Receiver Advice???

[Unregistered]

Well I finally narrowed it down to 3 receivers to choose from. I've done my research and my head hurts from all the information. I'm overloaded and all the data seems to be meshing. I've listened to all 3 and they all sound great so I'm hoping that someone could voice their opinions/recommendations/concerns with my choices.

My current set-up is:
530HD
Panny C72 or XP30 (Depends on if the 72 has the flicker bug or not)
Polk 5.1 Sattelite system (I may put up rear center. However 7.1 will never happen as long as my better half has a say)

My choices are these:
Onkyo 800 - $749
HK 525 - $699
Onkyo 700 - $599

My budget is stretched as far as possible if I go with the 700. With some begging I might be able to convince my wife to buy the next level but it would have to be worth it. If there is are receiver I should look at or one cheaper than these that's better for my set-up, I'd appreciate any feedback.

I know this is asked a great deal in these forums, but like I said, my head hurts from researching and I can't tell if I made progress or took two steps back.

[llbbl]

Post some more specs and links (if you can) of the different models so that we can give you better advice as to what you are paying for and if it is worth it.

Register on the forums, It is free !

[neuroking]

Originally posted by Unregistered
Well I finally narrowed it down to 3 receivers to choose from. I've done my research and my head hurts from all the information. I'm overloaded and all the data seems to be meshing. I've listened to all 3 and they all sound great so I'm hoping that someone could voice their opinions/recommendations/concerns with my choices.

My current set-up is:
530HD
Panny C72 or XP30 (Depends on if the 72 has the flicker bug or not)
Polk 5.1 Sattelite system (I may put up rear center. However 7.1 will never happen as long as my better half has a say)

My choices are these:
Onkyo 800 - $749
HK 525 - $699
Onkyo 700 - $599

My budget is stretched as far as possible if I go with the 700. With some begging I might be able to convince my wife to buy the next level but it would have to be worth it. If there is are receiver I should look at or one cheaper than these that's better for my set-up, I'd appreciate any feedback.

I know this is asked a great deal in these forums, but like I said, my head hurts from researching and I can't tell if I made progress or took two steps back.

First, look at the top 3: Denon, Yamaha, and Pioneer Elite. Then consider Onkyo and HK. Generally, you get less for your money with HK. Onkyo is good in general, especially for the price point, but it becomes inflated quick.

Next decide on the MUST HAVE features. Number of inputs (esp video and digital coax), surround format (note: if you aren't going to use 7.1, why get a receiver that supports it?), watts/channel, etc.

Next, go to a GOOD A/V store, and ask to listen to them. Try to find speakers like you have, or want to eventually get. Bring a couple CDs (or DVD-As or SACDs) and DVDs that you use normally.

I highly recommend Yamaha for movies and music. I got an RX-V2200, which is probably out of the price range a bit, but even my sister's older 595 was great.

Denon fares better in movies, but not so great for music.

Pioneer is generally a good jack of all trades too, and my last Pioneer (not even Elite), lasted be through high school and college, and has since become my parent's downstairs receiver. It will last a while. People complain that Pioneer uses crappy parts, but this isn't so with the Elite series.

Don't worry about THX. Anything from these companies will be great. Most non-THX devices simply haven't been tested for it (read: Didn't want to bother paying Lucas $XXXXX.XX for the badge.) To my knowledge, no Yamaha products are THX certified. You will never know the difference.

Lastly, make sure you buy from an authorized dealer. If anythign ever goes wrong, and you bought it for $100 cheaper online from ReceiverzThatRoxorz.com, and they don't exist, you're out a receiver. Check warrenties on floor models as well. Sometimes the floor models are the best buy.

Hope that helps.
Brandon

[Ioman]

I am very happy with my Yamaha RV1105 reciever. It has Dolby Digital and DTS support, but that is all I need for now. I only wish I had more Digital Optical inputs on it, since I have so many devices that use that input for sound.

I am not a big fan of Harmon Kardon. They used to be very good about 5 years ago but their quality has gone down hill in my opinion, and so has their power. You really have to pay to get any decent power out of an HK.

Your choices overall are good. Onkyo is a great brand as well.