Best budget Receiver (Rs. 30000/-)

[Rupam]

I have forsaken the idea of HtiB and now looking for AVR + 5.1 speaker.

I would like to make a comparison between all the budget receivers and then ask your opinion about them. As I know here FM have much more experience with AVRs, they can point out the specifications which looks good on brochure and which do matter in real listening condition.

As far my needs are concerned I need to clarify them because the comparison will be based on them.

I like bright sound as long as it does not cause ear fatigue and also need an AVR which can create big sound-stage. I like bass, as long as it stays low and don't cloud the mid-range.

• • My requirement is 80% Movie and 10% TV and 10% Music.
  • My room size is 12X14
  • I will be using satellites or bookshelves, NO floorstanders
  • Network features and Apple compatibility is not required
  • Audyssey or any other proprietary auto sound calibration is a must.
  • Zone 1 Zone 2 is not mandatory but is a welcome feature
  • USB playback

Now the receivers which are available currently in the market in this budget:

DENON AVR-1612

Price Rs 26,000.00

Decoders

1. Dolby TrueHD
2. Prologic IIz
3. dts-HD MA


Amplifier

• Fully discrete, identical quality and power for all 5 channels (120 W x 5 ch)
• (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
• Minimum Signal Path for clear audio and video signal
• Compressed Audio Restorer to enhance digital music files

Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup
Audio Return Channel
NO Video upscale

Ports In
HDMI x 4
S-Video x 1
Composite (Video) (included front 1) x 3
Analog Audio (included front 1) x 4
Digital Optical x 1
Digital Coaxial x 1

Ports Out
HDMI Monitor x 1
Composite Monitor x 1
Audio Preout 2.1 ch
(Surround Back / Front Height (L/R), SW)
Phones x 1
Other
USB port x 1
Dock Control Port x 1
FM Tuner Antenna x 1
AM Tuner Antenna x 1
Microphone port x 1

Other Features >

• Audio Delay function (0 to 200 msec)
• Muting level settings (Full/-40dB/-20dB)
• Variable subwoofer crossover switching
• Lower power consumption at stand-by 0.1 W (Standby)

_________________________________________________________________

YAMAHA RX V373

Price Rs 28,990.00

Decoders

Dolby TrueHD
DTS-HD Master Audio;
Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD

Amplifier

5-channel 500W = 100W x 5 (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9 % THD)
192 kHz/24-bit Burr Brown DACs for all channels
High dynamic power, low-impedance drive capability
(8/6/4/2 ohms)
Compressed Music Enhancer

YPAO sound optimization
Deep Color/x.v.Color/24Hz Refresh Rate /Auto Lip-Sync


Ports outs and ins

HDMI Input/Output --4 / 1
USB Input iPod/iPhone, USB Memory, Portable Audio Player
Front AV Input -- USB/Mini Jack/Composite
Digital Audio Input/Output: -- Optical 2 / 0
Digital Audio Input/Output: -- Coaxial 2 / 0
Analog Audio Input/Output -- 4 (front 1) / 2
Component Video Input/Output -- 2 / 1
Composite Video Input/Output -- 4 (front 1) / 1
Preout-- Subwoofer
Headphone -- Output 1

Other Features >

4K pass-through for next generation (for my son perhaps if he uses )
Audio Return Channel
9 selectable subwoofer crossover frequencies
Yamahas exclusive CINEMA DSP
_________________________________________________________________
Marantz NR1402

Price Rs 24,500.00

Decoders

HD Master & High Resolution Audio/ES/96/24/ Discrete & Matrix6.1/ Neo:6

Amplifier

• Power Output (8 Ohm) 50W (20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch driven) x5
• Discrete Amplification for all channels
• D/A Conversion 192kHz/24-Bit
• Variable X-over
• No Video up conversion

Audyssey MultEQ
Pure Direct / Source Direct
Learning, Precode Remote Control

Ports outs and ins

HDMI In -- 4
Component In -- 2
Composite In -- 3
HDMI Out -- 1
Component Out -- 1
Composite Out -- 1
AUDIO
Analog L&R In -- 4
Digital Optical In -- 1
Digital Coaxial In --1

Pre-Amplifier Out 2.1
Flasher In/IR Receiver In/Emitter out 1/0/0
Front Panel A/V Inputs 3.5mm mini jcak (L/R) for Portable Audio Player etc.
Headphone Out 1
M-XPort allows audio playback from Bluetooth-enabled devices

Other Features >
Slim design with half the height of traditional receivers. (really sexy )
2.1 channel preamp output
Lip-sync (digital audio delay) 0-200 msec
9 Band EQ, -20dB - +6dB

_________________________________________________________________

Pioneer VSX - 821-K

Rs 29,000.00

Decoders

Dolby True HD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Pro-Logic IIz
DTS-HD Master Audio

Amplifier

Power Output Per Channel (1kHz@6ohm) 125 W
Digital Core DSP Engine Texas Instruments Aureus
DAC 192kHz / 24-Bit
Music File Playback 48kHz / 16-Bit MP3, WMA, AAC Via USB
5-Band EQ
Phase Control
Advanced Surround 9+1 Mode DSP

Audio Return Channel
NO audyssey Less known Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System :indifferent14:

Ports outs and ins

HDMI Input / Output -- 4 In (Rear) / 1 Out
Bluetooth Adapter Port -- Optional AS-BT200
Component Video Input / Output -- 2 In (Assignable)
Composite A/V Input / Output -- 5 In / 1 Out
iPod/ iPhone / iPad -- Yes (USB+V)
Front USB Memory Input -- 1 (Front)
Analog Audio Inputs / Output -- 2 In / 1 Out
Digital Inputs / Output -- 1 Coax / 2 Optical (Assignable)
Pre-Amp Output -- 2.1 Ch (SW, SB/FH)
Headphone Output -- Yes
Front A/V Inputs -- USB / AV Inputs

Other Features >

VSX-821 is compatible with iPod, iPhone devices and are specifically designed to enhance the experience you get from them. (I don't use Apple)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Now lets have a look at their butts >

DENON AVR-1612

YAMAHA RX V373

Marantz NR1402

Pioneer VSX - 821-K

Now given my preferences, what do you guys suggest, which AVR will be most reliable for me?

This will be a long term investment for me, say 6-7 years. So durability will be considered along with sound quality.

 

[prosenjit]

for movies also keep onkyo avr in your lsit and listen...
then decide...

 

[Rupam]

I would love to get an Onkyo but nowadays their AVR legacy seems fading. I have found multiple threads of Onkyo 2012 AVR users having different problem.
ex : http://www.avsforum.com/t/1415258/the-official-onkyo-tx-nr414-515-616-problems-thread/60

 

[Rupam]

I have shortlisted Yamaha RX V373 and Denon 1612. Can anyone help me in finalizing the choice? Which one will be better choice in terms of features and movie sound?

 

[dpdcp]

go for Denon 1612 which may extend to 7.1 in future

 

[baijuxavior]

The Yamaha model is very entry. I suggest the Denon as it can be upgraded to 7.1, has excellent MultEQ calibration which is superior to YPAO. Who needs 4K support now?

 

[Nishanth]

I have shortlisted Yamaha RX V373 and Denon 1612. Can anyone help me in finalizing the choice? Which one will be better choice in terms of features and movie sound?

Both the receivers you have shortlisted have very good sound quality and there is very little to differentiate between them in terms of features. Since you have mentioned auto sound calibration is a must, I would like to mention that Denon's auto sound calibration is better than Yamaha's auto sound calibration. I also feel the Denon 1612 has a slightly better build quality when compared to the Yamaha RX V373.

Denon has a more warm and neutral sound when compared to Yamaha. But that does not mean that the YAMAHA RX V373 sounds bright, its just a little forward sounding which I think sounds good for movies. It ultimately comes down to what kind of sound you like and the kind of speakers your getting. A forward sounding bright speaker system might sound best with the Denon, while the Yamaha might sound better with speakers which are not very bright. I would suggest you to demo both the receivers with a speaker package that you plan to use and then decide.

 

[Rupam]

Is Denon 1612 is being phased out ? Can anyone confirm. Profx Kolkata says that they have 1612 but other shops say that they have new model AVR-1713
Which is very costly at Rs.36,900/- . Do you guys think that this higher cost is justified against Denon 1612 ?

If there any no stock of Denon 1612 then it means that their entry level model
AVR-1513 costs Rs.26,900/- and next model would be AVR-1713 which is Rs.36,900/- . There's a difference of Rs. 10000/- .

Now I think I have to consider AVR-1513:sad:
Any users of AVR-1513 in this forum? Can you share any feedback?
Thanks

 

[Kittu]

There will be some stocks with dealers. Check with htstore.in .

 

[bpranay]

Hi Rupam,

If going for Denon then you can definitely get 1612. For that you have to look here and there with patience. 1513 lacks in features compared to 1612 as 1513 do not have USB playback and does not support ARC. 1513 is almost same to 1312 in terms of features. If somehow you can get 1613 from US then it's the best deal as it supports airplay along with all features of 1612. If you can wait, there's some guy in Chennai who sells 1612 for 21K but w/o warranty. 373 is also a very good AVR but what I have observed that it lacks bassy punch. It does not enhance LF but when it comes to HF, it does excellent job. Surround effects are also very good but sometimes you do not get the feeling that you are watching a movie in a theatre. I think that should be solved with a heavy sub but again it would definitely raise your budget. I think you and me sell in the same boat. But somehow I got Denon1612 for myself but the biggest prob for me now is getting the right speakers. I have decided not to go with 5.1 package as I really love BS especially they are good when reproducing music (off course movies too.) So for time being I am using my old Sony BS speakers but looking for a subwoofer as my old sub with sony is passive one. But since your main usage will be for movies then go for Denon. Although in terms of service Yamaha is better. Also 373 and 1612 has got same features.

 

[Rupam]

Hi bpranay,
I completely agree with you that Denon sounds much better in movies. The soundstage is big, bold and warm. Whereas Yamaha entry level AVR has soft melodious sound suitable for drama, historical films, not for action movies like Transformers, Avengers. Well may be a better sub and correct crossover setting may improve the bass to Denon level. But What I experienced with Denon, is that, even small satellite speakers sound like much larger speaker.
Can you please pm me the final price of Denon AVR 1612 which you paid.

I can tell you that Tannoy Bookshelf speakers will be a good starting point for audition.

Just another question, apart from feature differences is there any difference in sound quality between Denon AVR-1513 and Denon 1612 ?

 

[bpranay]

Dear Rupam,

Please check your PMs. Actually I din't find any difference between the SQ of 1513 & 1612 when I auditioned them with 2 packages of boston acoustics. As you mentioned that satellite speakers sounds like much larger with Denon, in a sense it's true. But as satellites are only good for watching movies coz I felt they don't give you required high while listening to music. For Music, in my opinion you have to have BS atleast. That's why I decided going against satellites. But if your preference is mainly movies, then go for satellites without any doubt. BA soundware XS 5.1 is great package to start with as BA satellites really gel well with Denon. You'll be amazed at the SQ. But while listening to music, the HFs are missing in satellites. They provide you with more bass. They don't TREBLE you.
If Tannoys combined with Denon, would be a nice option rather Tannoys+Yamaha. I feel bassy AVR+bright speakers is a nice knot as they'll try to compliment each other and minimize other's weakness. Wish you good luck.

 

[Rupam]

replied, Thanks.

 

[Rupam]

Hi guys what is the price of Onkyo TX-SR308 ? Is it a outdated model? Promises Instruments is trying to sell me SR 308. :sad:

What is the current price of Onkyo TX-SR313. ?

 

[suri.log]

Hi dude
how about ONKYO NR-509 which has networking connectivity ready .and i am trying to hold this by this week .any views

 

[aakashr]

more than anything else I would go with the sound signature which differs across each name. Also the speakers would play a relevant role in making the final decision. You dont want to end up with an overly bright or warm sound.........you want the perfect balance.

 

[Rupam]

Ok, Now I have started considering Onkyo AVR SR TX-SR313 in this group test.

Now it comes down to either Denon AVR 1513 vs Onkyo TX SR 313.

Which one should I consider? Only for movies?

 

[n52n53]

I was thinking of buying Taga harmony tav 606 v3 5.0 speakers with yamaha/denon avr (instead of yht 299 htb).
Kindly suggest an avr around 25k price range.
Also, tell me if I've the the right decision with speakers. (movies: music - 40:60)