Which AV receiver - urgent advice wanted!!

Snaggletooth

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Hi

I'm looking to replace my Sony STR-DA1000ES to get the best out of my new speakers, as I've been advised I'm not getting true HD audio from it. I recently upgraded to 4 Monitor Audio R90HD's as front and back surrounds with a R225HD as centre. I also have a BK XLS200 sub. I will be using my PS3 slim as my blu ray player.

I've seen a Marantz NR 1501 and an Onkyo TX-SR508 for roughly the same price (Onkyo £10 more) and can't decide which to get. I'm looking for advice on which one would be best for my set up.

I'm not overly worried about 3D technology as my other half would go spare if I suggest replacing my Sony KDL40W2000 she got me for my 40th 3 years ago.

All suggestions most welcome.
 
Hi

I'm looking to replace my Sony STR-DA1000ES to get the best out of my new speakers, as I've been advised I'm not getting true HD audio from it. I recently upgraded to 4 Monitor Audio R90HD's as front and back surrounds with a R225HD as centre. I also have a BK XLS200 sub. I will be using my PS3 slim as my blu ray player.

I've seen a Marantz NR 1501 and an Onkyo TX-SR508 for roughly the same price (Onkyo £10 more) and can't decide which to get. I'm looking for advice on which one would be best for my set up.

I'm not overly worried about 3D technology as my other half would go spare if I suggest replacing my Sony KDL40W2000 she got me for my 40th 3 years ago.

All suggestions most welcome.

I'd go with the Marantz personally and if I'm correct, it should be a better match for the MA's.

Is there any way you could hear both in action before pulling the trigger?

What is your budget?

There are some good deals around at the moment, so you may be able to get something better than the 2 mentioned.

People can advise once you post your budget.
 
I'd second Silver Serpent's opinion and suggest the Marantz option as being the better one with the MA speakers.
 
Thanks for the comments so far Silver Serpent. My budget is a max £300. The Marantz is coming in at £289 and the Onkyo £299.
 
Thanks for the comments so far Silver Serpent. My budget is a max £300. The Marantz is coming in at £289 and the Onkyo £299.

If there was any way at all you could stretch to £520, you'd get a hell of a bargain in the Yamaha RXV-2065 which was over a grand when it first came out.

Onkyo-Now.co.uk : : Specialists in Onkyo's award winning Hifi and home theatre systems

The Denon 2310 can be had for £499.95 which is another good deal.

Denon AVR2310 Black | AV Receiver With HDMI Interface | Richer Sounds

Looking on Ebay I see a Marantz SR4003 for £299.95, which I'd imagine would be better than the NR1501. I have an SR4002 myself and can say it's very good.

MARANTZ SR4003 AV RECEIVER IN SILVER on eBay (end time 10-Oct-10 16:13:09 BST)

If you can't stretch to the first 2 mentioned, then I'd go with the SR4003. It won't decode the HD Formats, but it will accept LPCM.
 
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Stick with the Marantz if i was you, they generally spend a little more time on perfecting the output on stereo listening and that for me makes an AV receiver these days. Pretty much all AV receivers can do surround sound well its when they are in 2 channel mode you can tell the wheat from the chaff. And although the Yamaha is good at 2 channel I personally prefer the sound of the marantz.

Phil
 
Thanks for all the comments. Had to make a quick decision due to various factors so headed off to RS in Belfast today and got the Marantz NR1501.
Won't get to set it up until tomorrow (footy tonight) so will post my thoughts once I've had time to listen to it properly.
 
Thanks for all the comments. Had to make a quick decision due to various factors so headed off to RS in Belfast today and got the Marantz NR1501.
Won't get to set it up until tomorrow (footy tonight) so will post my thoughts once I've had time to listen to it properly.

I'm sure you won't be disapointed :thumbsup:

Marantz make great sounding gear.
 

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