BEST 5.1 receiver?

polkerfan
polkerfan Posts: 120
edited May 2010 in Electronics
I am in search of input of what are some of the best 5.1 receivers on the market right now. I have always been a fan of Denon and Onkyo. But I'd like to get everyones input though on this- what is the BEST overall 5.1 receiver out right now, with the MOST current features? I don't need a 7.1 necessarily, although 7.1's seem to have a little more power per channel, which would only help. But I will have no need for a full 7.1 system. Just looking for something with high quality internals that won't break the bank.

Here is my current speaker set-up:

Polk TSi 300's for the front
Polk CS10 for the center
Polk OWM 3's for the rear
Polk PSW 110 for the sub (just upgraded from the PSW 10)
PS3 for my blu-ray

Look forward to everyones input.
Post edited by polkerfan on
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Comments

  • polkerfan
    polkerfan Posts: 120
    edited May 2010
    Budget? That's kind of a tough one. I don't really have a max number in mind. Just looking to not buy more than what my situation warrants (small house, small theater room, wife, child). I guess common sense would be my budget :)

    What do you like about this particular Pioneer receiver? Any other options?
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2010
    I like HK receivers. Nice warm sound and you can get refurbs on Ebay real cheap. Ignore the watt ratings. They have plenty of currant and HK tends to rate their specs on the low side.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • polkerfan
    polkerfan Posts: 120
    edited May 2010
    Did I hear correctly that HK AND JBL are calling it quits!? Years ago, I had a pair of monster JBL 830's. Had them for over 20 years, just sold them to a buddy 5 years ago, and they still sounded like new. Amazing.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,623
    edited May 2010
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    What is your budget?

    This Pioneer VSX-820K is one to consider.
    http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr51ch&1277127045&&&/Pioneer-VSX820K

    :rolleyes: Oh yeh,That right there is NICE. Great pick. 5 Hdmi + OTHER STUFF ;):cool:
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2010
    polkerfan wrote: »
    Did I hear correctly that HK AND JBL are calling it quits!? Years ago, I had a pair of monster JBL 830's. Had them for over 20 years, just sold them to a buddy 5 years ago, and they still sounded like new. Amazing.

    Where did you here that? That doesn't seem very likely to me?
    Both HK and JBL have new models out.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • scottfox
    scottfox Posts: 37
    edited May 2010
    If U don't mind a factory refurb with full warranty, try:
    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HomeAudio/Home-Audio/2.html

    Mainly Marantz & Onkyo. I bought Onkyo 606 w/90wpc for $300.
    now-> onkyo 607 $300 606 $280 Marantz 4003 $330
    and many others to choose from.
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  • Des Moines
    Des Moines Posts: 115
    edited May 2010
    scottfox wrote: »
    If U don't mind a factory refurb with full warranty, try:
    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/HomeAudio/Home-Audio/2.html

    Mainly Marantz & Onkyo. I bought Onkyo 606 w/90wpc for $300.
    now-> onkyo 607 $300 606 $280 Marantz 4003 $330
    and many others to choose from.

    Accessories for less a great place to pick up Marantz 2009 refurb models to fit your budget.
    HT in Progress
    Receiver - Harmon Kardon AVR520 5.1
    Fronts - Polk SDA 1C
    Center - Polk CS350
    Monitor - Sharp Aquos LCD
    NMT - Mede8er500x
    Cables - Signal Ultra
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited May 2010
    1 + Denon



    01) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
    02) SUNFIRE Grand Signature - Bob Carver's
    03) OPPO BDP-83SE Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio
    04) OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
    05) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
    06) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
    07) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
    08) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
    09) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
    10) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    11) POLKAUDIO LSiC Vertically (Surround speaker)
    12) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround back speakers)
    13) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround back speakers)
    14) VELODYNE OPTIMUN SERIES 12"(High Output Digital EQ SubWoofer 2400W/1200WRMS)
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=98096 (Not updated)
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    Most current AVRs are going 7.1, so specifically requesting 5.1 doesn't do a whole lot.

    I've had a hard time justifying the price of top-end receivers, as they go obsolete quicker than other audio gear. I had a Denon 3808ci followed by a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH consecutively and preferred the Pio. As Ben mentioned, HK is also a great value. What kinds of bells and whistles are important to you?
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  • Des Moines
    Des Moines Posts: 115
    edited May 2010
    ethernet is what I have been waiting for. Several models available with 2009 release. Someone mentioned that oppo has an ethernet connection also.

    Can anyone comment on networked streaming via Oppo 83? any limitations?
    HT in Progress
    Receiver - Harmon Kardon AVR520 5.1
    Fronts - Polk SDA 1C
    Center - Polk CS350
    Monitor - Sharp Aquos LCD
    NMT - Mede8er500x
    Cables - Signal Ultra
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,081
    edited May 2010
    My Pioneer sounds fantastic! HK also makes some great stuff.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, McIntosh C2300, Marantz AV7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Sim Audio Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2010
    I have a Pio SC-07 and it sounds awesome in the HT. If you can splurge on the Pio 1020/1120 you would be set. If you want to try something different then check out the Pioneer Elite SC-05/SC-25 which offer the IcePower Amps by Bang & Olufsen. If you search the forum you will see quite a few of us have the Pio Elite models.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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