Good AV receiver?

[bds0688 10+ year member]

I'm looking for something in the 400-500 range, mainly looking for multiple inputs, and flexibility. I don't need crazy sound features like full uncompress audio, as it will be quite some time before I go BR or HDDVD.

I am currently using a Yamaha my brother let me borrow while he's at basic. I like the power and adjustments, even for a base unit. This got me attracted to the

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=10420&i=022RXV661&tp=179

On their pricier, more feature oriented receivers, how does it stack? I looked at Denon, not enough inputs for what I need, in the price I want.

Comparable Onkyos, Pioneer Premiers? I am no brand *****, just want something that can run my

360(Optical and Component)

DVD player(Optical and Component)

Wii(Component and RCA //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif PROLOGIC II ftl)

CD Changer(Optical)

With comp/HDMI in and single cable out. As of now, I have no plans for PS3,BR, HDDVD, so HDMI is a bonus more than a necessity. However, the ability to convert component to HDMI would be very nice, if found in other brands.

I am fairly open, but would prefer authorized prices. With this kind of money, I want a warranty I can fall back on.

Click to read more...

 

[bamaboy 5,000+ posts]

im looking for one in that price, everyone has told me the best option is the onkyo 605, does everything out to a single hdmi cable, decodes dolby true hd and dts one, one of the only ones in that price range to offer this

retails for 499 but can be had off tigerdirect and amazon and others for 399 with free shipping

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

HK 247 does this as well. It was on sale at amazon at 350...but I believe its back up to 499.

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

That model gets compared with the HK 247 and the Onkyo 605 quite often. It's a good receiver from what I've read, if you do care for the hd audio then its a good choice. But I paid 379$ shipped from amazon for my Onkyo 605.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Do you want multichannel or just two channel?

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

Multi, for videogames and movies. I'll run stereo for most of my music, except Pink Floyd:crazy:

As far as I could tell, the 605 didn't have as many inputs as I need, unless I am on the wrong model? The Yamaha's main selling point to me right now is input, but I am pairing this with a nice HDTV, so I am sure I can work something out between the crapload of outputs tv's have now and such.

I guess 400-500 was a little weak of a comparison. I want something flexible, does rated power, and backed by good warranty.

As of now

Onkyo 605*upconvert ftw. solid products ftw*

Yamaha RX-V661*ZOMG Inputs*

I like the looks of HK.

I don't need multiroom.

 

[quakerroatmeal 10+ year member]

What inputs are you needing? The 605 seems to have a fair amount of inputs.

 

[WildcatNate 10+ year member]

605 ftw, it is more future proof than anything in it's price range as it decodes DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD, which are used in high-def formats (Blu-ray, HD-DVD starting digging it's grave today).

You might be able to find a 705 in your price range if you try hard. I got mine for $499 shipped about two months ago.

Good receivers though.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

For that kind of budget, I'd almost be tempted to look for seperates...with some careful shopping I bet you could snag a discrete 5 channel power amp and preamp/processor for that.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

For that kind of budget, I'd almost be tempted to look for seperates...with some careful shopping I bet you could snag a discrete 5 channel power amp and preamp/processor for that.

Any suggestions?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Adcom, Parasound, Aragon...come to mind for amplifiers. As for processors, I don't really know off the top of my head because I haven't shopped for one, I know Outlaw Audio's got a good one out, but I don't think it's in his budget...

 

[bds0688 10+ year member]

Hm, that is a possibility as well, Jim. Do most processors offer a form of EQ and crossover adjustment? If not, I'm sure being seperate, one could be thrown into the mix.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I don't know to be honest, but I wouldn't think a lot of controls are provided...the whole point is, after all, to seperate things into components that do their job and nothing else //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

I like my avr 147, it was decently priced @ ~200 from pricegrabber.com

 

[diamond_sound 10+ year member]

My Yamaha RX-V459 does the trick and it isnt top of the line either.