receiver under $500 for music only, no T.V.?

[Bronxgirl]

Hi, I want a receiver to play music, especially records. I would like to put speakers in my kitchen and living room. I live in a 600sq. ft. apartment in NYC so I don't think I need anything too crazy. Just want great, clear sound, good for records and memory buttons for XM radio stations. Also, nothing too complicated. I've narrowed my search to Yamaha RX-V659 or Sony STR-DG800. Any votes, or other suggestions?

Thank you all so much for your help.

 

[just_visiting]

Hi, I want a receiver to play music, especially records. I would like to put speakers in my kitchen and living room. I live in a 600sq. ft. apartment in NYC so I don't think I need anything too crazy. Just want great, clear sound, good for records and memory buttons for XM radio stations. Also, nothing too complicated. I've narrowed my search to Yamaha RX-V659 or Sony STR-DG800. Any votes, or other suggestions?

Thank you all so much for your help.

I would get an integrated amp to listen to music.

 

[Nomo]

That yamaha is a great choice, but if simplicity is your goal it may not fit the bill.
Have you considered a stereo reciever?
Onkyo makes a couple of pretty decent ones. A friend of mine has this one.

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-8522&class=Receiver&p=i

I think he paid around $300.

 

[Bronxgirl]

Didn't know that there are receivers just for stereo. Every place I go, it's all about the home theatre.

 

[JaceTheAce]

Consider either a Marantz integrated or Cambridge Audio integrated.

 

[just_visiting]

The Marantz PM7001 integrated or the Denon PMA2000 IVR are very nice integratedamps

 

[Nick250]

Hi, I want a receiver to play music, especially records. I would like to put speakers in my kitchen and living room. I live in a 600sq. ft. apartment in NYC so I don't think I need anything too crazy. Just want great, clear sound, good for records and memory buttons for XM radio stations. Also, nothing too complicated. I've narrowed my search to Yamaha RX-V659 or Sony STR-DG800. Any votes, or other suggestions?

Thank you all so much for your help.

The RX-V659 sounds like a great choice. Speaking to the integrated amp recomendations, they are usually more expensive, have no sonic advantage over the V659 and probably don't have XM radio and would be a poor choice IMO.

All that being said, speakers are the most important part of an audio system by far. Make sure you audition as many of them possible using your own CDs and put the bulk of your audio budget towards them. Good luck.

Nick