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$500 5.1/7.1 quality receiver?

1205 Views 17 Replies 10 Participants Last post by RWetmore, Oct 11, 2006

Dirac

Discussion Starter · Oct 8, 2006

This is a pretty open-ended question, but I'm looking for a couple of suggestions to get started in some research. I need to replace a Sony STR-DE845 receiver that has gotten noisy and, just recently, the front panel display has started to fail. I'm looking in the $500 MSRP price range (or slightly higher MSRP to aim for $500 out the door).

Here's what I think I need. Sound quality is more important to me than bells and whistles. I have a 5.1 speaker system (2 rear speakers ceiling mounted; the rest are bookshelves). My 5 speakers are rated at 120 W each at a minimum. The receiver should be able to decode any 5.1 digital source and have 5.1 analog inputs for SACD/DVD-A... hopefully almost all new receivers do this. I don't think I need video switching, as I am running video directly from the sources (HDTiVo: 1080i DVI-D, DVD: 768p Component/RCA, PS2: 480p Component/DB15) to my Panasonic PDP. The DVD is connected with 5.1 discrete analog inputs and digital optical, the HDTiVo and PS2 are both connected with digital optical, and I have a CD player connected with analog (it is digital optical capable, but I am out of digital inputs on the Sony). Again, I am looking for sound quality over features, although extra functionality like video switching would be a bonus.

Please give some suggestions and help me pick a few brands/models to narrow down further. Thanks.

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1 - 18 of 18 Posts

Luis Gabriel Gerena

· #2 · Oct 8, 2006

As usual I will recommend the Harman Kardon AVR-435. I have the 635 and the sound quality is superb IMHO. I havent compare it to much just some Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer 1014 and a few Denon (1803 or 1802 cant recall).

Jakeman02

· #3 · Oct 8, 2006

Harmon Kardan AVR-435 gets amazing reviews for it's sq. Should be able to pick it up

Also the Pioneer 1016 is a nice bang for buck reciever and adds HDMI.

Dirac

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 8, 2006

I noticed the HK AVR-445 is also $300 more MSRP, and an even bigger difference OTD. Especially when I don't need HDMI. That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for, I appreciate the suggestions so far!

I did notice the 435 has only 3 TOSLINK/digital optical inputs... I could use at least 4, although I wouldn't have to connect the CD player digitally.

axs

· #5 · Oct 9, 2006

Check out Onkyo SR604 also. It has 4 optical and 2 coax digital inputs.

anonymouse99

· #6 · Oct 9, 2006

I believe the Yamaha RX-V659 would also fit your requirements (you could find it
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...6&CTID=5000300

Rear Panel View

Front Panel View

skiier3_9

· #7 · Oct 9, 2006

You should be able to find the HK AVR 635 online for around 500 - the 435 is good but obviously the 635 is better. I got mine gently used (but in great shape) for 425 on eBay about a month ago.

Luis Gabriel Gerena

· #8 · Oct 9, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiier3_9
You should be able to find the HK AVR 635 online for around 500 - the 435 is good but obviously the 635 is better. I got mine gently used (but in great shape) for 425 on eBay about a month ago.

I didnt know you can find it for $500...if thats so the change my recommendation to the 635 indeed.

Dayter

· #9 · Oct 9, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luis Gabriel Gerena
I didnt know you can find it for $500...if thats so the change my recommendation to the 635 indeed.

I don't think it lies in this (low) price range , it's a 100$ higher at least (in the non-authorized stores)

Take a look:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_g...rch=harman+635

http://www0.shopping.com/xFS?KW=harman+635

This is one of the greatest Harman Kardon receivers EVER! , even though I don't like this brandname too much , cause I'm somehow stick to thy Malysian manufactured brands (Yamaha , Pioneer , Onkyo) over those made in CHINA.

But totally speaking , The Harman Hk 435 is superior just slightly (in its middle class cost category ) to thy Denon 2805 , Onkyo 703 (Being tested/compared to it), Yet it's inferior significantly to Major CRASHER YAmaha's 2500 which beats all these up in just seconds(even the Yamaha's 659 beats these simply).

This Yamaha's 2500 is a spectacular performer for the multichannel DD/DTS soundtracks , an outstanding actor in the 2 channel music tracks , and of course , The non-competitive optimization DSP programs never being even reached in a way by any other manufacturer.

Though , if you're a fan of Hk(aren't greatly bothered by the chinese made units) , stepping up a bit for thy HK 635 one(Upper class unit) , would be a great choice no doubt , yet it's beaten clearly be the somehow more expensive Yamaha (First class) 2600 extreme performer.

Finally , At this(500$) price point,

Considering your prefer of the acoustic quality over anything else ,

Regarding the clear weaknesses of any other facer,

and pointing to its legit hard fight with the pricy more expensive Denon 3805(7 Surreal unit,

Yamaha's Rxv-2500 Perfect unit 'll be my non-stop recommendation to you.

See less See more

Luis Gabriel Gerena

· #10 · Oct 9, 2006

When I did my research the 2400, 2500 and 2600 were researched as well and based on my findings the nod in sound quality (bells and whistles not included) went to the HK...then again to each its own and since most receivers have their "own" sound not all people will like the same. Thats why auditioning is so imporant imho.

Mr. Cinema

· #11 · Oct 9, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by axs
Check out Onkyo SR604 also. It has 4 optical and 2 coax digital inputs.

I just ordered this unit last night. I'm upgrading from a 6year old JVC. Can't wait to check it out. It also has 2 HDMI ins and 1 HDMI out, which will be enough for me and my HD-A1.

Dirac

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 9, 2006

Thanks. I'm looking more seriously at Onkyo (604, 703) and HK (635) now. What about Marantz? Their SR4001 fits my budget... I have also seen the SR5600 on the web. How does Marantz compare to the others?

Thanks again for helping me narrow this down!

axs

· #13 · Oct 9, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirac
Thanks. I'm looking more seriously at Onkyo (604, 703) and HK (635) now. What about Marantz? Their SR4001 fits my budget... I have also seen the SR5600 on the web. How does Marantz compare to the others?

Thanks again for helping me narrow this down!

Just an FYI Onkyo SR703 does not have HDMI. Also check out Onkyo SR674.

RWetmore

· #14 · Oct 10, 2006

I would go for the Sony STR-DA1000ES. Phenominal bargain at street prices. I just got one about a week ago, and I'm hugely impressed with the build quality and powerful, clean sound output. The only significant negative is there is only one coaxial input.

I think Sony style is selling refurbished ones for $300. On ebay, they are selling new for only about 300-350 shipped (MSRP is $600).

Edvard_Grieg

· #15 · Oct 10, 2006

I would say the Marantz should be on your short list as far as sound quality goes. I was listening to the 4001 the other day while demoing a DV7600 and it has a phenomenal sound. You won't be disappointed.

Dirac

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 10, 2006

I'm really steering away from Sony based on my experience with the 845... unless the ES series is that much better?

Dayter

· #17 · Oct 10, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirac
Thanks. I'm looking more seriously at Onkyo (604, 703)

Better than these two is the Onkyo 674 powerful Superb unit , it acts more strongly , directly , clearly than thy above two.

Give it a try.

RWetmore

· #18 · Oct 11, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirac
I'm really steering away from Sony based on my experience with the 845... unless the ES series is that much better?

Yes, the ES series is far superior in both build quality and performance.

1 - 18 of 18 Posts

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