I am currently in the market for a reasonable receiver. I am looking at the the Sony DA777ES or other comparable brand. Should I try and compare the Denon series? Need some advice....

I would definately look at the Denon and Onkyo models. I would take either of these over the Sony anyday. The ES line is pretty good, but, IMHO, it doesn't stack up against the others.

Derek

I have the Denon 3300 and it is a good piece. Should be able to get it for ~$800. Check their website for lotsa good info, including downloadable user manuals.

I would check around too....I have a Denon 3200 and love it. Only problem is it doesn't have DTS capability onboard. Anyway, search the net and you can definitely find really good deals on receivers. I do like the Sony ES series....almost bought one before I found my Denon. Good luck.

Onkyo = good
Sony ES= Better
Denon= Best

I have an Onkyo and my friend has an Onkyo. Has always worked great, never any problems. When I upgrade, it will be another Onkyo.

I find that www.audioreview.com is a good place to find personal opinion about various pieces of equipment. It's really entertaining, some people don't even own the gear they review, they just listed to it in a store. If you want to have some real fun and read a lot of impassioned responses, just post a bad review about a denon, yamaha or onkyo receiver. Boy what cults. You should read the reviews about the Onkyo 575. Someone had the audacity to say that it hissed.

I think the best way to determine which reciever is best for you is to take two of them home at a time and do an a/b audition. This will not only demonstrate which you think is better, but which sounds better with your other equipment.

I recently purchased a Yamaha RX-V2095. I listened to a Dennon to compare in the store and found the Yamaha more to my liking. Yamaha is allot brighter that Dennon, which suits my speakers perfectly (tons of bass). Anyways, Yamaha is my favorite, Dennons is excellent - either way you blow Sony out of the water.

I'm looking for a new receiver myself. I've currently got the Sony STR-GA8ES. Pretty good receiver, but I need on-board DD/DTS decoding and more power (especially in the rear channels). The 777ES is on my list... honestly, I haven't done enough looking to EXPAND my list from that yet. :-)

One Word: MARANTZ. There is no better receiver/price than the SR7000. Check it out head to head against the competition. Denon and HK are very close.. Sony, Onkyo, Kenwood, Pioneer? Circuit City Stuff made for the mass market. Get a good Denon 3300, HK AVR 500 or Marantz - you will notice the difference!

Sony es (elevated standard) really is alot better than ordinary sony stuff.

Sort of like the difference between Toyota and Lexus.

I'm sorry too Mike...

Onkyo should not be lumped into the same category as Sony, Kenwood, and Pioneer. They build a very good quality line, and compete very closely in performance to Denon.

As far as HK is concerned...I haven't been impressed with any receiver they have made in the last 8 yrs. They make OK product...but their surround receivers I find to be over-priced for what you get.

The Marantz is a good line also...at the top end.

Sony ES is alot like the HK stuff...Too expensive for what you get...no question it is far superior to the reg Sony line...but you still couldn't convince me to buy one...

Derek

I would give a NAD T760 or the T770 a listen! The power specs. for these receivers are deceiving. Lots of Headroom on both of these receivers.
Doesn't have all the Bells & Whitsles like others. *IMO..there used to cover up imperfections.

www.nadaudio.com

Sorry.....Link should be [Link: nadelectronics.com]

Hey Earl,

$1500 will get you a very reasonable receiver.
Anyway, Sound and Vision this month (FEB/MAR issue) gave a very good review to the new Onkyo TX-DS777. The numbers were very good and it lists for only $1050.