AVR-500 upgrade option? (1 Viewer)

[Victor Y]

I have HK AVR-500 for several years and have been very happy with it. However, I change some of my home theater equipment and now need a component switcher. I am thinking just upgrade to Onkyo SR-502 or SR602.
1) What's other receiver should I consider with a limited budget.
2) Do I need 7.1 setup and Dolby EX?

Currently I have polk CSI245, R30 up front, R15 rear and a cheap subwooder that will be upgrade soon.

Thank You.

 

[Ryan Leemhuis]

You could stick with HK and get a AVR 135/235 or jump to a Denon 1705 or 1905. Those should all be in your price range

 

[Victor Y]

So you think going to Onkyo maybe a step down?

 

[Ryan Leemhuis]

I would say the 235 and the 1905 are good options to look at. The 502 is nothing impressive, the 602 appears slightly lower than the denon 1705 to me however. I would look at the denon 1905 they have great features for the price.

 

[Victor Y]

Ryan, thanks for your help.

I've did some quick research and indeed the denon 1705 and 1905 looks pretty promising. Especially the video up conversion is not a feature that you find on Onkyo 501 or 602. Do you know on the video upconversion, is it just a straight bypass?

 

[Ryan Leemhuis]

its not exactly a straight bypass as some convering of the signal has to go on but most say they notice no loss in quality

Also you get 3 components ins no matter which model you would go with