Starter AV Receiver Advice

[crazedwombats]

Before I begin, I am a complete noob when it comes to AV stuff so thanks a bunch in advance.

I am looking for a starter AV receiver preferably $200-$300, but would go up to $400 if its really worth it. I already have a set of Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 speakers and would be looking to use it with my HDTV, PS3, and ipod. After looking at countless reviews, the following receivers caught my eye in the $200-$300 price range:

Yamaha RX-V363
Yamaha RX-V463
Sony STRDG720
Onkyo TX-SR506
Onkyo TX-SR576

and in the $300-$400 range:

Onkyo TX-SR606

but as I said before, unless you think its worth it I would rather not spend that much.

Let me know which one of these would be best suited for me for the money. I am completly open to other suggestions as well. Thanks!

 

[Midcow2]

some info

Before I begin, I am a complete noob when it comes to AV stuff so thanks a bunch in advance.

I am looking for a starter AV receiver preferably $200-$300, but would go up to $400 if its really worth it. I already have a set of Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 speakers and would be looking to use it with my HDTV, PS3, and ipod. After looking at countless reviews, the following receivers caught my eye in the $200-$300 price range:

Yamaha RX-V363
Yamaha RX-V463
Sony STRDG720
Onkyo TX-SR506
Onkyo TX-SR576

and in the $300-$400 range:

Onkyo TX-SR606

but as I said before, unless you think its worth it I would rather not spend that much.

Let me know which one of these would be best suited for me for the money. I am completly open to other suggestions as well. Thanks!

Crazedwombats,

The Onkyo and Yamaha AVRs you have listed are very good. I am not familair with the Sony STRDG720.

If you are trying to future proof and want to conenct via HDMI 1.3 with upconversion ( changing composite and component formats to HDMI and also upconverting resolution and adding deep color) then the Onkyo TX-SR606 is a good choice. The other low model Onkyos don't have all of the upconversion features.

If you are just looking for a good 7.1 AVR music wise and not upconversion then any of the other Onkyos are good choices.

The Yamaha RX-V363 is great for 5.1 music and video without upconversion
just HDMI switching ( passes HDMI through without changing). If you want to get the upconversion capability with Yamaha you need to go up to at least the RX-V663 model.

Okay now best price I can find:

Yamaha RX-V363 = $158 http://www.fotoconnection.com/p86312-yamaha-rx-v363-51-channel-home-theater-receiver-black.html


Yamaha RX-V663 =$349 http://www.fotoconnection.com/p85676-yamaha-rx-v663-72-channel-digital-home-theater-receiver-black.html


Onkyo TX-SR506 = $206.32 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015M4G5C

Onkyo TX-SR606 =$299.99 http://www.consumerdepot.com/products.asp?id=TX-SR606D&referer=google



Good luck, hope this helps

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Is fotoconnection an auth. dealer for Yamaha? They have the RXV3800 way cheaper than I have ever seen it.

Okay now best price I can find:

Yamaha RX-V363 = $158 http://www.fotoconnection.com/p86312-yamaha-rx-v363-51-channel-home-theater-receiver-black.html


Yamaha RX-V663 =$349 http://www.fotoconnection.com/p85676-yamaha-rx-v663-72-channel-digital-home-theater-receiver-black.html


Onkyo TX-SR506 = $206.32 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015M4G5C

Onkyo TX-SR606 =$299.99 http://www.consumerdepot.com/products.asp?id=TX-SR606D&referer=google



Good luck, hope this helps

 

[Seth=L]

The Yamaha RX-V463 processes audio over HDMI.

 

[budbrande]

I have an Onkyo TX-SR605 in my bedroom system and it is a great little unit with decent features and good sound. If you are considering buying online may I suggest you check the online dealers rating at www.resellerratings.com before you buy. Especially if you are considering buying from some of the low ball dealers on the internet.

 

[fox]

And to think that just yesterday I saw the Yamaha RXV 663 priced at $525.00 at BB.

 

[rnatalli]

Both the Yammie 663 and Onkyo 606 can be had for $400 right now.

 

[crazedwombats]

Thanks for the responses! I'd definitely be up for getting the onkyo 606 or yamaha 663 if the price drops a little. Thanks for the links.

Is there any major features that the onkyo 606 has that the yamaha 663 doesn't and vice versa, or are they pretty comprable systems? Basically is there a better buy in this case or does it come down to user preference?

Also is the only major difference between the yamaha 463 and 363 the processing of audio over HDMI?

 

[jcPanny]

New receiver

Onkyo just came out with the new 606 model so you can find some deals on the 605 model with similar features and less HDMI inputs for <$400.