New receiver to match my system...Onkyo 818, Yamaha RX-A1020 RX-A2020 or Pioneer SC-LX56 ??

[Oldboy]

Hello all,

I'm looking to beef my system up with a receiver more in keeping with my speaker package...my current system is Dali Zensor5 5.1 speaker package, Panasonic DMP-BDT500MR bluray player and Vigin Tivo 1tb (also have an xbox 360 and ps3).

I currently have an Onkyo 609 receiver and whilst i've been happy with it for the last year or so I feel a step up to the £1000 price bracket will give me that extra bit of performance I think my speakers deserve and have got the choices down to the Onkyo 818, Yamaha RX-A1020, RX-A2020 or Pioneer SC-LX56. Price is a big concern to me and I don't really want to pay £1000 for a new receiver unless I really have to so i'm after some advice.

I've been offered the Yamaha RX-A1020 from the same dealer I got my speakers from for just £699 or the RX-A2020 for £799 so the 1020 seemed like a bargain to me as it's a WHF 5 star product. The Onkyo 818 seems to be about £849 and the Pioneer the most expensive option at £999, I'm really concerned about system matching too so would the Yamaha RX-A1020 represent a significant upgrade over my Onkyo 609 and match my system??

If not would any of the other receivers fit the bill? Or would I be better off looking at something else? Any help would be greatfully received as I came very close to taking the Yamaha RX-A1020 today, the only thing that stopped me was my concerns outlined above. I'm a bit confused so would like to be pointed in the right direction.

Thanks for looking.

 

[RobinKidderminster]

Unless 2020 has desirable features I recon the 1020 would fit the bill.if u cant audition

 

[RobinKidderminster]

Unless 2020 has desirable features I recon the 1020 would fit the bill.if u cant audition

 

[Oldboy]

Unless 2020 has desirable features I recon the 1020 would fit the bill.if u cant audition

The main diffrence between the two receivers is that the 1020 is a 7.2 and the 2020 is a 9.2 receiver plus the 2020 has a slightly better video processor - HQV (VHD1900) neither of which are deal breakers for me, system matching is my main concern with this reciever as I can't audition it as the dealer is too far away from me to travel to.

I know it breaks the golden rule of auditioning before you buy but I feel confident that any of the receivers would be a step up from my current Onkyo 609 it's just a case of if they would fit into my current setup or not.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated.

 

[lordguffington]

Who's the dealer offering you the 1010 for 699? Seriously, that would really help me out