Best receiver to buy when you don't care about HDMI

[Druid]

Hi everyone, this looks like a great forum/website and I have found it very valuable.

However, the more reviews I read the more confused I get.  I would really appreciate it if someone could help me out with some advice.

That’s because I’m trying to find the right receiver to go with what I have. I’m not looking for a receiver with all the latest HDMI switching features and all I need is 5.1 (although I’ll take 6.1 or 7.1 if it’s justified).

I want to replace my entry-level Sony STR-DE485 5.1 with a receiver that has excellent sound quality.

I have already upgraded my speakers:
*Polk Audio speakers for rear and center channels.
*JBL subwoofer
*Event 20/20 studio monitors for front L/R.

My TV is a 42” Panasonic Plasma that can do 1080i, 780p, 480p. (it’s EDTV)

I primarily use this system to watch DVDs (not hi-def).

The only bottleneck to my system at this point seems to be the receiver; I think it’s time to graduate to a better receiver.

What would you suggest? The Sony STR-DE485 does the job, but I would like something that clearly sounds better. Yamaha? Denon? Pioneer Elite? Other???

I figure I should try to look at their older models, without the latest HDMI gadgets. However, I’d like to buy a new one but there doesn’t seem to be a new receiver out there with what I’m looking for. Or is there? Would I get something better if I spent $400 on a brand new receiver, or $400 on a receiver that came out three or four years ago? These are the questions that are driving me nuts.

Lastly, I am not trying to spend over $500. (hoping for 300->500)

Thanks!

 

[KASR]

There were a few Sherwood's that I was considering...till I saw that it didn't have HDMI - but they may work for you. There was also a Yamaha at Best Buy that had like 1/1 HDMI, but the price was right. Might give them a look.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

How about these:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Denon/AVR888+REF/40132796.aspx

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Denon/AVR2308CI+REF/40138143.aspx

http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=HKAVR247&id=HKAVR247&l=PRICEGRABB

http://www.harmankardon.com/front.aspx?prod=AVR 247&cat=REC&sType=&Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&ImgName=AVR247F.jpg

I had the HK247 for about 3 months. I thought it sounded fantastic.

 

[Seth=L]

I would look for a Yamaha RX-V659, a great receiver that doesn't have HDMI. It got nothing but good reviews. It's amplifier is one of the best in it's price class.

 

[Seth=L]

How about these:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Denon/AVR888+REF/40132796.aspx

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Denon/AVR2308CI+REF/40138143.aspx

http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=HKAVR247&id=HKAVR247&l=PRICEGRABB

http://www.harmankardon.com/front.aspx?prod=AVR 247&cat=REC&sType=&Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&ImgName=AVR247F.jpg

I had the HK247 for about 3 months. I thought it sounded fantastic.

He said he DOES NOT want HDMI.

 

[GlocksRock]

I would look around for a nice used receiver that is a couple of years old, even if it does have HDMI. It would be cheaper than a new receiver and still have lots of nice features. I bet you could get a killer deal on something like a Yamaha RX-V1600 that has plenty of power, lots of inputs, and plenty of features, you can probably still find new ones around somewhere.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Agreed, awesome, bare basics AVR with a ton of power! May can find one for 200-250 bucks.

I would look for a Yamaha RX-V659, a great receiver that doesn't have HDMI. It got nothing but good reviews. It's amplifier is one of the best in it's price class.

 

[Druid]

Awesome, thanks for all the tips. I don't mind if it has HDMI; it's just a feature I don't plan on using.

 

[Nomo]

I'll second Seth's vote on the Yamaha RX-V659. Lots of power, 5.1 analog input and 7.1 outs.

 

[mazersteven]

I would look for a Yamaha RX-V659, a great receiver that doesn't have HDMI. It got nothing but good reviews. It's amplifier is one of the best in it's price class.

About time you made a good recommendation around here. LOL

 

[Bluesmoke]

I recommend the Pioneer 1015TX. It was the king of its class a few years back and my first receiver.

 

[Midcow2]

Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver

Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver Very good inexpensive receiver as low as $185
http://www.fotoconnection.com/p86312-yamaha-rx-v363-51-channel-home-theater-receiver-black.html

Description:

High-value receiver with an impressive array of features and technologies to enhance the audio/video experience, including HDMI switching with 1080p video pass-through, iPod and Bluetooth audio compatibility, CINEMA DSP, Compressed Music Enhancer, and four SCENE buttons

RMS Output Power (1kHz) 100W x 5
Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz) 500W (1kHz)
Dolby Digital EX/ Dolby Pro Logic IIx (Dolby Digital / Dolby Pro Logic II)
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 (DTS Digital Surround)
iPod Compatibility • (With Optional YDS-10)
Bluetooth Compatibility • (With Optional YBA-10)
Compressed Music Enhancer •
HDMI (In/Out) (2 / 1)
Component Video (In/Out) (3 / 1)
A/V Inputs (S-Video) 4
Digital Inputs/Outputs [O: Optical, C: Coaxial] (O: 2, C: 1)
Front A/V with Digital Input • (A/V Only)
Front Mini Input for Portables •
D/A Conversion 192 kHz / 24 bit
Surround Programs 8
Night Listening Enhancer •
Speaker A, B or A + B (A,B)
Selectable Subwoofer Crossover •
Multi-Channel Decoder Inputs 6-Channel

 

[pzaur]

Just to add on to Midcow2's suggestion, the Yamaha 363 is $199.95 shipped from the Audioholics store with an extended warranty included. That would be less than fotoconnection.com's price since shipping is not included, nor is an extended warranty.

-pat

 

[bandphan]

To the OP why is your current avr the weakest link in your chain?(dont make a latteral upgrade) If your going to upgrade, and at a $500 budget, there are many units out there w/hdmi that should be considered. Alot of the AVRs mentioned might not provide any new WOW. Can you provide more info on your L/R speakers?

 

[Druid]

L/R speakers:

Event 20/20 SPECIFICATIONS

LF Driver: 8" mineral filled polypropylene cone with 1½" diameter high
temperature voice coil, damped rubber surround and magnetic
shielding.
HF Driver: 1" natural silk dome with ferrofluid voice coil coolant and magnetic shielding
Crossover: 2.2kHz, second order
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20kHz, ±2dB, Ref 500Hz
Power Handling: 150W program, 200W peak
Nominal Impedance: 4W
Sensitivity: 88dB @ 1W, 1m
Cabinet: 5/8” vinyl laminated lock-mitered MDF
Connectors: Red and black 5-way binding posts on ¾" centers
Polarity: Positive signal at red terminal produces outward cone displacement
Dimensions: 10¼" W x 14¾" H x 11¾" D
Weight: 22 lbs. each

 

[Druid]

Keep in mind, my viewing position is only 8 or 9' from the screen.

 

[Midcow2]

Hold on Nellie, Let's backup aminute?

You wanted a non-HDMI receiver, so I provided you very good low cost Yamaha RX-V363 receiver suggestion. And as someone mentioned with shipping and warranty , you can get the best deal from Audioholics.
==========

Now it has been said that might not give you the WOW factor you want. That might be true, becuase the most important part of your system is not your receiver, but your speakers.

Actually HDMI or component or optical in a receiver is not really the issue. "You had specifically asked for best receiver when not HDMI".

Just replacing your receiver will probalby not do a whole lot for your system. You might have better surround sound and some newer formats but no real WOW factor. In fact, you might even be disappointed.

If you want to refresh your system and add Pizazz to it and Get the WOW factor then you need to It you can come up with a budget of the maxium you would like to spend, then I thank we can give you a better WOW factor.

1rst and most important are Front speakers. I would say spend 40-60% of your total budget there. Upgrade your front speakers.

2nd, Especailly if you listen to DVDs and TV, no so important if misic is your primary use. The center speaker provides most of the voice and dialog. In order to maitain timbre ( seamless front sound) get a center speaker that macthes your front speakers. Spend 20-25% of your budget.

3rd, Consider a subwoofer, You can get a decent Dayton sub for as little as $200 or a step up is the Hsu or SVS line. This add the bass and lower frequencies. it does not need to match your fronts and center. This is a fairly high cost item and you can delay initially, becuase it could eat up 20-25% of your budget.

4th, Now finally consider upgardeing your Receiver. Actually HDMI is a moot point, most medium receivers now have at least HDMI passthrough . Upconverting vidoe and other formats to HDMI comes with mid and higer receivers. This is probably about 20-25% of your budget.

5th. Last and least important are rear and surround speakers. The add presence and enhancement to the system. plan to spend 10% pf your budget.
These also can be added later.

So the real question Druid, (OP Original Poster) is what do you really want to accomplish and how much are you willing to spend? Give us a budget and you will get some really great, excellent answers. But, you might not be happy, if you just upgrade your AVR.---- No real WOW factor

 

[jamie2112]

I 100% agree with Midcow. You will not hear any big difference(my guess is no difference) in a new AVR. You need to upgrade your speakers. The events were a studio monitor that was not rated well at all in the industry. They have a colored response in the low end and exagerated hi's. The most important piece in your HT are your speakers. I would save up a little and get yourself a good pair of speakers. IMO of course....

 

[bandphan]

L/R speakers:

Event 20/20 SPECIFICATIONS

LF Driver: 8" mineral filled polypropylene cone with 1½" diameter high
temperature voice coil, damped rubber surround and magnetic
shielding.
HF Driver: 1" natural silk dome with ferrofluid voice coil coolant and magnetic shielding
Crossover: 2.2kHz, second order
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20kHz, ±2dB, Ref 500Hz
Power Handling: 150W program, 200W peak
Nominal Impedance: 4W
Sensitivity: 88dB @ 1W, 1m
Cabinet: 5/8” vinyl laminated lock-mitered MDF
Connectors: Red and black 5-way binding posts on ¾" centers
Polarity: Positive signal at red terminal produces outward cone displacement
Dimensions: 10¼" W x 14¾" H x 11¾" D
Weight: 22 lbs. each

Your speakers being 4 ohm and w an 88db sensitivity, would dictate looking at an avr with a capable amp section. are your happy with their sound? Do you have any room treatments?

 

[Druid]

Well, like I said in the first post I felt that the biggest bottle neck to my system was the receiver. Maybe I am wrong. Yes I would suspect that my front L/R speakers would be another bottle neck, and perhaps from what you are saying they may be the biggest problem, not the receiver.

I am satisfied with the Event 20/20s, they are not the worst, but they are certainly not the greatest (no room treatments). I used to use them in my music studio, but my music studio speakers have been upgraded (Mackie HR824) and the Event's became my home theater speakers, replacing some cheap Technics speakers I still have and could utilize if I want to (8" woofers, I think they cost me $60 for the pair at Best Buy years ago).

As for my center channel and surrounds, I have Pok Audio Rti4 in the back, and a polk audio center channel (can't remember the model number right now but it's nice). The subwoofer is a big JBL that I'm really happy with.

So, now it's either get a good receiver and/or upgrade the Event 20/20s. Wow factor is what I am looking for!