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Receiver Recommendations

#1
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7/7/08 at 6:53pm
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Hey guys, I will be getting my first home theatre system! I'm going with the SVS-SBS 01 speakers, and their PCI or PCI plus cylinder subwoofer. Now I have come to the conclusion from research that the Denon Receiver would be the one to go with. Which model would be best? I have a 1080p TV, PS3, and if I could connect my Ipod to it somehow that would be great. I'd like the best sound I can get for 500-700 dollars. Thanks!!
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#2
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7/7/08 at 9:41pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Hello!

I would recommend definitely -- especially for your price range -- the ONKYO line (specifically perhaps the step up from my model, the TX-SR606 with onboard decoding of all new codecs) or a DENON...those two brands are really doing the "best" receivers nowadays and I would recommend either brand to anyone. At $500 or less, you can get that Onkyo I recommended and it has 90 watts a channel and all the decoding for every format you would need -- I have the previous model, the 605, and it has the same specs as the 606 but with some different additions...

I want to get an SVS sub, as a side note, as I have heard their subs shake home theaters to their foundations...the 10" Polk I have now just isn't cuttin' it!
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#3
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7/7/08 at 9:42pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Panevino
Hello!

I would recommend definitely -- especially for your price range -- the ONKYO line (specifically perhaps the step up from my model, the TX-SR606 with onboard decoding of all new codecs) or a DENON...those two brands are really doing the "best" receivers nowadays and I would recommend either brand to anyone. At $500 or less, you can get that Onkyo I recommended and it has 90 watts a channel and all the decoding for every format you would need -- I have the previous model, the 605, and it has the same specs as the 606 but with some different additions...I haven't had any problems with power on this unit...I don't think you'll need more than the Onkyo's 90 watts per channel unless you're in a real theater-sized room.

I want to get an SVS sub, as a side note, as I have heard their subs shake home theaters to their foundations...the 10" Polk I have now just isn't cuttin' it!
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#4
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7/7/08 at 9:43pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Sorry...I tried to edit my post to you but couldn't find the edit key!
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#5
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7/7/08 at 10:48pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

I would go second hand with that budget, and I would go with either Denon or Pioneer
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#6
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7/7/08 at 10:52pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Let's say I could go a bit higher budget wise, what exact model denon or pioneer should I go with? I want the system to sound better than the bose acousticmass, I will be running svs sbs speakers and their cylinder sub pci or pci plus. Thanks guys!
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#7
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7/7/08 at 11:51pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by gl4662
Let's say I could go a bit higher budget wise, what exact model denon or pioneer should I go with? I want the system to sound better than the bose acousticmass, I will be running svs sbs speakers and their cylinder sub pci or pci plus. Thanks guys!

Did you consider the Onkyos I suggested? Their receivers, and Denons, are good and are a top consideration for most folks...
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#8
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7/7/08 at 11:54pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Yes, I did sorry I didn't ask for that lol. So the denons and onykos how do they compare to yamaha? My friend says that the onykos aren't as good as a brand. Thanks guys!!
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#9
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7/7/08 at 11:58pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Also, do you guys recommend that I source the receiver online for a better deal or just get them from best buy or something?
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#10
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7/8/08 at 4:37pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
I'd like the best sound I can get for 500-700 dollars. Thanks!!
In that price range I'd look at the Denon 888 and 988, Onkyo 805, Yamaha 863 and 1700, Pioneer Elite 91txh and the new 1018 when it becomes available, and the Marantz 4002 or 5002 if you can find one at your price from an authorized dealer.
Quote:
Also, do you guys recommend that I source the receiver online for a better deal or just get them from best buy or something?
I buy most of my stuff on-line these days. Just make sure the website is an authorized dealer for the brand you are buying. Check the brands website to verify that the seller really is an authorized dealer. I like to use PriceGrabber.com to check on the latest prices. You can sort by brand, price, features, etc. There is no perfect receiver, in any price range. But there are many very good ones, including a few I may have neglected to mention.
Quote:
I would go second hand with that budget, and I would go with either Denon or Pioneer
A factory refurb is another option, and it comes with a warranty. For Denon, check here for refurb Denons.
Quote:
Sorry...I tried to edit my post to you but couldn't find the edit key!
If you haven't found it yet, it's on the bottom of your post next to the "Quote" and "Quick Reply" buttons. I just used mine! Don't forget to hit the "Save" botton above it.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#11
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7/8/08 at 4:53pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Major differences between the Okyno 606 and the 805?

My set up will be
SVS SBS-01 speakers
SVS PCi plus 20-39 sub

thats it so far for my bed room.
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#12
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7/8/08 at 6:04pm
  • Joined: August 2003
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
Major differences between the Okyno 606 and the 805?
40 wpc, 4 ohm stable, 60 amps vs. 36 amps, BurrBrown DACS, Audessey 7 band MultiEQ XT vs. 5 band 2EQ, phono input, IR and RS 232 inputs, detachable power cord. The 805 also weights about 53 lbs. On the other hand, the 805 runs more than a little hotter and only has 3 HDMI inputs. See more here. Use the "compare" feature.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#13
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7/8/08 at 6:08pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Thanks for the reply. Would you recommend I go up to the 805 or would the 606 be sufficient for my setup? thanks Gene!
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#14
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7/8/08 at 6:26pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

The 606 would probably be sufficient, especially for a bedroom system, but I think those SVS speakers have a rather low spl and might require a bit more power. The BurrBrown DACs, beefier power supply and particularly the 7 band MultiEQ should give the 805 a better quality of sound. But it is last years model (denoted by the 80"5" vs. 60"6") and $230 more expensive.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#15
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7/8/08 at 6:43pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Ah, yeah, I see. I may end up going with the Onyko 606. As I probably wont have it blaring, and when i get my own house I will probably upgrade the receiver.
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#16
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7/8/08 at 7:00pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

On second thought, would the Denon AVR-888 be a lot better than the Okyno 606? Really considering it.
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#17
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7/8/08 at 7:47pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

I took a quick look at the Denon 888 and it doesn't look like it processes the new Dolby HD and DTD MA audio formats found on BlueRay discs. You would have to move up to the 988/2808 for that. I'd pass on it since you have a PS3. Take a closer look at the Yamaha 663/883 and the Pioneer 1018/Elite 91txh. Not sure if the 1018 is available yet but it should be soon. But the 606 is a real popular choice in the $400 range.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#18
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7/8/08 at 8:47pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Awesome, I will probably go with the onyko, as alex from svs said I'd need at least 75 watts per chanell and that 606 has 90. So the 606 has all the codecs for hdmi and such?
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#19
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7/8/08 at 11:01pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Yes the 606 has all the decoding you will need for ALL codecs including TrueHD and Master Audio...

One thing I have to say about the 605/606 though: the comment about "being especially fine for a bedroom system" is a bit of an understatement; these "600" level Onkyos, from their TX-SR600 years back (I owned one, so I know) up until this new generation are MORE than just fine for a bedroom system -- don't let the wattage ratings fool you. I was running a 600 in a HUGE media room at one point and it rocked that thing at 80 watts per channel...

The 605 is now feeding a living room system of mine in a two bedroom apartment and I can't really crank it up all that much because its power seems to be "there"; of course, I have channel trims in the "+" region and I'm utilizing the IntelliVolume circuit like a power amp's sensitivity gain, but...

Seriously though, I'd go with either an Onkyo or Denon; you don't want to touch Sony unless its part of their ES line; Yamaha made some good stereo receivers but I don't know anything about their surround receivers...they don't get good reviews for "video processing" in the magazines.
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#20
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7/8/08 at 11:46pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Thanks probably going to go with the Onyko. How about the Denon 988 vs the Denon 2808? I see theyre close in price, how are these two units?
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#21
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7/8/08 at 11:52pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Mmmmmm....not sure; may want to wait for someone who's a bit more of a Denon-ite to chime in!
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#22
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7/9/08 at 6:41am
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

I would look at the new Denons. You should be able to get the 1909 for $600 - $650. The 789 should be basically the same receiver for $50 less (not sure of the differences). The new receivers have the Dynamic Volume feature: http://www.audyssey.com/.

I'm considering the Denon 1909/789 (will be out any day now) or PioneerVSX-1018TXH-K (out now - same price range $600 - $650) for my replacement of my older Pioneer Elite receiver. They both do all the new HD audio formats.

If you want to go cheaper look at the lower priced new Denons on their page to see what features they have.
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#23
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7/9/08 at 7:54am
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne W
I would look at the new Denons. You should be able to get the 1909 for $600 - $650. The 789 should be basically the same receiver for $50 less (not sure of the differences). The new receivers have the Dynamic Volume feature: http://www.audyssey.com/.

I'm considering the Denon 1909/789 (will be out any day now) or PioneerVSX-1018TXH-K (out now - same price range $600 - $650) for my replacement of my older Pioneer Elite receiver. They both do all the new HD audio formats.

If you want to go cheaper look at the lower priced new Denons on their page to see what features they have.

I have been trying to find the PioneerVSX-1018TXH-K but have been unsuccessful - where have you seen that to buy if you don't mind me asking?
Thanks!
Neil
Visit my blog: "Brains, Pains & How Do I Feels" here: http://neilbucket.blogspot.com/

My DVD Collection
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#24
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7/9/08 at 8:35am
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

You can get the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K from their website for sure. I've heard people getting them in some B&M stores as well, but can't remember where.

Pioneer USA - Pioneer A/V Receivers

Click the Buy Now button.

Also they have it listed at $599 (which is $50 less than Best Buy had it). I do think some people were getting it at BB price matching the Pioneer site. I guess I did remember a B&M store.
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#25
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7/9/08 at 8:56am
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Wonderful - thank you!!
Visit my blog: "Brains, Pains & How Do I Feels" here: http://neilbucket.blogspot.com/

My DVD Collection
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#26
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7/9/08 at 1:40pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

So, I assume the Pioneer 1018 would be better than the onyko 606?
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#27
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7/9/08 at 3:47pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
How about the Denon 988 vs the Denon 2808? I see theyre close in price, how are these two units?
They are almost identicle. The 988 is marketed thru retail chains like Circuit City and the 2808 thru specialty a/v stores like Magnolia Hifi. They're both very good units and a step or two above the 606, but also more expensive.
Quote:
So, I assume the Pioneer 1018 would be better than the onyko 606?
With 40 more wpc, a nine band MCACC and Pioneer build quality I would say it is. But it's also $200 more. And it handles ipods, which you mentioned earlier.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#28
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7/9/08 at 3:52pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

With 40 more wpc, a nine band MCACC and Pioneer build quality I would say it is.

I apologize, but I need to disagree with this statement here by Gene...outside of their "Elite" line, the "Pioneer build quality" is not nearly in the same class as Onkyo...
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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#29
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7/9/08 at 4:13pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

I see so the 1018 would be considered their elite line? I might just go with the 606 seeing how this will just be for my bedroom, I can just upgrade the receiver later. Anyways thanks guys for all the feedback!
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#30
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7/9/08 at 4:17pm
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Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by gl4662
I see so the 1018 would be considered their elite line? I might just go with the 606 seeing how this will just be for my bedroom, I can just upgrade the receiver later. Anyways thanks guys for all the feedback!

Not sure on that one -- can someone confirm for him that this Pioneer is from the Elite line or not? I can't think it can be because of the price range you were discussing in here, unless I'm mistaken...their Elite stuff doesn't come cheap...

I would consider the Denons or Onkyos -- even if it weren't just for a bedroom system. Their receivers can kick some serious a!!@@ in a media room/home theater setup as well.
ONKYO TX-SR605
HDMI 1.3a; Onboard Dolby Digital Plus/TrueHD, DTS-HD/Master Audio
Panasonic DMP-BD10A
SONY KDS-50A2020 SXRD
Mains: polkaudio R20Center: polkaudio CSi30Surrounds: polkaudio R15Sub: polkaudio PSW10INTERCONNECTS & SPEAKER CABLING BY MONSTER
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