Forget all the old questions

[roguerower]

I need to replace my receiver so I can get a couple of devices to input A/V over HDMI and output HDMI to TV. Recommendations for <$200

 

[Koing]

Onkyo 606, it isn't $200 though....I think youc an pick it up nearer $270-330. It's well worth it imo.

Koing

 

[PM650]

Are you looking for any features in particular (>2 HDMI inputs, HDMI audio decoding, analog up-conversion)?

 

[kalrith]

If you want the receiver to be able to process HDMI audio, then <$200 is going to be difficult. You might be able to find a low-end used/refurb model for that, but I'm not sure. Also, what inputs are you using? Will the audio go to the TV or a set of speakers? Do you want all video to be passed to the TV with one HDMI cable? Those, along with the feature question from PM650, will make a difference in recommendations.

 

[erwos]

For < $200? Maybe a used Onkyo 605.

 

[PM650]

Originally posted by: kalrith
If you want the receiver to be able to process HDMI audio, then <$200 is going to be difficult. You might be able to find a low-end used/refurb model for that, but I'm not sure. Also, what inputs are you using? Will the audio go to the TV or a set of speakers? Do you want all video to be passed to the TV with one HDMI cable? Those, along with the feature question from PM650, will make a difference in recommendations.

This I would have agreed with you 100% on if I didn't stumble across a single receiver that is capable of decoding PCM via HDMI with a $200 MSRP: the Pioneer VSX-519. Naturally there are tons of choices with used/refurb (sometimes at half price), but that seems to be a pretty unpopular option around here imo...

 

[roguerower]

Alright, started hooking stuff up to it component in and out gives my xbox a very yellow tint so I think there's something wrong with the receiver...oh darn

Don't need HDMI any more as everything will be using component except my computer but there is a single HDMI on the rear of the tv (it's an old CRT HDTV) and I'll run audio using Optical Audio.

So...best budget receiver with at least 2 component hookups?

 

[PM650]

Well if you must have new/retail, any of pioneer's, H/K's, or yamaha's current line will suffice (onkyo's entry level model is >$200). To add to my above post, the pioneer vsx-519 and the sony STR-DH700 are the only low end receivers which will decode HDMI audio (LPCM), possibly a useful feature if you could see yourself using this with a blu-ray player or pc via hdmi in the future. If not, the Yamaha HTR-6230 or Harman/Kardon AVR-154 will work fine. Frankly, I'm not terribly enamored with pioneer's use of chipamps or sony in general...may need to read some reviews on those.

If used/refurb will work, basically anything made in the last 5 years will work too for potentially much less.

I'm sure someone else here can provide a better opinion based on useful features though.

 

[roguerower]

Doesn't need to be new, used/refurb will work.

What about Pioneer VSX 816?

 

[PM650]

Used/refurb ---> ebay.

Personally I would avoid any of the lower end pioneers (i.e. all non-elite models other than vsx-101x) if I could help it - if any of the channel(s) fail it's automatically $30-$65 in parts alone, depending on the model. I have no idea of the possibility/prevalence of this happening, all I know is that it does happen and is often not worth repairing (based on the unit's value); possibly this is due to using a woefully undersized heatsink and fan cooling that is controlled only by signal levels and not temperature (they run a bit hot to begin with at idle).

Onkyo & Denon units have a good reputation for meeting their advertised wpc rating, not so much in the case of Sony & Yamaha. Onkyo's are always a good option although I find them to be ugly & would prefer Denon given the choice. H/K's ratings are pretty accurate, although only because they are rated somewhat low to begin with - this may be a problem if you have inefficient speakers. Onkyo's tend to run quite warm/hot at idle, this could be a factor depending on your placement.

You could possibly pick up something like a VSX-1014TX-K (for example) for under $200 - I looked on ebay and 3 working units in good condition sold for $82, $162, $285 (last one may be a fluke). The VSX-101x units inherit the pioneer elite platform with less features/inputs (VSX-1019 exempted) which is why they are a good option. H/K (Harman Audio) sells refurbs directly on ebay with a factory warranty, possibly something to consider.

If you're set on the 816 for whatever reason, I have one right here if you have any questions.