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I am looking to power a set of PSB Image 4T, 2B and 8C. (Currently a set of 5.1 Bose) The receiver needs to be advanced feature wise to last a good many years without an upgrade. The price point seems to be just a bit over the 1K mark.
I have a Marantz SR7300, NAD T752 and NAD T762, and Denon 3803 in the current list for possibilities. I plan for this system to run about 50/50 music/HT. The music doesn't need to be played at extreme volumes, but it should sound very crisp and full at medium volume with the option to annoy the neighbors...Any suggestions are very appreciated, as dealers will always put a certain...spin on the brands they have chosen to provide.
Other models or brands that fit are more than welcome...I have heard about some quality control issues with the NAD, and about some low power production from the Denon with all channels running. I do have a 100+ watt Carver Amp that can be used to power the Main set if required.
I have heard nothing about the Marantz unit, except general comments on Marantz...all good.
Follow Ups:
I have been a previous NAD 7100/2100 owner and was very plaesed with the quality of these components. They are still going strong after 10+ years.Last year I started looking for a home theater receiver to replace my Yamaha DSP-E300. The logical choice for me was the (back then) soon to be released T762. It would keep me at about the same power levels and had all the new digital decoding. Well.....roughly six months later, I took delivery of one of the first in the batch to hit North America. After bringing it home and hooking it up - the noise emanating from it was more than my 10+ year old system (mostly digital type noise - clock noise). I took it back and was lucky enough to take the last one home from the dealer. The noise was less, but when a Dolby Digital track was playing, during a quieter passage, you could hear a whine and to a lesser degree, more clock noise. After confirming this on the dealer's T762, we set out to isolate the problem. Decoding in the DVD player and using the T762 7.1 input, it sounded fine. Although this was not the most scientific of tests, we determined that the DSP section had the problem. Also, the line outputs of both my Rotel cd and my T532 DVD/cd had a better sound through the unit than going straight digital into the T762. My email to NAD (the only one on their website) went unacknowledged. My dealer talked to his Rep. and is waiting on an answer. Although I am trying to give NAD the benefit of the doubt for now, anyone waiting for a T762 may want to wait or steer clear of this unit for now. I'm hoping that these issues get addressed. I hope I don't regret spending $1300 for the same noise levels I could have got for $500 at circuit city. I thought I was buying a quality receiver as good as the 7100. Get your act together NAD - don't disappoint me!
I don't have much experience with the others, but if Marantz is french, I wouldn't even consider it due to the current political situation. It's your money though.
Although I do not claim to be of expert opinion, after my research I'm going with the NAD T752. From opinions I'd read I was beginning to lean towards the Marantz 7300 or 6300. Home Theatre wise this may have been my choice. However, my focus is on 2 channel with top music reproduction to begin with and then build from there. The music first philosophy of NAD fits well with my intentions, plus the reviews I've seen puts NAD head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to music reproduction. Of course, you can always listen and see for yourself.In terms of the quality issue, accept for the less then flattering opinions I've read in this forum, I seen no confirmed credible evidence of less then exemplary quality. Quite the opposite in fact. Furthermore NAD is manufactured in Pickering Ontario by the same company that manufactures and distributes PSB. I've read about this company and I'm satisfied with their ethic and also like the fact that they are within an hours drive. Ie. it is not like I would need to ship my receiver off to France if I did require repair. Bottom line is I trust in the credibility of the manufacturer, the dealer, the Sales Rep over one man's opinion and this is now my choice.
I'm also going with the same speaker choice as you, but just starting with the towers (4T) for now. I'll keep you posted if I have any problems. You can always get a lemmon, but I'm betting against it ...
O.k. thanks for your advise. I am definately going to rethink NAD. I've always liked Marantz (the name that is) and will now also consider Denon. The whole problem is that I am totally novice when it comes to home electronics and it seems there are a ton of things to consider.I've got a new HDTV (Sony wega) and would now like to build a half decent home theatre to boot. Although I am not interested in forfeiting quality, seperates are likely beyond my scope/$. Another problem is that I'm dealing in CAD funds. Basically take your prices and multiply by 1.5.
In terms of a starting with the receiver I am thinking of a minimum of 60w per side 2 channel and 50w continuous 5 channel. I appreciate any further thoughts you can offer on this dilema.
Jeff
If your finances do not permit the purchase of separates, I strongly encourage you to check out the Denon 3803 for your home theater system. The 3803 offers several enhancements to the 3801 and 3802, and can be purchased for around $850 via the Internet. It has all the latest surround-sound options (but not THX) you could possibly need, and also has ample power. Marantz is an outstanding company, but if you're leaning toward a receiver you can't beat the Denon. Besides, you could always hook-up a separate power amp to the 3803 sometime in the future and then use the 3803 as your pre-pro.Good Luck With Your Decision........Peter
The list price is $2,250 on the Denon 3803 in Canada. Not exactly chump change for a beginner considering this is just one building block.At any rate, thanks for the comments.
I sold my Denon AVR 3801 due to mediocre stereo reproduction. My existing Parasound PSP 1500 sounds very nice in two channel direct mode. The Pioneer Elite TSX models are supposed to sound good, too.
I've owned Marantz, JVC, Sony and many more. For audio Denon & Pioneer Elite win (denon for detail, pioneer is smooth). For all around use, my Marantz couldn't be beat-it did it all but the sound quality was not on par with any of the others except NAD.Keep away from: JVC-impossible to use, Sony-too much crap included but sounds good, integra-not as good sound as the others but works well, Yamaha-garbage, Onkyo-not tested
If it were up to me, go for a few less features, go on a bargain hunt and find the Rotel. It has a few less features but is awesome sounding and built great. Your other option is to spend your money on an Outlaw pre-amp or rotel pre and rough it with power amps until your budget grows (that's what I did with the Anthem pre and AMC amps). I found an amazing increase in the quality level of pre-amps vs a receiver with the same features (they have to cut corners somewhere to get amps in that box for the price).
Finally, your carver won't sound nearly as good as most of these receivers. It may get you by for now but in reality, you want 5 matched channels.
Forget the NAD, that company has all sorts of quality control issues. For HT, the Denon 3803 is an outstanding value. If you are more concerned with pure 2-channel listening, I would probably recommend the Marantz.Good Luck.....Peter
Can you elaborate on the quality control issue a little bit?I'm also considering a NAD and from what I've seen so far, they seem to be of exceptional quality. Simplistic design with a great power source.
I have spoken to several local audio retailers (some who currently offer NAD, some who have dumped NAD) and friends who have tried NAD products. I have also read countless posts on various audio forums regarding NAD products. The general consensus is that NAD "appears" to offer good value. Unfortunately, their products have a history of repair that most people find troubling. This should not be surprising...think about it for a minute. By focusing on audio separates, NAD competes in an arena reserved for high-end players. However, because NAD's retail prices are lower than the competition it should be expected that sacrifices (i.e., "cutting corners") are being made during the manufacturing process. Those sacrifices ultimately present themselves in the form of inexpensive materials, mediocre workmanship, middle-of-the-road technology, etc.The purchase of audio equipment can represent a substantial investment...one that should last a long time. Therefore, my suggestion is this --- if you are serious enough about audio and HT to commit yourself to separates...definitely the way to go if your budget permits...spend a little more and buy something that will pass the "test of time".
Regards.......Peter
I am not very familiar with the NAD or the Marantz, but I do have experience with Denon. IMO, the build quality is very good at this price point, and if you buy from an authorized Denon dealer, you get a 2 year warranty. I feel that if a non-mechanical component like a receiver doesn't fail in the first year or two, you're probably OK for the long haul. The Denon AVR-3803 can be had for under $1K from authorized dealers, offers an impressive feature set and decent amplification for the money. It even includes a video format converter, which is hard to find at this price point.I have personally had a very positive experience with a Pioneer Elite receiver. I have owned the VSX-24TX for over three years now, without a single hiccup of any kind. Although not a high-end receiver by any definition, I feel the performance/value ratio is outstanding, as is the build quality and reliability. The current models in your price range would be the VSX-43TX and the VSX-45TX.
As a general opinion, I find the Pioneer Elite receivers warmer, cleaner and smoother than the Denons, but the Denons have superior dynamics verses the Pioneers. Niether one excels in 2-channel soundstaging or imaging, but they're listenable.
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