Best receiver for around $500?

[jjhawksjj]

Would like some advice for upgrading my old Sony ES receiver. I'm thinking I'll keep my current Paradigm speaker setup (tower fronts, bookshelf rears, and sub) but I'd like to buy a new receiver that can accomodate HDMI, future 3d, upconversion, etc.

Any recommendations and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sholling]

If you're in the US I'd say a factory recertified Onkyo TX-NR709. I have the older TX-SR707 that I bought recertified from A4L 18 months ago and it's been a good receiver. I'd also look at the Denon AVR-1912 (brand new only). Of the two the Onkyo is more feature rich.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I own Onkyo avr myself and have nothing but positive to say about it, however recently many people experience with Onkyo's has been negative due to QC issues.

I'd recommend looking into new models offerings:
Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-A800 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver (Black): Electronics
(note the 3 year warranty)

and this : a bit over 500, but it's still a very good price:
Newegg.com - Pioneer VSX-1121-K 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver

 

[geek101]

Amazon has the same for $500,
Amazon.com: Pioneer VSX-1121-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver, Glossy Black: Electronics

might want to check if Amazon is an authorized dealer for Pioneer (non Elite) receivers.

....
and this : a bit over 500, but it's still a very good price:
Newegg.com - Pioneer VSX-1121-K 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver

 

[herragge]

I would have to recommend the Denon1912 as mentioned before. All of the features you need, none of the ones you don't. That is the one I am going for.

 

[rnatalli]

If you're in the US I'd say a factory recertified Onkyo TX-NR709.

The 370 often sells for 499 new and is essentially the same receiver.