So I'm new and need help decieding on a reciever...

[gee67]

Hi All,

Like I said, I'm new to this forum and this seems to be the place to find answers. I've been searching for the last two days on this forum and on-line shopping for a reciever.

I currently own a Denon 1602 and have been very happy with it's performance. Even the lower wattage fill my room. I have all Paradigm performance speakers...atom surrounds, phantom mains, and the cc270 center. I currently run 5.1 with the sub.

I recently purchased a projector and didn't want to go through multible cables and waisted $$$ to connect the differant sources, so I decieded to get into a new a/v reciever with the video up conversion. I've narrowed it down to two brands and 4 models. They are Denon AVR-1706 & 1906, and the Yamaha rx-v559 & 659.

While searching this forum I didn't find much information on these entry level pieces. I have several questions, so here it goes.

1) Are the Denon and Yamaha models so close in features/value either would work for me. Is either one a better choice? Of the two authorized retailers in my town, one pushed Denon, and the Other Yamaha. Specificly stating the surround processing on the Yamaha is better, especially with the BB converters

2) I'm leaning toward going the step up to the 659 or 1906, again is this worth the extra cost for a budget reciever? how much more reciever to I get by upgrading from the 559/1706?

3) My local Dealer has both the the 1906 and the 659 he will do for $475 out the door...seems like a good deal. What do you think?

4) Refurbished is an option, but I'm a little nervous, but It does save $150. I was considering this through ecost.com (authorized)

lastly

5) Has anyone heard of Butterfly Photo? They are not and authorized dealer, but have the denon 1906 for $299 with a 1 year warrenty provided by themselves. Is this company reputable?

Thanks for your help and answers. I want to make a decision in the next few days.

Gee

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

I dont like buying refurb....too much hassle if you have prob. esp if they supply their own warrenty.....some wont honor it and you're stuck. I'd go with your local dealer and either the 1906 or the yammy ...your preference!

 

[Kai]

I too get a bit leary about refurbs.
I have the 659 and love it.

 

[luvdodo]

RX-V versus HTR

The HTR equivalent of RX-V659 is 5960 and is available from BHphoto (authorized dealer) for $399. Available in black and silver.

Shipping Free.

You might want to look!

 

[tomd51]

Refurbished Isn't Bad, Mmmkay?

Refurbished equipment is a great way to save money and quite often comes with as good of a warranty as a new piece of equipment will. Another plus that a refurb offers is that it's been through, at the very least, a second battery of QA than a new stock item will, even further reducing the possibility of issues.

This, of course, is dependent on whomever is doing the refurbishing (typically they're mfgr refurbished), the product and the seller's reputation. Having said that, over almost he past 7 years, I've purchased 4 receivers from eCost, only one I had to return which they quickly refunded me for, the other three were new visibly and functionally. From uBid, I've purchased a few sets of speakers as well as a DVD player, all in new condition and just recently, purchased a Yamaha RX-V2500 that looks brand new and has been spectacular the past two months. I've also purchased from Harman Audio a few speakers, an amplifier and receiver, all in "new" condition with no issues to speak of. Lastly, I've purchased a few sets of speakers from Cambridge Soundwork's eBay store, all of these in "new" condition as well.

I've saved hundreds of dollars buying refurbished or even used products and rarely, if ever, been unsatisfied with my purchases. There obviously comes a small amount of risk going this route, but I feel (and my experiences to this point tell me) the risks are worth the rewards... -TD

 

[aarond]

DAKMART autorized Denon e-tailer has the 1906 for $370 and the 786 for $307 full Denon warranty