Help choosing my entry level receiver

Autoeng · 12-21-2006, 02:00 PM

I'd like some opinions about my options for an entry level A/V receiver. I'll be pairing this with a Cambridge Soundworks 5.1 system and a mis-match of various other equipment. I'm not an audiophile and am not expecting this to be a home theater masterpiece but just want it to sound its best.

I have a regular TV with S-cable input, DVD with optical and coax audio and S-cable and component video outs, VCR with RCA outs, Dish Network DVR with optical audio and S-cable video outs and Sirius Sat with RCA outs.

I don't listen to the TV loud but I want it to be clear and robust. I like for video to be through the receiver so I don't have to change channels or use a stand alone switch. I like to be able to adjust the sound qualities to what I like, not what someone else thinks they should be. I like an A/B switch so I can run some speakers out on the deck. It needs to be easy to switch between sources as other family members will be using it as well. I doubt I will ever add speakers 6 & 7.

I've narrowed it down to (in no particular order).

Pioneer VSX816
Onkyo TXSR504 - leaning towards this one
Sony STRDG600
Harmon Kardon AVR140
Yamaha HTR5850

I'm trying to stay under $250.

Any help / suggestions / alternatives / things to think about would be greatly
appreciated.

Thank you

Arthur S · 12-21-2006, 02:03 PM

Of those that you have listed, I would go with the Pioneer 816. I like the room/speaker EQ. If you could go $399, I would pick the Pioneer 1016, however, I have recommended the 816 a number of times.

Happy Holidays

Autoeng · 12-21-2006, 02:55 PM

The pics on Pioneer's website are too small to tell and the manual only shows RCA connection to the monitor. Does this receiver offer S-cable out to the monitor?

Arthur S · 12-21-2006, 08:23 PM

Not sure, but I think so.

Autoeng · 12-21-2006, 08:56 PM

Anybody else care to offer an opinion or experience with any of the receivers listed?

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Autoeng · 12-22-2006, 11:52 AM

gene c · 12-22-2006, 12:06 PM

I usually recommend Onkyo in this price range. They produce a strong, clean sound and are very easy to setup and use. The H/K might sound the best but I don't know if it represents the best overall value. Don't have much experience with Yamaha, but from what I've read around here you wouldn't be disappointed. I've never been a big fan of Pioneer's consumer level stuff, admittedly for no apparent reason. I do have a 1014 setting in my closet. It just didn't meet my way too high expectations. But on paper, that 816 looks hard to beat. Also look at the Marantz 4600. $279 @ AC4L.com

SherardP · 12-23-2006, 12:35 AM

check out the sony strdg800, u can get one for around 300 new, used even cheaper and it has HDMI connections.

Autoeng · 12-23-2006, 11:01 AM

I've decide to go with the Onkyo. Found it for $217. Thanks all.

brendy · 12-23-2006, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autoeng

I've decide to go with the Onkyo. Found it for $217. Thanks all.

Smart choice !