Which receiver for this beginning setup? (1 Viewer)

[Tim Holyoke]

I'm getting closer to finally going through with my plans and getting some DIY speakers - GR-Reasearch AV2s or AV3s. To start, I'd just like to go with the 2, then adding a sub, then the center and surrounds.

My idea is instead of buying a cheaper HTiB or individual components all at once, I'll just slowly build with quality components that will last me a long time. Therefore, the receiver should match this idea. I want something that will last a while. I realize that with the technology changing as quickly as it it, inputs/outputs will change - but this doesn't mean the performance of the receiver will decrease quickly as well, does it?

So what would you recommend? I don't want to set a budget now, as I don't know what my options are. I'd just like ideas and explanations as to why I should make sure to get "XYZ" feature or whatever.

Thanks a lot for any help.

Tim

 

[John Garcia]

Price range?

If you go with the 2s, you will want to look for something that is 4 Ohm stable, and that will tend to be a bit more expensive, on the order of around $500-600 and up new. NAD would probably have one of the least expensive the 743. Then moving up to Rotel, Arcam, B&K at a much higher cost.

The A/V-1 and A/V-3 should be OK with most decent receivers. I'd say try to listen to Marantz, NAD, Harman Kardon, Onkyo, Denon and Yamaha in your price range.

I can't think of many "must have" features that most current receivers won't have. As long as it does DD and DTS it should be sufficient.

 

[Tim Holyoke]

Thanks...I'm leaning towards the 3s now. So basically any good receiver will run them fine? I suppose $400 or under as a starting point for a budget. Thanks again.

Tim

 

[Garrett Lundy]

You could go with Onkyo's Tx-SR502 for a traditional solid-state amp, or Panasonics SA-XR50 has been getting rave reviews on this site for its new digital switching amp (Both retail at $299)

For $400 and under you can expect 6 channel amps, DD, DTS, & pro-logic2, 2 sets of component video inputs, 4 or 5 digital audio connections.

Do NOT expect to get DVI or HDMI switching, or more than 2 component video inputs unless you plan on spending alot more money.

 

[John Garcia]

The more power the better, but with the 3s and a $400 receiver, you should be fine. There has been a lot of discussion about the Pioneer 1014, might want to give that one a look too.

 

[Tyson Wetzel]

Denon AVR-1705 has 3 component in's w/ up-conversion. Pretty sweet at $399 price point.