Reliable Mid-Priced 7.2 Channel Receiver


We're near move-in to a new home, sold the ancient Onkyo 5.1 receiver and am looking at 7.2 channel new options.  I was looking at the Denon S960H, generally seems good power and currently down to $599, plus $50 coupon.

The bad news...reading reviews.  I look at the 1 & 2-stars (of 5) reviews on Amazon and Best Buy and it gets scary...lots of issues.  So I looked at Yamaha (next) and Sony and Pioneer in that price range.   Almost all have numerous, serious complaints, some also poor customer support.

This will be used in the main room with 75" tv (streaming), Blu-Ray and old CD player.  I would love to use it as the source selector (is that ARC?) but if an issue I would usually use just the TV sound, and if source selection became an issue, just send the sound to the receiver via optical and turn on the receiver sound / source manually as I did with the old Onkyo.

So, I am most interested in how to select a reliable 7.2 receiver in my price range.  Perhaps best to order with a place with good return policy, like Best Buy, versus some random Amazon provider?

All input is most appreciated.

Paul

peahrens

The new Denon and Marantz look like a price/performace breakthrough.

 

I worked for Magnolia and got to audition several AVRs back to back driving B&W 804D3s, and compared to Arcam, Marantz, and Denon the Yamaha was by far the one that reminded me most of my $10k separate stereo amp/preamp.  Not even close.   Also, Yamaha is the most reliable of the bunch.  If you have the extra $$$ absolutely go for an Anthem AVR, but if not buy a Yammy, and you can get a huge discount if you buy from accessories4less.com.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

I don't  use mine very often but I enjoy the nad I have and the arcam blu ray. 

Paul,

I have a Marantz SR8300 receiver I'd be willing to sell. DM me for details if you're interested.

Spend the extra money and buy the Anthem MRX 540 or MRX740 AVR you will be happy you spent the extra money.