Choosing A Multi-room/multi-source Receiver

ximportdriver

ximportdriver

20+ Year Stangneter :roc</strong><span class=
Oct 7, 2003
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Rancho Cordova
#1
I'm getting ready to buy a receiver, and I'm soliciting your experience and expertise.

I'm currently weighing my options between the new Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A850 and the Denon AVR-S720W.

The latter is significantly less cost than the former.

The latter wasn't reviewed well for it's musical capabilities, and I would be using it for 5.1 surround in one room and music in another, so I am concerned about that bit.

I'm wondering about the iOS controllers. So far I am reading that the Denon is slow and not as feature rich as the Yamaha.

I'm also wondering about the on screen displays when it comes to AirPlay and album artwork.

Anyone own the RX-A850 or AVR-S720W? If you do, could you share with me:
  • When streaming over AirPlay, does the on screen display show album artwork?
  • When using the iOS controller, is it fast, responsive, aesthetically pleasing, well designed?
  • When listening to music, is the sound quality excellently balanced from treble to bass?
 
#2
I'm running a DENON+AVR-3313CI and love it.
I don't use the airplay as the receiver is network capable and I have a music/media server.
Using a Denon controller on my iPhone 6 is somewhat responsive and the app varies per device. The iOS 6 has no equalizer control, but the Android Nexus does. So it just depends on preference.
The Odyssey EQ setup feature is awesome. You can set the system for multiple listening locations and can fine tune it later.

Personally I don't need to use the zones since we don't have multiple users in the house. I have a wireless speaker transmitter setup on the main 7.1 zone and have them on the Front High position. I'm running Polk speakers and subs all the way around.
 
#5
ximportdriver said:
I'd consider Onkyo. I've read their HDMI boards were unreliable though. How long have you had yours?
Click to expand...

Since before there were HDMI ports on stereo receivers. hehe


I have it setup in my garage with my Linux box. 7.1 surround through Dolby PLx2. It's what I compare everything else I listen to, to.

The base is always responsive regardless of sound level, it's never muddy, and cleaning up between record levels is just one or two push-buttons away.

It used to be my primary home theater setup before going to a sound bar and satellite sub. The new system sounds no where near as good but it's a hell of a lot easier to setup (no wires). So this is now in my man-cave, so to speak. I ain't mad. lol
 
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#6
I use an Onkyo TX-SR705. I don't remember when I bought it exactly but I know it's at least 6-7 years old. At the time is was about an $800 receiver found it on sale for $500. It doesn't have the fancy on screen stuff or mobile connection stuff like the newer ones. Don't really need that because my computer controls the on screen stuff and the music.

I have had my cable box, computer, and PS3 running though it with no problems. All hdmi. It still works perfectly and I have put it through some abuse LOL!

I'm not sure you could go wrong with Yamaha, Denon or Onkyo.

Get the one with the features you want and the price you want to spend. Don't waste money on the tech or things you won't use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#7
also look into the company service records. The first Denon I bought (3312Ci) had the HDMI card go bad. Fortunately it was still under manfacturer warranty, but Denon had discontinued the 3312s so they gave me the 3313Ci as a replacement at no extra charge. Apparently Denon shipped the 3312's knowing that some of the HDMIs would fail, but instead of recalling them all, they gambled that only a few would come back. While initially not happy about having to box up and ship my receiver back (for 3 weeks) I was pleased that Denon stepped up and replaced my system with a newer and better unit.
 
#9
It's really not as complicated as all of that. Look at the receivers that have the features that you want. Crutchfield is a good place to start. Once you've narrowed down the ones that fall into your price range then look at prices and feedback from places like newegg and amazon.
 
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