Question 2nd Hand AV Receivers to add features I am missing.

[Tom Tom]

So I currently have an Onkyo TX-SR508 (I think) which I have had for about 10 years (my sister bought it for my 30th)

I love it and don't need to update it, but it misses a few things that would make life easier now.

The problems I face with this amp are

• HDMI Sound. It does not split the sound from the HDMI input they are a throughput so I have an optical out from the TV to the amp and the HDMI go directly into the TV. I would prefer all the HDMI into the amp and then just worrying about one TV channel.
• As I only have 2.1 speakers (at the moment) I have the problem of some film mixes being low on the vocals and then very loud for action scenes and have not found a setting on the amp to mix the sound well for a stereo output.
• I have some old vinyl records and have seen a few newer turntables that are bluetooth that are appealing? So an AV receiver with bluetooth would be great for either playing things from a phone or a record player would be great. (Are bluetooth record players any good?)
• Are newer amps cooler? (Amount of heat generated)

I am not looking at new, I don't have much to spend but if I had a range of decent older models that I should keep a look out for that might tick most all the problems I have mentioned I would appreciate the guidance.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Tom Tom]

Bump

 

[Blupetros]

HDMI Sound. It does not split the sound from the HDMI input they are a throughput so I have an optical out from the TV to the amp and the HDMI go directly into the TV. I would prefer all the HDMI into the amp and then just worrying about one TV channel.

I don't get what you mean, they are only a "throughput". That can't be right. You must have something set up incorrectly for the last 10 years! Surely the sound from say a Blu-ray player plugged via HDMI into the Onkyo is processed and played back directly without the need for optical, otherwise what is the purpose of it having 4 HDMI inputs? A quick look of the spec sheet says it decodes Dolby True HD & DTS-HD Master Audio and also has ARC so you shouldn't need optical.

 

[Tom Tom]

I don't get what you mean, they are only a "throughput". That can't be right. You must have something set up incorrectly for the last 10 years! Surely the sound from say a Blu-ray player plugged via HDMI into the Onkyo is processed and played back directly without the need for optical, otherwise what is the purpose of it having 4 HDMI inputs? A quick look of the spec sheet says it decodes Dolby True HD & DTS-HD Master Audio and also has ARC so you shouldn't need optical.

Just double checked my older posts and found that it is the tx-sr505e. Fairly sure this model does not allow for sound to be decoded.

Only 2 HDMI with 1 output. Been awhile since I saw the back

 

[Blupetros]

The reason it has so many HDMI is so that you only have one HDMI to TV.

Exactly, but you are saying you have to connect things directly to the TV, then use optical to get sound to the AVR?

 

[Tom Tom]

Exactly, but you are saying you have to connect things directly to the TV, then use optical to get sound to the AVR?

I connect all HDMI to the TV then use a optical cable from TV to amp. It works fine but would like to upgrade to a cheaper 2nd hand model that is slightly better than mine.

I did change my post you quoted as I found it was the model down from the one I thought it was and only has 2 inputs and one output for HDMI. It's been awhile since I was in the back of the TV and it's not something I really worry about day to day.

 

[Blupetros]

OK gotcha. You should be able to get something to suit your requirements. I've upgraded 3 times in the last 9 years to keep up with new features I "needed". I must get round to selling my old ones Lol. Good luck.

 

[Tom Tom]

OK gotcha. You should be able to get something to suit your requirements. I've upgraded 3 times in the last 9 years to keep up with new features I "needed". I must get round to selling my old ones Lol. Good luck.

Thanks, any suggestions on models to go for? What do you have to sell.....

 

[Deleted member 39241]

What is your budget?

EDIT: You can get some decent feature rich AVR's new for around £300.

 

[Tom Tom]

What is your budget?

£200 at the top end.

If there is something cheaper that will do what I need, happy for not the best I can get.

 

[Deleted member 39241]

£200 at the top end.

If there is something cheaper that will do what I need, happy for not the best I can get.

You can get new AVR's for £200 but they seem a little on the low powered side. For £300 there are more options that should match yours in terms of sound quality, but will add a lot of features.

 

[Tom Tom]

You can get new AVR's for £200 but they seem a little on the low powered side. For £300 there are more options that should match yours in terms of sound quality, but will add a lot of features.

That's why I am looking at 2nd hand. Something a bit older that will be a natural replacement without breaking the bank.

 

[Deleted member 39241]

That's why I am looking at 2nd hand. Something a bit older that will be a natural replacement without breaking the bank.

Fair enough. Although a retailer like Richer Soulds would give you a 6 year warranty. But if you go for second hand, plenty usually pop up in the classifieds that should suit you.

 

[Tom Tom]

Fair enough. Although a retailer like Richer Soulds would give you a 6 year warranty. But if you go for second hand, plenty usually pop up in the classifieds that should suit you.

Thanks, that's what I am trying to ask.

Which models / makes are the next logical step for me?

 

[Deleted member 39241]

Thanks, that's what I am trying to ask.

Which models / makes are the next logical step for me?

Ah, I see.

It looks like your AVR is about 9 years old and has a rated power output of 90 watts per channel in stereo mode into 8 ohms speakers. So, you would be looking to replace it with something obviously newer, but at least that power rating. The power ratings aren't the be all and end all, but they are a useful specification to use to compare.

The actual spec in the manual is:

90 watts minimum continuous power per channel, 8 ohm loads, 2 channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz, with a maximum total harmonic distortion of 0.08% (FTC)

So, maybe go for something that is rated at 100 watts or better in stereo mode, into 8 ohms, and you should get a bit of an upgrade.

I would say any make / model should be okay, Denon, Marantz, Sony, another Onkyo, Yamaha are the usual names.

Are there any specific features that you want, or is just more HDMI inputs?

 

[Deleted member 39241]

The Denon AVR X2300W is a well respected model. It does 95 watts in stereo mode into 8 ohm speakers, so a bit of an upgrade. It is down to £300 new, as its replacement the X2400W has just been released, at £500. So, a bit of a bargain really.

 

[Tom Tom]

The Denon AVR X2300W is a well respected model. It does 95 watts in stereo mode into 8 ohm speakers, so a bit of an upgrade. It is down to £300 new, as its replacement the X2400W has just been released, at £500. So, a bit of a bargain really.

Only problem is it's £100 more than I have[emoji12]

 

[stripeyjoe]

A Denon avr-3313 or avr-2313 would suit you fine, they were the last generation before the avr-x ones. Both have lots of HDMI INPUTS, THE 3313 has a phono input for direct connection of your turntable (why pee around with Bluetooth?), not sure if the 2313 has this. Both do airplay.
On the Yamaha side, there's the 1065 or, if you want network connections, 1067 or later. Again, the 10nn yamahas generally have a turntable input and the newer models have airplay. Bluetooth you can do with a £20-30 adapter from eBay.
The 3313 you'll have to be lucky to get for £200 on eBay, seem to go for nearer £300 but the 2313 should be gettable for that price.
I've got the 3313 in my lounge, does pretty much all you need and sounds great. I have the 1065 in my disco shed, plenty of power, sounds great but no network stuff, not too bothered as I have an Apple TV plugged into it. I think I got it for around £150.
Good luck!

 

[stripeyjoe]

Here's some from eBay
Denon avr-x2200, £289 or best offer - cheeky £200 punt?
denon avr-x2200w amplifier | eBay

Denon 3311, possibly not 4k but deffo HD (1028) 99p start:
Denon AVR-3311 Surround Sound Amplifier | eBay

Denon 2310 at £41 at the moment:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Denon-AVR...003771&hash=item569ef41d04:g:Kk4AAOSwqklZg4Fz (there's also 1 on for £150 BIN)

Denon 2311, £175:
Denon AVR 2311 receiver 7.1 channel surround sound, 105 Watt per channel, HD&3D | eBay

Yamaha RX-V1067, £225: Yamaha RX-V1067 7.2 network usb hdmi home cinema Amplifier tuner net radio zone2 | eBay

Enjoy browsing!