[John Mil]

Hi guys,

I am a newbie and just listened to and ordered the Paradigm Monitor 11 speakers for a 2 channel set up. At some point I may add a sub. I'm looking for a receiver for these speakers. I just saw a new Denon model on the Crutchfield web site. It's strange that Crutchfield has a write up on this receiver but I can't find it anywhere on Denon's website. It is suppose to be available in late Sept. The model is Denon DRA-397. It puts out 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It has the ipod integration which my wife wants, since all of her music is on an ipod. It's in my price range but I am wondering, would this be enough power for my speakers? My room is a large open family room (15 by 19 feet) with a vaulted ceiling that starts at 9 feet and ends at 15 feet. I will also have my outside deck speakers hooked up to the reciever and will sometimes be playing both sets of speakers at once (parties). Any help would be appreciated!

[BruceD]

You might want to check out the Harmon Kardon factory authorized site on ebay!!! HK site

I just purchased an HK 240 AVR (7.1 AV receiver) from them (refurbished but with NEW warranty) for $224. It has the capability to use HK's Ipod bridge adapter (plug in Ipod to charge and play from HK).

They also have HK stereo receivers, but I didn't check to see if they support Ipod

[John Mil]

Thanks Bruce. I will check out that site. I'm guessing 80 to 100 watts per channel is enough for my Monitor 11's??

[John Garcia]

For a 2ch setup, a solid 100w would be better, but 80w should be adequate. Onkyo also offers stereo receivers that I've used before and they are pretty good also. Some decent deals can be found here, some new, some refurb.

If you are considering a sub, note that there are very few stereo receivers that have bass management (built in crossover) to use with a sub, and some may not have a sub pre-out.

[DaveHo]

ahem

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htf/...d.php?t=242283

[Seth=L]

I wouldn't recomend the Onkyo over the H/K. The H/K's are almost always underated. But in this case considering Dave has a Denon up for grabs, I would say go with the Denon.

[Philip Hamm]

I've got quite a nice H/K in the for sale section also. No zones, but you could split out the preamp outs quite easily.

[brendy]

Also take a look at Yamaha and Outlaw,both make excellent stereo models.

[Seth=L]

The Outlaw is awesome, but expensive, and not to mention hard to get.

[John Mil]

Thanks a lot everyone! I just checked Outlaw's site and saw their RR2150 receiver that will be out soon. It does look great. I'm assuming that's the one Seth is talking about? It lists for $599. There are 2 magazine reviews on it already. Looks like my budget is going up

[Seth=L]

Yes, that is the one I was refering to. The main problem is they have more orders for them than they can produce, simply amazing.

Forgot to mention this, but the Outlaw has bass management.

[John Mil]

So now I have Outlaw as the frontrunner( if I can afford the $600). I'm also considering the Marantz 4021 receiver and the Yamaha rx 797. Both of these run about $450. I heard Rotel has a nice receiver as well, but there are no Rotel dealers near me. The Marantz model say its has "full video switching". Not sure what this means??