Receiver recommendation

[IndyColtsFan]

Got my X3100 today and hooked it up. Everything went pretty smoothly but I didn't have time to do the Audyssey config yet - I hope I can do that tomorrow.

One question for you all - since I can't seem to get a replacement HDMI board for my 2310CI (and all the "for parts" 2310CIs on eBay seem to have HDMI issues), I was thinking that perhaps I could get something like this to replace the HDMI ports but at the same time, pass the audio to the receiver:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QJGAKCW...lid=24QMQMPA8LTBD&coliid=I1BMOIT7L4GC29&psc=1

Anyone have experience with a device like this? It claims to strip off the audio from the HDMI input and can pass it over optical. It supports 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS, which would be fine for my needs and it also appears to be supported by the Logitech Harmony, so I could just add it to my existing activities. I'd use this in my office.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that when I was swapping the receivers out, I discovered that the HDMI port on my TV where I had the 2310CI plugged into is now dead as well. Grrrrrrr (and yes, I took the 2310CI to another TV to see if maybe it was fine and the TV was a problem, but the HDMI ports on the 2310CI are definitely dead).

 

[Railgun]

FWIW, I just picked up a Denon X7200WA for a pretty nice price. I had assumed it was the non A variant based on the ad, but was happy that it turned out it was.

Coming from an Onkyo 5008, which has had two HDMI board replacements, and with the second one, was experiencing a strange HDMI handshake loss, though only once, and only shortly after initial turn-on, as well as some network functionality loss.

I'm running modest speakers up front, B&W CM5s and a CMC and Klipsch KG 1.5 for the rear. No sub. Once I get space, CM10s or similar will go up front and upgrade to a CMC2 as well as a flat LG 4K OLED screen.

I've been a fan of Denon/Marantz products for a bit, but at the time, the Onkyo fit the bill. Hind sight I suppose.

All that being said, you'll be happy with the 3100. Still get 4K, still get Audyssey, though not XT32, and a decent amount of power, though we don't know what you're driving.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

FWIW, I just picked up a Denon X7200WA for a pretty nice price. I had assumed it was the non A variant based on the ad, but was happy that it turned out it was.

Coming from an Onkyo 5008, which has had two HDMI board replacements, and with the second one, was experiencing a strange HDMI handshake loss, though only once, and only shortly after initial turn-on, as well as some network functionality loss.

I'm running modest speakers up front, B&W CM5s and a CMC and Klipsch KG 1.5 for the rear. No sub. Once I get space, CM10s or similar will go up front and upgrade to a CMC2 as well as a flat LG 4K OLED screen.

I've been a fan of Denon/Marantz products for a bit, but at the time, the Onkyo fit the bill. Hind sight I suppose.

All that being said, you'll be happy with the 3100. Still get 4K, still get Audyssey, though not XT32, and a decent amount of power, though we don't know what you're driving.

I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, but I just like nice receivers that are packed with features, easy to use, and sound great at a decent price. Denon fits that bill for me. Right now, I've got Klipsch Icon-W speakers for center and front (the furniture-grade cabinet scored high on the WAF) and I think they sound great. For surround, I am currently using (don't laugh) some older JBL 500 bookshelf speakers which sound OK. I waited too long and didn't get the matching Icon-W surrounds before they were discontinued. Grrrrr! A BIC F12 sub rounds out the config.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, what I generally do is wait until the July-September timeframe (which is when Denon typically announces next year's models) and then buy the current year's model when the price inevitably drops. Big savings and I get a great receiver. I saved $400-$450 on my 2310CI by doing this and $500 on my X3100W. I know there was an Onkyo model (NR636 IIRC) with HDCP 2.2 that was the same price but I prefer Denon.

My understanding on the X7200W is that it was just renamed to the X7200WA (with maybe a firmware update) and that Denon will not refresh/replace that model for the 2015-2016 model year. I bet that is a kickass unit - if I had a dedicated theater room, I'd probably go bigger.

As far as my 2310CI is concerned, the audio still seems to work fine so I think I may try that J-Tech HDMI switch with audio out to see if using that in conjunction with the 2310CI basically restores full functionality. What is it with receivers and HDMI boards dying? It seems to be VERY common -- as I think I mentioned, when I looked on eBay for broken 2310CIs to see if I could salvage an HDMI board, every single one stated that the HDMI ports were the problem. If they're going to be that sensitive, I wish they'd start designing receivers somewhat like a motherboard, where the HDMI board slides into a slot on the main board and is easily replaceable. Of course they'd need to make the boards actually available too.

 

[Railgun]

IIRC, the HDMI chip was some TI unit that was the problem. I also seem to recall something about it being used in Denon as well, but I may be a little fuzzy on that.

The 7200W was rebranded the WA, but has an updated HW component to provide HDCP2.2 support. It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade that you have to send in for if you have the non A variant. The A version out of the box is ready to go, though there is a FW update for Auro-3D support now, which I don't care for.

I had removed my HDMI board on the Onkyo. Relatively easy, but some of the connections didn't play nicely. As far as getting a replacement, I've got no experience with Denon support, but I would imagine you can find a shop that may be able to order you one.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

IIRC, the HDMI chip was some TI unit that was the problem. I also seem to recall something about it being used in Denon as well, but I may be a little fuzzy on that.

The 7200W was rebranded the WA, but has an updated HW component to provide HDCP2.2 support. It's a relatively inexpensive upgrade that you have to send in for if you have the non A variant. The A version out of the box is ready to go, though there is a FW update for Auro-3D support now, which I don't care for.

I had removed my HDMI board on the Onkyo. Relatively easy, but some of the connections didn't play nicely. As far as getting a replacement, I've got no experience with Denon support, but I would imagine you can find a shop that may be able to order you one.

Yeah, I looked everywhere online - everyone was out of stock and prices ranged from $90 to $385. I emailed Denon and haven't received a response. I figured I could get this HDMI switch with audio out cheaper and give that a shot. I mentioned J-Tech above but I found a Panlong unit with 4 HDMI ports for a little more money and it is supported by my Harmony. I've got some cheap speakers I can use for center and front and maybe I'll gradually upgrade those. I also have an old Infinity BU120 sub with a dead amp which I need to replace and can then include it with the 2310 as well.

 

[Aikouka]

I figured I could get this HDMI switch with audio out cheaper and give that a shot.

I think it would work. Although, two things come to mind...

1) It is kind of limited with the number of inputs. Is there one available that has more?

2) How does it handle lossless codecs commonly found on Blu-rays (DTS HD Master and Dolby TrueHD) when outputting to S/P-DIF? It looks like it has the ability to switch the EDID, which means they may just not be an output option on the player.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I think it would work. Although, two things come to mind...

1) It is kind of limited with the number of inputs. Is there one available that has more?

2) How does it handle lossless codecs commonly found on Blu-rays (DTS HD Master and Dolby TrueHD) when outputting to S/P-DIF? It looks like it has the ability to switch the EDID, which means they may just not be an output option on the player.

1) Panlong has a 4 port one, and that's what I'd buy. That would be just enough for my uses.

2) It claims to support TrueHD and DTS Master, so I'll make sure I verify that when I get it and start testing because if not, it is going back.

 

[Aikouka]

2) It claims to support TrueHD and DTS Master, so I'll make sure I verify that when I get it and start testing because if not, it is going back.

You're talking about this one, right? It talks about the lossless codecs when going from HDMI to HDMI, but optical only supports the lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. The other one that you linked talked about setting the EDID, which is probably what you'd need to do. That would tell your source devices that the end device (the switch) cannot handle lossless audio and it would only provide Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM (PCM is 2-channel only!).

 

[IndyColtsFan]

You're talking about this one, right? It talks about the lossless codecs when going from HDMI to HDMI, but optical only supports the lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. The other one that you linked talked about setting the EDID, which is probably what you'd need to do. That would tell your source devices that the end device (the switch) cannot handle lossless audio and it would only provide Dolby Digital, DTS or PCM (PCM is 2-channel only!).

I'm a little confused to be honest. I haven't kept up with all the terminology lately, but you're saying trueHD and DTS Master can't go over optical on either device, right? If that's the case, it isn't a big deal to me honestly. This is just going in my office and will mainly be used for my consoles and occasional movies and I really don't care too much about getting the best audio formats from the movies on this receiver - I have my other setup for that. You're saying that the one with the EDID is probably smarter because it can handshake with the source device and tell it what it can/can't do, right?

EDIT: Found another, but not sure if it is Harmony compatible:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00850T35U...lid=24QMQMPA8LTBD&coliid=I33YKUSXDFTKRM&psc=1

Reviews say it has a "toggle" between 2.1 and 5.1, which I assume is the EDID setting. This one has 4 ports.

 

[Aikouka]

I'm a little confused to be honest. I haven't kept up with all the terminology lately, but you're saying trueHD and DTS Master can't go over optical on either device, right?

Yep. Optical (S/P-DIF) cannot do Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master.

You're saying that the one with the EDID is probably smarter because it can handshake with the source device and tell it what it can/can't do, right?

EDIT: Found another, but not sure if it is Harmony compatible:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00850T35U...lid=24QMQMPA8LTBD&coliid=I33YKUSXDFTKRM&psc=1

Reviews say it has a "toggle" between 2.1 and 5.1, which I assume is the EDID setting. This one has 4 ports.

What I'm wondering is what exactly it's going to relay to the source device to make sure that it doesn't receive a signal that it cannot process. If it was doing pure HDMI passthrough, it wouldn't matter, but it needs to transmit it over optical. I assume it will probably work fine and you could most likely leave it on 5.1.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Yep. Optical (S/P-DIF) cannot do Dolby TrueHD or DTS Master.



What I'm wondering is what exactly it's going to relay to the source device to make sure that it doesn't receive a signal that it cannot process. If it was doing pure HDMI passthrough, it wouldn't matter, but it needs to transmit it over optical. I assume it will probably work fine and you could most likely leave it on 5.1.

Cool, thanks for your input. I won't have time for a couple of weeks, but when things settle down, I'll buy it and update this thread with the results.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

UPDATE: Still having some of the issues outlined here with my AVR-X3100W. At this stage, I have about 12 days left in the return window and if I can't get it fixed by end of the week or so, I will probably return it.

With that being said, I wanted to revisit the recommendation thread and maybe start from scratch. If I decide on returning the AVR, I would prefer to have a new one in place BEFORE I actually ship it back to verify that the problem is fixed. I'm a little gun-shy about going with another X3100 to be honest as the reviews seem to be going in a downward direction.

So, if I replace it, what can I get to meet my updated requirements below?

1. Must be 4k ready (up to at least 60 Hz if possible).
2. HDCP 2.2.
3. Must support 7.2 sound.
4. Must be networkable.
5. Must support Audyssey or another form of audio optimization.
5. Must be carried by Amazon, preferably as a Prime item.

As an aside (not sure I mentioned this yet), when I removed my Denon 2310CI (had bad HDMI ports), I discovered one HDMI port on my TV was suddenly dead as well. There is a nagging thought in the back of my mind that perhaps some of other components in my cabinet suffered lesser damage as well and that's why I am seeing these issues, but I don't think I will really know without trying another AVR.

EDIT: Looking at the Yamaha RX-A750 and RX-V679BL models. Thoughts?

 

[s44]

Cheaper:

Denon S710w/S910w - has all the 4k features (which the X3100 doesn't), but only MultEQ, not XT. S910w has a smidge more power and upscaling to 4k. $480/$580 at Amazon.

Less cheap:

Denon X1200w/X2200w - same as S710w/S910w, but with MultEQ XT and independent zone 2 support. $600/~$750 at Amazon.
Marantz SR5010 - all of the above but with pre-outs. $900 at Amazon.

 

[rchunter]

I've always had really good luck with yamaha. I have one out in my metal shop that's probably at least 10 years old. It just keeps going and going.... I've had a total of 4 yamaha receivers and none of them have ever died on me and all still working good. I just got a 2 channel Yamaha R-N500 the other day and pair of Kef Q300 speakers for the bedroom and I love it!

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Update: Ordered the Yamaha RX-A850. It was more than I wanted to spend but I think it was worth it over the A750 for the following reasons:

1. More HDMI ports
2. More HDMI ports supporting HDCP 2.2
3. Far superior optimization algorithms

I'm supposed to get it tomorrow, so I'll hook it up and test it hard the next few days. If I don't see any issues, I'm going to return the Denon X3100W.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Quick question - the Yamaha's display shows the active Input source (such as HDMI2) but I want it to display the format used (DTS, Dolby, etc). Is this possible and if so, how? Haven't had a chance to review the manual yet but I will.

EDIT: NM, found it

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Update: Returned the Denon X3100. The Yamaha has not experienced any of the audio issues I saw on the Denon.

 

[slag]

I think I'm going to pick up a refurbished X2100. Seems to do everything my old AVR 590 does and more and I got the BENQ W7010, 4 pairs of glasses, a low profile ceiling mount, and various hdmi wall jacks, etc.

Any reason not to get the x2100 other than its older?

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...osU3ruwYXjdVM1UT0_pAa3aHmqRwld2SU2BoCDmfw_wcB

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I think I'm going to pick up a refurbished X2100. Seems to do everything my old AVR 590 does and more and I got the BENQ W7010, 4 pairs of glasses, a low profile ceiling mount, and various hdmi wall jacks, etc.

Any reason not to get the x2100 other than its older?

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...osU3ruwYXjdVM1UT0_pAa3aHmqRwld2SU2BoCDmfw_wcB

Amazon has it new for $399 if you'd prefer a new model. Wherever you get it, make sure they have a good return policy in case you see some of the issues I saw with my x3100. Also, remember that like the 3100, it does not support HDCP 2.2.

 

[slag]

I don't really care. That is only for 4k related stuff and I don't see myself going to that anytime soon.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I don't really care. That is only for 4k related stuff and I don't see myself going to that anytime soon.

Yeah, that was why I originally bought the X3100 - didn't care too much about HDCP 2.2. When I had to replace it though, I went ahead and got one that was compliant with 2.2 just to get it out of the way, as I may go 4k next year.

 

[PrinceMyshkin]

Glad to hear you got your issues sorted out with the Yamaha! I was thinking of grabbing the x3100w but after reading what you went through, I have decided to hold-off for a bit.

 

[slag]

Yeah, that was why I originally bought the X3100 - didn't care too much about HDCP 2.2. When I had to replace it though, I went ahead and got one that was compliant with 2.2 just to get it out of the way, as I may go 4k next year.

The Onkyo TX-NR626 looks really good also. I think its a toss up between that one and the denon 2100w. I'm partial to denon because that's what I have now, but maybe that's faulty thinking... Comments?

Looks like the onkyo receivers have lots of faulty hdmi boards.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

The Onkyo TX-NR626 looks really good also. I think its a toss up between that one and the denon 2100w. I'm partial to denon because that's what I have now, but maybe that's faulty thinking... Comments?

Looks like the onkyo receivers have lots of faulty hdmi boards.

I would always take Denon over Onkyo due to the complaints I've read about Onkyo. The main complaint I've read about Denon currently relates to an audio issue when trying to play DD+ streams from Netflix - I can definitely say I did see that issue and I suspect the other issues I saw were handshaking issues.