Should I upgrade

[NorthStar]

Mar 28, 2010 7:43:31 GMT -5 moe said:

Going from an HK to an Onkyo? I was much happier with my 630/635 than I ever have been with the sound of the 805.

It's because you are the exception to the rule.

[NorthStar]

Mar 28, 2010 23:44:44 GMT -5 deezzer said:

I'm not interested in 3d rigjt now,I'll wait till all the prices come down over the next few years and all the bugs get worked out.Hell I'm just now looking on a good deal on a plasma.I have a 20" crt in my living room righ now.Heres the deal,Uncle same finaly showed up and the wife gave me the ok for the tv.I have a few hundred saved up in stocks for that right deal on an Emotiva 5-ch amp.Still debating xpa-5 or upa-5,boils down to which one I find for the best deal used.So the amp is kinda coming out of my own little fund.I figured if I sell my H/K for some coin and and only took out alittle bit of money out of our return she couldn't/shouldn't be too mad.I kinda wanted to get something new for awhile ,not long term,maybe a year or two from now to tie me over till I can buy something current.Not realy interested in I pod connectivity or all the wi/fi,xm etc.I just want something that sounds good,not all the frills and fluff.The Marantz sr5004 looked interesting?But why does it only way 28lbs compared to the onkyo 807 weighing 39lbs??

One thing and one thing only; forget about Marantz Receivers xx04 series, they have a very high rate of failure issues (just check the official Marantz xxx4 Receiver's series at AVS for confirmation).

* Marantz xxx4 Series Failure Issues:
@ www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1199061

Option: --> The Onkyo TX-NR807, yes, that one is very fine, excellent indeed.
Review: @ www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/onkyo_tx-nr807_av_receiver/
Price: @ www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR807/Onkyo/TX-NR807-THX-Select2-Plus-Certified-7.2-Channel-Network-Receiver/1.html

I owned few Onkyo receivers (and still own), and they all have been very good to me, enough to pass the mustard and resides on some of my actual systems.

Option: --> About the Emotiva UPA-7 multichannel power amplifier in combination with a fully operating multichannel surround processor, the UMC-1?
@ www.emotiva.com/upa7.shtm

...But because... then perhaps a receiver with full preouts and the latest audio codecs with also HDMI v1.3 from Audiogon would be more appropriately secure, to use as your pre/pro (e.g., a Denon AVR-2809CI, or even his predecessor the AVR-2808CI) in combination with that Emotiva UPA-7 amplifier, what da ya think?
1. AVR-2809 @ www.usa.denon.com/productdetails/4484.asp
2. AVR-2808 @ www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3526.asp

By the way, WHAT IS YOUR TOTAL BUDGET?

===> And please, get RID of that 20" CRT.

[altpensacola]

I thought you were getting the amp either way. If you were to get something like that Onkyo above you might not even need an amp.
But we don't know what your speakers are, do we?
What is wrong with your Harmon Kardon? Besides not having HDMI?
How does it sound for stereo?
How does it sound for 5.1 Dolby Digital? DTS?
I have a now 7 year old Kenwood that sounds amazing, it did before I got the XPA5, and now it sounds even better.
And it cost a lot less than that HK you have.

[deezzer]

I'm running the older PSB image 6T for fronts,9C center,2B for my surrounds.They are pretty efective at 91db sensitivity and 6ohms.I thought I heard something on the marantzs having alot of hardware issues.
There is nothing wrong with my H/K acually,I just wanted something differant.Like I said,I love it to be honest,I haven't had one issue out of it during the 6 or so years I've owned it.Here is a little facter that also has me looking into a pre/pro design,I don't have alot of room on tv stand,or should I say when I get the amp the I would have to move my H/k to the glass shelve in the middle of my stand which will not support the weight.The H/K is 45 or 49lbs,and it is on the bottom for now right next to my HTPC witch weighs abit also.
Realy don't have a budget,I was hoping to get aroud 250.00-300.00 for the H/K and add 150.00.So I guess if I sold my H/K and put 150.00 twards that,I'm looking at a 400-450 budget.
Now I was saying a 5-ch amp because my H/K is 7.1 but in all the time I've had it I've only had 5 speakers hooked up to it,and it sounds good to me.Also my room layout will not allow it.But I have thought of the upa-7 just because there seems to be alot of them popping up for sale lately.
OH,as soon as I find the right deal,I have to head up to Columbus OH this week on a mission to find a good deal on last years models since the 2010 models are ariving.I've also been keeping my eyes on dealnews.com to see anything on the net.

[SDMonkey]

Mar 29, 2010 11:23:26 GMT -5 deezzer said:

I'm running the older PSB image 6T for fronts,9C center,2B for my surrounds.They are pretty efective at 91db sensitivity and 6ohms.I thought I heard something on the marantzs having alot of hardware issues.
There is nothing wrong with my H/K acually,I just wanted something differant.Like I said,I love it to be honest,I haven't had one issue out of it during the 6 or so years I've owned it.Here is a little facter that also has me looking into a pre/pro design,I don't have alot of room on tv stand,or should I say when I get the amp the I would have to move my H/k to the glass shelve in the middle of my stand which will not support the weight.The H/K is 45 or 49lbs,and it is on the bottom for now right next to my HTPC witch weighs abit also.
Realy don't have a budget,I was hoping to get aroud 250.00-300.00 for the H/K and add 150.00.So I guess if I sold my H/K and put 150.00 twards that,I'm looking at a 400-450 budget.
Now I was saying a 5-ch amp because my H/K is 7.1 but in all the time I've had it I've only had 5 speakers hooked up to it,and it sounds good to me.Also my room layout will not allow it.But I have thought of the upa-7 just because there seems to be alot of them popping up for sale lately.
OH,as soon as I find the right deal,I have to head up to Columbus OH this week on a mission to find a good deal on last years models since the 2010 models are ariving.I've also been keeping my eyes on dealnews.com to see anything on the net.

If I were you I would look at Accessories4less.com, at least they are fully tested and have a warranty. I bought my Marantz SR6003 from them and it is in mint condition. It may not be as feature packed as an Onkyo but after seeing my brother have three different Onkyo AVRs die on him and hearing his Marantz SR5004 it made it easier for me.

I have a UPA-7 and I used it with my old Yamaha RX-V1300 for over a year. It really improved the sound quality and performance of my speakers. I seriously felt like I had new speakers, it was that good. You may just want to get the amp first and see what happens to your ears. No need to rush into buying a new AVR when you just started looking.

Problems with Marantz have been over stated and really fueled by only a select group at AVS, the pop of death on SR5004 and SR6004. My brother has had his SR5004 since NOV/09 without a single problem. I talked to his dealer who has never had this issue. I visited my locale dealer and he had never heard of the Marantz failures listed on AVS.

Here are some good options from Marantz and Onkyo close to your listed budget with pre outs.

www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5003/Marantz/Sr5003-Dolby-Truehd-/-Dts-hd-Master-Audio-Av-Receiver/1.html

www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR707/Onkyo/Tx-sr707-Thx-Select2-Plus-Certified-Hdmi-V1.3a-7.2-channel-A/v-Receiver/1.html

www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5004/Marantz/SR5004-Dolby-TrueHD-PLIIz-/-dts-HD-MA-AV-Receiver/1.html

[roadrunner]

deezzer,

With the budget you have given, one of the best solutions for you would be to get a Marantz SR5002 or SR5003 used or refurbished. Either of these will give you excellent service for your current equipment and allow for upgrading for several years. Their preamp stages are really quite good and would combine with an Emotiva power amp to give you superior output.

Would this be as good as going with the UMC-1 and a UPA-5? Of course not. What it will do is give you a major step up in performance with what you currently have and will save you about $300 in the process. It will also give you access to all the latest audio codecs and HDMI 1.3a. You should be able to get several years of very good use from the Marantz and give you time to save up to buy a separate pre/pro.

Over the past year or so, quite a few Lounge members having very similar situations to yours have elected to take this route; and several of them have PM'd me saying how happy they are with this solution (SR5002). Accessories for Less is a pipe-line from Marantz for refurbished products -- often the "refurbs" are actually brand new. Marantz and Onkyo both use AC4Less for inventory balancing by selling new goods as refurbished.

Good luck with this project, which ever way you go. If you are really happy with the HK630 you might just want to go with the UPA-5 amp for now and save up until you can afford to get the UMC-1. This might be the best route if the HK is doing its job for now. Decisions, decisions.... ;D

[hemster]

+1. I underscore roadrunner's response and confirm that the Marantz SR-5003 is an excellent unit (mind you, stay clear of the SR-5004 as it has the dreaded "pop of death" syndrome!). I used mine for a while and thoroughly enjoyed the warm sound. I liked it so much that after replacing it with a new UMC-1 I'm still keeping it for use in the family room. Accessories4Less is the place to shop for these as they often have them for decent prices. Keep up posted with how you end up...

[NorthStar]

* Marantz 5003 -> www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5003/Marantz/Sr-5003-Dolby-Truehd-/-Dts-hd-Master-Audio-Av-Receiver/1.html

* Onkyo 607 -> www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR607BLK/Onkyo/Tx-sr607-7.2-channel-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

>>> And because you have indeed a quite low budget, I will recommend the Onkyo TX-SR606 for only $279.99 from the same dealer. It is an excellent receiver for the money.

Good luck & good day,
Bob

[deezzer]

Oh I will for sure.That sure is a nice looking unit,any differance from the sr5004?Unless something good comes up I may just hold off on upgrading my H/K for now.I'l just keep my eye on an external amp.I see someone beat me to the punch on the upa-5 for sale here on these boards,what can I say,I was at work.

[NorthStar]

The 5004 is a more risky proposition as previously mentioned. Proceeds at your own perils.
I don't personally recommend it. And the 5003 is not missing much at all in the features department from the 5004.

And the 5003 is a proven one. BUT, the 6003 is even much BETTER.
If it would be me, I'd go with the SR6003 for sure (but its your money and your budget).

[deezzer]

I'll do some research on differance between the sr5003 and the sr6003. But when we start talking about the sr6003,the price starts to creep up there with the umc-1. Man I think I'll play the waiting game and see what deal comes up that I can't pass. Off topic but I will let you know if I pick up a new tv this week. This will realy improve my movie watchin!

[NorthStar]

SR6003 review: www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/3143/marantz-sr6003-av-receiver.html

* The SR6003 is a much more powerful receiver than the SR5003. With the 5003 you will reach its limits quite fast with a lack of dynamics and restrained sound. NOT so with the 6003.

[roadrunner]

Mar 30, 2010 3:01:28 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

SR6003 review: www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/3143/marantz-sr6003-av-receiver.html

* The SR6003 is a much more powerful receiver than the SR5003. With the 5003 you will reach its limits quite fast with a lack of dynamics and restrained sound. NOT so with the 6003.

Bob

The OP was talking about getting an AVR to use as a pre/pro to use with an Emotiva UPA-5 and he also mentioned he had a budgetary constraint of about $500. This is the reason the Marantz SR5003 was recommended. He was not looking to use the amp section of the replacement receiver. The UPA-5 was his stated power amp source. The SR6003 is just beyond his budget.

[NorthStar]

Mar 30, 2010 3:38:31 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Mar 30, 2010 3:01:28 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

SR6003 review: www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/3143/marantz-sr6003-av-receiver.html

* The SR6003 is a much more powerful receiver than the SR5003. With the 5003 you will reach its limits quite fast with a lack of dynamics and restrained sound. NOT so with the 6003.

Bob

The OP was talking about getting an AVR to use as a pre/pro to use with an Emotiva UPA-5 and he also mentioned he had a budgetary constraint of about $500. This is the reason the Marantz SR5003 was recommended. He was not looking to use the amp section of the replacement receiver. The UPA-5 was his stated power amp source. The SR6003 is just beyond his budget.

First, roadrunner, you are missing in action from the thread "The Mystery Thread!?!". ...As you are the one that came with the closest answer (95% good = good enough). So everyone's waiting on you for Mystery part #2. Get on it man, and move your a$$ over, pronto, would you please (it's in "The Green Room" section).

Second, I've been following this thread here very meticulously (like any other thread that I take part in), so I know exactly what is the state of mind of our dear OP. ...Trust me on this, I was not born yesterday; but not only that, I go beyond the call of duty in each and every case that I get involved in. Again, mark my words.
With the 6003 in his system setup, no real need to add external amps. Besides, it has a cleaner preamp section too, so...

Anything else? ...I'm just giving free suggestions here, there is no definite set of rules to follow, you have to go always further that what is at stakes; and that with anything in life, that's the only way to be ahead of the curve and not behind it.
FOCUS & SHARPNESS are my moto.

Regards,
Bob

[hemster]

Mar 30, 2010 1:56:41 GMT -5 deezzer said:

I'll do some research on differance between the sr5003 and the sr6003. But when we start talking about the sr6003,the price starts to creep up there with the umc-1. Man I think I'll play the waiting game and see what deal comes up that I can't pass. Off topic but I will let you know if I pick up a new tv this week. This will realy improve my movie watchin!

Hey deezer,

Check out the thread here for a discussion of the SR5003/SR5004:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tech&action=display&thread=9334

HTH

[maseline98]

Since I actually own the HK630(along with a XPA5), I thought I would chime in. I've been waiting for the UMC-1 for about 2 years now(been on the pre-order list forever). I received an email stating that mine was going to be delayed 2-3 more weeks to work in the newest firmware. My buddy ended up buying a UMC-1 off of audiogon a few weeks ago and let me demo it for a day. Honestly, I could tell a difference in sound(mainly soundstage and the way I was able to release the harseness from my RF-7s), but do I think it was an $800 difference, nope. Am I still going to buy it? I haven't made a decision yet. There are things to factor in:

1. Do you need HDMI? Some people are saying yes, some are saying no. The fact is that you don't need it. I use the analog outs on my Panny BD-55K(the reason why I chose that model) to get the DTS-HD and TrueHD audio codecs(i.e. lossless audio). The nice thing about the HK630 is that it will let you use set the bass management on even the analog input(this is a great feature and the reason why I kept this and got rid of my marantz sr8400). You have to remember the MSRP of the HK was originally around $1200(no matter what you paid for it) and it's a well built piece of audio equipment(just pick it up and you will know what I'm talking about).

2. Price: Buying a UMC-1(or MMC in your case). Will that price justify the audio gain that you get from the extra dollars you are spending? The HK won't cost you anything, but this is for you to decide.

3. Clutter: Moving to the HDMI inputs does clean up a lot of the clutter behind your media center(especially if you are going to be using the analog inputs as I have done). Not a huge issue with me, but the wife doesn't seem to like the clutter....lol

4. Do you plan on upgrading to 3D? If you are, you might as well wait and stay with the HK. There are a few bd players coming out(I think samsung...though I'm not sure) will have multiple hdmi outputs(1 for the lossless audio, 1 for the 3D video), which would let you use a legacy HDMI bdp.

IMHO, I would get the amp and listen to it for awhile and then make the decision. Adding the XPA5 made probably 10 times a bigger difference in audio than the UMC-1 did(though, I only got to use it for a day and didn't get to do a lot of 'critical' listening). Good Luck in your search.

[deezzer]

Well I think I'll wait and buy an amp first and hang on to my H/K for now.But thank you guys for all your help,I'm realy impressed with the Marantz sr6003 though I haven't heard it,that review was impressive.111watts 5-ch driven got me realy thinking about it compared to my H/K's 75watts all channels driven.And that was at 8 ohms were my speakers are 6 ohms!!So I'll see if the external amp is what I've been looking for first.Now it's upa-5 or xpa-5,whatever one I find for the best deal first is the one I'll choose.

[NorthStar]

Mar 30, 2010 23:02:58 GMT -5 deezzer said:

Well I think I'll wait and buy an amp first and hang on to my H/K for now.But thank you guys for all your help,I'm realy impressed with the Marantz sr6003 though I haven't heard it,that review was impressive.111watts 5-ch driven got me realy thinking about it compared to my H/K's 75watts all channels driven.And that was at 8 ohms were my speakers are 6 ohms!!So I'll see if the external amp is what I've been looking for first.Now it's upa-5 or xpa-5,whatever one I find for the best deal first is the one I'll choose.

Hey deezzer (cool name by the way ), there is a guy here at the Lounge (a long time member), a very nice young fellow with some great knowledge that goes by the username of 'bigred7078', or Steve his real name. And Steve not only use the Marantz SR-6003 (as a preamp) in his own very nice setup, but also knows all about this great receiver. Ask him to fill you in, I know you gonna like what he has to say about it.

Cheers,
Bob

[NorthStar]

Mar 30, 2010 10:46:23 GMT -5 hemster said:

Check out the thread here for a discussion of the SR5003/SR5004:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=tech&action=display&thread=9334

HTH

Deezzer, check this link here just above in the quote given by our nice fellow Brit mod Emo owner & member, hemster, and go to page two of that link at reply #25 made by bigred7078 (Steve), and send him a PM asking him his take on his Marantz SR6003 A/V Receiver. I'm sure he'll be please to fill you in.

[NorthStar]

That's what I just said (send him a PM).