Recommend a used receiver

[boconnor811]

So I currently have an Onkyo TX-SR674, and lost HDMI input functionality for one of the inputs. This minor inconvenience of having to choose between my cable box or HTPC for the working input has me considering upgrading slightly.

I realize there are workarounds like an HDMI splitter, or using other inputs for one of the sources, but would like to stay HDMI. + as a bonus I can use this receiver in another room.

My main focus is the audio portion of the receiver, I dont need the newest HDMI formats, network capabilty and all the new fluff that gets packed into these things. Was thinking of a receiver from the generation after my current, such as an Onkyo TX-SR805 or 875 as I'm familiar with the Onkyo offerings. IS there a similar age Denon or Yamaha with a stronger amplifier output and perhaps pre-amp outs that I should consider. Or has anyone seen deals or classified sales of comparable receivers, any input would be appreciated.

 

[AVRat]

How much are you interested in spending?

 

[zumbo]

Great prices can be found on the Yamaha RX-V1800. New, and used.

It's a great piece.

 

[boconnor811]

How much are you interested in spending?

Looking to spend < $500, but you know how that goes... I'm very good at justifying to myself that stretching the budget is necessary.

 

[boconnor811]

Great prices can be found on the Yamaha RX-V1800. New, and used.

It's a great piece.

I'll do some research...

Any specific places to look? PM me if non-audioholics store recommendations are frowned upon.

 

[zumbo]

I'll do some research...

Any specific places to look? PM me if non-audioholics store recommendations are frowned upon.

I think it's okay as long as the Audioholics Store doesn't have the item.

I always give the Audioholics Store a chance to price-match first, when they have the item in stock.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

or you could route your cablebox with component cable & digital audio and save price of AVR minus cost of few cables if you don't have them in house already.
trust me - cable transmit 1080i so you won't loose any PQ or SQ over this

 

[psbfan9]

Onkyo

For $299.00 this is a steal. I have this receiver and like it.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR608/Onkyo/TX-SR608-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

 

[boconnor811]

or you could route your cablebox with component cable & digital audio and save price of AVR minus cost of few cables if you don't have them in house already.
trust me - cable transmit 1080i so you won't loose any PQ or SQ over this

I have thought of this, but the current situation allows me to sell this new receiver as necessary to the wife It also allows my to setup surround with the current receiver in another room off our kitchen with a wall mounted plasma.

For $299.00 this is a steal. I have this receiver and like it.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR608/Onkyo/TX-SR608-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

Was hoping to gain some amplification power with the transition, and possibly preamp outs, better DAC's, etc.

 

[j_garcia]

I will second AC4L. I have bought from them a number of times.

They have the NR708 for $500 with free shippig right now. Not a giant step up in power, but it has preouts so you can add an amp.

 

[3db]

+ 1 on the Yamaha RX-V1800. I own one which drives a suite of PSB Image speakers rated at 6 Ohms nominal and it has no problem driving them to very very loud levels without a hint of sounding strained and compressed.

 

[PHANofPHUNK]

I have also had positive experiences with accessories4less.com, I bought my sr7001 from them.

Had a few problems with a faulty temp sensor that were all resolved. You can buy a 3 year warranty for around 30-40 bucks. Thats a lot of piece of mind.

My rule of thumb is, dont buy a receiver with an attached power cord. Somethin just ain't right about that.

check these out

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC180/Onkyo/HT-RC180-Thx-7.2-channel-Network-Receiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

 

[boconnor811]

I have also had positive experiences with accessories4less.com, I bought my sr7001 from them.

Had a few problems with a faulty temp sensor that were all resolved. You can buy a 3 year warranty for around 30-40 bucks. Thats a lot of piece of mind.

My rule of thumb is, dont buy a receiver with an attached power cord. Somethin just ain't right about that.

check these out

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC180/Onkyo/HT-RC180-Thx-7.2-channel-Network-Receiver/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

The Marantz looks like a very nice unit and feature set. Anyone have experience with this model, or know if the issues reported in these threads would be sorted on the refurb unit from AC4L?

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67794&highlight=SR6004

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1199061&highlight=marantz+pop+death&page=17

 

[PHANofPHUNK]

The Marantz looks like a very nice unit and feature set. Anyone have experience with this model, or know if the issues reported in these threads would be sorted on the refurb unit from AC4L?

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67794&highlight=SR6004

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1199061&highlight=marantz+pop+death&page=17

Heres my theory, I'm guessing that marantz and onkyo know they have a batch of potentially bad receivers, so they unload them to ac4l, and other similar stores.

The thing is, if its factory refurbished, they will pay shipping for any repairs for how ever long the manufactures warranty lasts.

Bottom line is, ac4l is hit or miss. But I still recommend them. There are some steals on there.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

So I currently have an Onkyo TX-SR674, and lost HDMI input functionality for one of the inputs.

I am 100% against buying these complex electronics USED.

My reasoning is that I have a 100% failure rate when buying refurbished Denon receivers and pre-pros, even ones that cost > $3,000 refurbished.

I've lost count of the numbers of bad refurbished receivers I've gotten, but it's probably around 4 - 5 units.

So I would buy from a dealer brand new or one of the demo/display models and get full warranty.

This is just my experience.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, but I have learned my lesson to never buy refurbished receivers or pre-pros again.

 

[boconnor811]

I am 100% against buying these complex electronics USED.

My reasoning is that I have a 100% failure rate when buying refurbished Denon receivers and pre-pros, even ones that cost > $3,000 refurbished.

I've lost count of the numbers of bad refurbished receivers I've gotten, but it's probably around 4 - 5 units.

So I would buy from a dealer brand new or one of the demo/display models and get full warranty.

This is just my experience.

I have learned my lesson the hard way, but I have learned my lesson to never buy refurbished receivers or pre-pros again.

Seeing the price of some recommendations, I think I may agree with this thought process and pursue going that route.

 

[PHANofPHUNK]

Seeing the price of some recommendations, I think I may agree with this thought process and pursue going that route.

All that tells me is to avoid buying Denons from the same place. AC4L is whaere its at, for real. If you look at my system down below, the only things I bought brand new were, my tv, surge protector, and Paradigms.

I basically have a nearly 5k system, that only cost me 2500.

Everyone is different, I just cant afford to buy new.

 

[boconnor811]

All that tells me is to avoid buying Denons from the same place. AC4L is whaere its at, for real. If you look at my system down below, the only things I bought brand new were, my tv, surge protector, and Paradigms.

I basically have a nearly 5k system, that only cost me 2500.

Everyone is different, I just cant afford to buy new.

In the research I've done since starting the thread, I have seen some really nice deals that went in the past couple months on new receivers at the level 'm looking at. I agree you do get a lot for your money at AC4L, and I's still weighing my options.

I think if I'm patient I may be able to score a nice new receiver for ~$500

 

[PHANofPHUNK]

In the research I've done since starting the thread, I have seen some really nice deals that went in the past couple months on new receivers at the level 'm looking at. I agree you do get a lot for your money at AC4L, and I's still weighing my options.

I think if I'm patient I may be able to score a nice new receiver for ~$500

Patients is key. The price will only go down.

 

[zumbo]

I also found a refurb Hyundai!
New paint, and a few other mystery repairs I don't care to disclose.
But, you will get a full refurb warranty.