Newbie Reciever Advice Wanted... (1 Viewer)

[Don Morrison]

I am looking into buying my first receiver and am looking for some advice so that I can make a "smart" or "good" buy that will last me several years. I am looking to spend $500 or less. All the other components that I have are Sony right now, but that it not something that really has any bearing on my decision unless it happens to be the best buy. Can someone please give me some suggestions. I know that the Denon 1802 is a decent low budget receiver and that Sony also has a DPL II, DTS, DD out for around $299 or so. Alot of people are raving about the Onkyo 595. I just don't really know where to start. What do I need to look for? What do you mean when you say "make sure it is upgradable"? Please Help...

 

[ColinM]

Upgrades = 6 channel in's and pre-amp outs.

In's for DVD-Audio and / or SACD, or another surround format not built into the box.

Amp outs for connecting to larger amps in the future. (More important, if you ask me)

Beyond that, look at specs, find the S&V "real power" spreadsheet, and ask a lot of questions. Think about the future (Component switching necessary? HD compatible?).

Look at build quality, not in the foo foo buttons but the power supply, etc. Don't worry TOO much if you hate the remote, universals are getting cheaper all the time.

Think about the room you'll use it in. How loud you play things.

75 watts are the same as 100 in real world sound (1.5db), so don't get hung up on that.

Good luck, take your time.

- C

 

[Frank Carter]

You'll probably find this link helpful:
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Holl...1/ratevsac.htm

 

[Don Morrison]

From what I have looked at so far (research, etc.), I am leaning toward a Denon 1802. Is $339 a good price for this receiver. Should I wait for the 1803 to come out in Fall?

On my list of receiver to do more research on are:

Denon 1802 (i like the 2802 but it is out of my budget)
Sony STR DE1075
Yamaha RX V630

Are there any others I should add to the list, or any of these I should take off?

Also, for just a beginner like me, would a HTiB be a decent buy for now, until I figure out what I really like?

 

[Paul_Fisher]

You really need to do a search for this. There have been at least 2 or 3 threads in the past 2 weeks covering this sort of subject. Just search for something like "budget receiver" or "receiver $500". This should help you alot.