$300 Receiver Advice, Which is better?

[smilen65]

Hi All,
Just read my post and realized its long, the basic question is whats the best sub $320 (real cost) receiver out there? Read on for more specifics.

This is my first post so please excuse any noobness I exhibit. My old Onkyo 6.1 receiver has pasted on and movies just are not the same, I'm looking to replace it. I think I have it narrowed down to two but I'm sure this post will change that. The set up is in a room that roughly 20' x 18' and I'm retaining my JBL speakers and powered sub (I know they're entry level but good for my use). So my reasoning is pretty basic both are 7.x and both have 3d support (I have a PS3, and will be in the market for a new 60" TV late next year, maybe 3d). All my devices connect via HDMI except the Wii. I don't care about upconverting, but would like everything to pass via HDMI though its not a necessity

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2
Pioneer VSX-920-K 7.1

All that said I would consider a better 5.1 receiver at the same cost if the reasons were compelling. I'm just looking for the best overall value here. Thanks for any help/advice.

 

[sholling]

I'd buy the Onkyo but that's just my preference.

 

[GranteedEV]

how much is the marantz NR1601?

That's probably what I'd consider, although truth be told i'd go step up and get a 5005 for the pre-outs.

 

[3db]

Hi All,
Just read my post and realized its long, the basic question is whats the best sub $320 (real cost) receiver out there? Read on for more specifics.

This is my first post so please excuse any noobness I exhibit. My old Onkyo 6.1 receiver has pasted on and movies just are not the same, I'm looking to replace it. I think I have it narrowed down to two but I'm sure this post will change that. The set up is in a room that roughly 20' x 18' and I'm retaining my JBL speakers and powered sub (I know they're entry level but good for my use). So my reasoning is pretty basic both are 7.x and both have 3d support (I have a PS3, and will be in the market for a new 60" TV late next year, maybe 3d). All my devices connect via HDMI except the Wii. I don't care about upconverting, but would like everything to pass via HDMI though its not a necessity

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2
Pioneer VSX-920-K 7.1

All that said I would consider a better 5.1 receiver at the same cost if the reasons were compelling. I'm just looking for the best overall value here. Thanks for any help/advice.

Ignore the 3D BS hype that is out there. Studies have shown that it may cause vision damage. Until holographic displays are perfected, 3D is just a gimmick.

 

[smilen65]

how much is the marantz NR1601?

That's probably what I'd consider, although truth be told i'd go step up and get a 5005 for the pre-outs.

Thats coming in at $599 so its out of the wifes allowed budget...lol

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Denon AVR-591 would also be in this list and would probably be the best build quality with some of the best amps you will get...

http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=3d9614d1-8000-4106-ab91-8192242cab83&SubId=40b5820d-83c2-4e93-9909-60aae60e0bdd&ProductId=9d7f2e04-931e-41a3-a6d1-d033894bf87f

5.1 audio instead of 7.1, but it is a quality product.

The Pioneer probably has the best build quality after that.

The Onkyos have a tendency for weaker build quality, but they pack a lot in for the money you spend. So, when it works, and if it lasts, it will deliver the most bang for the buck. Those are some big 'ifs'. I lean towards quality over features and I do believe that if you are a fan of 3D, then it is something you should go ahead and get within your receiver now since it is available for any potential TV upgrade.

I'm personally sick of the few that insist upon pissing out their stupid 3D opinion into every thread which anyone dares to mention 3D. This is your choice, not theirs, and you certainly did not ask. Moreso, the better displays, and the best displays on the market include 3D, so regardless of whether or not you want 3D, it is a good sign of a company which is up to date with technologies if that product supports the latest technologies including 3D, DTS-MA, True HD, etc.

 

[m_vanmeter]

A Marantz 5004 factory refurb might be a consideration
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5004/Marantz/SR5004-Dolby-TrueHD-PLIIz/dts-HD-MA-AV-Receiver/1.html#!specifications

It does not have 3D support, but I'm in the "3D is a gimick" camp also. National sales figures for 3D televisions seem to agree. By the time 3D is a completely thought out specification with wide general acceptance, the equipment you buy today probably will not work anyway.

 

[rnatalli]

The Denon AVR-591 would also be in this list and would probably be the best build quality with some of the best amps you will get...

http://usa.denon.com/us/Product/Pages/Product-Detail.aspx?Catid=3d9614d1-8000-4106-ab91-8192242cab83&SubId=40b5820d-83c2-4e93-9909-60aae60e0bdd&ProductId=9d7f2e04-931e-41a3-a6d1-d033894bf87f

5.1 audio instead of 7.1, but it is a quality product.

+1 on the Denon. It's a great receiver and it also includes Audyssey MultEQ which is better than the 2EQ on the Onkyo and better than Pioneer's MCACC IMO.

 

[ratm]

I don't know if there are any left, but newegg was selling yamahas rx-v765 for about $320 shipped