Opionions needed (1 Viewer)

[Cyrus_I]

Hi there,
I'm a university student and buying my first audio home theatre for music, gamecube, pc, and movies. My price range is about $1500 CDN.
The receivers I'm looking at are:
Denon AVR 1602
Yamaha RXV 530
Onkyo 494
Mararntz SR 4200
The speakers that I'm using are mediocre 5.1 Pro-Linear and I'm also looking to get the new Panasonic DVDCV52 to go along with it.
I'm also wondering whether I should be looking at the Denon AVR 1802 or the Yamaha RXV730 or would I just be wasting the extra money.
I'm not too familiar with a few of these brand names and models. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Cyrus

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

You might want to look at the Pioneer VSX-D811S. It has DPLII, NEO6, DD-EX, DTS-ES, 100x6 w/ 7.1 speaker setup ability, component video switching, and is a very solid receiver. Can be found as low as $300 US shipped. This is what i have and I love it.

 

[Jed M]

I would second Stephen's opinion that you look at the Pioneer VSX-D811S. I have lately been seeing some very favorable reviews of it. It seems to be the hot receiver at the HTF at the moment.
Also, I am not sure but the models you listed seem kind of dated. I would buy something newer at your price range to get more processing like DPLII and the other's mentioned above. Here is a semi-list of some newer models that would be worth looking at, in no particular order: Onkyo TX-SR600, Yamaha HTR-5560, Kenwood VR-6060, Harmon Kardon AVR225, Denon AVR-1802, Marantz SR-5200 or the Sony ES STR-DA1ES. I am not sure if the 1500 CDN is for everything you need or just the receiver so I gave you a starting point. If you like one of these receivers, look at the next step up and decide if those features are important to you. Or better yet, ask us .
I have heard great things about the panasonic dvd players so you probably can't go wrong with that. I would also look into Toshiba's new model which I hear good things about. Pioneer and Sony also make a good dvd player, but I think you were on the right path to begin with. Take care.

 

[Cyrus_I]

Thanks alot guys.

That pioneer seems to be quite good although I'm dealing with primarily Future Shop and A&b Sound and neither carry Pioneers. The Yamaha HTR 5560 you mentioned is also another model I was looking at but is, to my understand, equivilant to the RXV530.

Oh yeah and I probably should of specified. I have a $1500 CDN limit for a whole system.

I think my decision is coming between the Yamaha RXV530 and the Denon AVR1602.

Thanks
Cyrus

 

[Tim Hoover]

Although I'm not an Onkyo owner, I recall several HTFers saying the 494 should be avoided, as it's not in the same league sonically as the 595 and up.

 

[Wayne McRae]

Cyrus,where in Canada are you from? In B.C. we have Audio Video Unlimited,they carry Pioneer.

 

[Cyrus_I]

I'm in Vancouver. I'll try and check that store out.

Thanks,

 

[Cyrus_I]

any more advice?

 

[Jason Reich]

I have the Yamaha RXV530 and could not be more pleased. It produces great sound with enough features and inputs to keep me happy. I have had it about a month and cannot say enough good about it.