Help choosing a used receiver?

[trh997]

Hey everyone, I've just received the Overnight Sensation DIY speakers (x2) and Dayton SUB-1200 subwoofer, and am hoping to get my system setup ASAP. However, I am fairly clueless as to what all goes into a home audio system (haven't had the time to do my research, shoot me). I am aware that a receiver is needed, but am clueless as to whether I'll need an amplifier or not.

I'm fairly broke right now considering schools fees, etc. and am looking for the best receiver for the cheapest price. I've done some digging through craigslist and was hoping to get some info and recommendations on what the best receiver to buy is out of those that I've found. The list is as follows:

Denon AVR-900 - $50
Kenwood AR-404 / Sherwood RD-6105 - $25 / $50
Sony STR-DE885 - $75
Yamaha RX-V540 - $30
Sony unnamed - $30
Pioneer VSX-305 - $79
Pioneer VSX-403 - $45
KLH unnamed - $20
Kenwood VR-517 - $50
Yamaha RX-330 - $80

EDIT: I forgot to mention, I'm into electronic music with deep bass, and need something to support that.

EDIT: Are any of these receivers good on the Goodwill website?

 

[markw]

A receiver has amplifiers built in so that's one worry you can forget about. I'm assuming that you'll be using it as a two channel system, at least for now.

But, when buying used receivers, remember, there's no guaranteee that comes with them like with a new one.

A lot of those are home theatre receiverers and depend on a remote control for many functions which cannot be accomplished without one. Make sure it's included when you buy one or you may never be able to set it up correctly. They can be costly or possibly not even available anymore. A manual is nice, too but most, not all, times one can be found on-line but again, get the manual along with it, aswell asthe remote.

That being said, for a starter system I'd consider any except the Kenwoods and those "unnamed" ones AS LONG AS IT WORKS AND HAS THE REMOTE AND A MANUAL.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I can't spend too much time on this, but this one would be my #1 choice:
Denon AVR-590 A/V Receiver

But, this one thou quite old and missing plenty of modern features still very solid - like old S500 Merc
YaMaHa r X - the photos are terrible and looks like unit also dirty.

In ether case - you MUST test it before buying


Also remember, that the asking price is just a start. Offer half and see how much seller would be willing to haggle

 

[crossedover]

Yamaha RECEIVER RX V-1000

 

[afterlife2]

Kenwood would be my choice. My Kenwood(Never had any problems at all) lasted me over 20 years until the storm took her away. If you can, make sure everything works good and a remote is a plus. My second choice would be the Yamaha, also look at Harman Kardon's. This is a great deal: http://austin.craigslist.org/ele/4580809170.html

 

[trh997]

Kenwood would be my choice. My Kenwood(Never had any problems at all) lasted me over 20 years until the storm took her away. If you can, make sure everything works good and a remote is a plus. My second choice would be the Yamaha, also look at Harman Kardon's.

Which of the Kenwoods and which of the Yamahas, would you recommend?

 

[afterlife2]

Any of them are ok. I'd say go for the CL I posted. Great deal. Scrool up.