Pulling the trigger ... on last question

[bryanalban]

I'm about to pull the trigger and buy a new AVR.

My criteria:

I listen to more music than movies, so I want it to be good on music (especially acoustic stuff - classical, jazz).

I need 2 HDMI ports - I have HD cable tv and will be getting a blue ray player sometime soon. I will also be hooking up a CD player, my old DVD player (via component) and a phono.

If it doesn't have a phono input I will need to buy one, and that needs to be figured into the price.

Budget is $550 max.


So I have decided on a Denon 2808CI. I'm holding out hope I can find a sale or an open boxed Denon 2808CI, but if not I'm thinking of going with the 2308CI.

My question, are there any receivers I'm overlooking that would meet my criteria.

Thanks for the help!

 

[jvgillow]

Onkyo 805, might have to be refurbished to meet the $550 requirement.

I looked at the Denon series esp the 2809 and decided the 2809 just wasn't worth the extra cost over the Onkyo considering they go head-for-head in terms of features, DACs, power output, multi zones, etc.

 

[Cpt.America]

I can't recommend the Pioneer Elite VHX-01 enough. Gorgeous receiver, great audio performance, runs cool, haven't had (in my short time) or even HEARD of any issues with receiver. The only negitive I can even come up with on this receiver, is the fact that it uses a perminently attached power cable, not a typical PC power cable. Thats it, thats all i got.

 

[bryanalban]

So I have decided on a Denon 2808CI. I'm holding out hope I can find a sale or an open boxed Denon 2808CI, but if not I'm thinking of going with the 2308CI.

Sorry I found a mistake in my first poat, and I can't seem to edit it.

It should say: I've decided on the Denon 2308CI

 

[bryanalban]

Thanks for everyone's help and info.

Since I haven't been able to find a Denon 2808CI on sale (like it was last week at 6th Ave.), I'm going to go ahead and order a Denon 2308CI tonight.

Looking forward to getting it and setting it up.

 

[chas_w]

The AVR-988 is about the same as the 2808ci...try Amazon for a decent price.

 

[GlocksRock]

Give the Yamaha RX-V663 a look.

 

[rnatalli]

I can't recommend the Pioneer Elite VHX-01 enough. Gorgeous receiver, great audio performance, runs cool, haven't had (in my short time) or even HEARD of any issues with receiver. The only negitive I can even come up with on this receiver, is the fact that it uses a perminently attached power cable, not a typical PC power cable. Thats it, thats all i got.

I think Tweeter was clearing these out about a week ago at $399. Definitely worth checking if they're in the OP's area.