NEED HELP: Finding a Receiver for Bose 301 speakers!

[Beethovenite]

Hi everyone, first time poster here! I'm about to purchase a used set of Bose 301 speakers and I'd like to set it up with a receiver to use with my computer, TV, DVD player, turntable, etc. I'm a music student and I'll mostly be listening to classical music. I'm obviously broke, so I'm looking at craigslist for a used set of A/V receivers... so far I've found the following:

Pioneer Elite VSX-99
Pioneer VSX-D414
Sony STR-DE685
Denon DRA 750
Yamaha HTR-5740

I realize these are POS systems for the hard core audiophiles, but again I'm broke so I'm trying to do the best with the budget I have (which is basically non-existent).

I'd appreciate any suggestion on how to set up my system and which receiver to buy. I was thinking of either of the Pioneers or the Yamaha. But I don't know what works best with the Bose 301s. Thanks in advance!

 

[markw]

Are you looking for a multi-channel receiver or do you just want stereo?

If you just want stereo, you get more bang for the buck with slightly older two-channel (stereo) receivers.

As for the newer receivers, make sure they have phono inputs. Many don't and you'll just have to buy an external phonp preamp.

 

[Seth=L]

What are the prices on these units? That's perhaps the most important part of making the decision. If they were all the same price I'd pick the Pioneer Elite VSX-99 for the mere fact that it has a RF input for AC-3 (Dolby Digital from Laserdisc). Because it's a surround sound receiver you'd have the option to add speakers later on for a full surround sound. The VSX-D414 is pretty small compared to the Pioneer Elite, less power, less connectivity, less features, although it is newer.

A couple other factors would be the condition and whether each one has a remote control or not (I know the Denon doesn't, but it's pretty darn old).

 

[Beethovenite]

thanks for the reply guys... so the prices are all reasonable -- all around 100 bucks.

i just found someone selling a Denon 1905 receiver for $90 and am ready to purchase... seems like it's the best thing i found on craigslist ALL week!

What do you guys think?

I'm just going to hook up the Bose as the two front speakers... should work, no?

 

[Seth=L]

If it has the remote, go for it.

My only interest in the Pioneer Elite is that RF input, if that's nothing to you at all, then I'd go with that Denon.

 

[Beethovenite]

what is the RF input???