Good reciever for a college kid

[jdbwolverines]

Hey everyone. I've been reading this forum for quite a while and finally need some advice. I'm in college and am going to be setting this up in the living room of our apartment. That being said, I don't know the actual size of the room, but nothing too big. I am going to be the one buying the reciever for our HT. I don't know what speakers it is going to be paired with, because another roommate is buying those (and the third the TV). This way we can get the best sytem with one person incurring really high cost. I am looking for a durable, quality reviever that is not going to give me a lot of problems. Probably the most important factor is value, best preformance for price.

As of now I have narrowed it down to the Onkyo TX-SR703, Denon AVR-2106, Marantz SR5600, and HK avr 635. I can get all for right about $500 and can't really go any higher, I am in college after all. I really value your opinions and advice so let me hear it.

 

[Audioholics]

I'd ditch the HK and Onkyo from that list given the competition. I also bet you could pick up an RX-V657 or RX-V757 for cheap now that the 659 has been released.

 

[jdbwolverines]

It seems after looking just briefly online I can get the RX-v659 for about $400, the RX-V757 for about $450, and even the RX-V2500 for about $550. Now the RX-V2500 is over budget, I could possible stretch it the extra if it is realy worth it.

Also, this system will primarily be used for movies and video games, but music still very important.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

It seems after looking just briefly online I can get the RX-v569 for about $400, the RX-V757 for about $450, and even the RX-V2500 for about $550. Now the RX-V2500 is over budget, I could possible stretch it the extra if it is realy worth it.

Also, this system will primarily be used for movies and video games, but music still very important.

Here's a few options:
http://www.ubid.com/Onkyo_TX-SR803_Black_735W._7.1-Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a10726574.html

http://www.ubid.com/Pioneer_VSX-9100TX_100-Watt_7.1_Channel_Audio_Video_Receiver/a800797460.html

 

[jdbwolverines]

I'd ditch the HK and Onkyo from that list given the competition. I also bet you could pick up an RX-V657 or RX-V757 for cheap now that the 659 has been released.

Just wondering why you would drop the HK. From all listed so far it is probably the most powerful (in actual power, not inflated rating like some). I was also raised in HK household. I have heard just as many stories about how much people hate the 635 compared to those who love it. Just curious.

 

[PENG]

From all listed so far it is probably the most powerful (in actual power, not inflated rating like some)

Actually, the HK630 has less power than the similarly priced Denon 3805, and a couple others according to lab measurements by HT and S&V magazines. Links were posted many times before. Also, based on measurements by Home Cinema Choice, the Marantz SR5500 also has higher power output, especially into 4 ohm. Assuming the SR5600 is similar to the SR5500, and the 635 is similar to the 630 in terms of power output, I would think that the Marantz is the most powerful one within the group you listed. That being said, if I have to choose, I would likely go for the 635.

Links to the reviews:
Marantz 5500
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=6081

HK630
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/displayreview.php?reviewid=4462

 

[korgoth]

i like the 630, its easy to use and reliable. plenty of power as well.

dont really like the remote that much though. it looks cool but doesnt work that well.

i have the 335, but my cousin has the 630. i have seen no problems with either one. 630 powers 2 paradigm monitor 90ps pretty easily.

 

[ggunnell]

If your budget will stretch to the Yamaha 2500 do so -- the pre-pro is good enough to be used after you graduate...

BUT...

I would go used instead. See what you can find on campus -- check the for sale ads at the end of the semester prior to your arrival. In other words, just buy something to get you through, resell it when you leave. The reasoning here is that the tech, especially video processing and HDMI audio, is a moving target. The time when you are out of school and ready to build your first large system will be better to invest in new gear.

 

[freeflap]

i am a former HK user. HK510. worked well but is not in same category as yamaha. also, they have a LOT of QC issues. lot's of lemon HK's out there. not so with denon or yamaha.

i would also check the used for sale / ebay. you will likely find a great deal on a used receiver there.

 

[jdbwolverines]

Alright guys, I have it down to the Marantz SR5600 and the Denon AVR-2106. I decided the Yamaha was too much. Right now I am leaning more towards the denon due to slighly better video features. I can get the Marantz for $450 with a 1 yr warranty refurbished and the denon for $400 w/ a 90 day warranty or for $460 w/ a 1 yr warranty, bith refurbished. All are from authorized dealers. Please help sway me one way or the other enough to finally pull the trigger.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Alright guys, I have it down to the Marantz SR5600 and the Denon AVR-2106. I decided the Yamaha was too much. Right now I am leaning more towards the denon due to slighly better video features. I can get the Marantz for $450 with a 1 yr warranty refurbished and the denon for $400 w/ a 90 day warranty or for $460 w/ a 1 yr warranty, bith refurbished. All are from authorized dealers. Please help sway me one way or the other enough to finally pull the trigger.

That's too much for the Denon IMHO. The Marantz is OK, but I think for that type of cash you can do much better. You need to consider the weight of these surround receivers. A class A/B receiver's guts are made from a beefy power supply and heat sink, both of which make up the bulk of the weight. A heavier A/B surround receiver will play louder, longer, with less chance of overheating issues and shut down.

Bid up to $350 on this one:
http://www.ubid.com/Pioneer_VSX-9100TX_100-Watt_7.1_Channel_Audio_Video_Receiver/a800806137.html

Or just buy outright:
http://www.ubid.com/Pioneer_VSX-9100TX_100-Watt_7.1_Channel_Audio_Video_Receiver/a800807843.html

 

[jdbwolverines]

I'm still thinking about the HK 635 also. You just get so much preformance and features for the price. I guess I'm still a little worried about about some of the QC issues they've had.
Also do you think getting a refurb one would would be better for this because it has to go through much more additional testing before it ships out, let alone the price break.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I'm still thinking about the HK 635 also. You just get so much preformance and features for the price. I guess I'm still a little worried about about some of the QC issues they've had.
Also do you think getting a refurb one would would be better for this because it has to go through much more additional testing before it ships out, let alone the price break.

Your gut feeling is right. The 635 is a much better unit then the Marantz and Denon you listed. Get the refurb with the 1yr warranty through HK (ebay's store), and you'll be fine. There is nothing wrong with a refurb with a warranty if the cost savings are sizable. I bought a Denon 3805 with a 90 day warranty, and I'm going on 2 years without a problem. I saved enough vs new to pay for a $350 repair 1x. So far, so good (knock on wood).

 

[samNOISE]

Pioneer

IMHO: A Pioneer VSX Series Receiver will fit the bill quite well. The 'standard VSX series' receivers are said to be 'old' Elite series receivers that were simply rebranded / re-faced as new model year Elites are introduced. I have the VSX-1014TX and dig it all the way. Every bell and whistle you could ever want, and enough power to push inefficient Magneplanar 1.6QR loudspeakers to ear-damaging levels without a hiccup.

They are cost-efficient, durable, have a brand name behind them that has been around since before many of us were even born and look cool as heck.

Here is a link to their site:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/pna/product/detail/0,,32171715_32252771_252723897,00.html

Andrew D.
www.cdnav.com

 

[jdbwolverines]

Yeah, I don't really know why I never gave the Pioneers much thought. The VSX-1016TXV is looking really tempting. An HDMI reciever for only $500! Has anyone had any experinece with them? I know they are really new and you couldn't even get them until a little while ago.

 

[samNOISE]

16's

Hmm, that’s the first time I have ever heard or seen anything of the '16' series... It’s too bad that Pioneer did away with the front-panel flap though...

The VSX-1014 that I have and the VSX-1015 that replaced it have a fold-down front panel which covers up a myriad of extra buttons and switches, giving the unit a bold and sleek appearance. Hate to say it as I am a big Pioneer fan, but the VSX-1016 is kinda’... ugly!

As far as experience with the VSX-1016: none - but I don’t imagine its too far off the VSX-1014 or VSX-1015 mark. That said, I have a VSX-1014 and my brother in law has a VSX-1015 - and I can confidently inform you that these units rock!

They are clean and clear, can be switched to 'Direct' mode for critical music listening if you are in a 'Golden-Ear 2-channel mood’, and you have the ability to piss around with about a dozen+ matrix modes to fulfill nearly any effect you want with your 5.1 or 7.1 setup. I have my VSX-1014 running 7.2 (two subs) and a whack of inefficient 4 and 6 ohm loudspeakers simultaneously - it has never so much as hiccupped no matter how hard I push it. The amplifier section is built like a tank!

Andrew D.
www.cdnav.com

 

[hemiram]

You can get the Yamaha for $350 or less from several places. Between the Marantz and the Denon, I would probably go with the Denon.

 

[Ron_Phelps]

Video Options

If the video options are important go with the Denon - I use a Denon 3806 and am very happy with its features/sound.

 

[gmichael]

Alright guys, I have it down to the Marantz SR5600 and the Denon AVR-2106. I decided the Yamaha was too much. Right now I am leaning more towards the denon due to slighly better video features. I can get the Marantz for $450 with a 1 yr warranty refurbished and the denon for $400 w/ a 90 day warranty or for $460 w/ a 1 yr warranty, bith refurbished. All are from authorized dealers. Please help sway me one way or the other enough to finally pull the trigger.

Of what you have on your list here, I would pick the Denon.
Denon and Yamaha have the least returns and I believe that is what you are aiming for. Have you looked at the Yamaha RX-V1500 or HTR-5890? Both should be available at good prices now. Almost the same as the RX-V2500.

 

[jdbwolverines]

Everyone thanks for the advice, I went with the HK AVR-635. I wound up talking a local retailer down to $525 new, so I just had to do it.