Phono input needed?

[Len]

<font color='#000000'>I am in the market for an entry level receiver that can service/match existing components and provide a path to HDTV and HT.
I have a Yamaha P-550 turntable in perfect condition, a Sony multi-CD player CDP-C245, a NEC DX-2000U Hi-Fi VCR, two Klipsch SB-2 Synergy bookshelp speakers, a 27&quot; TV, and Digital Cable.

The TV needs upgrading and I need a DVD player but first I want a solid reciever that can integrate with existing components. &nbsp;A warranty is important to me. &nbsp;I plan on choosing speakers from the Synergy line, probably the SC-1 center, KSW-10 subwoofer, and SS-1 dispersion surrounds.

I like the looks of the Denon 1804 and can get a refurbished unit that has a 1 year warranty for $328 + shipping (~365). &nbsp;The main competitor at this point is the Pioneer D912K, which I can get new from an authorized seller for $279 + shipping (~305). &nbsp;The quality of the Denon impresses me and it has a phono input; however, the refurbished unit represents an additional risk yet a new costs $499. &nbsp;The Pioneer has gotten excellent reviews around the web, has a neat sound balancing system, but lacks the phono input. &nbsp;I can't speak to the quality - I suspect its a step down from the Denon.

So whats the deal with phono input? &nbsp;Is it really needed? &nbsp;At the risk of sounding cliched, which receiver is right for my set-up? &nbsp;Any other receivers in this price range that I should consider?

I'd be interested in hearing reactions from more experienced audiophiles.</font>

 

[JVC]

<font color='#000000'>The phono input will only be needed, if you plan to use the turntable. If you're going to put turntable in storage, and not use it, then don't worry about it.

What additional risk is a refurb unit causing? Refurbed means the problem was fixed, by the factory. I'd take the refurbed Denon over the new Pioneer. But if you're not comfortable with it, you will never be happy with it. So, for peace of mind, you may want to go with the Pioneer. Other than the Denon, I'd go for JVC, but that's just me.

Good luck with whatever you decide.</font>

 

[Len]

<font color='#000000'>Thanks for the tip.  I took the plunge yesterday and ordered a refurbished Denon 1804 from eCost.  Cost was about $285 inc. shipping.  Comes with a 90 day factory warranty.  Interestingly, enough they same outfit runs MacMall and PCMall where the Denon costs about $315.  Go figure.

The Yamaha turntable is just too cool to give up.  It has a strobe fine adjustment so you can set your record to run at 33.33333 RPM!
Now I can show off my vinyl collection to young whippersnappers.

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[JVC]

<font color='#000000'>Alright...........!
You should be happy with it. Keep us posted, and do a review after you get it set up?

Sounds like you may be a little older (like me), than some on here. You may appreciate the deal I got on some vinyl.
I was in a pawn shop and saw a thick box buried under a bunch of old and very scratched albums. I dug out the box and opened it. It was a Reader's Digest collection. There were 8 records in it, and there wasn't a single scratch on any of them. The box set is called &quot;The Magic of Mantovani&quot;. The guy let me have the box set of perfect condition albums, for $5. There's some great stuff on them. Check your local pawn shops, Goodwill Stores and Salvation Army Outlets for stuff like this.  

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