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Help with picking receiver for first sound system.

post #1 of 5
10/1/09 at 1:46pm
Thread Starter 

Hello all. Sorry for the the newbish question. However, I am going to set up my first sound system and need some help in selecting the receiver. My father left me a Onkyo receiver, dvd player and Bose Acoustimass 15 series speakers. The Onkyo receiver seems to not have connection to HDMI. Anyway....

I was interested in getting something that is inexpensive and just gets the job done. The Sony DH-500 and DH-700 caught my eye as replacements for receivers. However, the reviews mention that the sound quality is not all that good. Plus, the Sony receiver likes to play nice with other Sony products. I have a LG 42' tv , Direct TV and a Xbox 360 that I would like to make use of the audio. Maybe a PS3 later in the future. :P

What other receivers can I go for?
 


I am looking to spend about $200 dollars. I know my reach is limited, but maybe find something to get me going. Unfortunately,  I think I am brand whoring by only looking at Sony. lol
 

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post #2 of 5
10/1/09 at 2:39pm
Which Onkyo do you have?  For $200 you are not going to find much that will have HDMI (at least HDMI that also handles audio).

Also, the biggest influence on the sound is the speakers, not the receiver. Those BOSE will sound like BOSE not matter what you use to power them.
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post #3 of 5
10/1/09 at 3:06pm
Sony receivers aren't recommended, until you get into their ES line, and they are a lot more than $200. About the cheapest good receiver you can find, with HDMI that can handle audio (which you'll need when you get a ps3), is an Onkyo TX-SR507. Amazon.com has it right now for $322.65, and they are factory authorized dealers. See here:
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR507-5-1-Channel-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001VEI290/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=aht&qid=1254434494&sr=1-7
Onkyo gives a lot of bang for the buck. If you get one, don't close it in, in an entertainment center. Leave it where it can breathe.

I'd also replace those Bose speakers as soon as possible..............
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post #4 of 5
10/2/09 at 6:27am
Ditto Ed's recommendation for the Onkyo. I have their 607 which I believe is identical, except it is built for 7.2 audio. It's a little under $400. I'm very pleased with it.

Also consider the HT-RC160 which is nearly identical to the 607 for a few less dollars. It just omits the Sirius interface and has 10 less watts per channel.

The manual doesn't simplify things but it's a complicated receiver.

It does get warm.

I bought an Onkyo 7.1 speaker set. I wasn't expecting it to be spectacular and it's not. I'll upgrade if and when my budget permits. Definitely shop around for speakers that will suit your needs.

I am not a Sony fan. Their products just don't seem to be designed with sufficient user-friendliness, at least for this user :-) I admit this is a very personal decision. I wouldn't be concerned about interoperability - if you want the best possible option for each component, it's unlikely they'll all be made by the same manufacturer.
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post #5 of 5
10/21/09 at 2:25pm
I sold audio receivers for 16 yrs. and would definitely recommend an Onkyo.  Sony receivers are awful.  You might be able to pick up a used Onkyo or Denon in your price range.  Otherwise save up a bit.  Your receiver is the heart and brains of your system.  Don't skimp.
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