AV receiver upgrade advice

J

Juggy

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I have decided to research upgrading my AV receiver from my aging Sony STR-DB940 to some with better processing. I'm open to any brand and have a budget of around 5K.

Audio over HDMI isn't a must although toslink and coaxial audio inputs is unless I should be doing it some other way.

3 or 4 x HDMI
5.1 surround, anything more will be overkill
Easy to use remote
Programmable display so I can label the inputs as I chose
Preferably black to go with the rest of my junk
Around 125 watts per channel

I currently have the following speakers
Mission S2s active sub and centre
Jamo Series 4 fronts

Also, what can expect for my Sony amp 2nd hand? It is in "as new" condition
 
Would you not be keen on buying used?
Interested in HD audio?

R5,000.00 will get you a fairly decent AV reciever
 
Browse around on the second hand market. I picked up a Marantz 5003 for R4300. Basically all the features you listed but only 90w p/ch

The Pioneer VSX range has apparently got good reviews and at the price point gives alot of features. Its something to look at. (www.avshop.co.za)

Older generation amps don't seem to hold their value too long. So don't expect to get much. Search AV Forums/AVSA/Gumtree to get an idea of going 2nd hand prices.
 
Totally agree with Subliminal.

I sold my Marantz 5002 at 4000.00 - and very awesome machine. Its got more than what you're asking for.

Also bear in mind that 90w per channel of the Marantz is probably more real than a Sony 125w RMS
 
That sounds like a good idea guys. Thanks again for the info.

So do you have a ballpark I can expect for the older amp? Is R1500 unreasonable considering it was one of the better more advanced AV amps in it younger years?
 
Why do you want to upgrade? If you are looking for the HD Codecs, that Denon does not have them (and its sold btw).

My advice is to look for the 2008/2009 models which has the HD codecs but without the 3D support. Basically the HDMI 1.3a/b/c spec. HDMI 1.4 is 3D and is in the newer receivers and a couple of peeps are upgrading to get that capability. Denons 1909 is a good model from the denon range.
 
That Denon is - in my opinion - a little high. I'd pay between 4200-4500 if it was available absolute max!

Regarding used price for yours, AV recievers drop 50-70% rather fast. I paid 10,000 for mine and it sold for 4,000.

It was 7.1 , 3 x HDMI and everything barring the latest HD codecs. I'd think 1,500 would be too high for your Sony :(
 
SubliminalThought said:
Why do you want to upgrade? If you are looking for the HD Codecs, that Denon does not have them (and its sold btw).

My advice is to look for the 2008/2009 models which has the HD codecs but without the 3D support. Basically the HDMI 1.3a/b/c spec. HDMI 1.4 is 3D and is in the newer receivers and a couple of peeps are upgrading to get that capability. Denons 1909 is a good model from the denon range.
Click to expand...

Main reason for upgrading is to get the HDMI function. I want to be able to connect everything to my amp for ease of use. I guess it's either that or get a badass remote that will switch everything to their correct functions when I want to watch DVD/Media player/TV. At the moment I need to change the amp and the plasma.
 
So far I have found the following

Marantz SR4003 R4000
Yamaha RXV1400 R3500 (I know this is slightly older but the spec does look quite good. Unfortunately no HDMI though which put me about where I started)
Yamaha RXV367 R3600
 
I suggest not rushing for the 2nd hand deals. It took me around 6 months till I found a good deal which was the 5004. In the mean time try to get up to speed on the tech and what not. It will definitely help understanding the limitations of certain things and capabilities and if you really going to use the benefit of Dolby-TrueHD and DTS-MA.

If at the end of the day you wont be using the HD codecs, and all you want is ease of switching then consider a Logitech Harmony Remote. The 515 is around R400 and programs up to 5 devices. It worked awesomely for me (and still does with the new amp) when I used my older amp with audio connections to the amp and video connections to the TV. As you upgrade to newer gear you just reprogram the remote.
 
You can get a brand spanking new Onkyo SR508 from SmartLifestyle for around R5400 (maybe less now).

Four 1080p capable HDMI inputs (V1.4a repeater)
WRAT technology and discrete amp construction for cleaner sound
TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding to support the latest Blu-ray technology
4 DSP Gaming Modes: Rock, Sports, Action, and Role Playing
Audyssey Dynamic Volume™ to Maintain Optimal Listening Level
Audyssey 2EQ w/ Dynamic EQ
 
391 is a bit below the 1611. The 591 is equivalent. See Batpigs guide to Denon

Also when comparing be careful to compare similar rated values and check the online reviews on power. I've learnt its extremely difficult to compare power on amplifies. Its not all about the Watts and manufacturers tend to fudge the figures.

The oft given advice is to go to a store and listen to the amp before purchasing on specs alone. My ears aint that trained tho so I go on reviews. I was looking at the Denon 1911, Onkyo 608 and Marantz 5004. These are in the R7000 - R9000 bracket and around 90w - 100w p/ch.

You could look at sourcing yourself internationally as wantItAll is going to do just that for you. That being said, you would want a UK/european model. You going to pay quite a bit for a decent 110->240 transformer as you probably wouldn't want to go with something cheap for such a power hungry (and power sensitive) device.
 
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