Receiver choices (1 Viewer)

[JasonS]

Wow! I never thought I'd start a controversy with this thread. It sounds like I need to head over to Circuit
Sh!tty to listen the the Kenwood and the Onkyo. Problem is that the ones around here never have anything really set up for a demo. And sorry guys, I have the gift certificate, shipping is cheap, and I trust Crutchfield. I think I'll be buying from them.
~J

 

[JasonS]

Well, I was hoping to be able to do a demo, but there are no dealers in the KC area besides Circuit City. Maybe I'll try taking a trip to Lawrence to Keifs.
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~J

 

[JasonS]

Duplicate
[Edited last by JasonS on October 03, 2001 at 08:07 AM]

 

[Phuong]

If your budget is strictly $300 then I'd recommend either Kenwood 507 or Harman Kardon 110
At this price range, audiophile standards need to be thrown out the window. Nobody buys--or nobody should buy--a pair of $800 speakers and hooks it up to a brand new $300 receiver. In addition, you run your speakers in SMALL and all the issues with power/bass are irrelevent. You run a center channel and imaging becomes less relevant (as long as you're using good speakers) because it's easier for 3 speakers--versus 2--to create a "realistic" soundstage.
You want bang for the buck and the Kenwood and HK offer that.
The harman kardon can be purchased for $300 at hifi.com. The kenwood is available virtually everywhere for $300.
They both have
plenty of inputs for expansion
good enough amps for 5 speakers (esp. if you run them SMALL, which basically DOUBLES amp power)
front-panel inputs
subwoofer/main crossover at 80 hz
Dolby Pro Logic II, although HK's version is the pre-Dolby-licensed variant known at Logic 7
2 year manufacturer's warranty
If you really feel the peer pressure to spend more is getting to you, call hifi.com and order an open-box Onkyo 595 receiver for $350 while they're still in stock. What really sucks in this hobby is people who can't believe good home theater can be had without having to spend a shietload of money. The choices in your budget aren't gonna impress those who know, but as long as you got a good all-around system set up and most importantly, good movies to watch and good company, then you'll be getting the most out of home theater.
Peace, and happy listening.

 

[JasonS]

Phuong, thanks for your input. I hadn't thought about the power difference when considering the amps would not be asked to push large speakers. I think I am leaning towards the Kenwood. By the way, does anyone think there would not be a significant difference in power between the two; the Kenwood has 100 watts at .7% THD, whereas the Onkyo has 55 watts at .08%.
Everyone, thanks for your help.
~Jason

 

[Andy_A]

Go with the Onkyo or the Kenwood. Forget all that nonsense about problems with the VR-507. It is a solid performer. It will not "fry"--they'll guarantee that for two years. If their products consistently had problems, they wouldn't do that. My choice would probably be the Onkyo, though.

 

[Vin]

and can tell you from experience do not exclude the 507 from your audition list, I think it's a great receiver for the money.

Couldn't agree more Sean, and yes we're definitely in the minority when it comes to recommending Kenwood! I own the VR-507 and before that the VR-309 and can't say enough good things about these receivers......they offer a tremendous bang for your buck, IMO!
Also, with the Kenwood you'll get Circle Surround which I happen to like a lot for 2 channel sources....more so than DPL II as a matter of fact.
Jason, for $260 with your gift certificate from Crutchfield's, you can't possibly go wrong with VR-507!
Good luck and enjoy!

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[JasonS]

I'm thinking Kenwood, mainly because it has good features, adn the Onkyo remote does not look very ergonomic and easy to use.