Receiver: Denon vs Onkyo vs Marantz - opinions welcome

[Aeromos]

I'm comparing some entry level receivers noted below. I'm hoping someone has had any experience with any of these or have compared them. These are all pretty much within the $500-600 range (Canadian). Of course like most receivers today they all have auto set-up.

Denon AVR-1708[list]
- 75w x 7
- HDMI 2 in / 1 out

Onkyo TX-SR606
- 90w x 7
- HDMI 4 in / 1 out
- TrueHD & DTS-HD capable

Marantz SR4002
- 80w x 7
- HDMI 3 in / 1 out
- Sonically best for music out of the 3.


Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!!

[wettou]

I'm comparing some entry level receivers noted below. I'm hoping someone has had any experience with any of these or have compared them. These are all pretty much within the $500-600 range (Canadian). Of course like most receivers today they all have auto set-up.

Denon AVR-1708[list]
- 75w x 7
- HDMI 2 in / 1 out

Onkyo TX-SR606
- 90w x 7
- HDMI 4 in / 1 out
- TrueHD & DTS-HD capable

Marantz SR4002
- 80w x 7
- HDMI 3 in / 1 out
- Sonically best for music out of the 3.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!!

I have had great luck with Onkyo but only problems with Denon always in the shop for repairs.

Try Yamaha for music

[Snap]

what are you wanting to do again? I hate Onkyo so I am biased. Mar/Denon are same same pretty much with a few diff. (Basically I like chevy, well I like GMC type of deal.) Yammy is going to give you the MOST bang for the buck in that price point.

YMMV....

[wettou]

what are you wanting to do again? I hate Onkyo so I am biased. YMMV....

Any bad experience? I am upset at them as they had promised that Integra Research line would never be obsolete and would be upgradable!! Belonies

[impala454]

I have had a Denon 2307 (pretty similiar model) for about 1.5 years. Paid around $600 and have been extremely happy so far. No problems at all.

[Aeromos]

It's just for the family room which is why I would like to keep the cost down. Denon and Marantz (bought out by Denon) are pretty much the same but I've heard the Marantz is better sonically for music. However, the models I'm looking at don't support the new lossless audio formats.

The plus for the Onkyo is that it better future proofed as it does support the new lossless audio formats.

The Yammy on the other hand, I would also consider but the latest model in this price range, the RXV663 is not yet carried by anyone in my area.

BTW, I'm considering these with either the KEF KHT2005.2 (or .3) or the Monitor Audio Radius (2 x R90's -front, 1 R180 - center, 2 x R45's - rear).

[audioqueso]

I've owned all receivers from all of them before. Onkyo is bass shy and they always get too hot. Denon and Marantz do NOT sound the same. Denon's have a little bit colored, but clear sound, while the Marantz have a warmer, more transparent, but noticeable vail over it. I prefer Marantz for music. I have a Denon integrated amp for my bedroom and a Marantz SR7002 receiver for my HT, and I've tried my 805s with both and think the Marantz has a much more pure sound.

Denon will probably have more bells and whistles than Marantz, but both have easy navigation through their menu. Go to AVS forums to learn more about them. Those guys love receivers a lot more than here.

[Aeromos]

Thanks for the info audioqueso . I'll go have a look.