Hi everyone, I've been trying to follow along some threads about receivers but I'm completely lost so I'd like to get some opinions from you knowledgeable folks. My budget is about $500 for a receiver with a set of 2.0 monitors.
The reason this is all so confusing is because my klipsch 5.1s have served me faithfully for 5 years until it just decided to die. After reason some opinions, it seems that receivers are the way to go for even entry level sound.
I mainly use the speakers for games and blurays via PS3 and movies and music via computer. I listen to a bit of everything, but quality-wise I definitely want to focus on better classical music performance. I've also been looking at powered monitors like the Audioengine A2 and A5 and the M-Audio BK5a and Swan M200s, or are receivers + passive still the way to go for my needs?
For my needs and my budget, I think I need (correct me if I'm wrong b/c I really am new at this) a 5.1 to 7.1 receiver that has HDMI and about 50W+ per channel. I was thinking about hooking up my klipsch speakers to the receiver for surround sound but get new left and right speakers, then I can upgrade one piece at a time.
From what I've gathered, the Yamaha RX-V663, the Onkyo TX-SR606 and the Harman Kardon AVR-147 are all good deals, but can I get away with less? (Like what features drive up the price but not the sound performance). The main focus is sound quality. I don't mind getting a used, refurb or older model if it saves me money. Can I get by comfortably with something less than those? Also feel free to throw out names =).
For bookshelf speakers I was thinking PSB Alpha B1 or Infinity Primus P162s, so I'd need something that can adequately power those.
Thanks for the long read!