NAD vs Yamaha vs Denon vs ???

[navin advani]

For our bedroom 4.1 audio system (no center speaker since the front tower speakers are less than 7 feet apart) I am DIYing front and rear speakers using ScanSpeak Illuminator woofers and RAAL tweeters. The subwoofer will be a TC Sounds LMS-R 12" subwoofer (with it's own 500W BASH plate amplifier).

For the amplification, I would have to use a AV Receiver as I have room for only one component (besides the source components - Set top box, PS3, Wii, DVD Player, CD Player, Media HD player, etc..). I was inititally thinking of the Arcam AVR400 but it is not available and service might be hard to come by.

I then shortlisted the NAD T757 and the Yamaha Aventage RX-A3010 when a friend strongly suggested I consider the Denon AVR-4311CI .

The Denon looks like a great unit but it is the oldest of the 3 models listed. What do you think? Should I consider the Denon? Any other models that can compete with NAD, Yamaha, Denon? I like a smooth laid back sound and reliability is important. I was told that Marantz has had some realibility issues with their SR7005.

Also Yamaha has already released the 4K and Airplay equipped 3020, 2020 and 1020 in some markets (US) so when will these be available in India? I can wait 2-3 months (I intend to purchase in August anyway). Is 4K compatibility something I should wait for?

Airplay can be added to any AVR via a dock so that is not so much of a handicap for any AVR.

 

[rishiguru]

For our bedroom 4.1 audio system (no center speaker since the front tower speakers are less than 7 feet apart) I am DIYing front and rear speakers using ScanSpeak Illuminator woofers and RAAL tweeters. The subwoofer will be a TC Sounds LMS-R 12" subwoofer (with it's own 500W BASH plate amplifier).

For the amplification, I would have to use a AV Receiver as I have room for only one component (besides the source components - Set top box, PS3, Wii, DVD Player, CD Player, Media HD player, etc..). I was inititally thinking of the Arcam AVR400 but it is not available and service might be hard to come by.

I then shortlisted the NAD T757 and the Yamaha Aventage RX-A3010 when a friend strongly suggested I consider the Denon AVR-4311CI .

The Denon looks like a great unit but it is the oldest of the 3 models listed. What do you think? Should I consider the Denon? Any other models that can compete with NAD, Yamaha, Denon? I like a smooth laid back sound and reliability is important. I was told that Marantz has had some realibility issues with their SR7005.

Also Yamaha has already released the 4K and Airplay equipped 3020, 2020 and 1020 in some markets (US) so when will these be available in India? I can wait 2-3 months (I intend to purchase in August anyway). Is 4K compatibility something I should wait for?

Airplay can be added to any AVR via a dock so that is not so much of a handicap for any AVR.

I will vote for the Yamaha RX-A3010. That is their top of the line receiver selling at INR 1.2 lakhs. Best of both worlds music/ movies.

Since you love smooth laid back sound you can look for Cambridge Audio AVRs. I have personally heard the Azur 650R 7.1 channel receiver, I just fell in love with its warm & mellow sound signature + excellent SQ.

Best of luck.

 

[nindo]

As for music I would strongly recommend the NAD T757 as I have auditioned it for a short period. But when it comes to movies I think the Yamaha will win hands down.

 

[Flash]

I've got a Denon 4311CI. if you are interested I can give it to you for a couple of days if you want a home demo

 

[navin advani]

I would strongly recommend the NAD T757.

I've got a Denon 4311CI.

Thanks guys, I have ordered the Yamaha A3020.

 

[anm]

congrats! decision done finally

 

[olly42]

Congratulations Naveen

 

[SaurabhK]

For our bedroom 4.1 audio system (no center speaker since the front tower speakers are less than 7 feet apart) .

just curiuos.. am a noob really.. even if the towers are 7 feet apart.. isnt a center speaker needed as in 5.1 or 7.1 or 9.1 decoding the dialogue soundtrack is mostly on the center channel and the reciever would then decode and distribute the dialogues accordingly?

 

[nindo]

Thanks guys, I have ordered the Yamaha A3020.

From and for how much, if i may ask?

 

[navin advani]

just curiuos.. am a noob really.. even if the towers are 7 feet apart.. isnt a center speaker needed as in 5.1 or 7.1 or 9.1 decoding the dialogue soundtrack is mostly on the center channel and the reciever would then decode and distribute the dialogues accordingly?

Yes and No.

A center speaker is always useful but when the speakers are not too far apart (the TV itself is 50") so the speakers will be only about 12-15" from the edge of the TV one can get away with the center speaker (in interest of WAF). I can always add a center if the situation demands it. Also in this application audio is 60%, video is 30% and games is 10% of the use.

However in another application where the left and right speakers are 12-14 feet apart (toed in towards listening position) the center speaker is almost mandatory to prevent dialogue escaping from the confines of the TV screen (55").

From and for how much, if i may ask?

From Singapore - landed cost will only be known when it lands. Right now it has not even shipped as there is no stock of 3020 there (only 3010). 3020 is expected in end June-early July. So by end July we should have a landed price.

 

[anm]

avrs create phantom channel. some purists think a phantom center is better than center that is not well designed.

 

[navin advani]

avrs create phantom channel. some purists think a phantom center is better than center that is not well designed.

I have not tried phantom centre vs centre channel. I would assume that the difference would depend on the source, location of left and right speakers, and the number and location of listeners.

A single person sitting dead centre between left and right speakers which are not located too far from the screen listening to 5 channel audio would be very different from 5 friends sitting at various locations in the room watching a movie or a sports channel with left and right speakers 3-5 feet away from the screen.

 

[SaurabhK]

just to add to the chaos out there..

Where does Onkyo stand amdst the yamahas and the marantzs..
I talk purely from the HT point of view.

 

[gvsprakash]

HI,
Please suggest me which is the best 5.1 avr with all new features for the speaker system of Jbl SCS 140.I am planning to buy this month last week.
gvsp.