Tarheel_
02-24-2010, 07:20 PM
Since i joined this site in 1999, I've learned a lot about HT from some very knowledgeable people (thank you)! Since that time I've built a very nice HT in my basement. It's about 24Lx15W with a 720p projector.
It's a 7.1 setup with Revel speakers anchoring the front array. I always believed in audio first/video second.
Over the years, I've owned quite a few AVRs....between them I've used a budget receiver to get me through to the next purchase. A stop gap if you will.
Over time I've come to the conclusion that each AVR stands on its' own merits. Meaning, no matter what they cost or the specs they claim, sound is king.
Here is a list of them in order and the overall winner. Please don't laugh.
- Denon 2801 (with/ without NAD 218 THX amp) a monster amp
- HK AVR 525 (with/ without Rotel 3 channel amp...can't remember the model)
- Marantz 5600 (very nice receiver) See my review on this site.
- Marantz SR-5003 (HDMI worthy, but sounded stale) (with/without 5 channel Rotel amp)
- another HK AVR 525 (loved this amp and got it cheap on ebay) My current AVR.
Winner:
Sherwood RD-7500
This is a 24lb lightweight 6.1 surround receiver. Spring loaded speaker clips and no HDMI. Heck, it has one optical/ one coaxial connector. It was on sale at CCity years ago for $112.00. Retailed for a bit more, but i cannot explain it.
I've even played this receiver on my boat dock with no walls and it sounded great with my small Polks.
I'm not a Sherwood fan boy, it's not about that.... it's an example that receivers do sound different and price/specs are not the end all/be all. I hope this provides some folks the will to evaluate receivers based on sound and not internet reviews.
Greg
It's a 7.1 setup with Revel speakers anchoring the front array. I always believed in audio first/video second.
Over the years, I've owned quite a few AVRs....between them I've used a budget receiver to get me through to the next purchase. A stop gap if you will.
Over time I've come to the conclusion that each AVR stands on its' own merits. Meaning, no matter what they cost or the specs they claim, sound is king.
Here is a list of them in order and the overall winner. Please don't laugh.
- Denon 2801 (with/ without NAD 218 THX amp) a monster amp
- HK AVR 525 (with/ without Rotel 3 channel amp...can't remember the model)
- Marantz 5600 (very nice receiver) See my review on this site.
- Marantz SR-5003 (HDMI worthy, but sounded stale) (with/without 5 channel Rotel amp)
- another HK AVR 525 (loved this amp and got it cheap on ebay) My current AVR.
Winner:
Sherwood RD-7500
This is a 24lb lightweight 6.1 surround receiver. Spring loaded speaker clips and no HDMI. Heck, it has one optical/ one coaxial connector. It was on sale at CCity years ago for $112.00. Retailed for a bit more, but i cannot explain it.
I've even played this receiver on my boat dock with no walls and it sounded great with my small Polks.
I'm not a Sherwood fan boy, it's not about that.... it's an example that receivers do sound different and price/specs are not the end all/be all. I hope this provides some folks the will to evaluate receivers based on sound and not internet reviews.
Greg