Sony STR-DH810 advice needed

[cyto]

Hi ALL,
I am replacing my old receiver with one that will handle HD sound from my Blu-Ray. I was thinking of the Sony STR-DH810. One thing that I really need is the capability to run sound to the 2 hard wired speakers I installed in the ceiling of my screen porch, with or without having the sound on in the house. The JVC I have now lets me choose #1 (the surround sound system) or/and #2 (the stero speakers in the screen porch).

I do not see where the Sony STR-DH810 will do this.

Does anyone know differently or have a recommendation for a 7.1 receiver, budget $400?

thanks

David

[dakatabg]

For $400 I will go with the Pioneer, Onkyo, Harman Kardon and Yamaha receivers. I wouldn't buy a SOny receiver especially for $400. Do a google search or check on ebay to see what is around your price!

[cyto]

Why would you not buy a Sony?

[dakatabg]

Why would you not buy a Sony?

Because the receivers I mentioned above have better sound I guess. Get one Harman Kardon or Yamaha receiver for $400 and you will see what I am talking about!

There are always people who like Sony and will pick Sony but it is your choice. Wait to see what the other members here will say!

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not a big Sony fan either but in this case Sony looks to have gotten real competitive, the 810 features a lot for $400.00, including video upconversion and fully functioning HDMI.
http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/sony-str-dh810/4505-6466_7-33976244.html You might check www.crutchfield.com for a thorough feature list and they usually have an "on hands" link where the employees played with the unit, some times the notes are helpful in areas you won't see other places.

[pixelthis]

Why would you not buy a Sony?

Dont know bout him, but I wouldnt buy one for the same reason I wouldnt buy a
car made by Black and Decker.
I HAD A Sony receiver, left amp burnt out twice(or was it the right).
And their amps use IC'S(or at least they used to).
A cheap Onkyo is miles better than a cheap Sony, IMHO:1:

[bobsticks]

A cheap Onkyo is miles better than a cheap Sony, IMHO:1:

I agree with this statement.

[cyto]

I took a look at Onkyo in my price range, any opinions on these?

TX-SR607 $449
TX-SR608 $438
TX-SR707 $498
HT-RC260 $349

I am not sure if I can talk my wife into $498, but I am pretty sure I can go $450.

[bobsticks]

I took a look at Onkyo in my price range, any opinions on these?

TX-SR607 $449
TX-SR608 $438
TX-SR707 $498
HT-RC260 $349

I am not sure if I can talk my wife into $498, but I am pretty sure I can go $450.

Refurb isn't a bad way to go especially when dealing with a well-respected intermediary...


http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC180/Onkyo/HT-RC180-Thx-7.2-channel-Network-Receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5003/Marantz/Sr5003-Dolby-Truehd/Dts-hd-Master-Audio-Av-Receiver/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTR960B/Onkyo/Ht-r960-7.1-Thx-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-From-Hts9100-Package/1.html

Whichever speakers you are using will dictate the amount of wattage you'll need but all these options have the speaker options you'll need.

[Mr Peabody]

The Onkyo 60n series has been a hot item since it first hit the market. It was one of the first to hit with all the HD Audio and HDMI features in an affordable range and has been holding it's own ever since. The 707 would only be better but you will be well served and pleased with a 607 or 608 which would be the newer model.

[cyto]

Thanks for all the advice. I decided to go for an Onkyo TX-SR608.

[bobsticks]

Good choice. Let us know how things work out and don't be a stranger! If'n you have any questions during setup don't be afraid to ask...

[cyto]

Does anyone know of highdecibles.com? They have a really good price on the 608 but I have never heard of them.

[cyto]

Please ignore that last request, i found more than enough info.

[cyto]

I am thinking of getting a refurb tx-sr608 from Accessories4less.

Do they handle warranty work or would Onkyo?

Other than the warranty (1 yr vs 2) is there a difference with a refurb unit?

I can safely assume they are a straight up company from Bobsticks recommendation.

[bobsticks]

I don't know who handles the warranty work because I've never had a failure with anything I've purchased from them...<finds nearest wood object upon which to knock>

As for the rest, I let others contribute.

[Mr Peabody]

I haven't heard anything bad about AFL but weigh any price difference against the extra year warranty and check to see if AFL has a restock fee upon return. Some places will take a unit back if not happy with no questions but others will charge a restock fee. Also, it's worth emailing or checking Onkyo's website to see if AFL is listed as an authorized dealer. If not, any warranty issues will be a problem.

Warranty would be through Onkyo or a local authorized service shop if one happened to be in your area, same as with any local walk-in store. Did you just wake up from a 20 year coma? There's no such thing as customer service any more :)

[cyto]

I found the TX-SR608 at a local (authorized) electronics dealer for $397 + tax, it is a Father's Day sale :) I just have to pick it up before Sunday night.

I can't wait to crank this up!

[Mr Peabody]

Enjoy, I think you will be very happy with that receiver. Provide it plenty of ventilation. Onkyo tend to get warm, but it's their design, they produce more current than most competitor receivers.

[cyto]

New TX-SR608 purchased, installed and sounding great!

Another question: My 5.1 speaker system is a Sony SS-MS5 (new in 2001) would replacing it make much of a difference in the sound? It sounds pretty good but I was thinking using it elsewhere with the JVC receiver I replaced.

Are there wireless 5.1 systems available that sound good? I am skeptical about it.

I hope I am not being a pest :)

[Mr Peabody]

I personally think you'd notice an improvement with different speakers. Congrads on the receiver. Hope you noticed some improvement over what you had. I have not really kept up with what's going on with wireless speakers. I know if any one does make a pair that works well it will be a hot item.

What speakers do you have access to? If in your budget give Paradigm a listen. B&W offer reasonably priced entry level. Monitor Audio is pretty good but not sure where they start.

[cyto]

I have been using the Onkyo for a month now and am VERY pleased, even my wife noticed a difference in the sound. My home theater sound like a real theater.

Thanks for the help :2:

[Mr Peabody]

Glad everything is working out