Suggestions for AVR

[Mr. C]

I am piecing together a HT and will start with a 3.1 until I end up moving to a larger place with a dedicated family room (unlike the apartment I currently live in which has the living/dinning/kitchen as one big open area with huge slanted ceilings. Eventually I plan on setting up a 7.2 with SHO-10s and SS 18.2s, but I'd like to get started and enjoy myself in the meantime.

Due to the sensitivity of the SHO-10s, I understand I most likely wouldn't need an amp even with a 5.1 system, so I'll probably just stick with the AVR until I get up to a 7.2 or 9.2 system. Anyways, I've been looking at receivers and just can't make up my mind. The Onkyo HT-RC180 for roughly $450 shipped sounds like a pretty good choice.

Ideally I'd like for the AVR to have plenty of juice to feed 3-5 SHO-10s (maybe 7?) and later get a separate amp to power the sub(s). I could care less about 3D (1.4 capabilities). HT will be primarily for Blu's with the occasional sports/music, but the cinema aspect is the focus! I can't give you room specifications yet since I do not have them for where I will be moving come the new year, but any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated. Just unsure as to whether the 180 is overkill given the sensitivity of the CHT speakers or if there is a better "bang for your buck" alternative!

Thanks all, and I can't wait to get in touch with Craig and start talking speakers! :D

[eljay]

There's a Marantz SR6003 for sale on this forum. Assuming it's in 100% working order, you should consider snagging it. It's an excellent AVR.

The only two shortcomings with it (in my opinion) are:
- it has only one crossover setting for all channels (not an issue if all your speakers can cross over at 80Hz); and
- it cannot simultaneously decode lossless audio AND apply Audyssey processing (not an issue if your player can decode lossless and stream it to the AVR).

[Interspy24]

The RC180 was about $350 a month or two ago. For that price, it's an excellent receiver with great features.

Another option:
The Denon 2112 was available at Electronic Expo for about $400 plus shipping. Audyssey XT and some other nice features (ethernet, airplay, etc). The only thing I would wonder about is how powerful the amp is, aside from that its a fantastic deal.

Either would a very good choice for your setup.

[Mr. C]

eljay- I just saw the Marantz so I'll look into that, thank you. I currently have the same Oppo as you do but from what I could find, it needs a firmware upgrade (which I do not believe I have) to decode FLAC files, yeah?


Spy24- I noticed in a previous thread that the price was a little lower before. Since they say they're aren't many left I figure it probably won't drop again before it's sold out. Also, the Denon 2112 puts out 90w/.. sufficient for a 3.1 I would think, but how about when I add on an additional 2 SHO-10s? Hmm



Any thoughts on the THX certification.. Marantz lacks it and the Onkyo has it.. though how much weight should I put into it when picking a receiver? Thanks for the help/sorry for all the questions!

[eljay]

I currently have the same Oppo as you do but from what I could find, it needs a firmware upgrade (which I do not believe I have) to decode FLAC files, yeah?

I don't know, sorry. I've never looked into playing FLAC files w/ my BDP-83.

Any thoughts on the THX certification.. Marantz lacks it and the Onkyo has it..

All I can say for sure is that, despite lacking THX certification, the SR6003 had no trouble energizing five Paradigm Monitor-series speakers (Monitor 7 v4s, CC-370 v3 and Mini Monitor v4s). :)

With the more-efficient SHO-10s, it should have even less trouble.

[engtaz]

Has anybody seen this site? http://www.unitedonlineshopping.com/

[1BionicEar]

Has anybody seen this site? http://www.unitedonlineshopping.com/

No. I have purchased refurbed Onkyo and Marantz from www.accessories4less.com and recommend them.

[Jethro]

I'd go with the onkyo 180 refurb if you can.