Best Receiver under $400?

KennyG · 12-13-2003, 10:04 AM

Hello. It is time to update my system from my Sony STR DE 425 that I purchased about 5 years ago (along with my Panasonic DVD A110). I think I'm going to go for a budget DVD player in the sub-$200 category, but where should I look for a nice receiver?

I've read some good things about the Pioneer 912, Onkyo TX SR501. How is the Kenwood VR7070 (might be just a bit too expensive). Denons are probably out of my price range right? What do you suggest?

Thanks!

Larry Sutliff · 12-13-2003, 10:53 AM

I can't honestly say it's the best because I haven't heard the other receivers in question, but I'm very happy with the Onkyo TX SR-501. It sounds very nice for the money.

Marc H · 12-13-2003, 11:21 AM

Check out the new Yamaha models too (RXV540 etc). They are 6.1, decent amp designs and I'm impressed with the way they sound. They must have upped the current in the power supply from the old series. Very impressive damping factor for the price too.

ChrisLazarko · 12-13-2003, 06:57 PM

Harman/Kardon AVR-125. It's gonna have everything you want as an entry-level reciever minus component video switching.

If you want a reciever thats going to do it all take a look at the HK AVR-325.

www.onecall.com has the 325 and www.soundcity.com for the AVR-125.

Good luck.

Stelios · 12-14-2003, 12:41 AM

Also you can have a look at the SONY STR-DA1000ES. Wonderfull sound and a winner!

http://www.is2k.com/avmain/SonyES.htm

Stelios

**HTF Ads**

JeffPhill · 12-14-2003, 09:45 AM

I have the Denon 1804 and have been quite pleased with it. $350 shipped from 6ave.

KennyG · 12-14-2003, 01:31 PM

JeffPhill, I just went to 6ave and it says the 1804 is $499. How did you get it for $350?

I'm looking to add a Receiver/DVD combination. Would any of you recommend
Kenwood 7070 (THX select) with 6050 DVD
Denon 1804/1604 with 1200/910 DVD
Pioneer 912 with 563 DVD or
Onkyo TXSR501 with 501/601 DVD?

Where can the best prices be found? Thanks for the tips so far!!

Jake K · 12-14-2003, 04:25 PM

Definitely the Harman Kardon AVR230. $380 shipped from www.jandr.com they are an authorized dealer.

ChrisLazarko · 12-14-2003, 04:54 PM

I would get the Sony DVD-players. I found them to work best with burnt media and the best with normal movies. I have found other DVD players to lack but to my suprise the Sony does incredibly good. Take a look at the DVP-425 and 725 as well. The 425 will run you about $100 and the 725 will run about $125 or so...

But I would take a very good look at the Harman/Kardon recievers. The AVR-125 is really going to be one of the best entry-level recievers you can get in terms of power and performance.

Shiu · 12-14-2003, 05:42 PM

The Sony 1000ES surely is well built but I don't think you can get it for $400. I have to agree this time that the HK receivers offer better prices for great values.

JeffPhill · 12-14-2003, 06:18 PM

Without knowing about the deal, I ordered the 1803 for $350. When it arrived it was the 1804. A few others on this board have gotten the same deal. I know some have specifically asked for the deal, and they got it. You might try to call them to inquire first. I chose 6ave because they are an authorized Denon E-tailer.

Drew_W · 12-14-2003, 07:35 PM

If you're in a pinch, ecost.com for Denon refurbs...factory authorized...harmanaudio.com for Harman refurbs...

I lean towards the Harmans though, one because I like the sound better than Denons (YMMV, of course), and secondly because now the 230+ have a full set of preouts. I'm kicking myself because upgraditis has hit me, and my 225 doesn't have preouts...so no expandability there...it'll be a shame to have to let it go