New AV Receiver - Recommendations Please

[curlyks2]

My current/old Cambridge Audio 651R has developed a fault, and I'm not optimistic about it being economically repairable. Short listing options from what's available today and have found the following, but wonder if anyone has suggestions for others. Recommendations welcome!

Short list:

• Denon AVR-X6300H or AVR-X7200WA
• Yamaha RXA2060 or RXA3060
• NAD T 777 (at a massive stretch of budget)
• Cambridge Audio CXR200
• Marantz SR7011
• Pioneer SCLX801 or SCLX901

Requirements:

• Must sound as least as good as the outgoing Cambridge Audio 651R
• Must be able to bi-amp the front speakers - so needs at least 7 power amp channels (this is the reason the Cambridge Audio CXR120 isn't on the shortlist - it doesn't do bi-amp at all - which is a daft omission for a £1k+ receiver)
• Full compliment of the usual surround processing/handling/etc.

I realise that sound is subjective, so will definitely be demoing and listening hard before buying!

[legzr1]

Why is bi-amping so important?

[PhilboSE]

You've got a few 11 channel amps in there, for which you will currently pay a premium. I'd suggest starting by deciding exactly how many channels you need and get an amp to suit. No point paying for channels you don't need.

Avoid the Denon as the 6300H has unresolved motherboard issues which cause background hum on some of the channels.

Do you need the multiroom HEOS support of the Marantz SR7011? If not you can go down to the SR6011 which has the same specs without HEOS and save some cash.

I'm in the same boat (though I need 11 channels) and have auditioned the Yamaha and the Pioneer and preferred the Pioneer. However I preferred the Marantz 6011 overall with some external amps on the missing channels.

[VEX]

Most of those can be sourced through PH friendly dealers, if you are willing to ask!

Edited by VEX on Sunday 9th April 22:51

[conkerman]

What speakers are you using??

My first thought would be Yamaha, as they generally have a pretty well rounded sound.

[chasingracecars]

VEX said:

Most of those can be sourced through PH friendly dealers, if you are willing to ask!

Edited by VEX on Sunday 9th April 22:51

Yep and we can often beat Richer Sounds etc.

[Rhodie]

If this helps curlyks2, I updated my system late last year, comprises, Denon X6300H, Monitor Audio PL100 11, Monitor Audio PLC150 11 Centre Speaker and and Gold FX rear speakers for specific reasons. I purchased the Denon because of the HEOS system built into it. Also added an LG OLED TV into the system.

Very pleased so far, I’ve had no background hum from any channels so far but thank you PhilboSe for the heads up, will monitor the situation. The HEOS system is good enabling additional speakers in the house. My dilemma was compounded because of room limitations, the speakers I really liked were the Splendor D7’s but what would go with them to complete the surrounding speakers.

What I can say is that the performance of all the components is pretty spectacular.

[kennydies]

That is interesting, I am in the market for a new receiver with Atmos. How do you go about getting a PH discount?

[chasingracecars]

Drop me or Vex a PM we are both dealers of the above.

[PhilboSE]

Rhodie said:

Very pleased so far, I’ve had no background hum from any channels so far but thank you PhilboSe for the heads up, will monitor the situation.

No worries, and glad you're not hearing any issues. The best reference for the issue is on the avforums 6300 owners thread. Seems like it is worse when EQ processing is enabled. The 6300H is a cracking deal at the moment (possibly because of the issue) - £700 off list price just 6 months after release. There's no other integrated 11 channel amp available at that price.

[Rhodie]

I can't agree more, the Denon X6300h has to be the best AVR in the price range. It's very easy to set up, combined with HEOS it's pretty untouchable. I've now had time to go through it's full range/repertoire with no issues at all.

[TheGuru]

How about an Onkyo TX-RZ1100?