Onkyo TX-SR 500 vs. Yamaha RXV-530 (1 Viewer)

[Chris Hosfield]

Which is the best entry-level receiver for both music (50%) and HT (50%).

Here are some offers I've had:

(Canadian prices)

HK 120: $500
HK 220: $630
Yamaha RXV-530: $500
Onkyo TX-SR 500: $500


Out of these what would be the best receiver for the price?

I am leaning towards the Onkyo/Yamaha.

Thanks, I really appreciate any comments.

Chris

 

[Jeff_Fitz]

You might want to add Denon to your audition list. The AVR1603 will be out soon. Check out the specs at http://www.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/avr1603.pdf.
Not sure you can get it for $500 CDN, but the 1602 it is replacing should be available on clearout for less than $600 CDN.

 

[Andrew Pierce]

And they improved the remote! The 1602 had one of the the worst remotes in the business, but the new one looks great!

 

[Chris Hosfield]

No other comments on Yammie vs. Onkyo? Is it true the Yammies are a little bright? (This will be my first HT/Music receiver)

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Kevin Parker]

if you are in toronto you can have a very good deal on pioneer 811s, I bought mine for $500 CAD.

 

[John Pine]

Chris: I've had my RX-V530 for about 4 months now. I think it's one of the best "Value/Budget" receivers available! If you can, audition the Denon and the Yammi head-to-head. Both are excellent units. If you are interested here's a link giving a more detailed impression of my V530.
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...highlight=v530

 

[PaulSmith]

Chris,

I am in the process of buying a HT and I have settled on the RX-V530 (or the HTR-5550, same thing). The cheapest price I have found so far is $559 at Audio One. If you found it for less could you let me know where? Also, I had no luck even finding a place to try out the Onkyo TX-SR 500.

Paul

 

[Kevin Parker]

check audio queen for onkyo, he has sr500 for $550 or something its at albion/islington. and for yamaha check update tv and stereo they have the best prices on yamaha, its in the chinatown centre on spadina ave downtown. the address is 222 spadina Ave, unit 116.

 

[Chris Hosfield]

I've been looking at a bunch of places including Trutone, #1 Sound, and even the generic stores like HiFi2000. HiFi2000 should have the Onkyo. I think Kromer radio has both the Yammie and the Onkyo...can't recall about the denons.
The prices I listed were estimates based on my "negotiations" I had with the sales guys on my whole package which includes receiver/speakers/dvd player. In general, I was receving about 20% off the sticker prices for the whole system, so that translates roughly to the prices listed.
I was thinking about pairing this with M3Ti's from Axiom as mains for the time being, but am worried they will sound a little bright...Marc from Audioshop suggusted the Dahlquists such as QX6 would be a good match for the 530. Any comments on that??

And where can I go to hear denon/yammie side by side other than Bay/Bloor. I can't even get served in that place.

PS
I have a newbie ediquette question....are we supposed to post information about negotiated prices from specific dealers on these boards?

 

[PaulSmith]

Chris,

From what I have seen it is free game here. If I found a great price I would tell everyone where I got it.

Thanks for the tips on places to go. Have you auditioned Paradigm speakers? I almost went with a JBL set up until I heard them. This is the setup I will most likely go with.
Receiver - Yammie HTR-5550 (RXV-530)
Fronts - Paradigm Titans
Rears - Paradigm Atoms
Center - Paradigm CC-170
Sub - Paradigm PDR10
My budget in $2000 including tax.


Paul