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Old top-of-the-line A/V Receiver vs. new mid-level

Howdy all. First time posting here, thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Basically I have been looking at a lot of the older, top-rated Denon A/V receivers as a replacement for my current Rotel RSX-1065. Understand that it performs great, but I am stepping up from the 600 series B&Ws to the 800 series (804S to start in the front, will upgrade to one of the HTMs for center and probably 805S's in the rear). Since I do not have internal decoding on the Rotel for the newer HD audio codecs anyway, I am going from Blu-ray and HD-DVD into a Zektor switcher then into the sole set of analog inputs on the Rotel.

My question is, since I am going analog anyway right now, would getting into an older A/V receiver, like a Denon AVR-5xxx series be a step up for me to feed some better sound into the 800's? In particular, the Denon AVR-5800/5803s have not one but two sets of 7.1 external analog inputs, so I could immediately also get rid of my switcher, as well as what I would think would be a step up in my amplification.

Would love to get something like a Rotel RMB-1096 with RSP-1098/68/69, but I just can't afford that right now. Also, a great condition AVR-5800 can be had for as little as $500-600 on eBay.

Thanks for any opinions!
hasaanchop
mumbles
83 posts
 
I am using a denon 5803 for both 2 channel and ht and am very happy with it. I replaced my paradigm speakers with Dalis 800s, 400s for rears and 200center along with servo 15 sub and found that the speaker upgrade made a huge difference, and the 5803 still has plenty of power for them. I am also running 16 8"nht ceiling speakers from it's multizone out and there I have to admit it is running a bit thin.Going to add a multizone amp using the 5803 pre outs for the other zones. Also added a CJ MET1 multi channel tube preamp and love it with the 5803. They compliment each other well. I have been wondering how much improvement I would get from a different amp, such as a class or cary cinema11, but am happy enough for now.
I bought the 5803 new and have to live with it for awhile, but I think they are a steal used, fine piece of equipment.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
Nice speakers. I can't imagine investing in quality speakers only to be driven by an av receiver??? I know that some quality companies make av receivers but I still don't think they come near separates. IMHO, wait until you can do it right. Keep sony or bose speakers for the box store av receivers. Use quality with quality. Denon receiver is ok for preamp/digital decoding but invest in a good amp.
mumbles
83 posts
 
Jamesw20, Curious, what would you consider as a good multichannel amp to invest in? I have considered the matching cj 5-channel amp, but thought a solid state would better compliment tne cj preamp. There is a 5 channel pass at Echo a local used store.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
Sure Pass, mac, bryston, proceed( may be difficult to repair but great performer), etc. I think if you search around this question has been raised many times and the same points are presented. Great speakers need good clean power that recievers just can't deliver as well as dedicated amps. MHO.
mumbles
83 posts
 
Hasaanchop,
A couple of days ago I would have said go with the Denon 5803, even tho it is a avr integrated, it is no slouch for power with its 7x170 watts, and for used price its a good deal. But Jamesw's responce has got me to rethink that a dedicated amp would be better.( and more expensive)
I have noticed with my denon 5900 universal that sacd's sound way better than cd's. In fact cd's sound like crap. I thought this was due to the player, but now wonder if it is an avr shortcoming.
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