Bargain Hunting - Pioneer, H/K, Denon, or Yamaha (1 Viewer)

[Jon.P.VT]

I'm in the market for a new receiver and am looking to keep the price down as much as I can, while still making sure I have a warranty.

I think I've narrowed it down to these:

1. Denon AVR-2803
2. H/K AVR 325/525
3. Pioneer VSX-43/45TX (though it looks like finding the 45 is getting difficult)
4. Yamaha RX-V1300 or the new RX-V1400[/list=1]
   I think these are all in the neighborhood of $800 MSRP, and ideally I'd like to spend $600 or less. I (sadly) missed out on OneCall's deals on the two H/Ks, but they do have refurbed 525s for around $550 if I recall.
   
   I'm going to use the receiver for music (almost all kinds) and DVDs mainly, probably a good bit of both. I tried to audition some of these at a Tweeter to narrow my list down, but their setup and selection left a little to be desired. I listened to the 2803, which sounded fairly neutral to me, after I helped the salesman identify that the center channel wasn't plugged in. Unfortunately, I couldn't listen to the RX-V1300, but the 2300 I got to hear sounded very detailed (I played the beginning of Gladiator through a 6.1 set of Mirage speakers). Tweeter didn't have the Pioneers set up as far as I could see. I haven't been able to find anyplace to demo the H/Ks either.
   
   I guess my decision is going to come down to which one I can get for the best price. I'm most interested in any opinions or help anyone could give me with finding an authorized online dealer for any of these receivers. I can't bring myself to pay MSRP just because the salesman won't work with me at all. If I can be sure I'm getting a good product and warranty, a refurbished model would be OK.
   
   I'd also entertain any alternatives if anyone has a compelling reason I should consider a different receiver.
   
   Whew, that was a long first post.
   
   Edit: To clarify, I can find the authorized dealers just fine. My problem is finding a price better than MSRP and determining if going refurbished is too risky.

 

[Jonathan Lofgren]

I don't know too much about those receivers, but if it helps, ecost.com has the 45TX for $499 (refurb)
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecce/shop...sp?dpno=266204

 

[Chip Brogden]

not sure if they still have them but I got a 43tx from soundpros.com for $495 + shipping

 

[Mark Hedges]

If I were you I would also consider the Sony DA4ES. It was available for around $600 but is getting hard to find now.

Mark

 

[Jon.P.VT]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Sony 4ES. The problem is that I'm becoming somewhat wary of giving Sony any of my money. I had a PS2 break on me a year or two ago and my current receiver is a Sony and quite a piece of garbage.

Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

RE: 45TX at Ecost. I'm kind of concerned about the 90 day warranty on a refurbished model. The price is really tempting though.

I just checked OneCall and found the HK AVR-525 refurbished for $545.87 shipped. The big advantage is that HK gives the full 2 year warranty.

Jon

 

[Lewis Besze]

If I was on that market I would only consider the Denon and the HK.They would give the best performance/feauters for the buck in this group IMO.