Need help choosing audio Receiver *Non-Audiophile*

[hevnsnt]

Ok it is time to replace the receiver I bought in college..

Here are my wants:
1) HAS to have component inputs (I have a hdtv, hd-dtv, progressive scan dvd, hd-xbox)
2) HAS to have DTS/DD
3) HAS to be at least 5.1
4) I would like 75-100W
etc..

But I would like to stay as cheap as possible, as I am not a audiophile per say, I just want my system to sound decent.

 

[CPA]

Harmon Kardon AV320

 

[DeafeningSilence]

I bought a Pioneer VSX-D811S (a CNET Editors' Choice) receiver a few months ago, and I've been happy with it. I don't remember the exact price, but I got it for somewhere around $250 at Best Buy. I'm pretty sure it's got everything you're looking for.

Here are more reviews.

 

[BDawg]

Non-Audiophile? Try something from Fisher.

 

[nord1899]

Check out OneCall.com and see what you can find.

At a minimum, you need 3 component inputs and 1 component output for your setup.
Pretty much everything will have DD 5.1 and DTS. Most these days also support DD 6.1 or 7.1 and DTS EX. Some include THX support.
Wattage is a crap measurement. Don't really go by it.

 

[hevnsnt]

Originally posted by: BDawg
Non-Audiophile? Try something from Fisher.

Ok, what I meant by that was that I did not need denon's top model or something..

 

[murphy55d]

Do you already have speakers? If not, may I recommend the Onkyo HT-S650. There's a thread about it in Hot Deals, and Circuitcity.com always has it for $499.

 

[hevnsnt]

I already have some bookshelf Yamaha speakers/centers/backs but I am looking to upgrade those in the near future anyway.

 

[DeafeningSilence]

So what's your price range then?

 

[Damage]

What brand are your other components? I stuck with Sony for eveything just because the remotes all work together and I didn't have to program anything. I ahve had the STR-de 945 for about 1-2 years and it's great.. only cost about $350 and it's 550 watts..

 

[nord1899]

Originally posted by: Damage
What brand are your other components? I stuck with Sony for eveything just because the remotes all work together and I didn't have to program anything. I ahve had the STR-de 945 for about 1-2 years and it's great.. only cost about $350 and it's 550 watts..

Must resist urge to bash Sony...

 

[GasX]

Is your budget as much as $500? If you are not looking for ALL of the latest features, you wont getter sound than this baby: Outlaw 1050

 

[hevnsnt]

I would say budget is less than $500.. But I would really like to stay under that, as I am only concerned about what I posted above..

 

[nord1899]

$500 for just the receiver correct?

 

[ATLien247]

I could be mistaken, but if you want HD component switching in your next receiver, you're looking at more money. I'm thinking maybe the Denon 3803 is the cheapest you will find that has this feature.

 

[jcuadrado]

I use the Harman Kardon AVR 125 and it works great and is not expensive at all..while it looks beautiful..

 

[hevnsnt]

$500 or less for the receiver, however the cheaper the better.. I will check out that HK

 

[nord1899]

Just looked around on OneCall at the $500 range. A few have 2 Component Inputs and 1 Component Output, but none have 3 inputs. All inputs are on the back as well which would make manually switching them a pain.

Cheapest one that had that feature was Onkyo TXDS989 which is way above your stated price range.