Need some advice and opinions (1 Viewer)

[Billy*C]

I've dedided to upgrade from my 8 year old Kenwood K-VR 7080 Pro Logic II receiver to something more current. I have had good luck over the years with Kenwoods, but the general consensus on this board seems to be their are better products for similar prices. I listen to music as often as I watch movies, so I am looking for a jack-of-all-trades so to speak. My budget will allow for me to spend around $500. Any advice will be considered and appreciated.


Thank you so much,

Billy

 

[John S]

The H/K AVR-525 is the one I am sugesting these days in that price range.


You'll have to do some searching to get it close to your $500 mark though.

 

[Billy*C]

Is that an older model? I could not find it on their website. I did find some for sale though.

My old KW was rated at 100wt w/ .09 THD, the HK is rated at 70wt w/ .07 THD. How much of a difference will this make. I do like loud (but not distorted) music when the time is right. All my speakers are rated at 100wt. Is it better to under power them, or over power them? I did read on a thread that HK has had some reliability issues of late.

Sorry for all the questions, but I need this AVR to be reliable for many years. As much as I would like to have the best of the best when new products come out, I usually stick with what I have. If it's not broke don't fix it. Remember, I have languished away for years with DD Pro Logic II because my KW worked well.

Like I said I will consider all. The reason I came to this board was to get opinions from people more knowledgeble than me.
Thank you,

Billy

 

[Ted Lee]

in that same class, but maybe just a touch "higher-end", i would suggest (in no particular order):

yamaha, denon, hk, and onkyo.

or, check out the outlaw 1050 (outlawaudio.com) - it's a very well respected receiver around here. just do a search.

don't get caught up in the specs. choose a receiver for it's feature set - they're all pretty darn close in performance. close enough where it should be a null issue.

 

[John S]

Do not be decieved, that H/K's 70 watts will absolutely blow away your older Kenwood.