Receiver Advice Needed

[ParkerLewis]

I have a Samsung HT-TQ85 home theater system (5.1), but the receiver recently died, so I am looking to replace it. I have a Samsung LED DLP TV (HL-T5089s), Western Digital Live, and a PS3. Since the TV, WD, and PS3 all have HDMI 1.3, I'd like to purchase a receiver that is also 1.3. I have looked at several receivers, but would like some advice...I've found the following options

1. Yamaha RX-V565
2. Yamaha RX-V465
3. Sony STR-DN1000
4. Sherwood RD-7503
5. Pioneer VSX-1019AHK
6. Pioneer VSX-919AHK

I do not currently need multi-room support. I would prefer to spend $400 or less. The receiver needs to have atleast 3 HDMI inputs. Does a receiver that offers 1080p upconvert also convert standard def cable? If so, I'd like 1080p upconvert capabilities. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Midwesthonky]

Honestly? Compare the specs, then pick one. At the price point of the units I think all of them would serve your needs.

But I presonally prefer Yamaha.

 

[jamie2112]

I would get the VX-663 Yammie if I were you
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=995796 I think they are within your budget as well...

 

[Midwesthonky]

Yeah, I think Jamie2112 has the right idea. That will give you better flexibility for any future changes.

I came back here as I didn't care for my original response. When I look at the specs, I like the Yamaha Rx-V663 but it does only have 2 HDMI. But it has a lot of other nice features if you only need 2 HMDI and only perceive needing 2 in the future. Else, I like the Yamaha RX-V565.

The Sherwood does seem to have a bit more power than the two Yamahas you listed. But I am not familiar with their products so hopefully someone who is can answer on that aspect.
The Sony looks impressive in the specs, but I just haven't been a fan of Sony for awhile. Just can't put my finger on it, but they seem to be ok, but not what they used to be.

Again, after I look at the specs, I would forget the RX-V465 and look at the other 3 or the one jamie2112 suggested.

 

[ParkerLewis]

Does anyone else have any suggestions or other recommended options?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would go with Yamaha or Denon/Marantz or Pioneer or HK for receivers.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B002IKKFTQ/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATOWGQCZWYMMJ&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR590-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Connectivity/dp/B002AKKFQM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264620142&sr=8-3

 

[Kai]

Go with what sounds best to you.
I recently went through the same thing you are. I went with a Pioneer Elite VSX-21THX because to my/and wife's ears it sounded best. Best is very subjective.
The brands/models you mention are all decent, I've no experience with Sherwood, and will perform well for you.

I've had Sony and Yamaha receivers prior to the 21 and was satisfied with those as well. The Sony is over 5 years old and my daughter has it. The Yamaha is in the hands of my son and both are still performing perfectly.

Compare the features of them all...I printed them out when I was in the market.
Make sure the brands/models have the features you want then choose the one that you like the sound of and fits your budget.
Receivers have a higher/faster turn over rate than other gear so there's no need to be crazy over it.

 

[AVRat]

FYI, those Samsung speakers are spec'd at 3 ohms so they're not a good match for most consumer grade receivers. Generally, you'd want speakers rated at 6-8 ohms.

 

[Electone]

I can only speak for Yamaha or Pioneer as I have owned these products. Both companies seem to have reduced the quality of their amplifiers on this years' models in favour of adding more features. If you look at last years' RX-V663 vs this years' RX-V665 or last years' VSX-1018 vs this years' VSX-1019, both companies reduced weight and the amplifier specifications seem weaker.

See if you can find an Elite VSX-01 or 03 on clearance for a good price.

 

[slupry]

you can have a look at Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver .

Great sound quality, simple setup and easy menus make this a good choice for the novice or mid range home theater enthusiast.

 

[PENG]

FYI, those Samsung speakers are spec'd at 3 ohms so they're not a good match for most consumer grade receivers. Generally, you'd want speakers rated at 6-8 ohms.

Keep in mind those little 3 ohm speakers protect themselves very well because if you crank them up too loud they will scream at you to the point you will turn the volume down in a hurry. In fact turning down the voume is the only way because if you power it with a power amp they will stilll clip and blow because they cannot handle the current. Oops may be the stock thin gauge wire will heat up enough, up the impedance and hence self limiting again....

 

[PENG]

I have a Samsung HT-TQ85 home theater system (5.1), but the receiver recently died, so I am looking to replace it. I have a Samsung LED DLP TV (HL-T5089s), Western Digital Live, and a PS3. Since the TV, WD, and PS3 all have HDMI 1.3, I'd like to purchase a receiver that is also 1.3. I have looked at several receivers, but would like some advice...I've found the following options

1. Yamaha RX-V565
2. Yamaha RX-V465
3. Sony STR-DN1000
4. Sherwood RD-7503
5. Pioneer VSX-1019AHK
6. Pioneer VSX-919AHK

I do not currently need multi-room support. I would prefer to spend $400 or less. The receiver needs to have atleast 3 HDMI inputs. Does a receiver that offers 1080p upconvert also convert standard def cable? If so, I'd like 1080p upconvert capabilities. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If you can stretch your budget a little you can get the RX-V863.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0013ZELVK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1264951428&sr=8-6&condition=new

With this AVR you are somewhat future proof in terms of having 3 HDMI input, upconvert analog signals, 1080p, 36 bit deep color capable, preouts for external power amps etc., all for $470, it is hard to beat.