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In Reply to: Denon AVR-4802 vs Rotel RSX-1065 posted by Peter K on January 09, 2003 at 12:39:24:
Peter,The sub-flagships are generally a losing proposition. They are priced way up there with their big brothers, yet don't have the features or model recognition (and therefore resale value) of the flagships. The 4802 is precisely in this predicament.
If you're not prepared to go flaship (at $2,500-$3,000), I'd recommend adopting a short-term "modified" separates strategy. Depending on your need for video up/side conversion, get either the Denon 3803 ($800-$900) or the previous model, the 3802 ($600-$700). Pair it up with nice 5-ch or 7-ch or 5+2-ch outboard amps and you shoud be good to go.
Actually, good to wait
! When the nexgen porcessors arrive supporting digital interfaces to hirez audio, snap up the pre/pro or receiver of your choice. Hook up your amps and enjoy! Another nice benefit of this setup is it allows you to readily swap in pre/pros and receivers to evaluate their contribution to your overall HT. As you see, careful selection of your amps is critical as you will be keeping them for the forseeable future. Make sure they match well with your speakers, can be accomodated in your racking and are triggerable (if needed). You also might consider whether they run hot, have clip indicators, balanced and RCA connectors, decent speakers posts, transferrable warrranties, etc., etc.
Good luck.
Follow Ups:
What 5ch or 7ch do you recommend with the denon 3803? Thinking of this as the base for future upgrades, so I don't want to aim too low. Life is short and $1,000 bills for entertainment electronics only come around once in a while. I'd like to get it right the first time.
How about a list of features to recommend? Digital Hires? How far away is it?
WH,Depends where you want to go. Multichannel hirez music (5.1), full tilt HT (6.1/7.1), optimum stereo (dedicated 2-ch amp/pass through pre), a combination? What are you willing to compromise?
Depends how fast you want to get there. If today, grab Pioneer's 47Ai universal and its 49TXi receiver. You're as good as it gets wrt DVD-Audio but SACD is down(side)-converted to 88.2/32 PCM in the 49TXi. If you have a couple years, lighten up on the source and processing dollars and put them into components with legs - amps, speakers, cables, furniture and software.
Depends on the resources you intend to apply to the journey. There is not currently a SOTA solution to the HT/Hirez problem at ANY price. There will be solutions (both high-end and mid-fi) within the next year.
You got to know what you want to get what you need. Good luck.
Austin
Austin:I am sure you are well informed and that your comments have merit, but I was hoping for some feedback regarding the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the 2 receivers mentioned.
Peter,Both the Denon and the Rotel are competent receivers. The 4802, with which I have a good deal of familiarity, is a step up from the 1065. More channels, bigger & better amps, cleaner sound. The 4802 has a horrible remote, the Atkis 8000. Neither of the units provide bass management on the analog inputs, so an ICBM or BM'd player is in order for hirez audio. One nice thing about the Denon is the alternate speaker setup. You can wire both dipole and direct rad side surrounds. They will be switched automatically depending on source. This is very handy for HT/hirez multi-channel.
As I said in my previous post, I really wouldn't recommend the 4802 at this time but between the two you are considering, I'd go with the Denon. Best of luck with your new setup.
Peter,It is a difficult decesion to make. I to had to make a choice. Both are great products. You cannot go wrong. As Austin mentioned, it has many more bells and whistles...more features. Ask yourself this question: Can I afford the the denon which is more expensive: or does it fit in my buget? If yes is your answer, then proceed and purchase the avr 4802. In the end I to , chose the Denon avr 4802. I have no regrets. Actually, I was also interested in the processor by rotel rsp 1066. good luck.
Austin:You seem to have some good ideas, but try to understand that I am closer to novice than expert. Since I'm not looking to create the ultimate system, it would seem better if I kept things simple and straight forward. That said, I think I'll go with the 4802. I'm confident it'll be a good choice, and I'll be happy. But I appreciate your advice.
Peter,
If you are a novice - STOP! Do not pass go - do not spend $2000 on a receiver that is at the same time both obsolete and over the top for your needs.I don't think twice about holding my tongue when I see a novice blowing $500 on their first foray into HT - they'll learn and half a grand's a reasonable price of admission.
But the kind of bucks you're talking about calls for a bit of guidance from someone who's been there. Please re-read my posts on this topic. Then, as you've started to do already, continue posting on the HT boards where you can get a much better grounding than on an audiophile board which necessarily caters to high-end audio (which HT is definitely NOT!). Research, discuss, and audition. Repeat until you gain the confidence to proceed.
The fewer preconceived notions you go into this process with, the better result you will come out of it with. The alternative is a great deal of wasted time and money with EXACTLY the same end result.
Best of luck and I hope you enjoy the journey.
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