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
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. 

kraftwerkturbo OP
310 posts
 

Bought (used, with manuals, remote, dust cover, but NOT THE MICROPHONE) Onkyo TX-RX810. Just hooked up cd player (optical) and computer (25ft usb-c to Shiit, RCA to Onkyo). Just tried on CD (ripped losless) from player and computer, medium level. VERY impressed with the sound (computer actually sounded BETTER than the CD player (low grade Panasonic DVD player). Reading the manual right now, and will do some more listening, but impressed so far. 

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