Going to best buy tomorrow, upgrading my receiver. Tell me if these two are good.... (1 Viewer)

[todd stone]

I am upgrading from a Kenwood vr-209 receiver.
I was looking at these 2 in best buy. I am mainly looking for DTS and optical inputs.
Sony 500-Watt Dolby Digital/DTS Home Theater Receiver with Preprogrammed Remote — STR-DE675
100 watts x 5; 32-bit Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic decoding; 32-bit DSP; Digital Cinema Sound; 5.1-channel inputs - $299
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=...1&cat=3&scat=4
&
Sony 500-Watt Dolby Digital/DTS Home Theater Receiver with Virtual Matrix 6.1 Mode — STR-DE875
100 watts x 5; 32-bit Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Pro Logic decoding; 32-bit DSP; Virtual Matrix 6.1 mode; Digital Cinema Sound - $399
Now on my kenwood vr-209 my subwoofer plugs into an outlet and i have a monster cable going from subwoofer to subwoofer input on receiver. I am assuming these new ones have that... Is my subwoofer powered or non powered, i get it confused..
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=...1&cat=3&scat=4
Are those receivers any good?

 

[Matt Wallace]

The 675 recently was chosen as a recommended budget reciever from either The Perfect Vision or The Sensible Sound ( I forget which).
Personally, I would go with Yamaha's offering at $299. I think you'd find a better quality there, but that's just me!
Your sub is powered,btw
Good luck and let us know.
Matt

 

[todd stone]

here's the one i currently have. I noticed this one and the $299 sony are both 100 watts hmmmmm
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/pr...?productId=270

 

[todd stone]

what's good about yamahas offering? Does best buy carry them?
Where is a good webpage that reviews receivers?

 

[DougRuss]

Todd,
Here's a good site for Starters, sure others will have others also.
Audio Review

 

[Rutledge]

I don't think you will find that any of those receivers will actually put out their rated power with all 5 channels driven. Especially the non ES Sony's.

 

[Vin]

Todd, have you considered the Kenwood VR-507? It's available at Circuit City for $300 and in addition to DD and DTS it also offers DPL II and Circle Surround. It also has optical and coaxial inputs, 4 S-video inputs and a very nice remote.

IMO, the Kenwood is a quality product that offers the best bang for your buck at this price point.

Good luck with whatever you decide to buy....enjoy!

 

[John Garcia]

I don't think you will find that any of those receivers will actually put out their rated power with all 5 channels driven. Especially the non ES Sony's.

I'll have to second this.

Yamah has a unique sound to it, and their lower end receivers are not nearly as well built as their higher end ones, but in the price range, a Yamaha will be a better receiver. You should also look at Onkyo TX-DS494 or the Marantz SR4200.

 

[RyanMM]

I think John Garcia gave you the best advice by steering you to Marantz & Onkyo. 2 reliable brands as far as receivers go. To give you a point of reference I have a Denon, but have audtioned recievers from both Marantz & Onkyo.
If you are really sold on a Sony, I will make a suggestion order one from the DExxx line not the DBxxx line b/c the DE line uses higher quality parts (in some cases the same that you would find in the ES line) You will have to go to a A/V dealer or order online (www.onecall.com is a good place to start)

 

[todd stone]

Thanks to those that helped me last night. I went from a kenwood vr-209 to a vr-507

 

[Thomas_Berg]

i third that statement. dont trust the power ratings on low-end receivers!!