I was hoping to eventually upgrade from my Yamaha RX-A3000 to separates, but after a divorce, I am looking for a cheap replacement that at best is a downgrade in power with newer technology.
Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo all have ~$500 receivers (RX-A1050, AVR-X3500H, TX-RZ820) with full pre-outs for a nice path to separates, as well as a decent (but less than RX-A3000) power. Preamp surrounds are nice, as they give me a wireless option, and preamp mains are nice as I really only want more power for the left and right (I don't have a center now). I can move up and down the various lines for more power, newer features or better prices.
But is there a reason to consider one brand over another? I am only really familiar with Yamaha, which I like, but I know their big thing is DSP modes and I don't like or use them. Does Denon or Onkyo have a similar "big thing" in another area?
Various people on the Internet tell me they sound different, but I am skeptical. If someone says Onkyo has fuller mids than Denon, that an EQ problem - either the Denon is not putting out enough in this range or the Onkyo is putting out too much. Distortion and noise floor matter, but all the mainstream brands seem acceptable.
Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo all have ~$500 receivers (RX-A1050, AVR-X3500H, TX-RZ820) with full pre-outs for a nice path to separates, as well as a decent (but less than RX-A3000) power. Preamp surrounds are nice, as they give me a wireless option, and preamp mains are nice as I really only want more power for the left and right (I don't have a center now). I can move up and down the various lines for more power, newer features or better prices.
But is there a reason to consider one brand over another? I am only really familiar with Yamaha, which I like, but I know their big thing is DSP modes and I don't like or use them. Does Denon or Onkyo have a similar "big thing" in another area?
Various people on the Internet tell me they sound different, but I am skeptical. If someone says Onkyo has fuller mids than Denon, that an EQ problem - either the Denon is not putting out enough in this range or the Onkyo is putting out too much. Distortion and noise floor matter, but all the mainstream brands seem acceptable.
Comment