Buying an AVR from the US

[maninderjs]

Hi, I am planning to buy a receiver from the US, but have some doubts.

Almost all receivers have a limitation of NTSC/PAL system. Receivers in the US use NTSC and are not compatible with PAL signals.

I wrote to both Denon and Marantz and got a very surprising reply. It seems radio frequencies in the US are different from what we have in India. In short, the receiver will not be able to tune into Indian radio channels. This is a big problem for me as my wife needs radio feature.

Can anyone of you please suggest what needs to be done. I understand the voltage part, but that I will take care of.

Planning for a Denon 1911 receiver. Could you also suggest a suitable receiver for Bose 301s.

Thanks!

 

[NetFreak]

How will you connect AVR to TV? If you are using HDMI, then NTSC/PAL does not matter. TVs in India support both NTSC and PAL, so even without HDMI it should not be a problem.

I am using AVR that was bought in US, its working fine. You just need a Step down transformer (costs 1.5k to 3k).

Since power supplies inside AVR are not ideal, power consumption is not uniform. So you need to purchase a transformer that is at least twice in terms of power rating (as compared to AVR).

Never tried tuning into radio, will try that. Only thing that is different in India is the spacing between FM channels. So even if auto tuning does not work, manual tuning should work.

 

[maninderjs]

Thanks for the input! Also which brand should I go for? Denon 1911 or Marantz NR1610? Both of these support all systems (PAL, NTSC). Not sure about the radio though. Here is the response that I received from Marantz people:

"The video conversion function supports the NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC 4.43, PAL-N, PAL-M and PAL-60 formats.

Depending on where the unit is taken, you may not be able to tune to a radio station.In the US we utilize certain channels in the frequency spectrum. For example, in the US you can pick up frequency on odd numbered stations like 92.3, 100.3, 102.7. (FM) In Europe, they utilize the even numbered frequencies such as 92.2, 100.4, 102.2. (FM)

If you brought a US version tuner over to Europe for example, you may not be able to tune into European radio stations as a North American tuner may not recognize a European station like 92.2 FM, but it will recognize 92.3 FM."

 

[skumar]

A simple search would have taken you to this thread. My US receiver (Yamaha 665) takes in PAL/NTSC and outputs them as received.

Indian FM stations run on odd frequencies, you will be ok if you get a tuner with odd FM frequencies...

 

[maninderjs]

Thank you soooooooooooo much for clearing my dilemma! My friend is visiting me from the US next month and your inputs would indeed save me a lot of money! Thank you wonderful people!

 

[NetFreak]

Just tried FM, it works fine. So there should not be any issue in getting this AVR. Just buy a good quality step down.

 

[maninderjs]

Thanks! One last question... Yamaha RX-V667 or Denon AVR-1911? Movies:Music will be 70:30, will be using with Bose 301s and VCS 10 (Center). Also, from where can I source a voltage converter (in Delhi or online)? Any particular brand?

 

[jitubisht]

Thanks! One last question... Yamaha RX-V667 or Denon AVR-1911? Movies:Music will be 70:30, will be using with Bose 301s and VCS 10 (Center). Also, from where can I source a voltage converter (in Delhi or online)? Any particular brand?

Go for Delta in Kirti Nagar
http://www.deltatransformer.com/

 

[madbullram]

If movie is 70% i would suggest Onkyo, Denon is a superb allrounder but Onkyo is excellent for music. It also depends on your budget.

 

[crewcut]

My Denon AVR from the US tunes into all the Bangalore FM channels.

 

[maninderjs]

Yes.. Onkyo is good.. I have a 5 year old Onkyo, still going strong. I am a little confused between Yamaha and Denon though. Dealers suggest Denon over Yamaha due to build quality. But you really cant trust dealers (once upon a time they used to recommend AIWA music systems some 15 years back!!!)

 

[maninderjs]

Hi, Can you suggest some more dealers for Step-down transformers in Delhi? I called Delta, they have said Rs 3200 for a 1000 watt transformer. Is this price ok? Please help!!!

 

[InderbirSingh]

Powersellers NYC are selling Denon 1911 under $ 400.
Even i was trying for this AVR, but transportation is the issue as of now.

Thanks and regards,
Inderbir Singh

 

[InderbirSingh]

For 220v - 110v, try with some brokers / dealers selling used Diplomats / Expatriates stuffs.
I too purchased used Matsunaga transformer, with 3 outputs,1KVA for my powered sub, for 1.5K just 2 months back. Its working fine.

Thanks and regards,
Inderbir Singh

 

[sonic_nirvana]

This is one user experience with Denon Receiver.

Satya

 

[sonic_nirvana]

Hi, Can you suggest some more dealers for Step-down transformers in Delhi? I called Delta, they have said Rs 3200 for a 1000 watt transformer. Is this price ok? Please help!!!

Maxine Step down is also worth considering and many HFV members have it. I own 1500 Watt model for 3200/-

Thanks
Satya

 

[InderbirSingh]

Hi All,
Help required.
DENON 791 = Normal tuner
Denon 1911 = HD radio
Difference = $ 100 approx.

Is there a noticeable sound quality difference between normal and HD radio & wud HD radio work in Delhi NCR?
Do both of them play all the FM stations, i.e. no problems with odd and even frequencies Can they be manually tuned ?

Thanks a lot for replying
Thanks and regards,
Inderbir Singh

 

[sud98]

HD radio does not work in India.

FM stations can be manually tuned.

Hope this helps.

 

[InderbirSingh]

Thanks Sud for your reply.
But is there any noticeable sound quality difference between normal and HD radio all together?
Do u think HD would be functional in India in another 1-2 years?
Are they gearing up for the new technology?
Wud an AVR wid HD radio, in India, sound like a normal FM or it won't work all together.
Please suggest me, what shall i buy, 791 or 1911?

Sorry for asking so many questions in one go.
Thanks a lot in advance for the needful.

Thanks and regards...........Inder

 

[sud98]

Just to clarify, HD Radio has nothing to do with High Definition its just a brand name. Read the link for more details HD Radio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It transmits digital radio signals through normal AM/FM frequencies.

I am not sure when avrs advertise that they support HD/XD/Sirrus do they mean that it is specific to them, I guess so as they could be encrypted digital transmission.

So if a new form of digital radio would come in India, you would need a tuner for the same.

Hope this helps.