AV Receiver opinions

**directhex** · 31-05-2007, 03:11 PM

I've been looking at the home audio question, as one of those horrible people who uses the speakers built into my TV. I don't want to spend more than about £300, but would kinda like to see 2 or more HDMI connectors and 3 or more Component connectors, for my array of games systems.

Currently, these are models I've found that meet the criteria:

Pioneer VSX-917
Marantz SR4001
Sony STR-DA1200
Onkyo TX-SR505
Onkyo TX-SR604

Any opinions on any of the above? I'd ideally like something that supports the newer HD audio formats, but that seems impossible on my budget

g8ina · 31-05-2007, 08:49 PM

Purely based on past experience, I'd be very tempted by the Marantz. I had the 4200 Signature and it was quite superb.

If there is a Signature version of the 4001 available, I'd be further temped by that.

**directhex** · 31-05-2007, 09:17 PM

what's the difference between Signature and not?

g8ina · 31-05-2007, 09:23 PM

IIRC, it is/was the "personal involvement" of Ken Ishiwara (?) along with a solid copper chassis, better quality components etc - a bit like the THX certification of its day. You also got a nice Certificate to frame and hang on yer wall

Some may think of this as snake oil, but comparisons between Sig and non Sig versions in a double blind test were conclusive (again, IIRC !)

Gr44 · 01-06-2007, 02:34 AM

Well I can't really speak for the others but I got a Sony DA1200ES as little while ago and I've been very impressed with it.

That said, I've still not got around to putting 2 of the speakers in the right corners yet! Do'h!

Great bit of kit though. I love it just for music... soooo loud and clear.

**directhex** · 01-06-2007, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Gr44

Well I can't really speak for the others but I got a Sony DA1200ES as little while ago and I've been very impressed with it.

That said, I've still not got around to putting 2 of the speakers in the right corners yet! Do'h!

Great bit of kit though. I love it just for music... soooo loud and clear.

any chance of a shot of the back? it's a pretty elusive bit of kit to get a decent shot of

Howard · 01-06-2007, 07:56 AM

http://www.superfi.co.uk/images/STRD...S_rear_486.jpg not the biggest, but you can see stuff

http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/2912

Gr44 · 02-06-2007, 12:00 AM

Here you go. Two of the back and one of my currently VERY messy system.

Need to finish off wallpapering that wall and shove the other 2 speaker brackets up - will be putting the centre on a shelf and putting the sub under my desk, too : )

If you want any more just shout

jimborae · 02-06-2007, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by directhex

I've been looking at the home audio question, as one of those horrible people who uses the speakers built into my TV. I don't want to spend more than about £300, but would kinda like to see 2 or more HDMI connectors and 3 or more Component connectors, for my array of games systems.

Currently, these are models I've found that meet the criteria:
Pioneer VSX-917

Marantz SR4001

Sony STR-DA1200

Onkyo TX-SR505

Onkyo TX-SR604

Any opinions on any of the above? I'd ideally like something that supports the newer HD audio formats, but that seems impossible on my budget

Get your butt over to avforums, ask the same question then look in the classified section for something 2nd hand but a bit better.

e.g. http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532310

Personally out of the ones you'd listed I'd go for one of the Onkyo's, only because I had good amps from them in the past.

jimborae · 02-06-2007, 04:54 PM

And another in the right price range

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532841

**directhex** · 03-06-2007, 10:59 AM

hm, looks like the sony doesn't have as many component connectors as i thought it did - which pushes it out of the running

redlight · 03-06-2007, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by directhex

hm, looks like the sony doesn't have as many component connectors as i thought it did - which pushes it out of the running

As mentioned above Marantz SR4001
Good price here. Sorely tempted myself.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_...&Go.y=15&Go=Go

jimborae · 03-06-2007, 12:51 PM

*Edit* Never mind

BenW · 04-06-2007, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by directhex

hm, looks like the sony doesn't have as many component connectors as i thought it did - which pushes it out of the running

It does have 2 HDMI inputs though which i'd say pretty much makes up for it

**directhex** · 04-06-2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by BenW

It does have 2 HDMI inputs though which i'd say pretty much makes up for it

considering every one of the ones i listed does, and that i already have two component devices (with a third planned), i'd disagree

**Zak33** · 04-06-2007, 05:21 PM

directhex has a....a lot of stuff to plug in.

And I mean that...with deepest sincerity.

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