Friend is looking for either a CD/DVD receiver or a receiver+2.0 speaker combo

[Howard]

We're in Canadia so specific deals aren't useful (unless you can find them available in Toronto), but recommended models would be nice.

He wants a receiver that's able to play DivX stuff in addition to music/DVDs.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Hey, you should know the rules... budget?

I don't really trust receiver / DVD drive combo units myself Maybe that's because the ones I've used have all been POS ones though heh.

What's the usage going to be like?

 

[Howard]

Oops. $250-$300 CAD for the receiver, ~$600 for the combo.

What do you mean by usage?

Perhaps he would be amenable to a discrete CD/DVD player and receiver. Any suggestions?

 

[cyclistca]

You could look at one of these

http://nadelectronics.com/products/av-receivers/L73-DVD-A/V-Receiver

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Howard
Oops. $250-$300 CAD for the receiver, ~$600 for the combo.

What do you mean by usage?

Perhaps he would be amenable to a discrete CD/DVD player and receiver. Any suggestions?

My first thought for that general range would be Axiom and Paradigm for a pair of Canadian bookshelf speakers in the $300-$350 range.

For usage I guess I was wondering if he's trying to fill a whole room or not, how important bass would be, bookshelf vs. floorstander, etc.

I don't know what's available up there for DVD/receiver combo units.

 

[Howard]

The room is ~13'x8'. I'm subtly () encouraging him to DIY the speakers (that's why I asked for receiver-only suggestions). I don't think the receiver has to include a DVD player, but if you recommend a regular receiver please suggest a DVD player as well.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

If his sources are going to be digital, the Panasonic Digital receivers are supposed to be quite good. I'm not sure what they cost in canada, but there have been sales down here for ~$160 US.

The Phillips 642 is a fairly popular DVD player with Divx capability. I think I remember them not being the most reliable players out there though.

 

[Howard]

XR-55K/S?

Future Shop has the Pioneer VSX-516K for $270 CAD after tax. Don't know if I can find something good for less, though.