Which reciever should i get for my home theater?

[axia55]

Bestbuy has the Athena Micras on sale for $239.99 today and tomorrow only. I am thinking about pulling the trigger to go along with a Pannasonic XR-55S.....

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: axia55
Bestbuy has the Athena Micras on sale for $239.99 today and tomorrow only. I am thinking about pulling the trigger to go along with a Pannasonic XR-55S.....

already one step ahead of ya there, check out my update near the bottom over at FW: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/message...640620&highlight_key=y&keyword1=athena

(for those who don't want to read, got the Athena's at a local BB for $239 and they threw in a $20 giftcard...)

They sure as hell are hard to find though, only 1-2 left in All of FL.

 

[aphex]

What does everyone think about the Harmon Kardon AVR140 and AVR240? They are both a bit more, but seem very nice... Only issue is that they show 65w/ch, which seems a bit less than other brands (even cheaper ones). Is HK being more realistic with its ratings? I know with many of the other brands, they show the peak wattage, not the constant....

 

[Dulanic]

Id go Onkyo, I have a Onkyo and it is great, but the main reason.... more optical inputs! I use 3 myself.

 

[IronWing]

Get the black one with the black knobs/buttons and the black lettering telling you which knob/button is which. Also, be sure to get one that has lights that bounce up and down for no apparant reason.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: aphex
What does everyone think about the Harmon Kardon AVR140 and AVR240? They are both a bit more, but seem very nice... Only issue is that they show 65w/ch, which seems a bit less than other brands (even cheaper ones). Is HK being more realistic with its ratings? I know with many of the other brands, they show the peak wattage, not the constant....

Yes HK is by far the most conservative with their ratings.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: aphex
What does everyone think about the Harmon Kardon AVR140 and AVR240? They are both a bit more, but seem very nice... Only issue is that they show 65w/ch, which seems a bit less than other brands (even cheaper ones). Is HK being more realistic with its ratings? I know with many of the other brands, they show the peak wattage, not the constant....

Yes HK is by far the most conservative with their ratings.

Agreed.

example of some test results on some older models

 

[aphex]

So do you think the HK AVR-240 at $300 shipped ($288 in after cash back) would be my best bet?

I am kinda confused on it, it shows 3-optical in on many sites, but the pics only show 2 optical in.

 

[BigJ]

I have the Onky 503, and I am very pleased with it. Nothing too serious, but I got a pair of Polk R30s, a pair of Polk R15s, and a Dayton 12" hooked up to it. Along with that, I also have my PS2 and computer hooked up through the receiver.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: aphex
So do you think the HK AVR-240 at $300 shipped ($288 in after cash back) would be my best bet?

I am kinda confused on it, it shows 3-optical in on many sites, but the pics only show 2 optical in.

I don't know if this would really be all that much better than any of your other options.

If you want to get a good deal on an HK, consider going through the seller "Harmanaudio" off ebay. They sell factory refurb units with new warranties.

They also have a site where you can just purchase them direct.

Example 230-z with 2optical 2coax

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: aphex
So do you think the HK AVR-240 at $300 shipped ($288 in after cash back) would be my best bet?

I am kinda confused on it, it shows 3-optical in on many sites, but the pics only show 2 optical in.

I don't know if this would really be all that much better than any of your other options.

If you want to get a good deal on an HK, consider going through the seller "Harmanaudio" off ebay. They sell factory refurb units with new warranties.

They also have a site where you can just purchase them direct.

Example 230-z with 2optical 2coax

That looks like a pretty good deal, Jello. Even has 7.1 preouts.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: aphex
So do you think the HK AVR-240 at $300 shipped ($288 in after cash back) would be my best bet?

I am kinda confused on it, it shows 3-optical in on many sites, but the pics only show 2 optical in.

I don't know if this would really be all that much better than any of your other options.

If you want to get a good deal on an HK, consider going through the seller "Harmanaudio" off ebay. They sell factory refurb units with new warranties.

They also have a site where you can just purchase them direct.

Example 230-z with 2optical 2coax

Nice price but i think i'd rather stay away from a Remanufactured one...

 

[aphex]

Think i decided on the HK 240, seems like the HK's get good reviews across the board and people say they like the warm sound...

 

[axia55]

I ordered the Micra 6's from BB today, I'm still thinking I am going to get the Pannasonic 55-XR from Amazon. Anybody used it and want to commment?

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: axia55
I ordered the Micra 6's from BB today, I'm still thinking I am going to get the Pannasonic 55-XR from Amazon. Anybody used it and want to commment?

I love mine. I had my dad get one back in January since he just built a new house and was installing a living room HT, of sorts. He likes it a lot, and only spent $230 on it. I liked it as well, so I bought a black one a couple of months ago. I am really happy with it.

 

[Nohr]

I'm happy with my Panasonic XR55, I've had it for about a year now. Works great with my Athena floorstanders.

 

[axia55]

I am debating that and the AVR140. I guess I have awhile to decide, the Micras are backordered for a couple of weeks.

 

[Dulanic]

BTW If your looking at the AVR140 Circuit City has it on clearance for $299, their dropping HK.