Comparable to Pioneer 1015tx??

[Matt34]

Next month I'm looking at getting a new receiver to replace my old pro-logic Pioneer VSX-505S. For the last couple months I've been set on replacing it with the venerable 1015tx. How things change after a few months on this forum , I want to expand my horizons and check out some different brands I believe might give me a better sound. Specificly Harmon & Kardon, Yamaha and Denom in that order.

I want to stay between $400-500 and am willing to go with a refurbed unit. Will be working with either Bic DV64s or there acoustech 5.1 set. Sub will be a SVS PB10-isd, sources will be Pioneer DV-588s and direct TV DVR R-10. 80% movies/ 20% music.

 

[GlocksRock]

If you shop around a bit you can get the Yamaha RX-V2500 for just under 600 if you don't mind spending a bit more, or the RX-V1500 or RX-V757 or 657 can be had for your price range.

 

[jcPanny]

Refurbished HK

For HK, check the Harman Audio Store on Ebay. This manufacturer run site sells refurbished units with the full 2 year warantee.

I was looking closely at the HK AVR-235 but I ended up finding a good deal on a Yamaha HTR-5860 for just over $300 and bought it instead.
Since HK just released new models, there might be some discounts on last years models.

 

[df4801]

I was going to get the 1015, but instead got the yamaha 5890 (in your price range from authorized dealer) because I needed lip sync function. They seem pretty comparable otherwise.

 

[fergusonv]

H/K fan here. 235/335 can be found at pretty good prices.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

heres a link for HK ARV 335.
the auction ends in a llittle over a day so If your ready to pull the trigger, keep watch on this one. If your going to wait a while...watch this ebay store. they are always offering new "refurbished" items with a two year warranty and have great customer service.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-335-7-1-Home-theater-receiver_W0QQitemZ5827481329QQcategoryZ67799QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Matt34]

heres a link for HK ARV 335.
the auction ends in a llittle over a day so If your ready to pull the trigger, keep watch on this one. If your going to wait a while...watch this ebay store. they are always offering new "refurbished" items with a two year warranty and have great customer service.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-335-7-1-Home-theater-receiver_W0QQitemZ5827481329QQcategoryZ67799QQcmdZViewItem

I briefly looked at that HK 335 the other day on the ebay store! Does BB or CC carry HK so I can take a gander at it in person?

GlocksRocks, I'll take a look at those Yammy's you recommended. Can't due the V2500 @ $600 though.

df4801, will look at that Yammy too.

Thanks guys!

 

[tomd51]

Matt;
If you're interested, I have a refurbished Harman Kardon AVR330 for sale here if you're interested. Impressive receiver for the money.. -TD

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

I briefly looked at that HK 335 the other day on the ebay store! Does BB or CC carry HK so I can take a gander at it in person?

GlocksRocks, I'll take a look at those Yammy's you recommended. Can't due the V2500 @ $600 though.

df4801, will look at that Yammy too.

Thanks guys!

CC carries them. Not sure what model #'s they have, but I Know they carry HK. Dont be thrown by the low wattage they list on there spec sheet. HK notoriously underestimates their products at about 20%, or rather-gives an accurate measure of there products at low thd, and doesnt fall into the marketing trap of other companies and their high wattage listing, (i have read). HK also rates their products at ALL channels playing simotaniously. A lot of other companies will say a "7.1 channel 100 watt receiver". This USUALLY means...7.1 channel and 100 watts per channel in stereo (meaning two channels) and somewhere in the ballpark of about 50 watts/channel in 7.1 mode. If others chime in, they can give a technical explaination of this.

If you dont go for tomd51's unit (HE HE you said unit), keep checking Harman Audio's ebay store. they constantly list new items. you can get a steal there...I did

 

[Matt34]

CC carries them. Not sure what model #'s they have, but I Know they carry HK. Dont be thrown by the low wattage they list on there spec sheet. HK notoriously underestimates their products at about 20%, or rather-gives an accurate measure of there products at low thd, and doesnt fall into the marketing trap of other companies and their high wattage listing, (i have read). HK also rates their products at ALL channels playing simotaniously. A lot of other companies will say a "7.1 channel 100 watt receiver". This USUALLY means...7.1 channel and 100 watts per channel in stereo (meaning two channels) and somewhere in the ballpark of about 50 watts/channel in 7.1 mode. If others chime in, they can give a technical explaination of this.

If you dont go for tomd51's unit (HE HE you said unit), keep checking Harman Audio's ebay store. they constantly list new items. you can get a steal there...I did

Brian called me and gave me the run down on HK wattage measurements this morning. One question I did forget to ask him, do they have the auto EQ setup with mic?

 

[Ron Temple]

3xx models and below have EZSet, a quick and easy auto-setup which matches, in my room, a SPL manual calibration almost exactly. 4xx and up have EQ and Tilt features for taming FR. You can snag a 430 for < $350 if your lucky and a 435 (when available) for ~ $400.

I've heard both good and bad things about HKs EQ. It will do screwy things with speaker size and crossovers that will need to be reset. Most recommend running it, then tweaking manually for the best results.

 

[tomd51]

I've used the EZSet setting up the 330 and I've also used the MCACC on a Pio Elite, both work fairly well and are more accurate than the "by ear" calibration.

However, I prefer to use the Radio Shack Analog SPL Meter for this along with either the receiver's built-in test tones, Avia or other HT calibration DVDs.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

[QUOTE
I've heard both good and bad things about HKs EQ. It will do screwy things with speaker size and crossovers that will need to be reset. Most recommend running it, then tweaking manually for the best results.[/QUOTE]


It didnt do anything screwy on mine but I did this same thing. EZ set up, then tweek. Worked well