Tonyi Posted September 1, 2024 Posted September 1, 2024 (edited) Ok, so briefly, back in the 80s, I managed Douglas Hifi & Brashs stores here in Melbourne. I now find myself in unfamiliar territory. After years of giving advice on this stuff, I now fine I am out of my depth and need advice myself. Not too proud to ask and yes I have been reading and researching for the last month but nothing like peoples experience. I haven't kept up with stuff for the last 15 years. I have a Denon AVC a10se which I loved. Back then it was top end and I have always been more than happy with it even though I have had to run seperate HDMI to the stuff and optical to the amp. It recently has stopped processing the digital inputs. So no sound. Being 25 years old, I doubt it is worth getting it looked at. I have a beautiful old Luxman HiFi amp which I use for music. I am looking for a budget replacement for my AVCa10se. My needs are not the same as my younger days. I don't listen to movies at the same volumes etc. and don't use the sub that much because it spooks my dog. Basically I am looking at $1000.00 or less. I have been considering the Denon AVR-X1800H. I am not really interested in the Atmos and all that stuff, I just want a good 5.1 or 7.1 Surround Amp. I do need something with optical inputs because I have a media center which does not pass through sound on the HDMI and I have another device I want to run through optical or digital input. I don't want the hassles I read about with HDMI versions. I have 4k gear and want it passed through without any headaches. I also was curious to know, If I got an older used model, with HDMI 1080p only, Can I go directly to the equipment with HDMI and run the optical into the amp. I guess I am asking if the optical are assignable as they are on the Denon I have. I guess my question is, will the current model Denon AVR-X1800H do the job or should I look at a higher end second hand Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo etc.. I would greatly appreciate any guidance for this dinosaur. Edited September 1, 2024 by Tonyi
Guest Posted September 1, 2024 Posted September 1, 2024 On 01/09/2024 at 1:42 AM, Tonyi said: I have 4k gear and want it passed through without any headaches. I also was curious to know, If I got an older used model, with HDMI 1080p only, Expand 1080p uses HDMI 1.4 and very likely, AVR will not pass through 4K. You will need an AVR with at least HDMI 2.0 or better to pass through 4K video. And please do not use your old HDMI cables, but get new HDMI 2.0 compliant cables. There have been a number of cases here of HDMI issues resolved when new cables are used. On 01/09/2024 at 1:42 AM, Tonyi said: I guess my question is, will the current model Denon AVR-X1800H do the job or should I look at a higher end second hand Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo etc.. Expand It is still the same story from your old times. Entry level AVR = not enough power to drive your speakers. I would recommend higher end used AVR. Outside your budget, but this may be a better buy?
Tonyi Posted September 1, 2024 Author Posted September 1, 2024 On 01/09/2024 at 3:06 AM, Snoopy8 said: 1080p uses HDMI 1.4 and very likely, AVR will not pass through 4K. You will need an AVR with at least HDMI 2.0 or better to pass through 4K video. And please do not use your old HDMI cables, but get new HDMI 2.0 compliant cables. There have been a number of cases here of HDMI issues resolved when new cables are used. It is still the same story from your old times. Entry level AVR = not enough power to drive your speakers. I would recommend higher end used AVR. Outside your budget, but this may be a better buy? Expand Thank you. But yes, outside the budget.
Grant Slack Posted September 1, 2024 Posted September 1, 2024 On 01/09/2024 at 1:42 AM, Tonyi said: Basically I am looking at $1000.00 or less. I have been considering the Denon AVR-X1800H. I am not really interested in the Atmos and all that stuff, I just want a good 5.1 or 7.1 Surround Amp. Expand Hi Tony, I think the X1800H will do splendidly the job that you describe. Your speakers would have to be inefficient brutes for any problem with loudness to occur, given that you don't require high volumes. Snoop's advice to upgrade to HDMI 2.0 cables is dead right. cheers Grant
Tonyi Posted September 1, 2024 Author Posted September 1, 2024 On 01/09/2024 at 4:04 AM, Grant Slack said: Hi Tony, I think the X1800H will do splendidly the job that you describe. Your speakers would have to be inefficient brutes for any problem with loudness to occur, given that you don't require high volumes. Snoop's advice to upgrade to HDMI 2.0 cables is dead right. cheers Grant Expand Thank you for that. I learned the hard way with HDMI cables when I got my new Foxtel 4k box last year. After trying everything, I tried the cable that came with the Foxtel box and realized it was 2.0. So I have upgraded all my hdmi cables a while ago. Yes I have vintage set of HUGH Tannoys but they are very efficient and the centre and surrounds are efficient as well. Thanks again for your input. 1
DazzS Posted September 19, 2024 Posted September 19, 2024 If you're not wedded to Denon, you should consider a Yamaha rxv4a (5.2, $700-$800 new) or rxv6a (7.2, $900-$1000 new). I've had the v4a for about 6 months and am very happy with it. I think Bing Lee has a special on the v6a at the moment - $898 AU
Tonyi Posted September 20, 2024 Author Posted September 20, 2024 On 19/09/2024 at 7:41 AM, DazzS said: If you're not wedded to Denon, you should consider a Yamaha rxv4a (5.2, $700-$800 new) or rxv6a (7.2, $900-$1000 new). I've had the v4a for about 6 months and am very happy with it. I think Bing Lee has a special on the v6a at the moment - $898 AU Expand Having read a few comparisons of the Denon 1800 to the two yamahas mentioned, the Denon seemed to come off better. A little lower wattage, but other things were listed as better. 1
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