Pick an AVR for me for $400 or less!

I'm looking now to upgrade the receiver in my theater room. I've got a firm budget of $400 (which rules out the Pioneer 1120 and the Yamaha 667). I've been overwhelmed by the choices in that price range.

From several days of research, I've narrowed it down to the following models. Some of these that are normally beyond my price point can be found as factory-refurbished units with warranties, so I've listed them as such.

1. Pioneer VSX-1020 (new)
2. Onkyo HT-RC260 (refurb or new)
3. Onkyo TX-SR608 (refurb or new)
4. Onkyo HT-RC180 (refurb)
5. Onkyo TX-NR807 (refurb)

I have four HDMI sources (Roku, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, all-region DVD) that I would like to run through the AVR. I currently have a 5.1 setup, but will be adding two speakers after Christmas to make it a 7.1. I do like THX modes, but they are not a deal-breaker - especially since I hear the native Onkyo sound modes can be good. I do not need to interface it with an iPod. Network connectivity allowing Windows 7 to send music to the AVR would be nice, but is certainly not a requirement. Pre-amp outs are also not a requirement, since I tend to just replace the receiver every few years and either sell (via Craiglist) or give away (to family) the previous model.

Primary uses are movies (90%) and music (10%).

TV is a 46" 1080p LCD. It's a Dynex, so upscaling through the AVR may (in this case) be better than what the TV is capable of doing.

The speakers are 99db 8-ohm DCM KX-12 Series II models. I've got them paired with a single 15" sub in a dedicated, but smallish, theater room.

Go ahead - tell me which of the ones above you would choose ... and why.

Thank you.

I found the Yamaha (new) within my price range, but both of the Denons are beyond my budget.

I just listed those specific ones because I found factory-refurbished units that carry a 1-year warranty within my price range. If I had not specified "refurb", I guarantee someone would reply, "That Onkyo TX-NR807 costs far more than $400!".

I have nothing against new units ... as long as I can settle on one that I like. My benchmark is my Pioneer VSX-1014TX. My father-in-law has offered me $400 for it, as long as I install and configure it (along with his speakers, TV, and DVD player) in his media room at his new house. That's a much better price than I can sell it for locally or online, gives me an opportunity to upgrade ... and it sets my budget for a replacement receiver.

Ignoring the "refurb" designation, how would you feel an Onkyo HT-RC180 fares against the Pioneer-VSX-1020 as far as features/build quality/sound modes, etc? If I can get them for approximately the same price, which way would you go?

I was leaning toward the 608 as well. I did find it for substantially less than $380 as a refurb. While looking at it, that's when I stumbled upon the larger (but earlier generation) RC180 and the NR807 ... for nearly the same price as a new 608. Since I don't know if I really need HDMI 1.4a, I'm still torn between those. A nice, solid 40lb AVR with network capability and a boatload of other bells and whistles in that price range really has me interested.


I keep seeing that the 1120 is the Pioneer to get over the 1020 when it comes to build quality and features (like the pre-outs). I'm just getting discouraged that the price seems to inch up every day on Amazon.

I already called the only Best Buy in my area that carries the Magnolia stuff. No clearance Denons left.

I'm sure I could harass a number of online vendors - looking to negotiate a price on one down to within my budget ... but I'm lazy

I want to find it online, click Add to Cart, then proceed to the Checkout.

Thanks - I'll see what that gives me.


You feel the Pioneer 1120 is nearly $100 better than the Onkyo 807 ... for my setup? [Serious question].

It's dangerous to get into the "it's only $x more to move up to ABC". Once I adopt that pattern, I'll probably end up with the Pioneer Elite SC-37

BTW, if I refer to my father-in-law as "Grandfather", I probably won't get the $400

Update (that makes my choice harder):

Found the Pioneer VSX-1120 (new) just barely out of my price range. Now my choices - I'm impatient and would like to order something by tomorrow - appear to be be.

1. Pioneer VSX-1120
2. Onkyo TX-SR608
3. Onkyo TX-NR807
4. Yamaha 765

Last call for opinions!

I agree - that's why I don't have any Denon's on my list. Either something on my list has better quality/features for a similar price, or has similar features for less money.

The 608 remains on my list as the cheapest of my remaining choices (@$300).

Interesting. Did see it for much less at EE .. albeit with $40 shipping.

I've never owned a Yamaha AVR. I've always heard they were better for music than movies, while 90% of my use would be movies.

How are the DSP modes on the Yamaha in comparison to the modes on the high-end Pioneer and Onkyo units? I didn't see any THX modes for the 1065.

Naw - never would have guessed you like Yamaha

I'm heading out after lunch to take a look at some of the Onkyos and Yamahas before I make my decision.

I'm shying away from the newest deal on the Pioneer 1120 since it's not from an authorized dealer. I do like having a warranty ... well, at least one I do not have to pay extra for

New (final?) list:

1. Onkyo TX-SR608
2. Onkyo TX-NR807
3. Yamaha 1065

Of course, I'll probably find something completely different on clearance or as an open box and have to buy it on the spot. An SR608 for $179???? I can dream, can't I?

But that puts me back to "it's only $50 more ... but wait, then that one's only another $60" ... and soon I've replaced everything in my theater room ...

Unless I find a good Open Box or clearance deal, or get blown away by the Yamaha, I'm leaning toward the 807 for its build and feature set.

The "relay click" reports on the Onkyo's do not bother me since my theater room doesn't have cable - meaning I won't be switching sources frequently. It's pretty much movies (DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming). TV watching is normally on the 57" RPTV in the downstairs den, or the 56" LCD in the living room.

Sort of agree. It's sort of like collision insurance on a car - you pay for it every year, but ideally you never need it. However, that one time you decide you don't need it is when it comes back to bite you in the a**.

That's why I normally won't pay extra for an extended warranty. If it fails, it usually fails quickly.

However, with $400 electronics, I get nervous with just a 30-day warranty from the seller. Big difference between 1 month of coverage vs 12 months of coverage.