2. home-theater
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HT Receiver recommendation

Little by little I am upgrading my modest home theater. Just added an OPPO HD980 DVD player based on input from this board. I still have a (gasp) Yamaha Pro-Logic receiver, so I think it is now time to upgrade the receiver. I have pretty good Paradigm speakers all around, and need at least 100 watts/channel and at least a 5.1 unit, and I use a 42" Sony LCD TV. I am hoping to spend less than $500 on a used unit. I am thinking Denon, Yamaha, Rotel, Sony ES or something similar. I am really a 2-channel guy, but enjoy movies on a decent system with my family. What would you recommend?...and, thanks in advance.
stuartbmw3
kthomas
911 posts
 
I always liked the Denon units, and the older ones sell for an incredible discount used. That's what I would buy if I was looking in your price range.
reubent
6,939 posts
 
Stuart,

I wouldn't necessarily recommend a used HT receiver unless you really need to stay within a budget or you can find a very recent vintage receiver on the used market. The new receivers have HDMI input/output, auto-calibration (including room equalization), Dolby Pro-logic II, etc. These features greatly enhance the sonics of the newer units and make them much easier to use.

I can highly recommend the newer Onkyos from the TX-SR60X/TX-SR70X or TX-SR80X ranges. I saw a nearly new 705 for $570 here on AudiogoN this week. There's also a recent forum post from someone stating the 605 is extremely competent for under $500 new/street price.

I've owned Sony ES, Pioneer, Denon, B&K and Onkyo in recent years and I prefer my Onkyo to all of the others for HT duties. It sounds great and it is very easy to use.

Enjoy,

TIC
mnnc
175 posts
 
For less than $600 you can get a NEW Onkyo 705 shipped free from amzon/vanz. All the latest converting/processing. Exc a/v performance with a solid 100wpc and 7.1 capability. Otherwise, for 5-6 bills I would recommend looking for a used Emotiva setup.
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