What receiver and remote should I get?

Question

I'm just about finished setting up my home theater. It is a dedicated theater with 3 rows of seats and no windows. I have a sony vpl-vw100 projector, 7.1 surround sound (svs pb/12 subwoofer, axiom surrounds, and B&W for the other speakers), and am trying to decide on a receiver and universal remote. I'm leaning toward getting satelite for the HD programming, but I haven't decided yet.

I almost bought the denon 4306 receiver, but I won't need one till mid september so I wanted to wait to see what comes out. I'm also going to put a game console, a replay tv, and a DVD player. Any suggestions on the receiver and remote?

Answer 1

This is a question with many answers since everyone has there own opinion.
This is really a question of what your budjet is. If you can afford it I would (and do) use Lexicon. The new MC12HD does have HDMI switching if you are really set on it, but you can also use an external hdmi switcher. This is only a preamp though, so you would need a seperate amp. You could certainly get buy with the MC4 which is much less, but is basically an MC12 with less inputs/outputs and doesn't allow for internal upgrade cards for future technologies.
If you are set on a Receiver the Lexicon RV-8 is also an awesome piece of gear.
If your budjet doesn't allow, i would opt for any of the Denon receivers over the 3800 series. I have installed plenty of Denon products and they have a very low failure rate, and nice features.
Great bang for buck.
If you can afford it, go with the seperates (preamp/amp combo).

As for remotes, if you like the touchscreen wow factor, I like the AMX Modero Viewpoint. This is a highend automation system really though not just a remote, and will likely cost 6-10k installed and programmed.
The lesser cost for a touchscreen would be the MX-3000 by Universal Remote or the Pronto Pro by Philips. they are both similiar in functionality. If you are having an install company do the programming for you make sure you see some of their work before you buy, the remote is only as good as the programmer!
If you like to feel the buttons, I would go for the MX-850. the button layout is great and still allows for some custom text on the lcd buttons.

About me:
I have been in the Home Theater / Automation industry for 8yrs.
I am THX Tech II certified.
Iam AMX Installer certified
Iam AMX Programmer II certified.
(i do freelance work too!) - IM rhurson

Answer 2

Wow, that is a pretty sweet set-up! Kudos on the SVS!! In my opinion, they make the absolute best subwoofers for the money. Be careful and don't shake your foundation down. Okay, down to business. I have been into HT for as long as I can remember and I must say over the years I have become a huge fan of Yamaha. I have owned three of their receivers along with Onkyo, Denon and Marantz and I think that Yamaha is the best with user interfaces, sound quality and build quality.

I would recommend going with the RX-V4600. The receiver offers 7.1 surround decoding, HDMI switching and upconverting, YPAO which will automatically calibrate your system using the included microphone, THX certification, a whopping 130W of power to all 7 channels, the list of features goes on and on. I guarantee the unit would make those B&Ws and Axioms shine! The unit has an MSRP of 1,899.95. Take a look at it for yourself
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200002&CTID=5000300

Now as far as the universal remote goes, I think the best remote I've come across would have to be the Aeros MX-850 made Universal Remote, Inc. The remote has software and can be configured with your computer to operate all of your equipment along with a ton of macros. The remote also has RF capability so if you pair it with the RF base station the remote can control all of your equipment through walls and from most places of the house. This is a must for custom installations where the equipment is hidden away. The remote is also very comfortable and has a great amount of hard buttons which I prefer to LCD based remotes. The remote is pretty pricey but can be found on Ebay and the like with the RF base station for 3-400. The headaches it will save you will more than make up for the cost. Take a look at it and you won't regret it.
http://www.universalremote.com/products/index.php?item=mx850

I hope this helps. I know it's always hard to decide on new HT gear for fear of making the wrong decision but I'm pretty sure you will be happy with these pieces. I know I am. Take care and good luck.

Answer 3

For a receiver, either the continuously upgradable, modular flagship model that Onkyo makes, or the 7.1 receiver from Outlaw Audio (available online only).

The remote, perhaps one by Harmony that best fits your application.

Pick up the latest copy of Sound & Vision to give you some ideas. I believe Acoustic Research has a new universal remote that looks quite interesting.

Note: Denon's specs looks good on paper, but I've had reliability issues with their top receivers (and CD players) not to mention their complicated menus.

Answer 4

I own a Denon 3805, and it's great, but ridiculously difficult to set up (remind me of the days of DOS on computers). Once you have it set, it's excellent. I would go with either Denon or Onkyo. Onkyo is easier to use & set up, if that is an issue for you or your family. Marantz is owned by Denon, and has alot of common parts (so I hear) so that's fine too, if that brand floats your boat.
I have found the electronics and build quality of Sony & Yamaha to be substandard compared with the brands above, but that just my opinion. They are certainly less expensive in most cases. You can't go wrong with the Denon as long as your are a patient person of good technical ability.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

A touch screen remote like the Philips Pronto Model # RC9800i/17 and the charger/extender base Model# RFX6500/17.

A/V receiver either the Harman Kardon AVR-745 which is 7.2 Surround, or the Onkyo TX-SR803 which is 7.1.

Answer 6

Whatever reciever you choose, make sure it has HDMI switching capabilities. It will make things easier in the long run. (Both recievers mentioned below have that capability. Not sure on the Denon.)

As for a remote, I like the Harmony remotes myself. Just hook them up to your computer and it will control any device with a remote.

Answer 7

no idea on the remote, but the reciever should be a marantz or a pioneer elite. no others. also some macontosh amps would be a real compliment to your b&w's

hope it helps.