Looking for a CHEAP receiver

[LOUMFSG]

I have an old Kenwood receiver, a JVC CD player and an Onkyo tape player (all from the mid-80s) in a spare guest bedroom. The receiver just died, but the CD player and tape deck still work fine. I would like to replace the receiver, so the CD player and tape player don't go to waste, but I don't want to spend a lot of money. Frankly, fidelity is not a big concern, but I would like to get something that would sound decent, and will last a while. I have seen a few choices:

KLH R3100 ~ $60
TEAC AG-370 ~ $90
Sherwood RX-4103 ~ $80
Onkyo TX-SR302 ~ $80 (REFURBISHED)

Even though it is more than I need, the Onkyo seems like a good deal, and at least it is a name I trust. However, I have not purchased refurbished before - any reason I should hesitate in buying a refurbished receiver? Are there any other deals out there that I should consider? Thanks in advance.

 

[markw]

Funny you should mention. A friend of mine has that Sherwood.

...had it for over a year now. For what it is and what it cost, it's perfect. Before that, she had a KLH which lasted two years.

...OK. so she's not an audiophile but she likes decent sound.

As an aside, In 1990 or so I picked up a Teac digital stereo receiver for $150 or so for the den. The ex-wife took this when we divorced up in '96 . Thank G-d she thought the Marantz 2270 was "old and clunky". It had a build in equalizer and was OK, but it had a little more inherent hiss than I liked. I'm glad the wife took it. ..something about hissing and a snake.

In sunmmation, I'd say the Sherwood is a safe bet. Did you ever consider a used vinatage unit?

 

[zmurphy]

I have a Sherwood rx-4105, it was $95 at Circuit City. i bought it just for music (of course its only 2 ch, 100 watts each) and i love it. great clarity for the $.

 

[jcPanny]

Onkyo 502

For just over $100, you might consider a refurbished Onkyo 502 from an authorized dealer like ecost. It makes a good entry level 6.1 unit with plenty of features. Also comes with a 2 year warranty.

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=178002