Ready to join the 21st century (1 Viewer)

[bret]

Am finally ready to step up to a HT set up, though on a modest budget. Getting rid of my ancient onkyo rec (the first year they made solid state components, does that date me?) and have been strongly considering another Onkyo product (620 or 720) for HT. However, all the love oozing out about the Pio 1014, and the strangely good things I've heard about the Pany xr50 and 70 have gotten me confused again.

I live at the end of the road, literally, and auditioning in-shop is not feasible. has anyone compared any of the above? For the moment it just needs to drive a pair of old JBL's, but am planning on adding infinity center and surrounds.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Kevin Alexander]

If you've got a credit card, I'd order an Onkyo 602 or 702 and a Panny XR50 from www.jr.com (2 week return period w/ a full refund) audition them both for a week, and return the one that doesn't suit your tastes.