Opinions on entry level receivers

[pewternhrata]

I need a simple solution for a family room. I've always went bigger, but now I'm on the small side of needs. My question is, recommended receivers, say anything under $400 such as Pioneer vsx45 or Yamaha rxv383bl, what I have is a 4k LG, Amazon fire, Xbox one s. I have jamo s25 (5) and a ml dynamo 300 laying around that would fit my needs for this room.
What I'd like is 4k switching and Bluetooth. Networking is not necessary. Possibly 5.1 or 7.1 out to utilize an amp if more power is needed down the road.
I'm new to the entry level budget receivers, not sure how specs stack up (power, processing, overall sound to 1k+ units)
Cabinet it would go in is only about 15" deep.

 

[agarwalro]

A receiver with pre-outs will not come under $400 new. Check out accessories4less. They have good deals on refurbs.

Some Denon and Marantz models are on close out for $400-500 new and will have all the features you need. You won't get pre-outs though.

The 15" cabinet depth restriction is also going to be tough to get around, probably harder than price challenge.

 

[KEW]

A receiver with pre-outs will not come under $400 new. Check out accessories4less. They have good deals on refurbs.

Some Denon and Marantz models are on close out for $400-500 new and will have all the features you need. You won't get pre-outs though.

The 15" cabinet depth restriction is also going to be tough to get around, probably harder than price challenge.

What he said:
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

This Integra with Audyssey XT32 looks like an excellent value (but make sure it is well ventilated - they may have fixed it, but earlier Onkyos had trouble with overheating)
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intdtr504/integra-dtr-50.4-7.2-ch-x-135-watts-thx-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Note: The 20% off will show up after it is in your cart for $400 price.

If that stretches your Budget too much the Denon 3100 for $349 would be my next choice.

Edit: I should note that the Integra does not appear to have Sub EQ HT (which level matches and time aligns two subs before performing EQ on them.

 

[rnatalli]

The Denon 3300 for $599 is the best deal out there right now IMO. As for budget, receivers, strike me dead for saying this as I never thought I would but I have had good luck with the newer Sony receivers.

 

[yepimonfire]

The Denon 3300 for $599 is the best deal out there right now IMO. As for budget, receivers, strike me dead for saying this as I never thought I would but I have had good luck with the newer Sony receivers.

I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised by Sony, even with their budget receivers. I currently have an str dh550 for my bedroom setup, it’s a bare bones receiver that cut costs in the right places, such as doing away with stupid features.

For budget receivers, denon includes audyssey, but has lousy amplifier power sections, onkyo doesn’t have audyssey, but their budget NR 646 managed a clean 90w into 7ch on sound and vision.

 

[hemiram]

If you can wait a while, wait until the new models come out and do some pricing on discontinued and refurbished last years models. I bought my just discontinued Yamaha receiver (I'm not home, and can't remember the model right now) for about 60% of what it was a couple months previously. It was the top of the "middle" range ones for 2005, and I got it for $340 vs the $500+ it was going for. It's been a champ, the only thing I had to do was suck the cat hair out of it every year or so. I live in an apartment now, so upgrading it isn't a real priority. My next AV purchase will be an Oppo BD player.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

As already suggested, for pre-outs, the best you can do is a brand new $1,000 Denon 3300 on sale for $599 from Amazon.

If you don’t need pre-outs, the $800 Denon X2300 on sale for $450 brand new on Amazon is the next best.

 

[lovinthehd]

I like Audyssey so Denon or Marantz are my first choices....this refurb 3300 does have preouts, or if you want a better amp section and don't care about the latest/greatest 4k/atmos stuff maybe this refurb 4100, or if no preouts and current 4k work, maybe this refurb 1400

 

[agarwalro]

I like Audyssey so Denon or Marantz are my first choices....this refurb 3300 does have preouts, or if you want a better amp section and don't care about the latest/greatest 4k/atmos stuff maybe this refurb 4100, or if no preouts and current 4k work, maybe this refurb 1400

+1 for refurb X4100W. Its got the best available Audyssey (not counting pro version).

 

[Roen]

VSX-45, but it's only a 5.1 setup. Then again, so is the 383.

Ask yourself if you want Atmos later, figure out the minimum amount of speakers you need to drive, and then get a receiver that will drive all of them.