Shopping for a reciever, need some advice please.

[oxsign 5,000+ posts]

This is my first venture into HT. I have a budget of $350 for a reciever. I went through bestbuy's website and saw a few things. Anything you would recommend? Or maybe you might have somewhere else that I could look for something. I plan on buying the mids, hi's, and sub and building all the cabinets for everything. Lead me in the right direction HT gurus!!!!!!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

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[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

parts express has some pioneers for decent prices.

 

[juniorab 10+ year member]

check audiogon.com. Nicer high end gear for decent prices. A lot of used, but if you do some searching you can find NIB for a good price.

 

[oxsign 5,000+ posts]

Thx guys, i'll look into those. You have any advice on what the important thngs to look for? I'm looking at doing the setup for my 58" & PS3.

 

[fasfocus00 5,000+ posts]

stay away from hdmi pass through. don't waste money on getting a receiver with 7.1 unless it's True Dolby HD and THX certified.

you may want to check out monoprice.com right now for wire. they have 100ft spool of 12gauge speaker wire for $18 bux

 

[oxsign 5,000+ posts]

Oh really? No HDMI? I thought that was the way to go? What connection would you recomend for the PS3?

 

[tcguy85 10+ year member]

you WANT hdmi, but you DON'T want hdmi pass through.

 

[adam71 5,000+ posts]

Yes, HDMI is the wave of the future. And THX is not necessary by any means. All it means is that Lucasfilm is getting a kick back for every receiver that has that logo. I would never buy ANY component based on that. That is NOT to say, however, that a receiver with that logo is no good. Just saying that it should NEVER be a selling point.

Also, make sure the receiver will decode the latest surround formats. Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA. Most receivers today are 7.1 but that does NOT mean you have to run 7 speakers and a sub. 5.1 sounds great.

 

[kpozr2 10+ year member]

Onkyo TX-SR606 or H&K AVR-254

Both around 349.00 on amazon.com and both decode all the new HD audio (dolby trueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio ) Both are 7.1 or 5.1 with a seperate zone 2 available for another set of speakers in a different room. Both also upscale video to 1080i/p whatever. Both recievers also have self calibrating microphones that will help setup your surround sound once you get it.

 

[WildcatNate 10+ year member]

I agree with the two listed above. I would throw the Yamaha v663 and the Denon 1909 into the mix. All 4 would be great for you. Just look to see which one fits your needs.

 

[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

I agree with the two listed above. I would throw the Yamaha v663 and the Denon 1909 into the mix. All 4 would be great for you. Just look to see which one fits your needs.

Why the Denon 1909 vs the 789? Both are above the price point but whats the difference?

 

[96MaxGLE 10+ year member]

I've been looking for a receiver in the same budget...GREAT for this thread to be on the top of the list.

I was actually thinking about the AVR 254 myself...I really love the looks of the Harmon Kardon (by no means am I basing my decision on that tho...)

If the OP doesn't mind me adding something else to the thread...I'm was wondering about a $500-$600 5 channel speaker system. I've got a 15" Adire tumult that I was thinking about using in my HT...if it doesn't make it to the car first.

 

[oxsign 5,000+ posts]

LOL no problem. I do thank yo all for post with the advice. I havent forgotten about this thread. I'm just busy looking up the sites & models that you've all posted up. Thx again for the help.

P.S. I plan on using the SoundSplinter RL-i 10" for my sub. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[WildcatNate 10+ year member]

Why the Denon 1909 vs the 789? Both are above the price point but whats the difference?

I've never seen the 789 down in the $350 price range, but I know that the 1909 has been below $400 a couple times since it's been released. A few months back amazon has it in the $375 price range. That is why I brought it up because with some patience it can be found for a price real close to what he was thinking.

 

[juniorab 10+ year member]

Why the Denon 1909 vs the 789? Both are above the price point but whats the difference?

There is no "real" differences between the two. the 1909 is denon's "pro" line sold by higher end store's and the 789 is Denon's "consumer" line sold by stores like Circuit City. They are identical in specs and performance. The only difference between the two is the 1909 has a small second remote for zone 2 purposes.

My very first reciever was a Denon 1804 and I absolutely loved it. You wouldn't be disappointed if you could find a 1909/789 for a good price.