Receiver Recommendation - <$750

[RoroCo]

Hey guys...

I have been researching...researching...and researching for a new receiver and I am getting a wee bit frustrated with too much of the wrong info and not enough of the relevant info for me. Here is my situation:


Speakers - I just ordered the Flaunce SX-HTB+ speaker set to start off. I have not heard them yet, but so many reviews can not be wrong...right? Regardless, they are worth a shot for the price.

Television - I have a rear projection Toshiba 56" HDTV (not 1080p...ie.. no HDMI ports). I plan on eventually upgrading this to a plasma or DLP 1080p HDTV, but maybe not for a year or so.


So...I am looking to spend about $400 -700 dollars on a new receiver, but most of the threads I see are for sub $300 or over $1000. So I am looking for you recommendations on a receiver in the "in-between" range.

I am not looking for a ton of bells and whistles...I am looking for (in this order or priority:

1) 7.1 or 6.1 (currently set up for 5.1 but I want the expendability)
2) great sound quality (for Movies - Gaming - Music in that order of use)
3) at least 3 optical inputs.


HDMI inputs and upconversion would be nice to hae in the long run, but I don't really think I need to pay for that right now. My theater setup is one that cables are not a big deal.

Did you guys have any recommendations. The shear amount of receivers in this price range is daunting...and reviews are always plagued with feature instead of sound discussions.


Your feedback is greatly appreciated.


PS..I know I have to go out and listen to them...but time is tight and I want to narrow the field down first.

 

[Tomorrow]

Yamaha RX-V2500 @ ~$550 (New, not refurbed or B-stock)
Denon 3805 @ ~$750 (New, not refurbed or B-stock)

With the exception of HDMI, these will have everything you need at a good price. (I really like my 2500!) Better pricing can be had on these, or lately, Boston Acoustics and Pioneer equivalents, if you don't mind B-stock, refurbs, or close-outs.

All companies provide rather meager customer service (with a few good reports on the Denon). And a clearly written manual seems to be an unsolved mystery to all a/v receiver manufacturers.

 

[bongobob]

I'd agree on the 2500. No regrets from me....

 

[RoroCo]

Thanks for the info guys. Where do you guys recommend me looking to buy the 2500...? It seems like only shady companies are selling it right now.

 

[RoroCo]

i also see I can get the Pioneer VSX-9300TX for about 500 b-stock...

Is that a better buy at this point if I do not mind b-stock?

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha receivers

If you are interested in HDMI, look for a Yamaha RX-V1600 at the high end of your price range.

 

[tdamocles]

Try Harman Kardon on ebay. They sell refurbs with warranties and you may get an AVR 635 between $400-$500 if you wait and bid. Click me to see.

 

[tomd51]

i also see I can get the Pioneer VSX-9300TX for about 500 b-stock...

Is that a better buy at this point if I do not mind b-stock?

If you're not opposed to b-stocks, the 9300TX is a very good receiver for the money.

I believe uBid also has a few Denon 3805s for $600, silver or black. Either of these two units would be a solid receiver for some time. uBid's also been running some Onkyo TX-SR703s in the $450 range, which is also a good performer for the money... -TD

 

[RoroCo]

Thanks guys.... I ordered the Pioneer from Ubid. I'll let you know how it ends up.

I appreciate your help.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Thanks guys.... I ordered the Pioneer from Ubid. I'll let you know how it ends up.

I appreciate your help.

You just bought a $1500 AVR for $500. Nice steal!

 

[RoroCo]

You just bought a $1500 AVR for $500. Nice steal!

I sure hope so...My only concern was the lack of optical inputs, but it still has 4 digital inputs in the rear...and digital should be digital.

I can alway get a splitter if needed....


Now if I can only find a $1500 sub for 200 dollars Still researching that though...

 

[AAD]

Does anyone have experience with a refurb Yamaha receiver from Ubid? Any problems?

 

[tomd51]

Yep, grabbed a RX-V2500 a couple of months ago. While listed as a refurb, the condition of it was brand new, even had that 'new electronics' smell to it. I calibrated it, made all my personal settings, put it through it's paces the first couple of weeks I had it and it has been flawless. I can't imagine a better deal (legally) than what I got, excellent experience.

As a side note, I also picked up a refurbed Denon AVR-886 almost a month ago and it was almost as good in condition, very light scratches on the black plastic face portion, which is very easy to do on these receivers. Other than that, it was in excellent condition and it has also performed flawlessly. I've purchased a few things over the years from uBid and every one of my purchases have lived up to my expectations. I would easily recommend them to anyone.... -TD

 

[wilkenboy]

Like tomd51 I picked up a RX-V2500 refurb on U-Bid a few months back - came in a new box labeled "b-stock" with all manuals, remotes, mic, etc. Its possible that this one was refurbed and repackaged but its sure didn't look / smell / feel like it. I ran through every single functional check I could think of with no issues. No blemishes, and its working great.

Overall a very good experience, fast shipping and good communication. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

~Josh