denon 4603 vs. pioneer elite vsx 85 txsi vs. yamaha rx-v1600

[MojoRisen]

Just upgraded my speaker system and thinking about a new a/v receiver.



Currently have a Yamaha 5560. It sounds good with the new speakers
(Klipsch RF 82, RC 52, RS42, ) but...only has 75
watts. I'm looking for more power.



I can get the Denon and the Pioneer Elite for a little less than $900.00. I can get the Yamaha for $400.00

These are floor samples but come with original mfg warranty plus 3 year ext warranty.

While I know the Yammy is not in the same league feature wise, it is a
big upgrade from my current unit and has SOME of the upgrades I'm
looking for - more power (120w), audio set up, more crossover choices,
a few more features. And, it's less that half of the Denon or Pioneer.



I would pull the trigger on the Denon but...I've read where HDMI has a lot of problems on this unit as well as the network
interface. Since the Denon and Pioneer are a few features away of what
I really want from a featureset, I figured I could get the Yamaha and live with it a year
or two and then get the Denon (or like) with the features I want at a
reduced price .

For some reason, I just have a weird feeling about Pioneer stuff. don't
know why as I remember when their first Super Tuner car radios came out
and loved their sound.



The bells and whistles on the Denon and Pioneer still seem to be
lacking for a truly "into the future system" (no WiFi, No HD radio,
issues with HDMI, still use Faroudia video upscaling, no Dolby or DTS
HD, crummy remotes, etc....)



I currently don't need all the HDMI stuff but....a BR or HD dvd player is on the list for a shot term future purchase. I have an 05 model Sony Grand Wega that is not capable of 1080p....so that is not an issue. My TV does accept HDMI and has one input. I currently run a Pioneer VX 400 upscaling DVD.



Is the 4306 really a bad unit from Denon????. The Pioneer looks pretty
tempting but does not have the network interface, although I hear Denon
has issues with theirs (non pppoe capable).



I would appreciate comments and opinions!



UPDATE>I guess I am not running pppoe after all for network so I guess I can cross that off the list.

[TNRabbit]

A used Sunfire Ultimate Receiver just sold on fleabay for under $1300; not sure if that is in your price range, but you can't beat it for sonic excellence. No HDMI but that is WAAAAY overrated. Beats the pants off Denon and beats Pioneer like a red-headed stepchild...

[Zen Traveler]

I will agree that for SQ a sunfire for that price would be a good deal.

Fwiw, HDMI isn't overrated for some/most peoples current or future needs. Btw, There is no such thing as a Denon AVR 4603 and if you can pick up a Denon AVR 4806 or a AVR 4308 for $900 that would be a tremendous deal.