Best Receiver to get - below $600?

[alexb76]

Ok, back in the market for a receiver, have been using VSX-815 at parents house and it was a bit cold sounding, but overall really great for HT and for the price.

Now, looking for a new receiver for my new place (600 sq feet) apartment (the room is around 12 feet by 10). Like to get something to last a few years, so willing to go a step up on 815 a bit.

Currently got a cable box outputting HDMI, a 1080P Sharp LCD Panel, Pioneer DV588 with component output (plan to get an upconverting DVD via HDMI). Speakers are Athena Micra 6.

First, for that setup, do I actually need to go higher than VSX-815/816?

If so, what's the best receiver under $600 now? I have looked at Pio 1015/1016, Yamaha 659... Also, Elite 80TX, RXV-1600/1700, Denon 787/887 are around that price range... but not sure if I should pay that extra $.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

Alex,
Don't take this the wrong way, but a Pioneer 815 or a similar Yamaha or Denon will have plenty of power and features for your current Athena HTIB speaker system.
Check out the new AH review on the Yamaha RX-V659. I have a similar receiver the HTR-5860 and have been happy with it. You can pick up a new RX-V659 (or HTR-5960) for about $350 online from authorized dealers. It should hold you over for a while until you are ready for a major speaker upgrade.

 

[alexb76]

Alex,
Don't take this the wrong way, but a Pioneer 815 or a similar Yamaha or Denon will have plenty of power and features for your current Athena HTIB speaker system.
Check out the new AH review on the Yamaha RX-V659. I have a similar receiver the HTR-5860 and have been happy with it. You can pick up a new RX-V659 (or HTR-5960) for about $350 online from authorized dealers. It should hold you over for a while until you are ready for a major speaker upgrade.

Why should I take it the wrong way, thanks dude!

Problem is that I am in Canada and I cannot get the RX-V659 at those kind of prices. Pio 1015/1016TX are cheaper than RX-V659...

I do know all probably do fine with my speakers and room, but have two reasons to spend a littl more:

1. HDMI switching
2. Futureproof (capable of driving other speakers in future)

Not sure if either of those reasons are strong enough to put more money now than later?!

Any other opinions?

 

[A/VUSMCSGT]

I have the 1015 and it's a great receiver. I wish I would have waited for a while longer to get the 1016. My t.v. only has one HDMI input and the 1016 has two inputs and one output, so I'd use that for my switching. It doesn't matter now since my cable box is the only thing I'm running with an HDMI output. When I get a HD DVD or Blu-Ray player one of these days, I'll have to get a dedicated switcher or a receiver that can switch, maybe the 1017??? Out of your mentioned choices, I don't know a lot about all of them, but the 1016 would be my choice from what I do know. It's well within your budget, and I know for a fact that it's a good receiver and worth the money.
Make sure to post your choice.

Joe

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receivers

2. Futureproof (capable of driving other speakers in future)
Any other opinions?

To address #2, look for a receiver that has pre-amp outputs (like the Pioneer 1016 and Yamaha RX-V659). This will allow to add an outboard amp in the future if necessary for low impedance speakers. Also, concerning power, the Yamaha RX-V659 is actually underrated based on the AH review. Look for the nearly identical HTR-5960 model online.
Also, you can find good deals on sites like UBID for a refurbished RX-V2500 or 1500 for <$500 US.

 

[JayMan007]

The Pioneer 1016 is an HDMI passthrough switch only ... you can do the same thing with this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2778&seq=1&format=2&style=

There is also a manual one (no remote) for less.

To get an AVR that can get the audio out via HDMI (ex:HD-DVD, HD STB) and send Video to you monitor, you would need to step up to the Pioneer Elite 81 or better--in the Pioneer line.

 

[alexb76]

To address #2, look for a receiver that has pre-amp outputs (like the Pioneer 1016 and Yamaha RX-V659). This will allow to add an outboard amp in the future if necessary for low impedance speakers. Also, concerning power, the Yamaha RX-V659 is actually underrated based on the AH review. Look for the nearly identical HTR-5960 model online.
Also, you can find good deals on sites like UBID for a refurbished RX-V2500 or 1500 for <$500 US.

Thanks, the review for 659 was awesome, just read it. However, the only thing with Yamaha is their YPAO is just not good! From what I've seen MCACC has always been praised for the great job it does, while YPAO get mixed reviews and in the recent review here, it was noted that YPAO is only good for speaker distance and that's it!

So, having said that... still can do the tuning urself... also between 1016 and 1015, not sure which one has a better amp?! 1015 was MOSFET and 1016 Direct Energy. Anyone knows the difference? Some have said that 1016 is a step back and if one doesn't need HDMI Passthrough, 1015 is a better sounding unit, not to mention the Aluminum front and the door for hiding cotrols!

Thnx

 

[gene]

Thanks, the review for 659 was awesome, just read it. However, the only thing with Yamaha is their YPAO is just not good! From what I've seen MCACC has always been praised for the great job it does, while YPAO get mixed reviews and in the recent review here, it was noted that YPAO is only good for speaker distance and that's it!

Most auto correction systems built into receivers aren't very good, with the exception to Audyssey which can be great if used properly. Don't let this be a deciding factor for your purchasing decision, especially at this price. The RX-V659 is a class leading product at its price point and will surely win our POY award for Budget receivers category.

 

[alexb76]

Most auto correction systems built into receivers aren't very good, with the exception to Audyssey which can be great if used properly. Don't let this be a deciding factor for your purchasing decision, especially at this price. The RX-V659 is a class leading product at its price point and will surely win our POY award for Budget receivers category.

Thanks. Wish there was a comparison review of the two. Yamaha vs. Pioneer. To me it seems for that price range the 1015/1016 and RX-V659 are the ones to beat. But in Canada, the RX-V659 is more money than Pioneer! and I just cannot get used to cheap feel of HTRs?!

Anyone knows more about Amp difference of 1015 vs. 1016? MOSFET vs. Direct Energy?!

 

[gene]

Wish there was a comparison review of the two. Yamaha vs. Pioneer.
Not likely since we are currently reviewing an Elite Receiver.

The Pioneer 1016 looks like another winner and with HDMI switching. Difficult choices

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/product/details/0,,2076_310069809_316743263_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_V3_ProductDetailsComponent

 

[gaby95]

I will have to recommend the HK Avr-635 unless you really need that HDMI switching, The sound is awesome and the EZset/EQ works amazingly well at least in my room and with my cheapo speakers. The most important thing for me was natural sound and God this thing is stunning in that department.