Best receiver under $400 to match Energy Classic 5.1 speakers?

[minceymeatpie]

Hi,

I decided to take the plunge into setting up a home theatre but find myself really lost with regards to choosing a receiver to match the Energy Classic 5.1 speakers I picked up on sale which I understand are great speakers for the price (paid CAD$450).

The biggest problem I find is that there are so few Canadian options for finding deals on electronics goods. After reading through a few of the forum threads re: recommendations, it seems as if they're all from US stores.

That being said, can anyone point me in the best direction for a receiver that matches my budget?

So far, I'm looking at:

Pioneer VSX 919 (CAD$450 at HD.ca)
Denon AVR-689 (CAD$399.99 at FS)

Those are the best prices I can find shipping included...

Please - someone, anyone - help me out! (This is a huge undertaking for me considering I only gave in and bought a TV last year after going 5yrs without one and relying instead on my 18" laptop to do all entertainment duties)

My entertainment setup:

37" Samsung TV (which only goes to 720p)
Energy Classic 5.1 speakers
Rogers HD PVR
Xbox 360
and an upconverting DVD player that I hardly use

Between picture and sound, sound is more important to me.

Thanks for all and any help.

M

 

[rnatalli]

I know HK's eBay store is letting reburbished 254's go for 220 USD shipped. I don't know if they ship to Canada, but if so, that has my vote.

 

[minceymeatpie]

Hi, thanks for that - however, it doesn't seem like it does shipping to Canada.

(I also looked at some of those refurbed Onkyos that other threads had mentioned but it is billed as NOT TO BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF THE US so no luck there either...)

Any other suggestions, anyone?

M

 

[GO-NAD!]

At electronicsforless.ca, they have a several Onkyos that might be in your price range. Some include shipping, some don't - go figure. How big is the room you intend to set this system up in? In the CAN$400-$500 range, you won't get a lot of power. Have you thought about buying used? I don't think you need a Receiver with HDMI, because you can continue to go directly from your HD PVR to your TV. You might find something that better suits your needs on the used market. You'd have to keep your eyes peeled though - good deals go fast!