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
 

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. 

kraftwerkturbo OP
310 posts
 

Found some actual output test results for my Onkyo TX-RZ810; 2 channels driven (still looking for multichannel numbers to better reflect bi amping).

 

 

 

Source:

 

bipod72
104 posts
 

I have the Marantz NR1510 which is their 5.2 HT receiver. It has a very good DAC for streaming, MM phono stage, great HP amp, and it has pre-outs for a separate amp which I use to hook up a vintage Adcom GFA-2 for music fun. The 50w is very adequate for the HT/music room (16'x14') we have. I also use the HEOS app to stream music to multiple rooms (synced or separate sources) so if the kids are watching a movie, I can stream music on the porch while the wife and I relax.  It's a very flexible HT receiver for the price and plenty of features, plus you get the Marantz sound if you like it. You could probably find it on sale at Crutchfield. 

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