Home theater receivers suggestions (Denon AVR887 vs. OnkyoTX-SR674)?

Question

I'm building a budget home theatre, and need help finding a receiver with all the options I would like.

Right now I am torn between the Denon AVR887 and the OnkyoTX-SR674. Which one is better?

For other receiver suggestions, here are the specs I need:
•HDMI/S video capabilities
•analog to HDMI upconverting
•2 HDMI imputs
•3 RCA audio imputs/1 video
•1 component imput
•front channel A, B, A+B capability
•$300 range (yeah right!)

I'm building a 5.1 system, so it doesn't matter how many channels it has. Would like about 100W per channel.

Hope I'm not too unrealistic! (except for price)

Answer 1

Well the Onkyo runs about $700 and the Denon about the same. It really comes down to features and what sound you like better, both are in the same lower-mid end of A/V equipment, so good quality at resonable price.

I would also look at Pioneer Elite VSX-80TXV for the same $600 range. I use the 82TSX driving some B&W 604 S3 speakers and have been very happy the sound quailty, much more smooth and natural in my book compared to Onkyo or Denon. Onkyo's better line, Integra is a better comparison to the Pioneer Elite. You generally get a better quality power supply and better internals as well as features.

Answer 2

To the third poster - BOSE is total crap. To the question asker - if you were to pick between those four you'd have very little reasons to prefer one over the other. Of the four, if you're picking their higher models (Onkyo TX-SR875, TX-SR905, Denon 4308CI and 5308CI, Pioneer Elite 92 and 94TX and Yamaha RX-V3800) then the only thing I'd mention is if you have an SACD player with DSD output, the Pioneer does NOT convert DSD to analog directly. All the other models do. The Denon 4308CI tested the best with Sound and Vision for analog noise levels, which is usually a good indicator of how well the components are. If you have a $5,000 budget I'd go with either the Yamaha RX-Z11 or the Denon 5308CI. If your budget is closer to $500 I'd go with the Onkyo TX-SR606. If you have a budget between $1,000 to $1,500 then the Onkyo TX-SR905 or 906, Pioneer Elite VSX-94TX and Yamaha RX-V3800 should be in your sights. Take some of your favourite CD's or music and go to your local dealer and audition - that's always best. If you're ordering blind, you've picked four brands that won't disappoint no matter which one you choose.

Answer 3

Before you buy one of these units new, I suggest you look at what is available on e-bay. I also suggest that you look at Pioneer's Elite line of HT receivers. There are many power levels available in the VSX series. Pioneer makes really fine receivers and have done so for decades. It's what they do. I think the VSX82TX has what you're looking for in the HDMI department but new is at a higher price point. I have an older model (VSX45TX) which doesn't have the HDMI ports, but I don't miss it.

Do you have speakers yet? Speakers are super important, especially if you plan to listen to music with your system too. I always emphasize speakers with people, because that's the place where the "rubber hits the road." Good processing and amplification are super important to getting the data from your disks, but if you don't have good speakers it's all for naught.

Answer 4

Hi.Home theater receivers in that price range are pretty well all the same .One may have a higher wattage rating than the other but that is no indication of quality.Most people use them for watching movies etc and i believe the ones without a tuner sound better Too much extra circuitry compromises sound quality.I would buy a NAD receiver for sound quality as this company designs all their equipment in England .and has them assembled in the East to strict specifications
I doubt if you will get one with 100 watts per channel for your price.You may find one on eBay at a reasonable price.

The NADt743 v2 is available for $470 which is a bit more than your budget The normal price is usually $700 Have a look below.It is rated at 50 watts rms per channel which is ample.I would highly recommend it .I own NAD equipment.


http://www.soundcity.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=571
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Answer 5

Well, I would also suggest you to go in for a Yamaha receiver. Also a Japanese brand and is really really good...

Iam afriad, i would not know the pricing for the same in your region.

You can just go to the website below.. dont forget to see the "Comparision option" among all models of yamaha amps.