Need Help selecting a receiver

[happajay]

Hello, I currently have an old Onkyo receiver that just died. It was a lower end, older Onkyo from probably about 10 years ago or so. The speakers that I currently have are a bit better quality. I have the Polk Audio LSi series. The two front speakers are really tall and can bi-amp, which I've never done (something I'd like to do with my next reciever). I never installed the rear speakers because I hate all the cords everywhere, so just use the two front channels and center LSi speaker. I may get a subwoofer to make it a 3.1 system (if there is such a thing). I'm looking to get a receiver for primarily TV, Music and movie watching. So far I've been considering a Onkyo 805 (refurbished for $550)or maybe a Yamaha 663 (~$400). I'm open to other suggestions or maybe even waiting for something else coming out on the horizon. I noticed that the Onkyo had some kind of virtual surround sound system, so maybe you could take 5.1 ouput to my 3 speakers. I know it would never be as good as 5 speakers, but I'm just looking for something during movies that would best use my three already existing Polk LSi's. The system would probably be about 60% movies/TV and 40% music. Also it would be nice to have a reciever that made 480i (TV broadcast) look better on a 1080i or 720p TV. Any advice would be great, thanks!

 

[AVRat]

The 805 is probably the better bet as it should handle the 4-ohm load of the LSis better and it has a decent scaler, which may/not help with the SD issue of your display.

 

[chadnliz]

3.1 is a great way to go for budget or decorative issues and can be very entertaining, as far as virual surround that is usually a setting used for older mono material to simulate an experience but its nothing to focus on. The first reply you had was a good call and should be considered, also there is an increasing number of wireless speaker options you could look into to avoid all the wires but get a 5 channel experience.
Be careful of fixating on Bi-amping with a reciever, your going to get alot of opinions on the matter and a majority are going to suggest not to worry about it. I am a fan of and do Bi-amp but I use an outboard crossover and my speakers were made with 2 amps in mind (in fact you cant use 1 amp) but at the level you are at and considering the cost I wouldnt fuss with it.

 

[happajay]

Thanks for the replys. I am leaning towards the 805. I was wondering if anyone with a 605,705, or 805 Onkyo could attest to the quality/sound of the setting "theater-dimensional". I'm interested in how it might be good (or suck) at imitating surround sound for a 3.1 system. Also my only real concern with the 805 is whether it will get too hot on the shelf built into my entertainment center. Sometimes I get the feeling that receiver needs to be open and well ventilated, and is not really suited to be on a shelf below the TV.

 

[rnatalli]

Check the deals section as I saw the Onkyo 805 selling for under $500. At that price, it's a no-brainer to get the 805.

 

[Midcow2]

Agree !

The 805 is probably the better bet as it should handle the 4-ohm load of the LSis better and it has a decent scaler, which may/not help with the SD issue of your display.

AvRat is correct the Onkyo receivers handle 4 ohm speaker loads much better than Yamaha!

805 is a great choice! ... unless you want Marantz ( sorry my bias )