Help to select the best receiver

[admin_exported]

Hello, this is my first post in here.

I would really like some advice on which receiver to buy. I have an onkyo sr308, which I think is ok with movies but could be better with music. I would like a new one that is more powerfull and has a better sound quality with stereo music and movie.

I can buy the following receivers second hand and would like to know which is the best regarding soundquality with stereo music and movies. Are any of these significantly better than mine or should I buy a brand new for the same money that is better/more modern and has new technology? By the way my speakers are b&w602s3

Denon 1912

Denon 2310

Onkyo tx-nr609

Onkyo tx-nr807

Pioneer vsx-2021

Pioneer sc-lx72

I really hope you can help me out here

Best regards

Martin

 

[bigboss]

Of your list, without doubt, the Pioneer SC-LX72. It's far superior than the rest.

 

[bigboss]

What's your budget? Which TV have you got? Is 3D capability important to you?

 

[rendu]

As I have mentioned in previous post, I have recently purchased a moderm quite high level AVR and although I am ok with it, I still do not feel that it addresses music as good as I would like or, at least as good as they should for the cost.

My recommendation would be that you purchase the cheapest AVR with pre-outs that has all the functionality that you need. Then, add a separate stereo amp for the music. To my opinion it is not worth it to spend big money for AVRs because even high cost AVRs still do not work too well for music, they are ok but that is all. On the other hand most low budget AVRs do perform very well for movies.

 

[abacus]

The Pioneer AV Receivers that have the “Air Studios logo” tend to do well with music as are they balanced by professional studio engineers. http://www.airstudios.com/ rather than the R & D Technicians

As you already have an AVR Receiver then as mentioned above, you will probably find it much more satisfying (And cheaper) to just add a stereo amp for the music side.

Hope this helps

Bill

 

[bigboss]

I was part of the Big Question feature at What Hi-Fi 3 years ago, where we tested AV receivers at different price points to a stereo amplifier. While the amplifier was superior, the difference was very small & it took us extremely careful listening to discern the difference. This is not how I enjoy music.

The OP also wants better performance with movies which a stereo amplifier cannot bring.

I would recommend to go for the best AV receiver the OP can buy, which also has pre-outs. If the OP wants better performance with music, a stereo amplifier can always be bought at a later date when funds allow.

 

[bigboss]

As you already have an AVR Receiver then as mentioned above, you will probably find it much more satisfying (And cheaper) to just add a stereo amp for the music side.

I don't think the OP's AV receiver has pre-outs to connect a stereo amplifier to.

 

[Anonymous]

Wow thank you all for your answers, so many god answers .

I think I would prefer to get only one unit that can d both music and films, and better than the Onkyo sr308 that I already have. I dont know what preouts is, but I assume the new receiver need to have it if I will buy a dedicated stereo amp later? I have been thinking abot getting the sc-lx72, mainly because it was the most expensive at launch of the recievers listed before. I havent been able to find so many reviews of it but I found out that it should be pretty good to music. Where I live the onkyo sr308 costed about 250 pounds at launch while the sc-lx72 costed about 1200 pounds. Am I wrong if I expect the sc-lx72 to be significantly better than my onkyo sr308?

If I only do want to buy one unit, which of the units on the list do you then think will be the best (in combination with my b&w dm602s3)?

 

[bigboss]

I dont know what preouts is, but I assume the new receiver need to have it if I will buy a dedicated stereo amp later?

http://www.hifihunter.com/articles/improving-stereo-performance-surround-sound-setup-part-2/

Personally, I don't think you'll need it, but good to have an option.

Am I wrong if I expect the sc-lx72 to be significantly better than my onkyo sr308?

No you're not wrong. Out of your list, the Pioneer LX72 IS significantly better than the rest.

If I only do want to buy one unit, which of the units on the list do you then think will be the best (in combination with my b&w dm602s3)?

My original recommendation.