Recommendations for a low-end A/V receiver?

[CKDragon]

I figure ATOT is full of tech-minded folks, so maybe one of you nice people could help me out a bit.

I hope to soon piece together a low-end surround sound system for my room which is about 14' x 12'. I plan to just start by getting a receiver as I have some old bookshelf speakers I can use until I'm ready to upgrade. I know that $200-$300 can't buy much in the A/V world, but I don't really need much. I don't plan on getting a high-end TV for at least another three years so I don't think I need component video I/O. It's main use will be for TV/DVD watching and I plan to hook up my gaming systems to it, also.

After my own research, I am thinking of going with one of the low-end Sony models but I've never heard them in person. If anyone can help me make a more informed purchase I would greatly appreciate it.

One other question, where is the best place to find a good price on this type of equipment?

Thanks for any help you can provide,

CK

 

[Deeko]

I've got an AIWA that I'm selling, was gonna post it in FS/FT, wanna buy it? Dolby digital, 150 watts x 2, 100 watts x 5, subwoofer output, digital audio inputs....sweet deal

 

[Heisenberg]

I don't know if you can find anything in your price range, but Denon makes good stuff. I paid mid-$400 for mine several years ago and am very pleased with it. HTH.

 

[Mister T]

pioneer 811S

 

[glen]

Pioneer VSX-D411 Audio/Video Receiver $169.99 at etronic.com
5 x100
DTS
DTS Neo:6
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital EX
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro Logic II
THX Surround EX

 

[glen]

Pioneer VSX-D811S Audio/Video Receiver $299.99
at etronics.com

 

[Entity]

The Denon 1802 should be around $300 at 6ave.

Rob

 

[esso]

Originally posted by: glen
Pioneer VSX-D411 Audio/Video Receiver $169.99 at etronic.com
5 x100
DTS
DTS Neo:6
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital EX
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro Logic II
THX Surround EX

The 811S has all those modes; the 411 only has DD and DTS 5.1.

 

[Shockwave]

Here
ya go

2 threads in another forum about just such a question. Good forums, good members. They know what their talkin about.

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: esso

Originally posted by: glen
Pioneer VSX-D411 Audio/Video Receiver $169.99 at etronic.com
5 x100
DTS
DTS Neo:6
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital EX
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Pro Logic II
THX Surround EX

The 811S has all those modes; the 411 only has DD and DTS 5.1.

I copied that from the etronics site.
Here is what

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/HomeProducts/HomeProductDetails/0,1422,23594,00.html
says
The VSX-D411 A/V receiver will have you surrounded: it features Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound decoding, plus four Advanced Surround modes. One of these modes is 5-Channel Stereo, a.k.a. "Party Mode", which routes the full-frequency stereo signal to 5 speakers at full 100-watt-per-channel power, without having to use a digital sound processing (DSP) chip. The 100-watt-per-channel power is also available in the surround mode, along with 100 watts x 2 in normal stereo mode. For system connectivity, you're provided with 2 digital inputs and a full complement of audio and video inputs/outputs. The VSX-D411 is DVD-Audio ready and includes an AM/FM digital tuner; and for convenience, a front-panel quick-setup function and a remote control are included.


Power

Stereo: 100 Watts x 2
Surround: 100 Watts x 5
Digital Decoding and Processing

DTS 5.1 Surround Decoding
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Decoding
Dolby Pro-Logic II Music and Movie Surround Decoding
4 Advanced Surround Modes
Expanded 5.1
5-Channel Stereo
Music
Movie
Midnight Mode
Connectivity

DVD-Audio Ready
5.1 Channel Inputs
Pre-Amplifier Out (Subwoofer)
2 Digital Inputs (1 optical/1 coaxial)
Inputs - 3 Audio/3 Audio/Video
CD
CDR/TAPE
TUNER
DVD/LD
TV/SAT
VCR/DVR
Outputs - 1 Audio/1 Audio Video/1 Video
CDR/TAPE Out
VCR/DVR Out
Monitor Out

Nice for under $200 shipped.

 

[T2T III]

I know that $200-$300 can't buy much in the A/V world, but I don't really need much

Actually, you can get some great receivers for this price. My personal favorite is the Denon AVR-1802 as mentioned above. I've seen several used ones for sale in the range of $260 - $300. I sold mine a week back for about $280 - shipped. In its place, I purchased the Denon AVR-1803. Personally, I'd stay away from the low-end Sony models as you've indicated in your thread.

Additionally, the Pioneer 811 should also be a good choice. The rumor is that the 811 is the same receiver as the Pioneer Elite "41." However, to get the Pioneer Elite, you'd have to come up with $500 instead of $300. There's also the Harmon Kardon model '225' which you can find for $299 @ hifi.com. The H/K will appear like it puts out lower amounts of power, but H/K usually under-rates their receiver power and others tend to over-rate their power. Preferably, you'd have a local audio dealer where you could go out and listen to some of these models and see what suits your needs.

Whether you go for the Denon, Pioneer or H/W - just stay away from the lower-end Sony receivers. If you ever even consider Sony, make sure it's one of their "ES" receivers.

 

[Deeko]

The H/K will appear like it puts out lower amounts of power, but H/K usually under-rates their receiver power and others tend to over-rate their power. Preferably, you'd have a local audio dealer where you could go out and listen to some of these models and see what suits your needs.

I can attest to that.

I replaced the aforementioned Aiwa with an HK AVR320. Rated pretty low, like 60x2 50x5. But it sure puts out more, and better, sound than that Aiwa did, which is rated at 3x the power. And with a retail pricetag of $699, it damn well better

 

[NewSc2]

Originally posted by: wje

I know that $200-$300 can't buy much in the A/V world, but I don't really need much

Actually, you can get some great receivers for this price. My personal favorite is the Denon AVR-1802 as mentioned above. I've seen several used ones for sale in the range of $260 - $300. I sold mine a week back for about $280 - shipped. In its place, I purchased the Denon AVR-1803. Personally, I'd stay away from the low-end Sony models as you've indicated in your thread.

Additionally, the Pioneer 811 should also be a good choice. The rumor is that the 811 is the same receiver as the Pioneer Elite "41." However, to get the Pioneer Elite, you'd have to come up with $500 instead of $300. There's also the Harmon Kardon model '225' which you can find for $299 @ hifi.com. The H/K will appear like it puts out lower amounts of power, but H/K usually under-rates their receiver power and others tend to over-rate their power. Preferably, you'd have a local audio dealer where you could go out and listen to some of these models and see what suits your needs.

Whether you go for the Denon, Pioneer or H/W - just stay away from the lower-end Sony receivers. If you ever even consider Sony, make sure it's one of their "ES" receivers.

yeah, i have an 1802 here, and it works great

 

[C'DaleRider]

I'd go with either the Denon or HK.........both have vastly superior power supplies and much better isolation between power and amplification circuits. Much cleaner sound.

 

[CKDragon]

Wow, thanks for all your help, guys.

Right now I'm favoring the low-end Pioneer models. The VSX-D411 is very attractive due to the low price, the only thing it's missing is the S-Video I/O. One step up and only $20 more is the D511 which has the S-Video... I think that may be the winner. Does anyone with a more experienced eye think I'd be making a mistake?

Thanks again,

CK

 

[glen]

Originally posted by: CKDragon
Wow, thanks for all your help, guys.

Right now I'm favoring the low-end Pioneer models. The VSX-D411 is very attractive due to the low price, the only thing it's missing is the S-Video I/O. One step up and only $20 more is the D511 which has the S-Video... I think that may be the winner. Does anyone with a more experienced eye think I'd be making a mistake?

Thanks again,

CK

Not at all.
Unless you are going with a Lexicon and multiple amplifiers, all the recievers are pretty good.
Pioneer makes the guts for lots of recievers out there.
So, you might as well get the Pioneer with the features you want for less money.
I use an inexpensive Pioneer on a system with a custom sub, PSB surrounds, and Legacy Focus mains.

 

[kherman]

Originally posted by: CKDragon
I figure ATOT is full of tech-minded folks, so maybe one of you nice people could help me out a bit.

I hope to soon piece together a low-end surround sound system for my room which is about 14' x 12'. I plan to just start by getting a receiver as I have some old bookshelf speakers I can use until I'm ready to upgrade. I know that $200-$300 can't buy much in the A/V world, but I don't really need much. I don't plan on getting a high-end TV for at least another three years so I don't think I need component video I/O. It's main use will be for TV/DVD watching and I plan to hook up my gaming systems to it, also.

After my own research, I am thinking of going with one of the low-end Sony models but I've never heard them in person. If anyone can help me make a more informed purchase I would greatly appreciate it.

One other question, where is the best place to find a good price on this type of equipment?

Thanks for any help you can provide,

CK

Wait a month and if you still want it, buy it. You can always wait til you get that TV

 

[mellocj]

I picked up a Marantz SR-5000 for $250 refurbished from an internet vendor a year ago. It is an excellent receiver and has served well.

It has an optical audio input and supports Dolby digital/DTS, it also has lots of S-VIDEO ports and can do video switching. I think I found the place that sold it from audioreview.com

 

[777php]

I can also vouch for the Pioneer VSX-D811S , a very good receiver for the price. I know Ubid is the devil but, sometimes you can get a good deal on a receiver there. They often have Denon and HK receivers up for auction at reasonable prices.

 

[radioouman]

I don't know much about these new receivers, but I picked up a fantastic Realistic receiver at a garage sale for $25 two years ago. Seriously!!! 4-channel output, dual phono inputs(!!), and a nice big knob for the tuner that sends the needle flying down the end of the dial if you spin it too fast. I connected some JBL bookshelf speakers to it, and they begin to pop and distort at a volume level of 12. The volume knob goes to 40. I'm guessing that this was one of the first solid state receivers that Radio Shack made, and it must have been their top of the line receiver... I have no idea how much power this beast pushes, but I like it!