whats the best $500 receiver available for sound?

[gentlejax]

I am using an older HK 80MK2 which was fine but I need more power to the rest of my channels ..the 80 MK2 has plenty of power for the fronts but not so much for the rest...I want more...


So I am looking at older models , new models and trying to get one that will not sound worse...but have more power...I think the HK i Have is putting out 65 x 2 in stereo...

I was told the HK amplifier section was very good so I would be going down with some of the lesser receivers...I dont know...so I need help

I am looking at the Yammie 659 / 661....Onkyo 604 / 605.....and Elite (older models ).....

I might look into the HK on their website but they are ugly and hard to use..well my HK320 was..thats why I went backwards and got a older HK...


any advice...? I listen to stereo 90% of the time...movies not so much....main thing I want is to be able listen to cd's without killing the receiver....

I am not sure what is out that is comparible in build to what I have now...

 

[j_garcia]

If you listen to 90% stereo, then why would you want to change that? At $500 I think the 659/661 are going to be tough to beat for what you get.

 

[gentlejax]

can get a $659 for less than $300....just need to read a little more on it..........


well I went ahead and got the one on Ebay new in box for $259..couldnt pass it up

 

[Bassman2]

can get a $659 for less than $300....just need to read a little more on it..........


well I went ahead and got the one on Ebay new in box for $259..couldnt pass it up

I don't think you'll be dissapointed at all. I've been putting my new 659 through it's paces for close to a month now and couldn't be more pleased. With a good source this thing is clean and powerful with a really nice dynamic punch and great low level detail. I also mostly use it for audio but of course it's got more bells and whistles than you'll likely need. My last Yamaha from 1982 or 83 still works fine so hopefully this one will be around for a long time too.

 

[wire]

I was told the HK amplifier section was very good so I would be going down with some of the lesser receivers...I dont know...so I need help

I am looking at the Yammie 659 / 661....Onkyo 604 / 605.....and Elite (older models ).....

I might look into the HK on their website but they are ugly and hard to use..well my HK320 was..thats why I went backwards and got a older HK...


any advice...? I listen to stereo 90% of the time...movies not so much....main thing I want is to be able listen to cd's without killing the receiver....

I am not sure what is out that is comparible in build to what I have now...

If you listin to music that much , why would you want to move out of a 2 channel system ?
Your old HK is a good unit .
I recommend going to some stores with a good return policy . When you get the units home do some A/B comparisons against your 2 channel HK in 2 channel mode .
Maybe look into some intrigated units also , I have a SP3 , its tube its clean , but maybe not enough power for you liking . There are still good 2 channel units out there . Also check on Audiogone for a used 2 channel Amp and pre .

have fun gl

 

[gentlejax]

thanks for the advice.....my HK 80MK2 is a 5.1 receiver but I use it mostly for stereo.......

I did receive the 659 but I found a RX-V1600 that I really wanted so I got it and am now selling that 659..never unpacked it ...

 

[wire]

thanks for the advice.....my HK 80MK2 is a 5.1 receiver but I use it mostly for stereo.......

I did receive the 659 but I found a RX-V1600 that I really wanted so I got it and am now selling that 659..never unpacked it ...

Is it possible to go to stores with a return policy and try out a few brands before buying ?

 

[Bassman2]

thanks for the advice.....my HK 80MK2 is a 5.1 receiver but I use it mostly for stereo.......

I did receive the 659 but I found a RX-V1600 that I really wanted so I got it and am now selling that 659..never unpacked it ...

What are the main differences between the 659 and 1600?