Time for a new receiver

[Bayboy]

I have to finally update my receiver. I use it mainly for listening to music and watching movies in 5.1 surround. Things I would like are a HD radio(live out in the country and would be nice to have clear music), ready to connect to a high def tv next year, and good clean power. Any suggestions? Willing to spend up to 1k.
Could get an external HD receiver if I had too.
Thanks,

Matt

 

[bandphan]

What speakers are you running and how large is your room?

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver features.

FYI,
HD radio is only found in major markets, (i.e. the big city) so I wouldn't pay too much attention to this feature. Most any new receiver model can connect to XM or Sirius satelite radio which is available anywhere in the US for a monthly fee.

There are several good receiver options from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, and Onkyo in your price range. Models in the $400-500 pricre range include plenty of power and the latest HDMI features. Above that receivers start to add more HDMI inputs, video scaling, and networking features.

 

[Bayboy]

I'm going to run the kenwood speakers(home theater system) I have for now. Also 2 HTD in ceiling speakers and two custom speaker boxes. I want a good receiver that I will later be able to add better speakers. I'm just confused about all the different receivers and then read reviews how they don't function properly. I need optical audio as this is how I hook my laptop to it for music. Any models you would suggest?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Adam]

Matt,

Hey. jcPanny has it right with the brands and price range that he mentioned. For specific models, I'd suggest looking at the Yamaha RX-V663, Onkyo TX-SR606, and the Pioneer VSX-1018 to start with. I'm not as familiar with the Denon line, so I didn't state one of their models.

Adam

 

[Bayboy]

What does the "CI" stand for on the end of the Denon receivers?Also does any one know what the difference is between the 2809CI and the 989? Or would you rather go with the 2808CI. Thanks Matt

 

[Adam]

"CI" stands for "Custom Integration".

For a comparison, check out this link - it's a comparison from Denon's website. They look pretty similar to me, but someone here might be able to help with the nuances.

 

[jamie2112]

The only thing thats different is the remote on off and zone 2 separate control other than that they are identical.....Your preference either one will work.

 

[Bayboy]

I have started to look at the pioneer VSX-1018AH-K also. Looks like it has all that one would need? How is the sound quality? Would a normal person be able to tell the difference between it and a Denon?
If money isn't an issue would you go with a Denon over the pioneer or go with a pioneer and use the money saved and buy other A/V stuff?

 

[bandphan]

I have started to look at the pioneer VSX-1018AH-K also. Looks like it has all that one would need? How is the sound quality? Would a normal person be able to tell the difference between it and a Denon?
If money isn't an issue would you go with a Denon over the pioneer or go with a pioneer and use the money saved and buy other A/V stuff?

If you want to improve your sound quality, purchase new speakers. Id buy the avr that has the features and benfits you need. The CI products offer more discrete codes, assignable triggers, and zone accessabilty features.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Things I would like are a HD radio(live out in the country and would be nice to have clear music), ready to connect to a high def tv next year, and good clean power. Any suggestions? Willing to spend up to 1k.
Could get an external HD receiver if I had too.
Thanks,

Matt

To my knowledge, the only "budget" 7.1 HDMI receivers that have built-in HD Radio Tuners are the Denon 4308 and Onkyo 905, and they are not really "budget" either.

Your best bet is to get something like this Onkyo SR805 for $530:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR805+REF/40650016.aspx

and the Sony HD Radio Tuner for $100:

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=90703