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Budget friendly receiver choice

I want to stay with 5.1 (or better, don't see the need/benefit vs trouble of 7.2 etc) but also use the system for audio a lot. 

I have a dedicated 18" Dayton 18-22 sub (sealed enclosure)  with the excellent amp from the Elemental Design A7. Front tower speakers (various, experimenting, changing, still not found the final one). 

On my wish list:

- DSP

- pre out (so I can use other amps I have)

- nice: use build in amps for bi amping (Anthem MRX 710 i read offers that option0

- stable (to drive critical speakers if need be)

- low price certainly under $1,000 , $600 preferred (so used obviously)

- probably should be able to feed 4k TV (Vizio M75 currently)

- ideal (but not done anymore): pre/main amp split (remember these small metal U shaped bridges that good full amps had?) 

 

I mentioned the Anthem MRX 710 because I just saw one offered locally (without the software/mic). To stay under $600, I likely need to make more compromises. 

 

Suggestions (full make/model so I can look up prices and reviews)? 

kraftwerkturbo
soix
9,694 posts
 

Onkyo has traditionally had reliability issues, declared bankruptcy about a year ago, and is now owned by the parent company of Klipsch, et al. Too much baggage and too many question marks for me with so many other good options out there IMHO.

secretguy
1,741 posts
 

I've had great service from my Denon 4300. I realize it's mass market (gasp), but it's pretty good.

kraftwerkturbo OP
330 posts
 

Any letters with that Denon 4300? HDMI 2.1? Pre out? Bi amp option? Decent current (i.e. power in low impedance speekers)?

 

anotherbob's avatar
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anotherbob
344 posts
 

kraftwerturbo - I forgot to mention, the new Onkyo AVR I just got does bi-amping, as mine is set up that way.  Through Monitor Audio Silver speakers and a 12 inch SVS sub it sounds great.  When I got the new Samsung TV and saw it supported the new HDMI 2.1 standard, I wanted a new AVR that would support it but not break the bank, hence the new Onkyo purchase.  They’ve had reliability issues in the past, but since their old parent company Gibson went bankrupt they have since been purchased by the Premium Audio Company/Sharp Electronics and so far their new lines are doing well, though to be fair, it’s too soon to tell.  I’ve had nothing but Sony AVR’s prior to this and they have been rock solid, never had a single problem in decades.  I’ve got two gathering dust in my basement that I’ve replaced with better/newer tech, they still work perfectly. Unfortunately they don’t make anything in the 2.1 standard or I would have bought another one.  They may even be getting out of the AVR business.  Good luck whatever decision you make!

Bob

kraftwerkturbo OP
330 posts
 

anotherbox, how did you 'manage' bi amping (what connections used) with the Onkyo TX NR6100? Looks fairly 'meager' connections (used to seeing 7 pre outs): 

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