Buying an Onkyo or Denon A/V Reciever?

Question

I would like to buy a new AV reciever and I would perfer Onkyo or Denon. I would like to have somthing that has an upconverter, component video, 2+ optical inputs and is worth it. Any suggestions would be great!

I will use the reciever with a Bose 5.1 speaker system.

Answer 1

Onkyo and Denon make great stuff. What is your price range? Since both brands offer quite array of them.

$399.00 Denon AVR-687
$1100 I would look at the Pioneer Elite VSX82TSX (I bought it over Denon, Yamaha and Integra (Onkyo top of the line)
$1799 Arcam DiVA AVR280

You are not going to gain much better sound quality with Bose by using separates pre-amp/am/tuner. So a A/V would be a better option

Answer 2

If you can find one cheap get the Denon 5805, why do it unless you are going to do it right! I have seen them selling as low as $3500 US. Arguably the absolute best AV receiver on the Planet.

I have found Denon very neutral in adding any characteristics to a "sound" from a speaker. I like to listen to a speaker first on a high quality pre amp amp setup and then determine what the receiver takes away. Denon doesn't take away as much as a Onkyo. That said Onkyo has a great sound and some like it, just not me.

Try each brand with the same brand of speakers you have to get a good idea of what sound you want.

Answer 3

You should try to get it from somewhere with the return policy, and listen to both of them at home. To me, In low to mid price range, they both sound very similar.

The major difference between the two is HDMI capability. New Onkyo recivers - 605 and 805 - have HDMI 1.3 switching. !.3 is the future of the audio.video connection, and can pass new HD video formats - already available on HD-DVD and Blu_Ray DVDs - as well as advanced video scheme.

If you are looking at the high-pend price range - do not buy recievers! Buy separate preamp/processors and amps, and go to your local high-end retailer to check out the brands which know how to make music - not mass produced electronics.
Rotel, Arcam, NAD, Cary, Lexicon, Anthem, Bryston, Halcro, Rega, Naim, Etc.

Answer 4

here are some great options. quality built, high end stuff, without a crazy price tag. in my opinion denon is a bit overpriced, as are all main stream components.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/1070.html
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/506rotel1057/
http://nadelectronics.com/products/av-receivers
http://www.adcom.com/prod/shopdisplayproducts.asp?prodid=1155


some of these recievers even alllow for software upgrades, making them a great option for the long hall. Why let a new features outdate your system?

Answer 5

I agree with AM. Check out your local "high-end" stores. Mine has a Cambridge for a $1000 that is quite nice.

As for an up-converter DVD I like Oppo. Very reasonable price for very nice quality.
http://www.oppodigital.com/

Answer 6

Hey there.I would have to know how much you are willing to spend on the equipment,otherwise i would only be guessing which i don;t want to do.