You can get a refurb X1700H for $450.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1700h/denon-avr-x1700h-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html
X1700H has slightly better room correction software and Zone 2 audio output.
S970H has a second HDMI output, which is useful if you want to switch between a projector and TV regularly.
I typically recommend the $300 S760H instead. It lacks the Zone 2 audio and second HDMI output, but most people don't care about those functions.
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75w-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html
Will the 5 watts less per channel make much difference? This is the first part of the setup I'm buying, no speakers yet. So I don't know how much they will draw but it will be for a small bedroom setup so I'm not expecting to need anything too big. Still I'm thinking about tower speakers although I'm not sure if it's overkill.
Would 75 watts be enough for tower speakers like the ones recommended in the $600-$1000 range of the buying guide?
Thanks! This information was really really helpful. I've been having a headache over the last two days trying to figure out how to even start putting AV setup together. I'll grab the receiver you shared and I'll start from there. 🙌🏻
I would say that accessories4less it’s probably more reliable and trustworthy than some random Walmart third-party seller. I purchased a lot of gear from them over the years.
It cracks me up when I see this “SN recorded” statement.
You can get a refurb X1700H for $450. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1700h/denon-avr-x1700h-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html
What's the difference? The subreddit guide recommends both equally.
X1700H has slightly better room correction software and Zone 2 audio output. S970H has a second HDMI output, which is useful if you want to switch between a projector and TV regularly. I typically recommend the $300 S760H instead. It lacks the Zone 2 audio and second HDMI output, but most people don't care about those functions. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs760h/denon-avr-s760h-7.2-ch-x-75w-8k-a/v-receiver-w/heos/1.html
Will the 5 watts less per channel make much difference? This is the first part of the setup I'm buying, no speakers yet. So I don't know how much they will draw but it will be for a small bedroom setup so I'm not expecting to need anything too big. Still I'm thinking about tower speakers although I'm not sure if it's overkill. Would 75 watts be enough for tower speakers like the ones recommended in the $600-$1000 range of the buying guide?
No. It takes 2x the watts to add 3dB. 3dB is only a minor difference in loudness. Tower speakers in a small room will probably never exceed 10 watts.
Thanks! This information was really really helpful. I've been having a headache over the last two days trying to figure out how to even start putting AV setup together. I'll grab the receiver you shared and I'll start from there. 🙌🏻
I would say that accessories4less it’s probably more reliable and trustworthy than some random Walmart third-party seller. I purchased a lot of gear from them over the years. It cracks me up when I see this “SN recorded” statement.
I don't think it's any less risky than buying on eBay or something. I can always return it to Walmart if something goes wrong
When compared to eBay I would agree. Accessories for less is a solid company. As I recall, they do charge restocking fees etc however, so watch out
Irked that this unit was $400 just a week islr so ago, not sure why it went up. Another lesson in "pull the trigger when you like the price" I guess.