New here need help choosing a receiver.

David Preston · 03-29-2003, 02:30 AM

I am new here but have already spent a lot of my time reading other post. I'm looking for a new receiver. Something that does a little more than the one I got now. I have a JVC rx 552v its only pro-logic. I'm up in the air about what brand and model to get. I'm looking to spend about $500. Can I get a decent one for that amount or what do I need to spend. Do I need 5.1 6.1 or what. My system consist of two cerwin-vega 12" fronts, acoustic research center, two cerwin-vega rears(kinda big bookshelf like speakers), and a cerwin-vega 12"sub. My amp I have now don't even have a sub out on the back. I'm just looking for better sound. I thinking about getting the energy take 5.2 in the future how big of a difference will it be better or worse? I plan on keeping my sub. Now back to original question should I get onkyo,yamaha,denon,pioneer elite,marantz,or any other suggestions. Sorry about all the questions just don't want to make a big $$$ mistake. Thanks

03-29-2003, 07:07 AM

David:

I recently posted about choosing between the Denon AVR3803 and Yamaha RX-V2300 and went with the Yamaha.

Already owning two other Yamaha components, I am glad I did. The 2300 is a powerhouse with pure clean sound in both movies and music.

Now the RX-V2300 costs more than the $500 you are willing to spend. But I realised the importance of purchasing from an authorized dealer. It could be had cheaper over the internet but you are then at the mercy of the retailer to provide service.

If you cannot spend any more, than I would look into a Yamaha which is in your price range. Even the lower-priced Yamahas have the features you need.

I previously owned an Onkyo (which had bugs), and did try Marantz and Sherwood Newcastle.

To me, Yamaha's reliability is far superior to the others.

Matt

Steve Schaffer · 03-29-2003, 03:00 PM

David,
Assuming that your sub is powered (has it's own amplification), and you're going to be using the Energy 5.2 speakers there are many sub-$500 receivers that will work fine for you.
Those Energy speakers are fairly easy to drive and sound very good for HT, good value for the money and compatible with most entry or mid level receivers.

In that price range I'd recommend you stick to 5.1 rather than go all the way to 6.1 or 7.1. The Pionneer VSX811 will do 6.1 and is in your price range, but you'd also have to add the cost of the extra speakers.

Any of the brands you mention should be fine, though I doubt if you'll find Marantz at that price. Conventional wisdom is to stay away from Sony DE models, and I'm a bit wary of the cheaper Kenwoods. I've had a couple of Yamahas in that price range over the years, very reliable and versatile with no glitches.

Earl Simpson · 03-30-2003, 06:36 AM

I would not go any lower than a 3803 in your upgrade.

Onkyo 989 ver 2
Yamaha // not an expert on the best model but a great company
Denon 3803 or higher=4802/5803

Pioneer elite 47/49 I'm leaning towards a 49txi/5803 for my next upgrade! maybe!!!!!! Separates with the 3802 as my preamp??????

JVC 10 only! If you can find one at a great price.
Sony 7ES/9 or better

These brands and models have been good performers for the most part!!!!!!!!

I have a 3802 and for that price range it is perfect.

RobWil · 03-31-2003, 01:18 PM

If you look for a last years model on closeout or an open box (return) you can get a receiver that originally cost up to $1000 for your $500 (or less). Circuit City is a good place to look and they have a 30 day return policy. I had 4 receivers at home at once.
I.E., HK AVR 320 $399, HK AVR 520 $499, Onkyo TX-SR600 $499. I have auditioned the HK AVR 320 and 520 (as well as a Kenwood

and had decided on the 320 for my smallish room... but then I found an Onkyo TX-SR797 display model at Circuit City for $619 and was able to talk them down to $569. This one has 6 channel amps as opposed to 5 on the HK's and is THX certified and I couldn't pass it up...originally sold for $1000.
I have no problem with display models or used. It's like buying a 3 yr old BMW as opposed to a brand new Camry, IMO

Denon 3803???? That's a $1200 receiver, buddy!
Onkyo 989??? $2600 and up!
Sony 7ES......$1500!
Not exactly in the $500 range

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MikeWG · 03-31-2003, 03:12 PM

You can get a Yamaha 5560 or RXV-630 for about $500 american. Both models are identical, one found in big box stores and the other in mom and pop type set ups. This receiver is packed with features including DD 6.1 and A/B speaker switching. Also for around $500 american take a look at what Onkyo has. My friend owns an Onkyo 555 and it is a kick ass amp that cost him about $700 canadian a few years back.

MikeMcGrew · 04-01-2003, 12:50 AM

H/K 525 refurb carries original warranty and can be had for $499.00 at One Call. One Call is an authorized H/K dealer and they offer an additional 3 year warranty for like an additional $70 or so. Shipping costs are even reasonable too. Great sounding receiver, plenty of features and an accurate power rating. This is a 7.1 channel receiver and more recent than the 520/320's that were mentioned above. Just my two cents. Good luck. MM

Earl Simpson · 04-01-2003, 06:11 AM

3803/3802/PIONEER 45, 47 /Sony 4ES/Yamaha 2200, 2300, 3200 are in that price range of $500-1100. Save and get something you will be happy with in the long run. Step up on your receiver and buy your stuff one component at a time. My 3802 cost $798 delivered from an authorized dealer. You can negotiate a great price on the Onkyo 900/just call JR/6th Ave/One Call/Oades etc

David Preston · 04-03-2003, 04:19 AM

I decided on the marantz 4300. I got it for $375. I could have got the 5300 for $529 but I really didn't need the inputs on the front plus it only had 10 more wpc. Is this a pretty good receiver for the $$ and will it work with my speaker combo mentioned above in my original post. Thanks.