Killian Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 Hello everybody, I'm moving to Hi-Fi from my basic 5.1 multimedia set, and really liked Klipsch F-1 during the test tour. So, I'm close to buying F1-C1-B2 combo now, and want to consult with you about the matching receiver. My priorities for AVRs: 1)Good tonal balance. Strongly articulated high frequences are no good for me. I prefer tight balanced sounding, and decent, but not overwhelming bass. 2)Versatility - I will use this set for both music - classic and modern rock, pop, trip-hop, etc., and HT as well. 3)Overall SQ I want to spend US $400-500 on a new receiver. So, I've made a short-list of available products in my region with corresponding price tag: 1)Lower-end Denons - 1507,1707. I have read mixed reviews on them, however - most of them say it can't really compete with best offers in this price range, as opposed to more mature models. 2)Cambridge Audio 540R - once again, mixed reviews. 3)Marantz 5400 4)Sony STR-DA 1200 ES. According to this review, it sounds better than Denon 1908 and CA 540R. Other sources, including What Hi-Fi, also give it very good feedback. What is your experience, will it pair with Synergy? Onkyos and HKs are a bit overpriced here, so they are not in the list. I also understand that the best way to choose AVR is to hear it - but that's not always possible. I can't find a store with at least F1s and 1-2 mentioned receiver. So, what is your opinion? Which one will pair with Synergy and deliver good sound? Thank you in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 Recent sony's I've heard are horrid for music. You would be better off with panasonic at that price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share Posted August 17, 2008 Thanks for quick reply. Have you heard DG or ES Sony's? I've heard they sound pretty different. About Panasonic - what model can you recommend, and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 I can only comment about the str sony's because that's what I've heard in the real world. Maybe some of those others you mentioned would be better than a panny, I used a he 100 panny or something like that which was pretty decent for 250 new. Not the best but for the price it was. Maybe the es series is alright, but I haven't heard it, and haven't heard a decent sony for sound in a long time. I've also never seen one to last more than ten years. Keep in mind this is just one guy's opinion, give it a little time and others will chime in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InVeNtOr Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 onkyo's overpriced? i bought my 805 for $503. i would say that was cheap. that includes shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 TX-SR805? It costs $1700+ here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
varay0816 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 TX-SR605 should be closer to 400 bucks new now. I have an all synergy setup and they souund great with the Onkyo. The only denon I auditioned was a higer end mid-high 988 that sounded pretty good but not enough for the price at the time. You may be able to get a good deal on that 988 model if denon is the way you want to go. gl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 18, 2008 Author Share Posted August 18, 2008 Hi, TX-SR605 offers start from $800 HI-FI prices are pretty much fun in Ukraine - while some distributors manage to keep them on worldwide level, some just let them loose. Only Onkyo in $400-500 range is SR304E model. Is it any good? As for the Denon 988, it is simply unavailable. eBay shipments from US will add ~$200 on top of the price, which is not good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocko81 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 I have the F-3's, C-3 and Sub 12. Not sure if Yamaha is avaiable where you are but the RX-V661 powers what I have very well. I would suggest going with the RX-V663 at this point. I see those around in your price range. Of course this is just my opinion. Good luck. -Rocko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peshewah Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 I have a 663 and it sounds great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share Posted August 19, 2008 Thanks for info on Yamahas. I've listened to RF series speakers powered by some Yamaha AVR - the sound was too high-pitched for my taste. Will Synergy sound similiar to RFs? BTW, Pioneer Elite sounded just good with F-1. Out of the price range, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocko81 Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 I was actually going to sell the F-3's and buy the RF 82's. I listened to the 82's multiple times but each time enjoyed the sound from the F-3's better. Again this is just my opinion with my ears but I really enjoy the Yamaha and the F-3's. Rocko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbuckster Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 If you are not looking at Sony ES series, pass on Sony ................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 19, 2008 Author Share Posted August 19, 2008 If you are not looking at Sony ES series, pass on Sony ................ Sony STR-DA 1200 ES is #4 in my list. Any experience with ES series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldbuckster Posted August 19, 2008 Share Posted August 19, 2008 The ES Series is a good series .............. much better than the consumer level of Sony found at Best Buy and Circuit City !!!!!!!! Sony Home Theatre is good, sometimes 2 channel playback is not .................. ES the way to go if you choose Sony ............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon20x Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 The ES Series is a good series .............. much better than the consumer level of Sony found at Best Buy and Circuit City !!!!!!!! I agree with OLdbuckster but the ES serie will cost a lot more too Look up the pionner elite 90 serie. At $ 299 it is the best bang for the buck if you don't mind the fact it is HDMI1.2 and not 1.3. I have it driving my RF 83, it is doing a good job at it too. I think it will meet what your looking for. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538649660/pioneer-vsx-90txv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killian Posted August 22, 2008 Author Share Posted August 22, 2008 The ES Series is a good series .............. much better than the consumer level of Sony found at Best Buy and Circuit City !!!!!!!! I agree with OLdbuckster but the ES serie will cost a lot more too Look up the pionner elite 90 serie. At $ 299 it is the best bang for the buck if you don't mind the fact it is HDMI1.2 and not 1.3. I have it driving my RF 83, it is doing a good job at it too. I think it will meet what your looking for. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/538649660/pioneer-vsx-90txv Nice price on that Pioneer AVR! Can't find it for sale locally, though. DA-1200 ES' average price is $450. What do you think of it in pair with Klipsch? Will it sound similiar to Pioneer Elite?Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon20x Posted August 22, 2008 Share Posted August 22, 2008 I have no experience with any Sony receivers, I have a HK 645 , Yamaha RVX series , Kenwood THX and a Pioneer elite receivers. The pioneer 90 is the best bang for the buck as far as I'm concern. Regarding the sound preference it is a matter of what you like but I don't think that you will be disappointed with it. Don't you have a local Best Buy? They do have that receiver in stock, you could go over and listen to it. FYI Vanns has no shipping and no taxes on there products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.