suggestions on a receiver -budget build-

[squee!]

Hi! new to the forums. been reading a lot, but lurking. just registered to ask a question. I'm looking for a receiver and compact woofer for my small 5.1 system. Currently running 4 NHT superzeros and a jbl northridge n-center. My sub is currently a crappy Aiwa powered sub. Can anyone give me a rec on a receiver and compact sub for this setup? Would an Onkyo Tx-sr307 suffice? My budget is $300 for the receiver, and $150 for the sub, but cheaper is always better. thanks!

 

[BudgetHT]

I'd go with the Yamaha RX-V365 and Dayton SUB-110 HT(or SUB-120) or maybe a BIC Venturi.

 

[squee!]

I'd go with the Yamaha RX-V365 and Dayton SUB-110 HT(or SUB-120) or maybe a BIC Venturi.

Thanks for your suggestions! May I ask why you would choose those particular components? Do you think the Onkyo Tx-sr307 is not a sufficient choice? Thanks!

 

[BudgetHT]

Bang for buck the Dayton is just a great sub.
I don't have any experience with the Onkyo, but I have the Yamaha I suggested and it's great entry level receiver. According to the specs the Yamaha puts out more watts per channel than the Onkyo which isn't huge(65w vs. 100w), but considering both these receivers do not have pre outs to run an external amp you're going to need all the onboard power you can get.

 

[rnatalli]

You can often find the Denon 1610/590 for under $300 shipped. That's the best choice IMO as it has a good amp section and Audyssey MultEQ instead of 2EQ.

 

[squee!]

You can often find the Denon 1610/590 for under $300 shipped. That's the best choice IMO as it has a good amp section and Audyssey MultEQ instead of 2EQ.

thanks for the recommendation! However, i have trouble finding a Denon1610 for that price range! I read up on the sub and the yamaha receiver posted by BudgetHT and I agree with him, they do look like great buys! Definitle in the appropriate price point!

 

[Seth=L]

My top favorite to recommend in the tight budget range is the Pioneer VSX-519 or VSX-819. Both receivers offer a tremendous value and are quite stout. Unlike the Yamaha RX-V365 the Pioneer has discrete output stages while the Yamaha uses a cheap set of integrated circuits on their base models for that series. The Pioneers also over HDMI audio support even on the sub $200 Pioneer VSX-519, the 819 offers HDMI 1.3 repeating and handles all the Blu-ray codecs as well as adding another HDMI input (for a total of 3). Both of these receivers are 5.1 only, which can indicate where they were able to cut costs in order to add the extra performance and advantages over the competing models. The VSX-819 does have preouts for the surround back channels allowing the user to connect an external amplifier to get 7.1 if they so desire.

 

[Phil Taylor]

My top favorite to recommend in the tight budget range is the Pioneer VSX-519 or VSX-819. Both receivers offer a tremendous value and are quite stout. Unlike the Yamaha RX-V365 the Pioneer has discrete output stages while the Yamaha uses a cheap set of integrated circuits on their base models for that series. The Pioneers also over HDMI audio support even on the sub $200 Pioneer VSX-519, the 819 offers HDMI 1.3 repeating and handles all the Blu-ray codecs as well as adding another HDMI input (for a total of 3). Both of these receivers are 5.1 only, which can indicate where they were able to cut costs in order to add the extra performance and advantages over the competing models. The VSX-819 does have preouts for the surround back channels allowing the user to connect an external amplifier to get 7.1 if they so desire.

I second the motion for the Pio 819 - a solid little performer that does most anything you might want except upconvert analog to HDMI. If you want/need to add that feature the 919 will do it for just under $400 and it is 7.1 ready when you are.

 

[squee!]

thanks guys, i appreciate the recs for the pio 819. however, after doing some reading, there seem to be several people dissatisfied with the PQ on the 819. Care to comment? specifically there is a post in the AVs forum.

 

[squee!]

thanks guys, i appreciate the recs for the pio 819. however, after doing some reading, there seem to be several people dissatisfied with the PQ on the 819. Care to comment? specifically there is a post in the AVs forum.

And here is that link: Should i return my 819?

 

[Seth=L]

And here is that link: Should i return my 819?

That person was having a case of biased opinion. I'd say disregard that. I think it would be pretty hard to actually degraid the picture quality over HDMI. The digital video is passed through the receiver and on the to the TV, so it either gets there or it doesn't. This isn't like the old days with analog video where it was theoretically possible for signal degradation (although commonly not a problem), it's a digital signal. It either arrives at the television exactly as was intended, or it doesn't.

 

[Phil Taylor]

And here is that link: Should i return my 819?

Interesting reading there. Seems not to be an isolated deal - but rather odd since the signal is digital ... also odd that when one owner connected a Pioneer BD player he experienced no signal degradation vs a Panny he exchanged. I've not seen the 819 in action (just was going by published specs and features) but I am installing a 919 this weekend and scheduled to install another week after next.

 

[BudgetHT]

The specs on the Pio look pretty impressive. I would suggest to pick one up locally(best buy or...) that has a good return policy. If it doesn't play nice take it back for the Onkyo or Yamaha.

 

[squee!]

The specs on the Pio look pretty impressive. I would suggest to pick one up locally(best buy or...) that has a good return policy. If it doesn't play nice take it back for the Onkyo or Yamaha.

That's good advice, thanks. A good return policy is always a good thing!