Receiver in the $250 range - Pick from shortlist (1 Viewer)

[RobSB]

Ok, I have decided to go with the Fluance SX-HTB and the Dayton 10" subwoofer. Here is my shortlist of receivers to pair them with:

Onkyo TX-SR501
Pioneer VSX-D812K (Maybe 912K but that stretches the budget)
H/K AVR-225 (There have been many positive things said about this but I don't know its refurbed and it seems to missing out on some key features.. Are they just gimmicks?)

The room is 15x25 and the system is 99% for home theater. Quick answers are appreciated. My parents are in a good mood and I would like to buy this tonight. Thanks.

 

[John Garcia]

Out of those, I'd get the H/K. Refurb still has a warranty. Second choice would be the Onkyo, then the Pio.

 

[Jon Torres]

I think I saw someone mention they picked up the Denon 1604 for the 1603 price of $245 from 6ave.com.

 

[Joseph Shaw]

Onkyo TX-SR501. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[Thomas Nichols]

I have an AVR125 and love it. I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the receivers you list.

 

[ChrisLazarko]

I have the AVR-225 but bought it new... great reciever. Harman honors there warranty very well and on there refurb products still offer the normal full warranty.

When you think about a refurbished product it doesn't necessarily mean it is a broken product but simply that a person who bought it returned it and possibly didn't like the looks, it didn't fit, or they didn't like it (which is the majority of them)... I wouldn't worry about the refurb... take the HK you'll be happy. It not then the Onkyo would be my next choice.

 

[John S]

The features that make the Onkyo attractive are 6 amps, 6.1 processing, and component video switching.

I think the H/K and the Onkyo will have more the sound you crave in general though.

 

[SeanV]

When you think about a refurbished product it doesn't necessarily mean it is a broken product but simply that a person who bought it returned it and possibly didn't like the looks, it didn't fit, or they didn't like it

I thought that this described "open box" items and refurbished actually referred to damaged items that were repaired to factory specs.

 

[John Garcia]

Yes, refurbs had a problem and were repaired. Not my first choice, but as long as it has a decent factory warranty, it should be OK.

 

[justin_troness]

There is a Denon AVR-1803 at ecost for like $229.00 which is a very good price for it, you might want to check that out too.

 

[BobJ]

I'd be sure to testdrive the Onkyo 501. Higher bandwidth component switching than the others. I just helped a friend chose it over the Pioneer 812.

 

[justin_troness]

I also agree with the onkyo 501,i own it and it's easily the best reciever i have ever owned. Even better than the pioneer vsx-d811s which was rated at 74 watts at 6 channels driven. Also, it has a crossover that is adjustable down to 60hz which none of them have in that price range except for the new harman kardon's. I don't regret buying it at all even if i did want the 601.

 

[GarAlb]

Brand new Denon AVR-1604 at 6ave.com for $245.06 delivered. Just order the AVR-1603 and they will automatically upgade you to the AVR-1604 .