AV Reciever under 45K

[santaji]

My family had been using Onkyo HT-R340 5.1 AV receiver for over 10 years. Recently It developed some issues and we were not able get it repaired, so we took the decision to upgrade to a new unit.

The main uses are movies, gaming, and music so we need a good selection of inputs like multiple HDMI ports. Phono/turntable input would also be good, but not essential, as currently I am using a cheap external phono-preamp for this purpose..

Currently, we are looking at the Marantz NR1509 (35K) and Pioneer VSX-933 (45K). Both have the required inputs including phono. I have attached the product sheets for both...

The Marantz is cheaper and seems to be better value for money, but power output(50W into 8ohms, 60W into 6ohms) seems to be low as compared to the Pioneer (80w into 8ohms). The old Onkyo was rated at 100W into 6ohms. Will this power output difference cause a significant difference?

Pioneer has the option for 7.2 and Dolby Atmos, but for the time being we will be sticking with our 5.1 speakers.

Please suggest the best option between the Marantz and the Pioneer, or any other models in this price range..

 

[efernand1]

Hi

Dont underestimate the 50 watts rms power of Marantz...its a performer.....which speakers will you be using? From the Onkyo?

There are dedicated owner threads of these brands....you can read....audition and make your purchase...other brands to consider are Denon and Yamaha

 

[bigron]

If its between only these two get the Pioneer.
If for nothing else it will have a longer upgrade cycle.
50 or 80 Watts will have no audible difference.
They all pretty much sound the same at that price though.

 

[elangoas]

Please suggest the best option between the Marantz and the Pioneer, or any other models in this price range..

Between the two, Pioneer VSX 933.. You may also check aval of Pioneer LX 303, a 9.2 AVR, last year model if you can get it for the same price.. Will give you lot of options.. 5.1.4

 

[santaji]

We ended up going for the Marantz as we got a good deal locally.

Overall satisfied with the sound (so far) but it turns out there is not output for passive sub-woofer, so we cannot use the one from the old Onkyo set-up.

Currently looking at Yamaha NS-SW050 (10K), Yamaha NS-SW200 (21K), Polk Audio PSW10 (19K).

Are the NS-SW200, Polk PSW10 worth the higher price as compared to the NS-SW050, and how would they compare to the passive sub from the Onkyo (20 cm cone bass reflex woofer).

The room size is 9x11x9ft/950cubic feet

 

[rshri]

@santaji I have the same old Onkyo receiver, luckily still working fine even after a decade. I use it only for movies.
Just curious - Was there a noticeable difference in sound after changing the receiver? I assuming you are using the same old Onkyo speakers.
Actually i am wondering I should "retire" my old system and buy a new one. But then it may not be worth it if there not much perceptible difference.

 

[spirovious]

Between the two, Pioneer VSX 933.. You may also check aval of Pioneer LX 303, a 9.2 AVR, last year model if you can get it for the same price.. Will give you lot of options.. 5.1.4

LX 303 is good sounding avr.Had listened with Dali opticon and Oberon towers.It was musical.Also one can easily notice how two towers differ in sound signature.