I Need Help-Badly. Need New System-Sort Of.

[fochmann]

Hello, My Yamaha RX-V1500 completely blew up today. In other words bad overheating the sensors I guess did not kick in and smoke came out now it wont turn on. So I am looking to buy a new receiver or separates.

I currently have:
-The dead yamaha
-Hafler Xl-280 power amplifier
-NAD 5425
-Paradigm Monitor 9's v.2
-Paradigm CC-370 v.3
-Mordant-Short Pageant 3
-Some old Yamahopper speakers from the 80's I use as surrounds
-Eosone RSP 100 Subwoofer

I would like to know what would best match up with the speakers I have. I would like to spend no more than $500 so used products is a must. I primarily listen to music.
I was looking into an old Denon avr-5000. I do not care about video switching I have that taken care of.

So what I need is a receiver or separates for around $500 that will be incredible with music, ok in the movie department and pairs well with the speakers I have.

Any Ideas? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Links to products and what not. I do not care how old it is as long as I have 5.1 DTS Encoding. THX would be great but is not required.

What about a Marantz SR-18?

 

[lsiberian]

The magic smoke got out.

Thankfully you have many options at 500 bucks.

www.accessories4less.com, 6ave, vanns, and ebay harman audio store will give you enough bargains to get a great setup.

Also peruse audiogon and the ah classifieds.

Don't forget to look up the deals at the audioholics store. If I can get something for only a little more here I will.

1. I know the owner is a stand up guy

2. They understand this disease and it's demand for perfection.

 

[fochmann]

What do you guys think of the two receivers I mentioned?

Marantz SR-18

Denon AVR-5000

 

[lsiberian]

What do you guys think of the two receivers I mentioned?

Marantz SR-18

Denon AVR-5000

Buying used receivers is a sketchy deal. They are very complex things with too many things that can go wrong.

New receivers usually cost too much.

Refurbs are usually the safe bet. Great value and you get the newest firmware too.

 

[fochmann]

But let's say I were to purchase either of these. Does anyone have any real known common problems with these models?

 

[AVRat]

The Marantz is an excellent unit. Is that the right Denon model or should it be the 57/5800 models? Either of those would be excellent as well.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/marantz-sr-18-first-look

 

[phantom52]

HK 254 or even the HK 354 would be excellent replacement for that Yamaha. Go to the Harmon E-Bay store and give a look at the prices. After HK gets these back for refurbing all the latest and greatest updates are added and you still get HK's excellent service and warranty. Either of these should fit your budget. Oh and don't give a second thought to the power ratings. HK is one of the few that actually meet or exceed their amps power ratings with all channels driven. Good luck.

 

[fochmann]

Problem with HK in my mind is when I bought the yamaha I listened to multiple hk and I hated them. I believe I listened to the 354. Thanks Anyway but im really not to fond of hk

I am looking at a B&K 202. Any thoughts?

I found a Denon Avr-3802 I could get for $200. Any thoughts on that, right now it is my best option. Less Money I spend I could pick up another Hafler Xl-280 maybe two if I was lucky to stay under my budget. I would have separate amps that sound amazing.

 

[j_garcia]

B&K great sound and features. Can't really go wrong with them. I am a Marantz guy though, and the SR-18 is also an excellent receiver.

 

[phantom52]

Have you looked at Accessories4less.com for their refurb deals for either Marantz or Onkyo? Good deals there. It seems not too long ago that you could get the Marantz 6001 or even the Marantz 5002/5003 for good deals.

 

[AVRat]

Yes, the 3802 is a good option.

 

[fochmann]

There is a B&K 202 on audiogon and I have the Denon AVR-3802 option.

Which one is the better choice. I do not care about video pure audio is all I will use it for.

 

[fochmann]

I am really liking what I read on B&K receivers so if I can find the right one I will most likely go with them. I have one question tho.

There is an AVR-305 and an AVR-202. Which one is the better option. 305 has a little bit more power and THX processing. I will probably spend $100 more but is it worth it?

The Denon AVR-3802 was a joke. The guy wanted $350 and he wouldn't move.