Looking for AV receiver / Home cinema

Werfetter

Werfetter

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Hey guys, as the title suggests I am looking for some sort of Home theater / AV receiver. I might have the wrong solution so please let me know if there is something better that will do the job.

The problem I am trying to solve: I have decent enough 5.1 speakers (for now) but only a DVD player to plug them into that has no input capabilities. So everything else still has to use the TV speakers :sick:. At the moment I have a PS4 connected (used for gaming, Spotify, and Netflix atm). I would like to have the option to add something new in the future (HTPC or the like) but for now, it's just the PS4. Bluetooth playback (music) would also be something that is a plus but definitely not a requirement. I also might decide to upgrade the speakers in the near future or perhaps if there is a decent bundle that might be worth my time?

I basically know the Marantz and Onkyo brands and as far as I can see the Marantz are out of my budget range (Max R10k). I have LAN and Wifi available where it will be installed so either feature will useful. I started looking at the Onkyo units on Takealot and I realized that there are about 50000 different models which are only marginally different in listed features but major pricing differences so I have no idea what I should be looking out for. I really would appreciate any input from someone with some experience.
 
I would suggest the Denon AVR-X1500H. I have the model a year earlier the AVR-X1400H currently running a 7.1 Dolby Atmos set up and its beautiful. Support has been awesome I had the software upgrade to support HDR formats and HLG.

I had a SONY STR-DG600 before this and my speakers were meh but since I changed to the Denon my speakers are alive I can hear every detail.

Denon and Marantz are made by the same company and the quality is similar, just some people have commented that the Marantz has a bit of a warmer sound over the Denon not sure what that means but then again there are numerous factors to take into account like speakers etc.

I have never regretted a day with the Denon and my next AV will be a Denon as well.

I see the AVR-X1500H is on Takealot for R9 990.00 personally I find that if you shop around you do get things cheaper than you would on Takealot. Don't get me wrong I do buy from Takealot but I also shop around. I was looking at the JBL under aurmour TWS ear buds and it was R3299.00 on Tskealot got it on another site for R2899.00

One last thing, most AV receivers run warm I have a laptop cooler connected to the USB port and placed over the top of unit you cant see it in the unit but it helps run cooler. I don't use the ECO modes has that will make it run cooler but it does limit the sound. If you run ECO mode the unit doesn't run as hot as in Non ECO Mode.

Check out the SAAVRFORUM there are guys always selling units and some are demos.

Good Luck with your search
 
You did not mention budget. But for a decent AV receiver that will last you for years to come don't expect to get away cheap. Have a look at these guys.

Home Cinema Amplifiers | Home Theatre Amplifiers-Audico Online

Audico Online have the widest range of home cinema amplifiers and receivers at affordable price to decor your new ultimate theatre or TV room
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za

They have some specials going.
I would look at something like this for a entry lever receiver.
www.audicoonline.co.za

Denon AVR-S650H AV Receiver | 5.2 Channel 4K UHD Home Theater Amplifier | South Africa | AudicoOnline.co.za

Upgrade your home theater in South Africa with 5.2 channel 4k UHD Denon AVR-S650H. Features 4K UHD, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Vision™, HDR10, HLG, eARC support and HDMI (5 inputs / 1 output) to connect all your devices. Built-in Bluetooth
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za
 
Nithan15 said:
..snip
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot, I will definitely have a look at the Denon.

I usually just start by looking at Takealot and then once I have an idea I start looking around for alternative options. I know I probably won't end up buying from them...
 
Robocop said:
You did not mention budget. But for a decent AV receiver that will last you for years to come don't expect to get away cheap. Have a look at these guys.

Home Cinema Amplifiers | Home Theatre Amplifiers-Audico Online

Audico Online have the widest range of home cinema amplifiers and receivers at affordable price to decor your new ultimate theatre or TV room
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za

They have some specials going.
I would look at something like this for a entry lever receiver.
www.audicoonline.co.za

Denon AVR-S650H AV Receiver | 5.2 Channel 4K UHD Home Theater Amplifier | South Africa | AudicoOnline.co.za

Upgrade your home theater in South Africa with 5.2 channel 4k UHD Denon AVR-S650H. Features 4K UHD, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Vision™, HDR10, HLG, eARC support and HDMI (5 inputs / 1 output) to connect all your devices. Built-in Bluetooth
www.audicoonline.co.za www.audicoonline.co.za
Click to expand...
The budget is max R10k. Look closely and you see it is squeezed in there ;) but maybe I should have made it clearer.

Thanks for the Audico link. I will definitely use them to compare prices!
 
Call sound Great in Clearwater mall, they sometimes have good deals, as for the type, Dolby Atmos, DTS X, Dolby Vision, HDR 10, I think those should be the basics, Then next come the speakers, But with a decent AMP, the speakers can always be upgraded or added. also maks sure there are enough HDMI inputs, I ran out..
 
I love the Marantz sound, but have recommended Denon's to various friends and they're very happy. Also suggest visiting a Stax/Sounds Great outlet and chatting to a helpful sales person (find one who will negotiate!)
 
@Nithan15 / @Robocop can you perhaps help me understand how the zones on the Denons work? I see mention of them in the specs and was curious about what is required to use them?
 
flarkit said:
I love the Marantz sound, but have recommended Denon's to various friends and they're very happy. Also suggest visiting a Stax/Sounds Great outlet and chatting to a helpful sales person (find one who will negotiate!)
Click to expand...
Thanks, I will see if I can get a better price from one of those stores. I am hesitant to go into stores and chatting with consultants who are usually just trying to get a sale and telling you what you want to hear so first I will hear what you guys have to say and then I will go and read up a bit more on my own once I have a better idea what to look for.
 
Werfetter said:
@Nithan15 / @Robocop can you perhaps help me understand how the zones on the Denons work? I see mention of them in the specs and was curious about what is required to use them?
Click to expand...
You can have different audio playing out of different zones. Eg, I have 2 outside speakers on zone 2 of my AVR, and they can play music while the inside room is watching movies.

Different models have different restrictions on what can be played out of different zones.
 
Sinbad said:
You can have different audio playing out of different zones. Eg, I have 2 outside speakers on zone 2 of my AVR, and they can play music while the inside room is watching movies.

Different models have different restrictions on what can be played out of different zones.
Click to expand...
So the zones are just configuration? So you would set up some output channels to be in a different zone?
 
Go to a specialist audio/video retailer and they will give you a better price most of the time.

If you want to shop online check out Audico Online or Ultra Sound & Vision or Epiphany.
 
Werfetter said:
So the zones are just configuration? So you would set up some output channels to be in a different zone?
Click to expand...

That is correct but note if you using multiple channel for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X then you will lose the zone 2 function, I have reassigned my zone 2 to my Dolby Atmos height speakers.
 
You can also contact Smart Lifestyle. I got a very good deal from them recently on a Denon AVR.
 
BUUUMP

Iknow this post is quite old but has anything changed in the last 5 years? Any new tech which is definitely worthwhile when buying a new AV receiver? My Onkyo mi ked the bucket and according to Planetworld it's not repairable.

Budget is around R10k so not much choice unless I also look at second hand....
 
Zenbaas said:
BUUUMP

Iknow this post is quite old but has anything changed in the last 5 years? Any new tech which is definitely worthwhile when buying a new AV receiver? My Onkyo mi ked the bucket and according to Planetworld it's not repairable.

Budget is around R10k so not much choice unless I also look at second hand....
Click to expand...
At 10k sadly no.
www.soundxshop.co.za

Denon AVR-X580BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X580BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver
www.soundxshop.co.za www.soundxshop.co.za
Which is probably what you've got
 
Lupus said:
At 10k sadly no.
www.soundxshop.co.za

Denon AVR-X580BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X580BT 5.2 Channel AV Receiver
www.soundxshop.co.za www.soundxshop.co.za
Which is probably what you've got
Click to expand...
I could live with that, eARC and all the relevant HDR standards supported. They could throw in some virtual for Atmos/X, but I guess they want the enthusiasts to pay for that.
 
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