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Please recommend a receiver

post #1 of 11
5/27/10 at 9:08am
Thread Starter 
Hi Guys,

Currently I own a Harmon Kardon AVR-435 model receiver (Specs can be found url=http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-AVR-435-7-1-Channel/dp/B00065HLY2]HERE[/url]

I'm considering upgrading my receiver to one with HDMI, 1080p capable, 7.1/7.2. (Note: I only have a yamaha surround bar right now which I believe is only capable of 5.1)

So my question now is, will any of the below receivers far outperform what I have now (I am on a budget, and also don't want to upgrade receiver if it won't do a lot better than what I have now) .. or should I wait a few months and save some more money for something a little more expensive but a lot better than the models I have listed below.

Pioneer vsx520k
Yamaha htr3063b
Sony strdh800
Sony strdh700
Pioneer vsx820k

Thanks!
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post #2 of 11
5/27/10 at 9:11am
Since its only 5.1 the Denon 1610/590 seems to be a better choice than any you have listed. I would think easily also.
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post #3 of 11
5/27/10 at 10:15am
depends on the budget..
i too is on a tight budget.. considering the Onkyo TX-SR508 but my problem is availability..

take a look.. seems to be a nice.. if you find any other one that is good, please don't forget to let us know. ^_^
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post #4 of 11
5/27/10 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eXeC- View Post

depends on the budget..
i too is on a tight budget.. considering the Onkyo TX-SR508 but my problem is availability..

take a look.. seems to be a nice.. if you find any other one that is good, please don't forget to let us know. ^_^

Check out the price for the 1610 at Vann's. Less than the 508 easily.
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post #5 of 11
5/27/10 at 10:32am
my prob.. in need of hdmi 1.4 .. i do not want to have to change av receiver soon.. i am new to this world and just finished university. + my family isn't lucky with tons of money.. i am trying to invest in a cost-effective system
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post #6 of 11
5/27/10 at 10:46am
If I had an HK 435 and a soundbar I think I'd be looking at new speakers. If you gotta have a shiny new AVR get the one phantom suggested - or this one if you really want 7.1. Either are much better than your list. A decent 5.1 will sound every bit as good as a 7.1 setup.
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post #7 of 11
5/27/10 at 11:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by eXeC- View Post

my prob.. in need of hdmi 1.4 .. i do not want to have to change av receiver soon.. i am new to this world and just finished university. + my family isn't lucky with tons of money.. i am trying to invest in a cost-effective system

So we must assume you already have a 3-D display. If thats the case and since your budget is tight get the H/K 1600. It will be upgraded to HDMI 1.4 by firmware in September. So far its been the only one I've heard of that will be able to do this. The H/K's 1600/2600/3600 will be able to be upgraded, but the 2600 and 3600 are way out of budget. If not then the 1610 and 1910 are the way to go on your budget. As stated before either of these are much better than anything on your list, by far.
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post #8 of 11
5/27/10 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

If I had an HK 435 and a soundbar I think I'd be looking at new speakers. If you gotta have a shiny new AVR get the one phantom suggested - or this one if you really want 7.1. Either are much better than your list. A decent 5.1 will sound every bit as good as a 7.1 setup.

Thank you for the input!
The only issue is that the AVR 435 doesn't support any of the HD audio available.

Is HD audio a big deal?

So I guess the question is, spring for speakers now and a receiver later? If so, any recommendations on a set of speakers?

Cheers!
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post #9 of 11
5/27/10 at 4:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Heineken77 View Post

Thank you for the input!
The only issue is that the AVR 435 doesn't support any of the HD audio available.

Is HD audio a big deal?

So I guess the question is, spring for speakers now and a receiver later? If so, any recommendations on a set of speakers?

Cheers!

Like most HK AVRs you have 8 channel direct inputs. Get a blu ray player with analog output and you will have the latest True HD audio. Just let the blu ray player do the decoding. FWIW True HD audio ain't a big deal - at least to me.
Better speakers will give you the most bang for your buck sound quality increase.

How many speakers - 5.1 or 7.1 - and budget? Will that include a subwoofer?
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post #10 of 11
5/28/10 at 6:39am
Go to Vanns and look at the Jamo set-up. Incredible deal for some good speakers. For the price of those you may be able to get them and an AVR.
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post #11 of 11
5/28/10 at 7:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

If I had an HK 435 and a soundbar I think I'd be looking at new speakers...

I'd echo this. A receiver is very low on the totem pole as regards increases in sound quality and buying a new one expecting that you will increase that SQ, especialy with a soundbar, isn't very likely to happen. But to each his or her own.
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