Onkyo 603 - best in its price range?

[Bluesmoke]

I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a black Onkyo. I've read all the reviews, compared the prices and it seems the 603 is the best bet for a great starter/mid priced receiver. I've found it for $350us on ebay. If anyone knows where I can get it cheaper or want to throw in some other alternatives, please do so.

The speakers are Polk RTi8s mains, Polk CSi3 center, RT15 rears and a Polk 10; Sub so far. I'm pretty sure the receiver can handle these speakers with ease.

 

[Nomo]

Best in class? I don't know. No pre-out for an amp. that bugs me.

Any way, here is a mfg refurf at Ubid.com. I'd trust them over Ebay any day.
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10594466

And a couple of other options. Both of which are pretty good deals:
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10598140

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10594466

 

[MDS]

You have to jump up to the 70x series to get pre-outs. It's always been that way with Onkyo. They just don't put pre-outs (other than subwoofer) on the lower numbered models.

If you don't need pre-outs; ie, not planning to add any external amps, the 603 would be a great choice.

 

[zumbo]

I would go with the Yamaha. My last receiver was an OnKyo. My current receiver is a Yamaha, and I use the pre-outs.

 

[mokru]

The initial reason I steered away from the 603

was the fact that its component video bandwidth is fairly low by comparison. In that price class I would consider a comparable Denon unless you are absolutely thrilled by the potential to hook-up an iPod to the Onkyo... unless of course the Denon remote is a deal breaker. I really had a tough time deciding where to compromise, so I bought a yamaha RX-V2500. It lacked one thing I thought would have been great (HDMI). It can be obtained on ebay for about $500... though I wouldn't recommend a Yamaha from an unauthorized dealer.

 

[zumbo]

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10594465&refLoc=searchone

 

[Nomo]

No doubt buying the Yamaha from an unauthorized dealing is a somewhat scary thing. I'm not sure if I could pull the trigger myself.
The Onkyo's on the other hand have a one year warranty. I'd pay the extra to move up to the 7** series.
BTW I own the Yamaha 1500 and have been very happy with it.

 

[malvado78]

You found a 603 on Ebay for $350 (Unauthorized dealer I assume)

Here is the link for a 702 fro $349 from an authorized dealer (comes with a 1 year warranty).
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10594437
It is a refurb and last years model but little has changed between this year and last. Especially if you were look at the 603 and you move up to the 702. The 702 does have pre-outs which is what everyone thought was wrong with the 603. I think this is a great deal.