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LanceJ · 10-11-2006, 01:29 AM

(not in any particular order)

* Features that are truly useful: multiroom capability; different channel level setting capability for specific input sources or soundfields, displays that can be *completely* turned off and not just dimmed, etc.

Some features that aren't useful to me: wads of DSP modes, which are usually barely different from each other or sound gimmicky/unrealistic; HDMI capability, which is a total joke right now and AFAIK most receivers can't even use the audio portion of that connection (so you'll still need a separate audio cable); and any sort of THX certification.

* A good solid amplifier section, in whatever price range you're looking at: if the wattage spec uses a 1% THD rating along with a 40Hz-20kHz or just a single 1kHz frequency range, start getting suspicious of its REAL capabilities.

* a well designed remote: crappy remotes with tiny buttons w/dimly printed labels or volume buttons buried in the middle of the remote or next to the power/function buttons drive me up the wall.

* Build quality: impressive specs mean squat if the thing keeps breaking down all the time or knobs fall off.

* Ergonomics: if it's difficult to use, it had better sound reeeeeally good, otherwise forget it. Those little things that seem trivial on the showroom floor can turn into major hairpullers when used on a day-to-day basis. And most receivers nowadays all sound very good so this aspect can make or break a decision for me.

10-11-2006, 01:29 AM	#2 of 26
LanceJ Member Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 11:57 PM Local Date: 12-04-2008 Posts: 3,004	Re: What do you guys look for in a receiver? (not in any particular order) * Features that are truly useful: multiroom capability; different channel level setting capability for specific input sources or soundfields, displays that can be completely turned off and not just dimmed, etc. Some features that aren't useful to me: wads of DSP modes, which are usually barely different from each other or sound gimmicky/unrealistic; HDMI capability, which is a total joke right now and AFAIK most receivers can't even use the audio portion of that connection (so you'll still need a separate audio cable); and any sort of THX certification. * A good solid amplifier section, in whatever price range you're looking at: if the wattage spec uses a 1% THD rating along with a 40Hz-20kHz or just a single 1kHz frequency range, start getting suspicious of its REAL capabilities. * a well designed remote: crappy remotes with tiny buttons w/dimly printed labels or volume buttons buried in the middle of the remote or next to the power/function buttons drive me up the wall. * Build quality: impressive specs mean squat if the thing keeps breaking down all the time or knobs fall off. * Ergonomics: if it's difficult to use, it had better sound reeeeeally good, otherwise forget it. Those little things that seem trivial on the showroom floor can turn into major hairpullers when used on a day-to-day basis. And most receivers nowadays all sound very good so this aspect can make or break a decision for me.