Receiver Noob

[teatime0315]

So I'm planning on finally stepping up the audio in the house from built in speakers to real speakers.

I am thinking of purchasing two Polk Audio Monitor 70 speakers but I have no clue on what I should pair the speakers with.
I found this Pioneer VSX-920-K for 302 dollars after BCB (from slickdeals). Seems to have good reviews and the people on SD recommend it. I'd like to get as many opinions as possible though before I pull the trigger. Is there any other receiver I should look at for around 300 dollars?

 

[unfalliblekrutch]

What are your plans? Do you plan on getting surround at some point? Will you have a subwoofer? What will you be listening to (movies, music, games?)

 

[kalrith]

I recently purchased the Denon 1610 for $287 and am really pleased with it. The Denon 1910 is a little more than that and adds a few extra features. BTW, the cherry Monitor 70 is going to be on sale on Sunday at Newegg. The black one was recently $150, so I'm guessing the cherry one will be around there. If you want a center to go with them, then the CS2 is the best match and has been around $105 at Newegg recently.

In addition to unfalliblekrutch's questions, what is your total budget? Do you want to buy the whole system and be done with it, or would you be willing to spend more now on two speakers plus a receiver and then add other components down the line?

 

[teatime0315]

I recently purchased the Denon 1610 for $287 and am really pleased with it. The Denon 1910 is a little more than that and adds a few extra features. BTW, the cherry Monitor 70 is going to be on sale on Sunday at Newegg. The black one was recently $150, so I'm guessing the cherry one will be around there. If you want a center to go with them, then the CS2 is the best match and has been around $105 at Newegg recently.

In addition to unfalliblekrutch's questions, what is your total budget? Do you want to buy the whole system and be done with it, or would you be willing to spend more now on two speakers plus a receiver and then add other components down the line?

I want to do the latter, spend more now on two speakers plus a receiver and then add other components. I'll be watching movies, playing games, and listening to music. PS3 and 360 are going to be hooked up.

EDIT: forgot to add. I might want to do 5.1 in the future.

 

[s44]

I'd go for an Infinity Primus setup instead of Polk (check Crutchfield), but the Denon 1610 blows away everything else in its class. Pioneer has been stripping power from its non-Elite models in recent years, and I wouldn't buy one any more.

J&R has the Denon for $280 before 5% Bing... Prices should continue to drop until stock runs out, since it's being replaced by the 1611.