best bang for you buck recever under $300

[shootermcgaven2]

whats the best reciver under 300$ that will drive Kef IQ5s .

is the Onkyo HT-R550 be a good choice?

 

[greggp2]

Onkyo makes a pretty good product. Also, I'd consider Pioneer and Yamaha. Check out some of the reviews on Cnet.com. They review a number of lower end receivers. I'm using a Pioneer in my bedroom and it does a fine job. I believe I paid just under $300 for it.

Whatever you do, don't get sucked into just power ratings like 100 Watts, etc. A lot of this is very misleading and is at peak for 1 channel for only a second or two.

Also, depending on whether you care about the latest HD audio formats, you may want to consider something pre-owned. You might be able to purchase a pre-owned Rotel for a little more than $300 and they will sound much better than a commercial receiver like the ones I mentioned in this price range. Check out Audiogon.com and Ebay.com if you chose this route.

Good Luck.

Gregg

 

[shootermcgaven2]

thanks for the responce greggp2

i found a couple of factory recert. denon's AVR-788 and the AVR-1908 boath for 229.99 from ecost.com witch one is better for sound/video quality?

i think Factory Reconditioned or recertivied is a good way to go for getting deals. but this websight is not letting me order .. does anybody kno of other sights offering refurbished AVRs

 

[shootermcgaven2]

here is the link
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecce/category/category.aspx?sort=Price+ASC&category=155438257&p=2

 

[jostenmeat]

IIRC, ecost is not reliable. I think it might be a risky idea.

Also, IIRC, I think it was the 789(?), that distortion rises rapidly at 4 ohms, past 20 watts. Someone got real touchy when I last mentioned that, but, just fwiw. NOT that I know of a better candidate at the price point.

I know for just a tad more than $300, you might think about a Yammy 663, or at maybe $380 an Onkyo 606, among other brands/candidates.

 

[ChunkyDark]

You might want to check out the harman kardon store on ebay. It's factory direct refrubs with full warranty and you can score some great deals if your patient.

 

[lsiberian]

whats the best reciver under 300$ that will drive Kef IQ5s .

is the Onkyo HT-R550 be a good choice?

IQ5s have good dips if I remember correctly. So you will want more bulk than a HT-R550.

At your budget your probably looking at a non hd used receiver. Thankfully many are going at that range due to the HD step up.

 

[TimPFla]

I have a Onkyo 304 receiver currently. I was looking into getting the Pioneer VSx918...Will this be a worthy upgrade?? I also will be getting a PS3 for my blu-ray/DVD needs

 

[shootermcgaven2]

IQ5s have good dips if I remember correctly. So you will want more bulk than a HT-R550.

At your budget your probably looking at a non hd used receiver. Thankfully many are going at that range due to the HD step up.

thx Isiberian. Im pretty New at this. If i get a used non HDMI reveiver like the denon AVR-3805 can i still hookup my HD dishnetwork reciver to it then out to my HD tv? if so whats the best type of connection/cables to use ? "like s video"?

 

[bandphan]

thx Isiberian. Im pretty New at this. If i get a used non HDMI reveiver like the denon AVR-3805 can i still hookup my HD dishnetwork reciver to it then out to my HD tv? if so whats the best type of connection/cables to use ? "like s video"?

Via component, or Just run the video feed straight to your display.

 

[shootermcgaven2]

what is component? ok so i can hook my dishnetwork box direct to my tv and then audio out from my tv to my receiver. i think this will be good. as u can see im a big receiver newbie.

 

[bandphan]

what is component? ok so i can hook my dishnetwork box direct to my tv and then audio out from my tv to my receiver. i think this will be good. as u can see im a big receiver newbie.

component video will pass hd up to 1080i,(and technically 1080p*) and yes you can run the feeds seperate. If you want bluray lossless codecs, you will need to run 5/7ch analog audio out from the bluray to the denon analog multi ch inputs(choose your bluray carefully as some will not pass all this way)

* safegauards were put in place by the "industry" as not to allow the passing of 1080p via comp video.

 

[TimPFla]

I have a Onkyo 304 receiver currently. I was looking into getting the Pioneer VSx918...Will this be a worthy upgrade?? I also will be getting a PS3 for my blu-ray/DVD needs

Anyone?? Has anyone used the Pioneer VSX918?

 

[Jeff R.]

www.clubonkyo.com - They have the TX-SR 506 on refurb special for only $189. Keep an eye on this site they run some great deals on refurb recievers - I bought a TX-SR 805for only $385 about 2 months back. I would think that the 506 would do fine with those speakers. You will have to join the site to get access to all the specials, but it is free.

Good Luck - Just keep shopping receivers are constantly going in and out of sales, especially the refurb models.

 

[TimPFla]

I can't seem to get a answer. Hope this doesn't come across as rude. I have a onkyo 304 rcvr. I am looking for a sound level upgrade. I have a budget under 300.00 Would anything for my budget give me a sound upgrade? I would like my viewing experience to be a tad louder...Thanks a bunch guys and gals

 

[ggunnell]

Tim, there are lot's of receivers under $300 that would be an upgrade for you.

I'd consider first the ones discussed in this concurrent thread here:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53128
as they will all accept LPCM audio over HDMI (something you want for the future). Some will even decode the newer HD codecs.
A brief list:
Onkyo TX-SR576
Onkyo TX-SR606 (only refurbs, when avail., under $300)
Marantz SR-4002 (accessories4less new=$299)
Pioneer VSX-918
Yamaha RX-V463
Yamaha RX-V563

 

[shootermcgaven2]

I can't seem to get a answer. Hope this doesn't come across as rude. I have a onkyo 304 rcvr. I am looking for a sound level upgrade. I have a budget under 300.00 Would anything for my budget give me a sound upgrade? I would like my viewing experience to be a tad louder...Thanks a bunch guys and gals

I bought a used older denon 3805(one of denons bestsellers). its over 40lbs heavy. these recivers have a great reputation for sq. i got mine shiped to canada for 300$ so you should be able to get one shipped to usa for around that price(maybe cheaper). check the local classifieds and ebay. no hdmi ports so u have to use comp video. that the only downside.

if u dont what to go that route, you can save up for a nice new one. or buy referb

 

[TimPFla]

I bought a used older denon 3805(one of denons bestsellers). its over 40lbs heavy. these recivers have a great reputation for sq. i got mine shiped to canada for 300$ so you should be able to get one shipped to usa for around that price(maybe cheaper). check the local classifieds and ebay. no hdmi ports so u have to use comp video. that the only downside.

if u dont what to go that route, you can save up for a nice new one. or buy referb

Thanks Happy Gilmore!!! LOL. Love the name

 

[SN95GT50]

IIRCI know for just a tad more than $300, you might think about a Yammy 663, or at maybe $380 an Onkyo 606, among other brands/candidates.

Where can you get a 663 for $300 or a 606 for $380? I have been looking at the 606 and have not found prices that low at reputible places. Tell me more.

SN95GT50