Wanted: Inexpensive AVR (5.1) new or used

[Chris_H]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have been combing the site for a day or so now. I recently purchased the Radiient Calypso 5.1 system along with a BIC H-100.
I went with the Radiient's mainly because of price and the WAF (new term I learned on the site and happen to live by it).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_acceptance_factor

We just got a 42" Samsung Plasma and we want it all to match and look snazzy. So High gloss it is!

I went with the H-100 because it seemed like one of the best choices in this price range, oh and it has a glossy top...

So, here I am, running out of money (Part of the WAF) and looking for a good 5.1 reciever to finish out the set.

I tried to purchase a Pioneer VSX 815 ($100) from the classifieds but moved on it too late. This looked like a great choice and right in the sweet spot.

Anyone have any good suggestions for a good AVR (new or used) in the $100 price range? (Or am I dreaming) Radiient recommended min 80W/channel No, it does not have to be High gloss black...

Lastly, I have a Yammy rx-v590. I think it's 75W/channel...will this do the trick?

Thanks, Chris

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.ubid.com/Denon_AVR-1507_525W_7.1-Ch._A/V_Home_Theater_Receiver/a11121930.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR304S

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR504B

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR505

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR574


http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?&category=AVReceiver&start=15

 

[Seth=L]

Would Sherwood/Insignia be out of the question. I know that Best Buy has been selling the Yamaha RX-N600 for insanely cheap. It is a $600 network receiver, very cool, and they have had them as "open box" for $200. That is a pretty good deal IMO. Funny thing about those Radiient speakers, they make a pair of Insignia speakers for Best Buy that have received a bit of attension for a very low budget speaker.

 

[Chris_H]

Thanks for the links. Most of those are 75W/Ch. Will this suffice? I am new to this. Radiient says min of 80W/ch.

The Onkyo 574 has 80W/channel. Do I need one that has more? What is the rule of thumb here?

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks for the links. Most of those are 75W/Ch. Will this suffice? I am new to this. Radiient says min of 80W/ch.

The Onkyo 574 has 80W/channel. Do I need one that has more? What is the rule of thumb here?

Oh sorry, I forgot to address that. I would ignore the power ratings of the receivers and speakers for the most part. The Radiients are relatively easy to drive and don't present much of a load on receivers. A H/K rated at 30 watts per channel could drive those speakers to very reasonable levels of output.

 

[project86]

As one who owns a Radiient Calypso 5.1 set (with a Dayton sub), I can attest to their quality for the price. They certainly look like high end equipment, and the sound is fairly nice as well. I paired mine with a JVC RCD401, which at the time was available from Ecost.com for $125. They no longer seem to have it, but check Ebay or other places for any of the JVC RXD series receivers. They sound great, and have a lot of features for the price. Also check Ebay for the Teac AG-L800. It has a sweet sounding digital amp section and comes with a very nice universal LCD remote. There's only 1 ebay seller and he will accept an offer of $125 or so.

Any name brand receiver will do (no Divinci sound or anything) just fine with the Calypso set.

PS not to derail the thread, but did your main towers arrive with any damage at all?

 

[Harrison476]

Hey! I'm new just started today.Not sure about rules, but Chris H: I just upgraded my system which I had an Harmon K receiver I think its HK 85?
It worked great with my speakers which are not that easy to push. A 5.1,ac-3,85watts per channel system. When I removed it wiped it off I was amazed how well it looked.

 

[Chris_H]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am keeping my eye out for deals. In the mean time I have the speakers hooked up to my Yamaha rx-v590. It's a little old but seems to be doing the job well.

Project86, I had no damage to any of the speakers. The box did have a dent in the side, but the speakers were fine.

To anyone considering Radiient speakers, they are well worth the money. I am not an expert by any means but I can appreciate good sound quality. The Calypso set is wonderful and they look amazing. My IC HT-100 sub is on it's way and should really finish out the set-up for now.

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am keeping my eye out for deals. In the mean time I have the speakers hooked up to my Yamaha rx-v590. It's a little old but seems to be doing the job well.

Project86, I had no damage to any of the speakers. The box did have a dent in the side, but the speakers were fine.

To anyone considering Radiient speakers, they are well worth the money. I am not an expert by any means but I can appreciate good sound quality. The Calypso set is wonderful and they look amazing. My IC HT-100 sub is on it's way and should really finish out the set-up for now.

Once you get even the simplest least expensive 5.1 receiver your jaw will likely hit the floor, leaps and bounds over DSPs and old Dolby Pro logic.

 

[flippo]

Pawn shops!

Have you went pawn shopping? I just replace a Sony STR de925 with an Onkyo tx-sr602 for $169. You can sometimes find a real good bargain.

 

[Seth=L]

Have you went pawn shopping? I just replace a Sony STR de925 with an Onkyo tx-sr602 for $169. You can sometimes find a real good bargain.

It is surprising how few people like us shop at Pawn Shops. I frequent them as a hobby and a way to score great deals on used equipment. I just picked up some Bose 161 satellite speakers at EZpawn for $25. They are in great shape, perfect working order, and sound like crap.