptible to issues than amp which is another reason why I separate.

That's out of my price range (about $3K ish), and I've only run across the Arcams in my price range, but all of them would require getting a separate amp since they max out at 7 internal channels.

I've had 4 Denon AVR's since 2009 (two systems each upgraded once) and they have been bulletproof and more compatible with my other stuff (Sony, Oppo), than most. All of my speakers are hard wired.

Also Audyssey MultiQ XT and Pro room correction is essential, which means Denon, Maranta, or Integra/Onkyo, for the most part. One Sony AVR I tried did not have nearly the EQ control and let my subwoofer get out of control.

I would consider Anthem with their ARC room correction, but that's generally a step up from Denon.

Yes, I understand financial constraints. I can't afford new either. I have been buying used receiver / pre-pro / amp for as long as I can remember. Usually at least 5 years old, generally about 10. This has been okay for amp and speakers. Because of codecs and hdmi/hdcp, I try to get with somewhat newer when possible.

With the reduced availability of Integra and what seems to be increasing issues with fallbacks like Marantz and Denon, I will probably consider other brands like Arcam, etc. But of course used only. But in the end, may stick with Marantz/Denon (and only units made outside of chicom).

I do use receivers many for the pre-pro aspect. I only buy receivers with pre-amp out and will use separate amp to drive at least the fronts. I believe this, along with small quiet fans, help with both sound quality (music) and receiver longevity (keeping the heat down - improve product life). Onkyo/Integra seem to be particular susceptible to premature failure with their notorious hot operating temps. But they sound good to me.

Sounds like we have similar constrains and limitations. Just conveying the path I've been pursuing - certainly other paths available. I've just rationalized mine in my mind. Which seems to be working for me.

Checkout Audio Advice. I got an Anthem MRX 740 a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it. Room correction software is excellent.

For my more higher end consumer grade wants I’ve always been happy with Onkyo but Yamaha makes a great mid tier product as well.

Been a Yamaha fan since the 80s. Had a few amps, pres and a lot of other devices. Bought the first DSP in the market, late 80s, a stereo audio product that predates the concept of home theater.
It still works. In y2k managed to buy Yamaha’s flagship, the A1. Still runs almost flawlessly.

Then i bought the A2A more recently, during the pandemic, came with the HDMI 2.1 bug. It crapped the bed after 8 months. It was the lowest of the top AVENTAGE tierNo video so no way to diagnose what was ailing it. Waiting for it to get fixed, i bought the better model, the 4A4. So far so got.

For all purposes, the mid tier V4A (?). is the best. I couldn’t find it here but remains my first choice. Read about it in a post here in SF.

0-0

My vote is Yamaha. I've been using Yamaha for 25 years, never an issue.

I've currently have a Denon AVR-X1700H in a 5.1 configuration and couldn't be happier. The biggest thing for us is bass and I have a HSU Research 15" sub for that. Movies like Interstellar and Jurassic Park really come alive where you can "feel" certain scenes.

JP

I've had a Sony running my sound system for about three years now. It has been rock solid and they are very affordable.

I'm running a Denon X4300 7.1 that has a dead #1 HDMI.
Reprogram the DVD HDMI to be number 1.
Been a good receiver otherwise. I do like the Denon and Audyssey.
Also the at the time $20 Audyssey MultEQ Editor was a good tweek tool.

I used to sell A/V equipment. The place that I worked for carried:

SONY
Onkyo
Denon
Harman/Kardon
Yamaha

of those I would recommend the Aventage Series by Yamaha.

Then again that was like 11 years ago and things do change.

I currently use a Yamaha A-S100 as my daily stereo.

I've had two Denon 5.1 AVR's in the last ten years. They have been flawless. Audyessy works great.