Upgrade or Not?

[cconner999]

This is my first post. I've been reading the forum for a while now but need some help. I've read all related posts similar to what I'm going to ask but need more specific advice.

I've recently upgraded my 6 year old DLP TV to an LED (Vizio) and now have HDMI capabilities that I didn't have before.

Here's my current set-up:
Vizio XVT553
Denon 3805
LPA - 1
Onix Rockets 750/550 and Center
DirectTV HD Receiver
Future - Blu-ray player

I've set-up the DirectTV receiver directly to the TV via HDMI.

My Question is should I upgrade/update the Denon 3805 receiver to take advantage of some of the new technology? My system sounds great and looks great (TV Pictuer), however; I'm not sure if there is something I'm missing that I'm not aware of. I use about 70% HT and 30% music. I love to mess with new technology, however; I don't want to upgrade and get nothing in return.

I've considered the following receivers/pre:
UMC-1 $699
Denon 3311ci $1199
Denon 3310ci $538
Denon 2311ci $899
Onkyo NR808 $679

My Budget is $500 - 1500. Less is better! I have other hobbies that need some funds.

I'm somewhat partial to Denon only because that's what I've used for the past 6 years. I like the sound and the entire system has worked great and still does. I don't want to upgrade and feel like I've gained nothing or even worse have inferior sound quality. I'm assuming since I'm using the LPA-1 to drive the speakers the amp in the receiver doesn't play any part of the equation.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I am willing to consider other brands, just not sure what would be best.

Thank You!
Chad

[urquell]

2311 will not work for you (if you choose to use the LPA 1) as it does not have pre-amp outs. I await my 3310 from Amazon that is replacing a 3300. Tough to beat the 3310 price as I had to decide over the 808 and the UMC-1. Had the price not dropped, it would have been the UMC-1 with the $100 EMO Cash.

[cconner999]

I am kind of leaning towards the 3310 because of the price. Would this be an upgrade to the 3805? I can sell the 3805 for $350 so the upgrade (?) will only cost $200.

[urquell]

I believe you would need to step up to the 4310 for a true upgrade to the receiver.

Good product history is detailed here. batpigworld.com/models.html

But with the LPA-1 tied to your system, I would say a 3310 would work great.

[cconner999]

Thanks for the link! That makes these model #'s a lot more clear. I know the "43" is the true upgrade but was thinking that by going from a 2005 to a 2010 model would also be an upgrade of sorts (By adding newer features like HDMI, etc.). Just not sure of the quality of the 33 compared to the 38 and would I be able to hear the difference? For $600 difference it might be worth trying the 3310 and if I'm not happy, return it and get the 4310.

Thanks Again!

[roadrunner]

Just a thought for you... The Marantz SR5003 was one of the highly rated receivers and received several "Editor's Choice" reviews. Using your Emotiva LPA amp with it would give you a solid upgrade in features and sound quality. I think that I saw it selling for around $370 on Accessories For Less, which would allow you to devote more of your hard earned money toward some of your other hobbies.

Marantz is a "sister company" to Denon, if that gives you any comfort. Over the years, I have found the pre-amp sections of the Marantz receivers to be among the better offerings from mid priced receivers. Check out some of the reviews that have been done on the 5003. You may find that it meets your needs at a very reasonable price. Have fun discovering the increased fidelity available from the latest batch of codecs. ;D

[ratmice]

Do yourself a favor and call some of the online authorized Denon dealers, the prices for the new equipment are dramatically lower. Figure 25-30% off. I was going to go this route, before I got a great deal elsewhere.

Oh, and roadrunner has a great option, too, in the Marantz.

[callas01]

Also, I would suggest that you look at the Integra 40.2, it lists for $1000 and is as good as the Denon 33XX series, and probably has truer power ratings.

take the other money you were gonna spend and get an Emo Amp or upgrade speaker cables or buy a bunch of blu-rays or Vinyl.

Integra is Onkyos higher-end line. They sound a little different, Integra I think is a touch more neutral sounding.

[cconner999]

Thanks for the reply! I think I'm going to go to the local Best Buy and try the 3311ci and see for myself. Unfortunately, they don't have the Integra line at the Magnolia store or at least none in stock. I'll then be able to compare the sound and try all the new gadgets. I might get an Onkyo while I'm at it and see what sounds better to me. I knew this would be a difficult question because most of it is personal preference or brand loyalty. I would like to hear something else because all I really know is Denon. I'm most interested to see the advantages or video improvements with HDMI and newer codecs. If I don't have any "Wow's" for myself or the wife, I might just keep the 3805 and Emo amp until the receiver dies.

Thanks Everyone!

[NorthStar]

Hi Chad & Welcome to the Lounge!

I still have my 3805 (packed in its box), and to have a similar quality to it, you'd have to go with the 4311 from Denon (or the 4310), or the SR8002 from Marantz (or SR7002).
* {By the way the Marantz SR8002 was only $696.49 (brand new) at Amazon.com just 2 days ago, but no more now.}
Also the Onkyo TX-NR3008 (or TX-NR3007), Pioneer Elite SC-35, or Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000.
[The Onkyo TX-NR3007 is only $900 brand new at NewEgg.com]

*** Or (WARNING), the Onkyo TX-SR876 for only $700 (refurb) or $800 (NEW) from Accessories4Less.

>> Anthem MRX 500? >> @ www.anthemav.com/products/anthem/a-v-receiver/mrx-500

[NorthStar]

I heard a lot of positive comments from owners of the Denon AVR-3311CI receiver.

* Tip: If your speakers have a strong treble emphasis (aluminum or metal/composite tweeter driver), or sound on the brighter side, and your room is on the open, spacious and nude side (not much furniture, no carpets, not much on the walls), then aim for Denon or Marantz.
And if they are on the smooth side (soft dome or textile silk/cotton tweeter driver), and your room is on the close side, with carpets and lots of furniture, then aim for Onkyo, Yamaha.
And if your speakers are quite neutral sounding, and your room is average, them aim for separates like Emotiva amps, or receivers from Pioneer Elite, or Integra, or Rotel, or Anthem, or NAD, or pre/pros from Emotiva, Integra, Onkyo, Marantz or Denon.

That should be a good help.

[Lsc]

Just got the Onkyo 708. It was between this and the 808 and the UMC-1. I also considered the Denon 3310 because someone said it was a little over $500 on Amazon so valuewise it seemed to be the best. I decided against the UMC-1 and the Denon because of the firmware issues. I know Emo was working very hard etc. but the latest stuff I read about people's new UMC-1 not outputting any sound turned me off.

I was leaning toward the 808 because it looked nicer and has the same chassis as their more expensive receivers but ultimately decided to save the $130 and went with the 708. The 808 appears to have a much more robust amp section but with my XPA-5, this is not a factor. also, i didn't need two HDMI outputs as I only have 1 TV in the room.

BTW, I had a chance to try to Onkyo (the 707) out at home and was thoroughly satisfied with it. Made my choice easy.

[NorthStar]

^ You are correct: the Denon AVR-3310CI receiver is only $527.74 at Amazon.com (shipped by 6th Ave.).
That is an excellent DEAL!!!

[ratmice]

Nov 7, 2010 12:09:06 GMT -5 Lsc said:

I decided against the UMC-1 and the Denon because of the firmware issues.

What are the 3310 firmware issues? I never researched thar AVR.

Enjoy you new toy!!!

[cconner999]

I really do appreciate everyone's input! I decided to go to the local best buy/Magnolia store today and listen for myself. I went to hear the Denon 3311 but the sales guy was really impressed with the Marantz. They just got them in a week ago. I listened to the SR5005 and SR6005 and the B&W speakers and I was very impressed with the sound compared to the Denon 3311.

Anyways, I purchased the Marantz SR5005 ($200 less than the 6005 and I'm not sure I needed the extra power and extra HDMI) and I am very impressed. I don't know much about the model compared to others but sonically, it really woke up my speakers. The Emo amp and the Rocket 750's came alive. I'm not sure if it's because it's new or just a different sound but I like what I'm hearing. I'm sure I could end up getting the 3311 online for the same price $850 (OTD) or maybe less but I'm not sure I want to after hearing the Marantz. I'm sure a lot has to do with my set-up and how laid back my speakers and amp are. The highs aren't over the top like I've heard on other set-up's and it's a very good sound.

My only issue right now is that I can't figure out how to get sound when I switch to the Vizio apps. It continues playing sound from the satellite. I did hook up the digital audio from TV to receiver and if I shut off the satellite, everything works fine, I'm just not sure I need to go through that....my wife will hate it. I'll have to start programming the Harmony remote for her!

Thanks again everyone!
Chad

[Lsc]

I went to Amazon to read the reviews on the Denon 3310 and there were several reviews stating firmware issues, one guy was on his 3rd receiver etc. Since I have been keeping on eye on the UMC-1 for months, it just turned me off.

Best Buy does seem to be high on Marantz, the guy I spoke to said they were dropping Onkyo at the Magnolia stores and picked up Marantz. I am sure you'll like the Marantz... they seem solid.

[headknocker]

Congrats on the Marantz AVR.

I had always wanted a Marantz AVR and I finally got one around two years ago...a factory refurbished SR5002 at AC4L for only $329 shipped. I can't recommend AC4L enough as the shipping(from their facility in FL to my front door in South Jersey) was lightning fast and everything from the unit itself to the paperwork looked brand new.

I could really hear the difference in my Michaura M55's with the Marantz compared to the Sherwood RD7106 in my LR system. The Marantz tamed-down the sometimes brittle metal dome tweeter in the Michaura's.

[NezFF]

i got a onkyo tx sr876 for sale.

[NorthStar]

Jan 9, 2011 22:43:59 GMT -5 NezFF said:

i got a onkyo tx sr876 for sale.

Tried the Reset?

[Deleted]

Dood,

Get the UMC-1 and an XPA-5 and yer in 7th Heaven. This combo will flat-out stomp on the Denon receivers - no ifs, ands, or buts...

-RW-