Suggestions for mid range AV Receiver?

[djdube525]

I know this isn't the typical sweet spot for the group (midfi A/V), but I trust y'alls opinions/thoughts... Santa brought a new Apple toy that lacks optical output (HDMI only)... so looks like it may be time to replace my aged Marantz SR7000 which I've liked a lot, even though I've had to do a number of workarounds to account for the lack of hdmi inputs/outputs. 

Was looking at a site that sells authorized refurbs, and seeing a lot of interesting options in the $500-$600 range, although the receivers are ~3 years old.

I've been out of this game for so long... not sure if much has changed in the last 3 years... I'm guessing most of the changes are in the video portion, but everything I'm looking at at least seems 4K ready - I have an old Samsung projector that throws a great picture, albeit 720p, which will likely get replaced within the next year or two.

Some models I'm toying with... Marantz SR7007/Denon 3313, Marantz SR5009 & SR6009, Denon X3200

It's doubtful I'll every run 7.X... let alone 9.X, so the extra speaker outputs are not needed. Given that... any "gotchas" or features to look out for that are unique to the last few years of receivers?

Note: All of the above are refurbs with 1yr mfg warranty.

[Triode Pete]

I've always liked Yamaha audio products for their "Natural Sound" characteristics, especially for solid state gear... They make decent musical instruments as well!

My $0.02,
Pete

[pumpkinman]

Look at Accessories4less.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

[Werd]

Look for a receiver that has a fan. The New Onkyos do but I am not sure about the bad press regarding the HDMIs. Yamahas do too. Not all the models have fans. There appears to be a problem with these receivers and HDMI. I use to run my xbox through my Yamaha 2030 HDMI 4K. The thing started acting weird and ran with lots of latency that was resolved by just running into the tv. It could have been the cable. Or it could have been the HDMI overheating somehow.

[djdube525]

Look at Accessories4less.

That's actually where I've been looking. I couldn't remember the policy on naming retailers in threads... so I left that out.

[djdube525]

One Q I do have... I'm seeing a number of threads recommending people stick with 2015 models because "HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0a are on board ensuring the AV amps are ready for 4K Ultra HD video".

But... then you read about a 2013 year model (EX SR6008) and the specs say it's 4K Ultra HD passthrough... what's the difference?

Are the newer models doing some internal video processing?

[sleepyguy24]

Morning DJ

Wish I could answer your other question but my HT set-up is in set and forget mode. It works for me and fits my needs. I don't have the latest and greatest but am happy.

How about an HDMI to Toslink converter?

http://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Optical-Extractor-Converter-Splitter/dp/B00ISQ8VB8

I found this and it isn't much money. You can keep things as is with you current Marrantz and just add the converter on.

[rollo]

  I'm with Pete for Yamaha. Second choice NAD or cambridge.

charles

[djdube525]

How about an HDMI to Toslink converter?

http://www.amazon.com/Panlong-Optical-Extractor-Converter-Splitter/dp/B00ISQ8VB8

I found this and it isn't much money. You can keep things as is with you current Marrantz and just add the converter on.

Huh... I didn't realize such a beast existed.

Thanks! Will give it a whirl.

[djdube525]

FWIW... I ended up going with an HDMI auto switcher with audio extractor from ViewHD via Amazon.

So far so good... it's not a bad little box, and cleaned up (removed) a ton of cables in the process.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MSAU8XO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00