New Receiver or just add Amps...

[headcheesebbq]

So I currently have a Yamaha RX-A800 aventage receiver. I like it, but it lacks some features I would like, (audessey, bigger amps). I recently purchased a pair of ERD-1's and now I really feel I need more juice. The receiver is currently powering the ERD-1's and my Center channel. Though my Wharfedale Diamond 9.6 LR are powered by external NAD s200. I've had my eye on the Onkyo TX-NR809 refurb at a4l.com for 679.99....though lately I thought it may make more sense to just get a UPA-2 for surround duty and put off buying a new receiver, and just have the Yammy power the center for now. What would you all do? Thanks!

[mickeyharlow]

Have you considered an XPA-5 for your center and surrounds?

[House]

why not an xpa-3 if all he needs to power is the center and surrounds?

[NorthStar]

You can get the Onkyo TX-NR708 with Audyssey MultEQ and HDMI version 1.4 for 3D, and THX Select2 Plus certification, for only $369.99 at A4L.
{Has Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume and Audyssey DSX as well.}

=> www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR708/Onkyo-TX-NR708-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/B-Receiver/1.html

Add a UPA-5 to that, and you're within a very reasonable budget.
...Second-hand market; about $400 (400-450).
...Or UPA-2, or XPA-5...

* TX-NR708 plus UPA-5 = less than $800 with smart shopping (about $770).
Now, that's hard to beat!

** 708 + UPA-2 = $668.99 ($11 less than the Onkyo TX-NR809)

*** The Onkyo HT-RC370 is $449.99 (also at A4L).
And $449 at Newegg.com and also at Amazon.com
=> www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120180&nm_mc-OTC-C173T&cm_mmc=OTC-C173T-_-Receivers-_-Onkyo-_-82120180

-> It adds Audyssey MultEQ XT (8 mic positions instead of six, with more resolution in the Satellite speakers), two Sub Outs, Marvell Qdeo excellent video processor, more power and other things...
- That one with a UPA-2 ($299) comes to just under $750 at $748

[NezFF]

809 at newegg $649

[NorthStar]

$649.99 ...And on Saturdays only (like today).

[leeh]

I faced a similar quandry. I had a Denon 3803 which was getting a little long in the tooth, so to speak. I wanted higher power in separate amps to drive my Onix Rocket 850's etc. I also, like you wanted Audyssey, etc.

Those are really two different goals and whichever you do first, you will still want the second one. I happened to get get a Marantz SR7005, which had all the bells and whistles that I wanted because I ran across a really killer deal that I couldn't pass up. I then get the xpa5 after they went on sale.

From my perspective, it was also useful to get the Marantz first to integrate that into my system and get used to the Audyssey. In my case there was no real difference in the video quality I was getting and I was quite happy with what I had with the Denon. Your real advantage to upgrade with be on the sound quality with the Audyssey engaged.

As far as the receiver is concerned, I think that any of the Onkyo xxx9 series should be fine and it appears you can get it at a favorable price. You may also want to explore the the Denon 3312, Marantz sr6006 (I think that is the one).

Lee

[steelworker]

Hay headcheesebbq
I went through the same situation awhile ago. I had an older Yamaha receiver and I found it needed more headroom and I also wanted more features such as HD audio and room correction setup

At the time the upa5 was on sale for $400 so I couldn't pass it up.
I was very impressed with my upa5, it was a huge step up from my receiver as far as sound quality and headroom. I'm currently using large Klipsch bookshelf speakers and think that it was the best $400 Ive spent on audio gear.

I ended up adding a new receiver that claims 105watts x 7 and tried the unit without the upa5, I was disappointed to say the least with both music and HT duty.

I personally would save up if need be and get the xpa5 to have the extra power if you ever get bigger speakers and want to enjoy them at louder volumes.