First time poster looking for help with a receiver

[Craft23]

Hi guys, so I recently came into a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 70's. First off, any reviews on these or just on Polk Audio in general, I heard them for a minute and they sounded good but I pretty much know nothing. I am looking to buy a receiver and have no idea where to begin. I was hoping to find one for around $250 but willing to wait a little and spend around $500 if necessary. I am going to be adding on a center channel and subwoofer eventually so I need the receiver to be able to handle all of those. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[lovinthehd]

Can't tell you about your speakers, haven't heard any Polks in quite a while. Polk is a good audio brand, but have quite a few different lineups of speakers. Might want to check for comments on threads they've been discussed in https://www.google.com/#q=polk+monitor+70+site:forums.audioholics.com

AVRs are about connectivity and features for the most part. You can make your avr dollar go further with refurbs/closeouts (but some additional risk perhaps so watch return/warranty options) at a place like accessories4less.com. The avrs in your budget range are far more similar than different in any case....personally I like the Denon/Marantz stuff that have Audyssey. This one looks nice http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1100w/denon-avr-x1100w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

 

[cel4145]

Agreed. That receiver is a good choice. Save your money for a subwoofer next.

 

[Craft23]

Agreed. That receiver is a good choice. Save your money for a subwoofer next.

For what reason would you suggest a sub over a center first?

 

[Craft23]

Can't tell you about your speakers, haven't heard any Polks in quite a while. Polk is a good audio brand, but have quite a few different lineups of speakers. Might want to check for comments on threads they've been discussed in https://www.google.com/#q=polk+monitor+70+site:forums.audioholics.com

AVRs are about connectivity and features for the most part. You can make your avr dollar go further with refurbs/closeouts (but some additional risk perhaps so watch return/warranty options) at a place like accessories4less.com. The avrs in your budget range are far more similar than different in any case....personally I like the Denon/Marantz stuff that have Audyssey. This one looks nice http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1100w/denon-avr-x1100w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Thanks for the help, but what is Audyssey?

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the help, but what is Audyssey?

It's what is generally called room correction software or room correction eq and is often combined with an automatic setup program using a measurement microphone that will setup delays (distance) and levels for your speakers and subs for optimal sound at the listening position(s). Audyssey is a licensed product, mostly found now in Denon and Marantz avrs in various levels (basic thru highest levels: MultEQ, MultEQ XT, MultEQ XT32). Yamaha uses their own proprietary program called YPAO, Onkyo/Integra has their own AccuEQ, and there are others as well.