Matt Lee

Help me pick a Receiver around $400-500

I had set my sights on a Harman Kardon AVR-525 refurb for $450 from Harman's site, but everytime they sell one and don't list a new one for a bit, I get worried they're going to disappear and its been several months since I decided to buy and the money just keeps getting sent to other things. I'm finally almost ready to buy something, but it needs to be under $500...

AVR-525 - Lots of power, which is somewhat important to me, I like how it sounds (auditioned) but I sort of was biased towards it already from reading so I don't 100% trust that. 7.1 with Logic 7 (I have 5.1 but might consider adding 2 more speakers if I end up in a room where I can fit them after my next move). $450 after s/h (if one is available). Also, triple x-over sounds nice.

Yamaha HTR-5760 - Ok, they claim its like 110 watts x 7 but I know that can't be as accurate as Harman's ratings. So in terms of real world power, how is this receiver? Also has DPL IIx, so maybe slightly newer processing options but then I've heard Logic 7 is pretty great too. IIx vs L7? $400 shipped from jr.com

Onkyo TX-SR602 - Once did a Harman vs Onkyo vs Denon audition but again, don't entirely trust those results, think I might've been a little prejudiced from reading about H/K's power. Finally Onkyo has a reasonably priced 7.1 offering, with DPL IIx, but also heard mixed things about their power, and I'd rather have too much than just enough.

I'm presently running JBL: 2 S-38IIs, 2 S-36IIs (surround), S-Center II, JBL sub (but I'll be upgrading to SVS next puchase most likely) part of my bias towards extra power is my roommate's Panasonic receiver really sounds like its struggling sometimes and everytime I hear noticable harmonic distortion I cringe. I was set on the Harman, but a) it might not be an option) and b) the whole refurb and people sending them back all the time thing and I'd probably be just as happy with something similar if the sound quality and power are comparable.

Also, While I probably listen 80/20% movies/music I hope to bring that closer to 60/40 in the future (by getting more music time in). Any thoughts?

James Phung

I would recommend for under $500 the Pioneer 1014. I (and many other happy owners) believe you're not going to find anything better than the 1014 for under $500. The 1014 is rated at 110x7 ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN (according to HT Mag). It has DPL IIx and component upconversion and it is also THX Select certified. The 1014 is a rebaged Elite 52tx.

I too was looking into getting an HK before I ended up with the Pioneer. You need to take note with pretty much any HK below the newer 335/435 and up models that are just now coming out (or coming soon). Logic 7 on the HKs will only bring 2 channel sound to 7 channel, it will not take 5 channel to 7 (the newer 335/435/635 do however). Many of the HKs also have the EZset auto speaker setup however many reports show that it is not very accurate. On the other hand, the 1014 has the MCACC auto speaker setup that is quite accurrate and also does AutoEQ (only the new hk 335/435/635 will have ezset auto eq).

I ended up with the 1014 b/c of those reasons above, and because I couldn't wait for the new models to come out. Additionally, an equivalent hk comparable to the 1014 is definitely over $500.

Brian_D

Another vote for the 1014. I've had mine for a few weeks now and am very pleased with it.

Stephen Hopkins

Chip E

One more vote for the Pioneer 1014. Seems to be the best bang for the buck right now...loaded with bells&whisles and more power output than the specs actually say. I had the 52tx for about a month while waiting for my eventual 56txi to arrive. The 52tx is basically a 1014. Sounds great, powerful...Nice receiver..

- Chip

My HT

Matt Lee

Wow, thanks guys! Funny thing is, I did a little more reading in various places after I posted and saw a few mentions of that 1014, and after all your posts about it I don't think there's any question of what I'll be getting. Seems like a no-brainer. Thanks again!

Jon Oliva

Matt - Not to complicate your search, but I am in the same boat, although I won't be buying for a couple of months.

I'm curious how the Harman Kardon AVR-335 with its EzSet EQ and other features compares to the 1014 (in more detail than previously posted). Especially since its priced at Vann's for $524 w/ free shipping. Seems like a great deal, just like the 1014....

I've really liked HK sound from auditions (a little better than comparibly priced Yammy's, Onkyo's and Denon's) ... but I haven't compared one to a Pioneer, much less the 1014. I'm going to check out some specs, but can any of you fine people here on a direct comparison between the new HK AVRs and the 1014? Just kind of throwing this out there...

Side note: I'll be setting this up with Ascend Acoustics speakers and probably and SVS PB-10 ISD...

JohnCZ

Jon,

I had a chance to directly compare the HK 330 and the Pioneer 1014. Both are good. You can't go wrong with either. I couldn't destinguish them in the retailers studio.
It came down to price and options. The Pioneer wins in both cases. So I got one.

(I didn't even mention the power difference. Crap, I just did).

J

Tingwe

J_Oliva,
looks like I'm gonna have the same exact arrangement. speakers come last...

\"I am going to count to 3. There will be no 4.\"

Jason Hammerly

well .. Harmanaudio has the 525 for $430 and the 520 for $398 right now. Guess they are in stock now.