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I have no experience with receivers since I'm a two channel stereo and tube guy. This time I'm looking for a network receiver to connect to my TV for movies and also to stream audio from the internet. I have to admit I have not listened to a receiver in years and I need your opinion in choosing a good sounding receiver for general purpose use. Having said that I looked at the usual players like Onkyo, Yamaha and Denon. Since the features are close on all of them, which one would you recommend based on sound? Should I look at another brand? Thanks in advance for your opinion.
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Best to buy a low cost Marantz receiver with pre-outs connect to your stereo amp to power front speakers,AVR will power centre & rear speakers this way you will get best sound.
I 2nd the Marantz. I had an Onkyo in my living room 3.0 then replaced it with a Marantz 1603, I was really surprised at how much better the marantz sounded. The Onkyo still had a receiver sound where the marantz just sounds more natural and warm, the bass was more abundant as well but using a sub that may not be an issue.
I've found Marantz to be very reliable, I've had a AV8003 processor since the year they came out.
Yamaha would be my second choice although the power ratings seem to be a bit exaggerated at times.
Denon & Marantz have the same parent company but they are not the same animal. Denon sounds alright but leans more toward the Onkyo but Denon's set up is one of the most difficult, less intuitive than most.
Keep in mind this is just my opinion on things. I think the Marantz difference in sound should be apparent though if you have a store that carries them and something to compare it to.
I have an Onkyo and I hate it like poison. Worst GUI ever. It's been relegated to outdoor speaker duty. POS. No one has the time to spend untold hours trying to figure out why I can't hear my turntable in zone 2 only to find out the analog inputs are only good for zone 1. Sheesh.
That was the last straw.
On the positive side, it instantly paired with my iphone with almost no effort. Seems we know who that feature is for...
Yes most of the Marantz models are based upon Denon receives (same parent) but the Marantz models come with a few more bells and whistles, while having a more refined sound.
Most of their HT receivers now include network streaming. They tend to be reliable, so buying lightly used is a way to safe some money and get (almost) the latest features. A Marantz SR7008 offers ethernet streaming (but not wifi) and enough power to drive most speakers. The DAC is surprisingly good. CMV is about $500 for clean used.
"accessories for less" sells factory refurbished units at a substantial discount if you want to purchase as new with a warranty.
You would be fine with a Denon or Onkyo. I have never cared for Yamaha receivers.
Since you are looking for a networking and streaming device you may not really need a receiver. The Paradigm PW Amplifier might be all you need. There are also several integrated amplifiers from NAD, Arcam, Cambridge Audio, and Elac Element Series EA-101EQ-G and Discovery (coming soon) that network and stream.
I doubt you'd go wrong with any of the major brands as long as you buy enough real power to push your speakers. I like my 2 Denon 2311CIs. Before that I liked my 2 Onkyos. My best friend likes his Yamaha and next best friend likes his Pioneer Elite. I've heard both of theirs and they sound fine. One of my Denons performs flawlessly, the other needs a reboot a cupla times a year. Go figure, lol. Again, make sure you're buying one with enough power to comfortably push your speakers.
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