Budget 7.1 Receiver

[Polygon]

I'm looking to upgrade from a stereo receiver to a 7.1 unit. I don't want to spend a lot, $400 at the most. I don't want to spend to much since this is somewhat temporary until I can move into my own house. At that time I'll get something a bit better like a Rotel or Marantz. Anyhow, the speakers being used will be Wharfedale center and bi-pole rears with DBX Soundfield V fronts. I have been looking at the Onkyo 605 and the Denon 1508. What are your opinions on these receivers? Any different suggestions?

 

[mazersteven]

I have been looking at the Onkyo 605

Good choice.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=359208#post359208

 

[B3Nut]

If you can live without HDMI for the time being, you can get an insane deal on a refurbed Yamaha RX-V659 (less than $300, sometimes less than $250!). There's a review with measurements on this site. This one has an impressively-robust power amp section, and for the prices it can be had for, it's a killer deal. It even has phono inputs and a preamp output for all channels.

A B-stock RX-V661 can be had for your budget as well, and it has HDMI. A little less power than the 659, but retains the phono pre and full preouts. I've seen them pop up on ubid.com for around $300.

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

 

[rnatalli]

The Onkyo 605 and Yamaha 659 (or 661) are fine choices.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, I vote for the Onkyo 605!

 

[Seth=L]

Harman Kardon AVR-247 is my recommendation. Chances are it has more power than the Onkyo and it also has more overall features.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3547540

You may be able to find it for even cheaper than that if you look around.

 

[bens0472]

I can't comment on any of the receivers you mentioned in your original post, but I can say that the Yamaha RX-V659 is impressive. Yesterday, I received and setup mine to replace an old, ailing Sony STR-DE545 and the improvement is vast.

I've read good things about the Onkyo, as well, but HDMI wasn't as important to me as the ability (with the Yamaha) to use external amps on all channels (if I ever choose to doso) AND the dedicated Phono input (still like listening to the vinyl every now and then).

There's been a bit of hub-bub about it being complicated to setup, but I really didn't find that to be the case.

 

[tlqualman]

I have the Onkyo 605 in my secondary system and really like it. The only thing is if your going to put is in an equipment rack make sure it is well ventilated as this reciever tends to run warm.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You may want to jump on this deal.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39944

 

[mazersteven]

You may want to jump on this deal.

Audioholics has that same receiver (I posted link in top of thread) for only $99 bucks more new. And free shipping

That is why I have 7 Greg.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

But maybe they live in the same town...huh...huh...huh...then it is 250 flat!

I paid 300 bucks for mine when they first came out and were going for 500.

Audioholics has that same receiver (I posted link in top of thread) for only $99 bucks more new. And free shipping

That is why I have 7 Greg.

 

[Polygon]

I was leery about Yamaha since I listened to a friends. It had no low end. Mostly mids and highs. It was almost shrill. Granted he didn't have a sub but he had loudspeakers that were up to the task. They had plenty of low end on a crappy JVC receiver I had sitting around.

However, after reading about it I think I might get the Yamaha. I have no need for HDMI yet. Not until I get my own place, so that's not important.

 

[mazersteven]

I was leery about Yamaha since I listened to a friends. It had no low end. Mostly mids and highs. It was almost shrill. Granted he didn't have a sub but he had loudspeakers that were up to the task. They had plenty of low end on a crappy JVC receiver I had sitting around.

 

[Polygon]

What?

It was the only Yamaha receiver I'd ever heard. Perhaps there was something wrong with his? I've just been using the same old Sony for years. It's just a 4ch stereo receiver and was built in 1984.

 

[mazersteven]

If I blind folded you, and ran Yamaha, Denon, Marantz identical priced receivers to the same speakers calibrated at the same levels. I would bet you could tell the difference.

 

[Polygon]

If I blind folded you, and ran Yamaha, Denon, Marantz identical priced receivers to the same speakers calibrated at the same levels. I would bet you could tell the difference.

That's good to know since the Yamaha is less expensive anyhow. Everyone I've been talking to says there's no better bang for the buck than the 605 but I think the Yamaha is the better value as long as you don't need the DVI ports which I don't right now.

I'd prefer sound quality. I'll have to see if I can audition one around here. Since they close Ultimate Electronics my pickings are pretty slim.

However, based on what I've read I'll most likely go with the Yamaha. After reading the review the only thing I can nit pick is the fact that I don't like the orange LED display. Given the rest it's truly irrelevant.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

An amp is an amp is an amp...well...kind-of...Oh we are talking about AVRs...an AVR is an AVR...is an AVR...WELL...kind of...

Just pick the AVR that has the features you need...they all sound the same...speakers sound different...

 

[sailfish]

I know what HDMI is.....but what exactly would I need it for on the receiver. What would I give up if I bought the Yamaha V659......sorry about my ignorance. I'm an old codger!!

 

[Seth=L]

I know what HDMI is.....but what exactly would I need it for on the receiver. What would I give up if I bought the Yamaha V659......sorry about my ignorance. I'm an old codger!!

HDMI can transmit audio to the receiver, then pass the video signal on to the display. The true advantages of this aren't seen until you get into HD DVD or Blu-ray (many are assuming, as well as I, that HD DVD is pretty much doomed).