[Kendall]

Hello, well the time has finally come to replace my Denon AVR-3300 due to the video component of the receiver dying. Here is the rest of my ancient equipment that I purchased nearly ten years ago based on help from this forum:

Sony KP-61V45 Rear projection TV (S-Video & RCA jacks)
Paradigm PW-2200 Sub
Infinity CC-3 Center-Channel
Infinity RS 5 Floorstanding Speakers
Infinity QPS1 Surround Speakers
Pioneer DV-525 DVD Player (Optical & S-Video Out)
Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 digital cable box (S-Video & RCA)

I am looking for a budget receiver for this equipment for use in an apartment. I would love to spend less than $200 but could go as high as $300.

Used or refurbished is definitely an option as I do not plan on keeping any of my HT equipment for more than a year or two. I just graduated college so hopefully my financial situation will allow that soon.

Is a new low end receiver my best option or should I go with a used receiver? Model numbers I can do research on would be very helpful. Thank you all again for your time.


-Kendall

[Seth=L]

A $200-$300 isn't going to trump the Denon's power. I assume it has at least a 5.1 analog input so you could use it as an amp if you got say the Pioneer VSX-816 (NOT THE NEW 817, it does not have pre-outs). A better alternative would be the Yamaha RX-V659 or the newer RX-V661 which now features HDMI (repeater) with Simplay. You could look for used receivers from Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Harman/Kardon, JVC (if you are lucky you can get one of their flagships for a killer price) and a few others on Ebay.

Those would be my only considerations, outside the higher priced receivers out on the market.