More reviews of entry-level AVRs?

[Sonic icons]

I suggest more reviews of recent, entry level, multi-channel AVRs (typically 7.2 nowadays, less commonly 5.2) would be useful to people getting started with their home audio / theater hobby. There are a fair number of reviews of other types of entry level gear, such as loudspeakers, but not so much AVRs. Also, I suspect that the entry level is where some of the biggest performance differences between models and manufacturers will be found, maybe "acceptable" to "awful". I realize this depends to a large extent on whether forum members volunteer to send any of these models in for testing. Here are examples from the Amazon "Best Sellers in Audio Component Receivers" list.

Sony STRDH590, 5.2 channel, sales rank #3
Yamaha RX-V6A, 7.2 channel, sales rank #18 (one of the few in this class already tested here)
Pioneer VSX-534, 5.2 channel, sales rank #20
Onkyo TX-NR6100, 7.2 channel, sales rank #21
Denon AVR-S960H, 7.2 channel, sales rank #25
Denon AVR-S750H, 7.2 channel, sales rank #33
Onkyo TX-NR6050, 7.2 channel, sales rank #36

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[omszz]

+1 would love to know what 7.2 AVR is best value from measurement point of view.

 

[DrSteveBrule]

I agree. I have the means but not the will to spend $1k+ on a receiver. I would rather put that money into speakers or displays, where I have more confidence I'll appreciate it.

 

[amirm]

You all pick one and come up with half the cost and I will pay the other half.

 

[DrSteveBrule]

Ok then...Denon or Onkyo?

 

[DrStranger]

My vote would be the Pioneer VSX-935

 

[Astrozombie]

The newer Yammies were reviewed on audioholics IIRC.

 

[dlaloum]

It is also worth looking into commonalities within families of AVR's

For example: the Onkyo NR6100 is (I believe) internally identical to the NR7100 - they key difference being the absence of Dirac - and its licencing costs... (and the NR6050 is the Cosco version of the NR6100? - not sure of differences if any)

So if the NR7100 is measured - we will know the results for the NR6100! (and as they are badge engineered siblings the equivalent models from Pioneer and Integra LX205, LX305, DRX 3.4, DRX 2.4 )

I assume there would be similar situations with other brands and models....

 

[Bleib]

Mostly interested in Denon AVR-S660H. Unfortunately I can't pay for half of the review :/

 

[trl]

@Bleib, my understanding is that you will still remain with the AVR in the end.

 

[Bleib]

@Bleib, my understanding is that you will still remain with the AVR in the end.

Yes, Amir sends it back, but I'm in Europe..

Situation is now different for me, I'm looking at more expensive models. But would still like to see how the cheaper ones measure. 660 wouldn't do, as it doesn't even have support for back-channel surround speakers.

 

[amirm]

I have a Marantz Cinema 70s in for review which I will test soon. Other than that, there is nothing that is in the queue in this category.

 

[trl]

@amirm thanks for the notice, exactly the one I was looking to purchase. I was actually thinking to use the 70s for the surround speakers and center, while feeding the front speakers via Pre-Out of 70s from my Yamaha A-S701 for a punchier and better audio quality. So, looking forward for your review, maybe I'll buy the 70s for the Christmas.

 

[trl]

As Amir promised: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/marantz-cinema-70s-avr-review.50334/

 

[EWL5]

Cinema 70 is only entry-level in performance (definitely not the price!).

 

[jaakkopetteri]

Cinema 70 is only entry-level in performance (definitely not the price!).

It's been sold for around 650€ in several places for a while now. Upper entry level, I'd say. The pre-outs are mid-tier at least

 

[TonyJZX]

the Cinema 70 is a standout above the rest given it does have full pre-outs and so it can act as a pre pro AND i beleive it has circuitry to completely idle all amps in an effort to reduce noise EM etc. to act as a pre pro...

the only problem with testing is that these things are so rapidly made redundant obsolescent

strangely Denon is a value leader here...

i have seen the 670 770 970s are very very cheap here with ebay 10-15% off coupons too

 

[Matias]

the Cinema 70 is a standout above the rest given it does have full pre-outs and so it can act as a pre pro AND i beleive it has circuitry to completely idle all amps in an effort to reduce noise EM etc. to act as a pre pro...

A shame the HDMI input - DAC - pre-outs are nothing to write home about...

Marantz Cinema 70s AVR Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Marantz Cinema 70s home theater Audio/Video Receiver (AVR). It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $1,200. The 70s sports the new industrial design of Marantz AV products which I very much like. It looks even more attractive in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[jaakkopetteri]

A shame the HDMI input - DAC - pre-outs are nothing to write home about...

I don't really see a problem. Not state of the art, but HD and IMD under -100dB is pretty much transparent

 

[Rockfella]

When my entry level AVR is not even in the list of entry levels AVRs in ASR haha. No biggie. I think 5.1 is the sweet spot lol.