2. home-theater
  3. 180873-167033

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
kraftwerkturbo OP
310 posts
 

The Anthem MRX 710 slipped through my hands. 

I scored an Onkyo TX-RZ81, which seemed to fit my wish list. Have not hooked it up yet. Has bi amping (zone 2 amps used, selectable in menu), should have decent power (not sure how it handles low impedance), has 4k pass through. Pre out for all channels. 

 

soix
8,680 posts
 

Best of luck with that and hope it doesn’t give you problems down the road.  🤞🤞🤞.  Sometimes it’s pay me now or pay me later, but I wish you the best of luck with your choice. 

kraftwerkturbo OP
310 posts
 

That goes with every purchase of a used item; can't have it both ways. And did not need (still not sure what is actually would do for me) HDMI 2.1. Or 8k for that matter (I still watch 95% in non 4k, so have likely a few years to even 'fill' the 4k that my TV has (and also my new old Onkyo) until the material I am watching has caught up. By that time, the next 'now $2,000' receiver is available for $600. 

soix
8,680 posts
 

The reason for my comment was that Onkyo has a poor track record for reliability but hope you got a good one.  

kraftwerkturbo OP
310 posts
 

Currently have an Onkyo; surprised to hear that Onkyo (particularly older ones) would be worse than the other major brands (Yamaha, Sony, Denon, Pioneer, etc). 

There is always a risk. But compared to for example cars (where its not just age, but 'owner treatment' and 'environment' that has a BIG impact on how they 'mature'), it a small risk. 

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