Receiver Basics (1 Viewer)

[Dan.F]

Hi,

I'm pretty new to HT & looking for some help on a receiver.

What features are "must haves"? I'm planning on a 6.1 system that will primarily be used for music listening and DVD watching (in that order). Should I have a separate DVD player or are the receivers with the built in DVD players of acceptable quality?

My receiver budget's about $400-$500. Any suggestions on makes/models would be appreciated also.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[StephenWE]

The most common replies to a thread of this nature seems to be "Look at HK, Denon, and Marantz". A lot of people reccomend the S5400.

 

[craig_curtis]

i like my denon 1803 ( i think they are selling the 1804 now). you can probably get it for $450 ish.

 

[Mike Veroukis]

Some good manufacturers that you should be able to trust are: Denon, Harmon Kardon, Yamaha, Marantz, Pioneer Elite, Onkyo/Integra. There may by more, but I don't think you could go wrong with any of the above brands. I currently own a Yamaha and I'm very happy with it.

Have fun!

- Mike

 

[SethH]

One thing you will find if you search through some similar threads is to check how the power is rated on the receivers you are looking at. Some receivers (like many Sony and Yamaha receivers) rate their power running only one channel at a time and at a frequency of 1khz. If volume is important you'll likely get much more volume from a receiver rated as 75 watts @ 20Hz-20,000khz than from one rated as 100 watts @ 1khz. So keep that in mind when looking at the specs of different receivers. Often brands like Harmon Kardon will be overlooked because people see it is rated at about 70 watts/channel and they run to a Sony rated at 100 watts/channel.

 

[Stelios]

Consider the SONY STR-DA1000ES receiver also:

http://www.is2k.com/avmain/SonyES.htm

Some people here do not like the Sony staff. Read the reason here:

http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic....11576&forum=51

Stelios

 

[John S]

6.1 (6 descreet high current amps), 6.1 Processing modes, and with HDTV come'n on strong, I usually highly suggest component video switching of 50mhz bandwidth or higher.

Get a separate DVD player for sure.

ecost has the Onkyo SR-501 for like $185, and does it pack a wallup for the money.