Budget friendly receiver choice

I think that goes for anything 'mid level'. It is useless to 'qualify'  mid vs high xxxx in any field, wether it is a $250,000 turntable or a $2.5 Mio car (but the factor is 1000 for the turntable (vs mid xxx) and only 100 ($25,000 for a 'mid car'). Neither can be logically justified. 

MidFi equipment is undervalued.  One can get a lot of enjoyment and quality reproduction 

First impression (2 channel audio, played from cheap CD player via optical and same CD played from computer via 30 ft USB C cable to Shiit DAC, then cheap RCA to receiver) was very impressive (the Shiit combination was NOTICEABLY better, assume the Panasonic CD player is NO GOOD). 

I had an Onkyo for several years, frankly can't remember the model number, it seemed similar to yours but had no RC.  It worked fine, no issues, sounded excellent.  I switched to Anthem 520 because I wanted the ARC, but the Onkyo was reliable

Soix: yes, 2.1 Audio, 5.1 Audio, and looking to buy (3rd attempt, 2 first players I bought were NOT able to play SACD; need palyer that offers SACD over HDMI, have a list of Sony players, need to find a cheap one). 

I’d add using 2.1 audio — a decent sub (or preferably 2 subs) well set up can really do wonders listening in stereo.  Well worth a try I’d think.  Just a thought.  Enjoy!!!

No. 2 Channel Audio, 5.1 channel video, and trying SACD 5.1 Audio.

Congratulations! Are you setting it up for Atmos?

Bought (used, with manuals, remote, dust cover, but NOT THE MICROPHONE) Onkyo TX-RX810. Just hooked up cd player (optical) and computer (25ft usb-c to Shiit, RCA to Onkyo). Just tried on CD (ripped losless) from player and computer, medium level. VERY impressed with the sound (computer actually sounded BETTER than the CD player (low grade Panasonic DVD player). Reading the manual right now, and will do some more listening, but impressed so far. 

I have the Marantz NR1510 which is their 5.2 HT receiver. It has a very good DAC for streaming, MM phono stage, great HP amp, and it has pre-outs for a separate amp which I use to hook up a vintage Adcom GFA-2 for music fun. The 50w is very adequate for the HT/music room (16'x14') we have. I also use the HEOS app to stream music to multiple rooms (synced or separate sources) so if the kids are watching a movie, I can stream music on the porch while the wife and I relax.  It's a very flexible HT receiver for the price and plenty of features, plus you get the Marantz sound if you like it. You could probably find it on sale at Crutchfield. 

Found some actual output test results for my Onkyo TX-RZ810; 2 channels driven (still looking for multichannel numbers to better reflect bi amping).

Source:

Currently have an Onkyo; surprised to hear that Onkyo (particularly older ones) would be worse than the other major brands (Yamaha, Sony, Denon, Pioneer, etc). 

There is always a risk. But compared to for example cars (where its not just age, but 'owner treatment' and 'environment' that has a BIG impact on how they 'mature'), it a small risk. 

The reason for my comment was that Onkyo has a poor track record for reliability but hope you got a good one.  

That goes with every purchase of a used item; can't have it both ways. And did not need (still not sure what is actually would do for me) HDMI 2.1. Or 8k for that matter (I still watch 95% in non 4k, so have likely a few years to even 'fill' the 4k that my TV has (and also my new old Onkyo) until the material I am watching has caught up. By that time, the next 'now $2,000' receiver is available for $600. 

Best of luck with that and hope it doesn’t give you problems down the road.  🤞🤞🤞.  Sometimes it’s pay me now or pay me later, but I wish you the best of luck with your choice. 

The Anthem MRX 710 slipped through my hands. 

I scored an Onkyo TX-RZ81, which seemed to fit my wish list. Have not hooked it up yet. Has bi amping (zone 2 amps used, selectable in menu), should have decent power (not sure how it handles low impedance), has 4k pass through. Pre out for all channels. 

@kraftwerkturbo - if the Onkyo is like the Denons and if I'm not mistaken, you can reconfigure the Zone 2 outputs to provide the second biamp signal for the front speakers.  (don't quote me on it, though - just going out on a limb)

anotherbox, how did you 'manage' bi amping (what connections used) with the Onkyo TX NR6100? Looks fairly 'meager' connections (used to seeing 7 pre outs): 

kraftwerturbo - I forgot to mention, the new Onkyo AVR I just got does bi-amping, as mine is set up that way.  Through Monitor Audio Silver speakers and a 12 inch SVS sub it sounds great.  When I got the new Samsung TV and saw it supported the new HDMI 2.1 standard, I wanted a new AVR that would support it but not break the bank, hence the new Onkyo purchase.  They’ve had reliability issues in the past, but since their old parent company Gibson went bankrupt they have since been purchased by the Premium Audio Company/Sharp Electronics and so far their new lines are doing well, though to be fair, it’s too soon to tell.  I’ve had nothing but Sony AVR’s prior to this and they have been rock solid, never had a single problem in decades.  I’ve got two gathering dust in my basement that I’ve replaced with better/newer tech, they still work perfectly. Unfortunately they don’t make anything in the 2.1 standard or I would have bought another one.  They may even be getting out of the AVR business.  Good luck whatever decision you make!

Bob

Any letters with that Denon 4300? HDMI 2.1? Pre out? Bi amp option? Decent current (i.e. power in low impedance speekers)?

I've had great service from my Denon 4300. I realize it's mass market (gasp), but it's pretty good.

Onkyo has traditionally had reliability issues, declared bankruptcy about a year ago, and is now owned by the parent company of Klipsch, et al. Too much baggage and too many question marks for me with so many other good options out there IMHO.

@anotherbob +1. Onkyo 

You will very likely want to have the new HDMI 2.1 inputs and outputs on you’re new AVR, they have an extremely fast transfer rate of 48 GBs, make sure you get certified 2.1 HDMI cables, too. I just bought a new Onkyo TX NR6100 AVR on sale for $200.00 off at 699.00, including 2 day shipping for free. It pairs nicely with our new Samsung NEO LED TV, which also has the new HDMI 2.1 standard, both are backward compatible with previous HDMI versions. I used Onkyo’s version of sound/room management and it worked and sounded great. Not sure if it has the ability to use a different amp, though. Hope this helps!

Bob

Erik_squires: what does 'use audio return channel' mean? TV with that 'special' HDMI ? What is the difference between say 520 and 710?

If you can use audio return channel then an Anthem x20, like the 520 would be great. This way your TV acts as the source selector and you can use previous gen AVRs

soix, that one is near by (pawnshop) and I already offered them (but reduced their price since the needed software/mic is not included). Unclear if it handles my 4k TV (Visio M75). 

12many: last year may not be enough. Looking also at Marantz SR7008, a cheap SR7002 ($150), and some others. I need to make a list of SUITABLE receiver that come close to my wishlist, but then still need to research how those amps hold up under difficult loads, if they allow bi amping (using the 'spare' unused amps), have full 'pre out' (to use external amps for example for front/main speakers for 2 channel audio setup), if and what DSP they use, 4k capable, etc. 

Look for last year's model being sold for big discounts.  There are some amazing deals when the models change over.  

I think the MRX 710 is a good choice for $600 and will be a step up in sound quality over the mass market AVRs.  Here’s another one on eBay for $600 that may already have the software and also with no mic but you’d need to pay shipping from Michigan, whatever that is.  
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325425609116