Video Asylum

Posted by Joe Murphy Jr (i) on July 31, 2001 at 17:37:25

In Reply to: Re: What's your budget? (nt) posted by plugs on July 31, 2001 at 07:47:24:

Paid off the house? I've got a long way to go. As far as receivers go, check into the Denon 3801, Denon 5800, Onkyo 989 and Onkyo Integra 9.1 surround receivers. All have at least Dolby Pro-Logic, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. The Denon 3801/5800 and Onkyo 989 have Dolby Digital EX (matrix), DTS-ES (matrix) and DTS-ES (discrete) capability. The Integra version can be upgraded to DTS-ES (matrix and discrete). The Onkyo 989 also has Dolby Pro-Logic II capability. The Integra 9.1 and Denon 5800 can be upgraded for DPL II capability. As far as power, I believe the 3800 and 989 give about 105/110 watts to each channel. The 5800 and 9.1 give about 130 watts to each channel. Pricing, from what I have seen, is as follows: Denon 5800 ($2800), Denon 3801 (under $800), Onkyo 989 ($2450), Integra 9.1 ($?). I would go to the websites to find out which one is right for you (or if you even like these models or brands!). Keep in mind that almost all of these are upgradable (I don't think the 3801 is, but I could be wrong). By the way, DTS has announced that coming this fall we will have 24/96 surround capability for certain DVD movies with DTS soundtracks. You might want to wait a month or two to see what receivers will handle the full potential of this format (although the movies will be backwards compatible with today's processors). Let me know if you have more questions (email?).