Audiophile help! Insurance replacing my AVR - need help choosing

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  Daniel Plainview on 18/03/2016 - 16:12

  +1

  No disrespect at all meant but audiophiles aren't going to be using AVRs for anything other than maybe their video's audio decoding. :-) But really you don't want to be or get advise from an Audiophile or that whole $1100 credit will be spent on those 99.999% platinum interconnects that you can't possibly live without! ;-)

  Are you only limited to JB?

  I've no specific knowledge of the models on offer but I highly doubt given you're still significantly using a VCR/DVD player , that any of the top priced options will be the weakest link in your AV setup.

  I'd google a few reviews of them - perhaps also factor in what other brands of equipment you're using it with - same brands often play more 'friendly' with each other.

  If they're anything like the insurace co's I know if you don't use all the $1100 credit you lose it - so shop around and find the absolute best deal you can get fr the entire lot - even if you have to throw a few dollars on top yourself….but am sure $1100 will get you something more than capable. If you're limited to JB I'd go with the Onkyo NR646 - it's very well reviewed and the best option there by a fair way if you want an AVR. :-)

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  thepigs on 18/03/2016 - 20:46

  not relevant for OP but Onkyo NR646 is cheaper at Kogan (with 10BIRTHDAY) than Jbhihi

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  Geekomatic on 18/03/2016 - 23:25

  I now have been offered these, as well:

  http://www.pioneer-audiovisual.eu/eu...oducts/vsx-930

  http://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/a...vers/tx-nr545/

  I see that the 646 vs. 545 has a phono in & extra hdmi.

  I was hoping to hear from anyone owning any of these AVR's— just to get a real-person using it view.

  545 vs 646, and the amazon reviews favor the 545. I see that the 646 vs. 545 has a phono in & extra hdmi?

  The Pioneer is a brand I know (I think the 930 was a step up/newer model to my last) but not sure how it would "duke-it-out" against the Onkyo? I've read that some Onkyo's had issues & there are forum posts to that, but…omg, I just want to pick one that isn't going to be a disappointment!

  Any other OzB'ers care to chime in??

  Thanks all!

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  Speckled Jim on 18/05/2016 - 18:05

  My next AVR will be an Integra 7.2. There's a range covering a fair price spread.
  They're by Onkyo, aimed slightly further upmarket and to custom installers. 5 year warranty.

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  Geekomatic on 19/05/2016 - 01:57

  Just to follow -up:

  I went with the Pioneer VSX-930.

  I've only had a bit of time to experiment with it, but so far I can easily hear the difference between my old 920 & this one!

  A con is the clunky way they've decided to add "favorite" online radio stations (you have to connect to their website that looks like it's from 1995?):

  http://pioneer.vtuner.com/setupapp/pioneer/asp/AuthLogin/Sig…

  vs. the very smooth/easy/local network gui on the 920:

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jLgOVTNSmU

  I still have no idea why they did that?

  I haven't delved into the Spotify channel & since both kids have been busy with school/uni, no one has tested the "new" PS3 & the games they bought at a recent EB sale.

  Pros? The set-up microphone did a great job, the fronts not too "boomy" (as I have a nice sub). Balance is great & you can actually hear sounds moving around the space it's in. Other +'s: Built-in Bluetooth & Dual-band Wifi, DLNA, Dolby ATMOS (thinking of trying it out with just a pair of standard speakers pointed to the ceiling as I've read about), & plays FLAC audio! SO, yeah, I'm happy with my choice. FYI> the retail ticket said $1349. JB HiFi can source it, but don't list it anywhere (which I find odd).

  Cheers