Which receiver for Ascends? HK or Denon?

[sharerware]

I'm about to order up a 7.1 system from Ascend (HSU sub), and I can't decide on a home theater receiver. I could really use your help. I'm looking at either the Denon AVR887 (http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3251.asp) or the Harman Kardon AVR645 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?cat=REC&sType=C&prod=AVR+645).

Help!? :confused:

[Gov]

Your gonna probably hear more people recommend the HK. However, they appear to have lots of quality control issues these days. Buggy! Thats to bad too.

[audibleconnoisseur]

Fact is, you can't say for certain as your ears are different than mine! I will say that a few at Ascend will tell you that they sound really, really good with HK. They also like the fact that they are high current amps but mainly that the sound is good. I have the Denon and I like the sound just fine! Denon are also listed as a high current amp so it really comes down to sound to your ears! Denon are less expensive and have less issues as a whole. The HK looks nicer to many appreciate the sound. Try them both and let your ears tell you what to do. All things being equal, shoot for the more capable receiver for the money in features.

[sharerware]

Your gonna probably hear more people recommend the HK. However, they appear to have lots of quality control issues these days. Buggy! Thats to bad too.
How bad are these issues? :eek:

[Gov]

If you visit the other HT websites such as AVS or Audioholics, just do a search and read away. I considered buying an AVR635-Z refurb from HK direct, but have "chickened out" because there are still several reports that the reconditioned stuff still seem to have a lot of "bugs". Its too bad too, cuz I would love to hear if there was a difference between them and my Pioneer.

[Jonnyozero3]

I've had my AVR-435 since the summer of 2005 with little to no issues. I think it froze up and had to be hard-restarted three times or so in the first year, but not since then. I'm happy with it.

That said, I'll probably spring for a Pio Elite unit when I upgrade.

[sharerware]

I've been looking around a good bit today on the net, and am feeling overwhelmed. There seem to be a ton of AV receivers out there. :eek:

This is going to be an annoying decision...

[bikeman]

This is going to be an annoying decision...
Keep in mind that these are all good choices. Choose the unit that has the features you want at a price that you can afford and enjoy. It really should be a stress free decision.

David

[drewface]

you might also want to look at Yamaha receivers. i don't know what the case is currently, but when i was receiver shopping, Yamaha's receivers had all the same features as Denon's for a slightly lower cost. i've been extremely happy with my rxv-2400 from them, which i got for about $200 less than a similarly equipped Denon.

on a similar note, since i bought my receiver, i've always wondered why yamaha doesn't get the same attention that denon does in the receiver market. does anyone have any insight on why this is?

[bikeman]

on a similar note, since i bought my receiver, i've always wondered why yamaha doesn't get the same attention that denon does in the receiver market. does anyone have any insight on why this is?
Many, many years ago, Yamaha got a reputation as a bright receiver. And like so many things in so many hobbies, once something gets ingrained, it won't ever go away. I had a 1980 Yamaha receiver that was not bright in the least but everywhere I went that didn't sell Yamaha, it was portrayed as overly bright.
The only thing I know of Yamaha today is it's feature rich.

David

[sharerware]

I'm mostly ignorant of everything audio. I always had other places to put my money. Now that I'm nearly done building a dedicated Home Theater (big jump from nothing to something), I want to get quality components, like Ascend and HSU, both of which I just ordered. Call me stupid, but I bought them completely based on testimonials, customer service, and price. Since I have a completely untrained ear, I may never realize how good they are.

That being said, what features or aspects of A/V receivers would a novice appreciate? What would a novice not notice or have a need for? I feel like I'm drowning in features...

[bikeman]

I'm mostly ignorant of everything audio. I always had other places to put my money. Now that I'm nearly done building a dedicated Home Theater (big jump from nothing to something), I want to get quality components, like Ascend and HSU, both of which I just ordered. Call me stupid, but I bought them completely based on testimonials, customer service, and price.
Wish I had been that "stupid" when I was starting out.


That being said, what features or aspects of A/V receivers would a novice appreciate?
Don't spend a lot on your first receiver. Even a $200-$300 receiver will have all the bells and whistles a novice will need. One thing to look for is an easy to use remote. Some remotes are very poorly laid out and not all functions can be accessed from the remote. My Panasonic XR-55 would not be a good choice solely because of the remote.
After you've had the receiver for awhile, you will come to appreciate what's important to you. Then you'll be ready for your first bout of upgraditis.


What would a novice not notice or have a need for? I feel like I'm drowning in features...
We are drowning in features. Keep it simple, especially when it comes to the remote. Let us know your decision.

David

[drewface]

Many, many years ago, Yamaha got a reputation as a bright receiver. And like so many things in so many hobbies, once something gets ingrained, it won't ever go away. I had a 1980 Yamaha receiver that was not bright in the least but everywhere I went that didn't sell Yamaha, it was portrayed as overly bright.
The only thing I know of Yamaha today is it's feature rich.

Davidinteresting. thanks for that insight. i vaguely remember reading some pages that said yamahas are bright, which i can't comment on since i haven't compared my yamaha next to some other receiver, but i don't think it sounds any brighter than other setups i have heard... that's too bad that they have to carry that reputation, cause i really enjoy mine.

[Lizard_King]

Get the Outlaw Audio 1070!!!!!!!

[sharerware]

Ok. I'm nearly scared off of HKs due to their QC issues as discussed in multiple threads on the AVS forums. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on a refurbished Denon AVR2307ci from Dakmart. I like that it converts 1080p from component to HDMI as well as the other features it promises. The price on the refurbished receiver is great, too. I just hope they have it in stock. Before I commit, does anyone have any additional comments for me? If there's a better value, or otherwise, I'd like to hear it.

BTW, thanks to everyone that's given their opinions. The feedback on this forum is terrific! :cool:

[bikeman]

Is Dakmart authorized?

David

[Gov]

Is Dakmart authorized?

David

They are

[sharerware]

They also include a 1yr warranty rather than the standard 90 days for refurbished items. So, it seems like a good deal.

[bdfin]

I have a Marantz 110 watt A/V receiver that is a joy to listen to. It is now going on 5 years old and still very sweet. I plan to try some Ascends with it in the near future. You can find an authorized reseller for them by just doing a web search for Marantz. I think their line of the last few years is easily comparable with Denon, Yamaha, HK etc. as far as a nice sounding unit that should last a while....

[Lizard_King]

Shareware,

I own the Denon 3930CI Reference DVD player. This is an audiophile grade DVD and I could easily use a denon Receiver and benefit from the Denon Link. That would allow me to pass multi-channel, music and Movie sounds over a Cat-5 cable.

When I went to listen to Denon A/V receivers, I was really not liking there sound when music was playing. The sound seemed dry, and not what I call good, sound to enjoy. When playing Movies through the Denon, that was a whole new ball park.

Wnat the best of both worlds? I say go a try an Outlaw Audio 1070 A/V . Outlaw is the pioneer in making and selling amps, preamps/processors/receivers and selling them direct via the WWW.

They are like Ascend you a larger firm and their support is second to none! They have a great online forum and supedrb pre sales support. You can even get their Director of sales and marketing on the phone, his name is scott.

The use of Outlaw withg Ascend is one that many people are know to enjoy!

Outlaw Audio 1070 guy, enough said.

Liz

[Gov]

Liz.

What Ascend set up are you running with the 1070? You feel the receiver is powerful enough on it own?

[Lizard_King]

Ascend 340C (classic) center and soon a pair of HTm-200's. I also have the HSU VTF-2 MK2.



Liz.

What Ascend set up are you running with the 1070? You feel the receiver is powerful enough on it own?

[sharerware]

I appreciate your suggestion Liz. I've never considered Outlaw before. I took a look at them, but it seems they're out of my price range.

Given your description of Denon receivers however, it sounds like they'd be perfect for me. I plan on using the receiver for mostly movies and TV (maybe 95%).

[Lizard_King]

Shareware, IMHO, SQ rules!!!!!! The Denon receivers do NOT sound good to me. They are finer with movies yet so many are as movies tracks are IMHO not too difficult. Set yourself up with SQ first, Movies 2nd!

Outlaw Audio 1070 rules and is so popular. The unit weighs 40 LBS!

[Lizard_King]

Get the 1070 and you will want to throw away your Pioneer. Of course, use a powerd HSU sub and you wil be in Nirvana.



Liz.

What Ascend set up are you running with the 1070? You feel the receiver is powerful enough on it own?

[chas]

I've owned both the Pioneer 1014 and the Outlaw 1070. The Pioneer 1014 in my opinion is a good match for the Ascends. To my ears there is no doubt that the Outlaw sounded better than the Pioneer, but I wouldn't say it gave me the urge to throw away my Pioneer. Despite the sound quality, I ended up returning the Outlaw because of the no-audio bug it has at times (Outlaw recently released another beta firmware upgrade that is supposed to help with that problem).

[BGHD]

Ok. I'm nearly scared off of HKs due to their QC issues as discussed in multiple threads on the AVS forums. I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on a refurbished Denon AVR2307ci from Dakmart. I like that it converts 1080p from component to HDMI as well as the other features it promises. The price on the refurbished receiver is great, too. I just hope they have it in stock. Before I commit, does anyone have any additional comments for me? If there's a better value, or otherwise, I'd like to hear it.

BTW, thanks to everyone that's given their opinions. The feedback on this forum is terrific! :cool:
The Denon sounds like a good one. Nowadays, I'd look for up-to-date HDMI connectivity in a receiver (v1.2c???), mainly for video pass-thru and to decode the newer audio formats like DD+, TrueHD, etc (although I think they can pass via analog multichannel inputs too). I tend to ignore features like surround processing (e.g. concert hall, stadium, etc) that I've read Yamahas seems to have tons of.

[sharerware]

I finally made a decision and ordered a Denon 2307ci from SecondAct.com. The price on the refurbished 2307 just couldn't be beat, especially since it's an authorized dealer. Everything about the 2307 just seemed a perfect fit for what I'm trying to do in my HT, and the price easily sealed the deal. :cool:

I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks very much. :D

[chas]

Let us know how you like the refurbed Denon. I'd also like to hear how things went with Second Act. Let us know when it arrives....

[sharerware]

Let us know how you like the refurbed Denon. I'd also like to hear how things went with Second Act. Let us know when it arrives....
I received my refurb Denon yesterday from Second Act. It looks (and smelled) brand new. After a time, I was able to hook up my Ascends to the Denon, and play some music. I'll post my thoughts of the combo and I configure everything (and figure out all of these features and options). :eek:

BTW, everything about Second Act was great. They answered my emails promptly, and shipped the Denon out quickly.

[chas]

Thanks for the update....let us know how everything sounds together.

[sharerware]

I received my refurb Denon yesterday from Second Act. It looks (and smelled) brand new. After a time, I was able to hook up my Ascends to the Denon, and play some music. I'll post my thoughts of the combo and I configure everything (and figure out all of these features and options). :eek:

BTW, everything about Second Act was great. They answered my emails promptly, and shipped the Denon out quickly.
Funny how things have changed since then. As it turns out, the refurb Denon was still defective. After I suspected that the problems I was having was due to the receiver, and not the speakers, I rushed out and picked an Onkyo 674. I'm quite pleased with the Onkyo paired up with the Ascends and HSU sub. Couldn't be happier. It's just so amazing! :D

Now I have to figure out how to deal with this Denon paperweight... :mad:

[chas]

Funny, I was just reading reviews of the 674 last night. Did the Denon work well enough at anytime to be able to compare the sound with the Onkyo?

[sharerware]

Funny, I was just reading reviews of the 674 last night. Did the Denon work well enough at anytime to be able to compare the sound with the Onkyo?
I didn't really get much of a chance to listen critically to the Denon before it started crackling, but of what I did hear, it seemed to sound just as good. One thing is for sure, I like the rear layout on the Onkyo better than the Denon. I had a much easier time connecting the speakers to the 674.

[chas]

How hot does the Onkyo get? I've heard they run on the hot side, and my rack has very limited to clearance (though it's open on the sides).

[sharerware]

How hot does the Onkyo get? I've heard they run on the hot side, and my rack has very limited to clearance (though it's open on the sides).
OK. Later this evening, I'll reply back with the results.
Mike

[kirkup]

How hot does the Onkyo get? I've heard they run on the hot side, and my rack has very limited to clearance (though it's open on the sides).
I have an Onkyo 674 that I am running with Ascend 170SEs R&L, 360C, 200s in the back and a HSU VTF-1. It sounds great for both music and HT. It does run warm, but not uncomfortable,to the touch. I have open sides and about six inches on top. This is my first Onkyo and it was a pain to set up. However, I am technologically challanged. Those speakers sounded very good with my ancient Panasonic receiver too, but no up to date surround sound..

[chas]

Thanks for the feedback on the heat.

[sharerware]

Listened to a CD and watched a movie, with the volume cranked up. It really wasn't hot at all.

[chas]

Good to know...thanks for taking the time to check it out and report!