Need help choosing a 5.1 HT Receiver ($200 to $300)

Echosphere
Echosphere Posts: 395
edited June 2010 in Electronics
Hi Folks,

Just sold my RTA 15TL to a friend at work and given him the Polk HT bug!
He has a pair of Infinity's and JBL's I think he can use for surround and the sale I gave him included a 12" Cambridge Soundworks 240 watt amp.

He's looking for a used or new HT 5.1 Receiver for around $200-300.

I was thinking maybe HK, Onkyo/Intergra or Denon.

I like Denon the most out of them but I'll take any suggestions.

He lives in a rather small apartment and can't rock the casbah that loud due to neighbors so it doesn't have to be a monster sound, but something good to get him into the mix with a bit of flexibility and good sound to last maybe a year at most till he can upgrade.

Any suggestions? :)

Thanks in Advance!
Scott
Post edited by Echosphere on
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Comments

  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    HK is probably the best option for that price. 254/354 is a good starting point.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Seems to be a well made model and popular, thanks!
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited May 2010
    There is an used Pioneer VSX-1018 AH-K from a Hi-Fi dealer in mid-west (consignment sale) for $299 + ship on Audiogon.com.

    It is supposed to be essentially the same as Pioneer Elite series (non-ICE power VSX-01 and VSX-03) and is supposed to have a nice beefy power supply, vs. newer non-Elite series from Pioneer, which are much lighter, and probably will have difficulty even coming close to their advertised power in real world situations.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    That ain't a bad amp either. Just hadn't heard any Pioneers lately. I really love the front inputs! Thanks, I'll pass this one along!
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2010
    That Pioneer is a good buy. Pre-outs and a bit more power than the HK..and probably more reliable?

    You can buy a LOT more AVR used for 300 than you can new so that's a good idea!

    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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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    cnh wrote: »
    That Pioneer is a good buy. Pre-outs and a bit more power than the HK..and probably more reliable?

    You can buy a LOT more AVR used for 300 than you can new so that's a good idea!

    cnh
    Yes, for the amount of money this would be the best bang for the buck!
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    Yes, for the amount of money this would be the best bang for the buck!

    Thank you CNH and TK!

    The more I read I think it a very nice deal for the price! WOW!

    Cheers,
    Scott
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  • lriker
    lriker Posts: 64
    edited May 2010
    I jumped on this deal last week, audiogon pioneer 1018 sale. Dont know whether or not this store had more or not. Should get to me on tuesday. Just sold my polk r50s so I only have monitor 30s as my rears till I replace the front ones - but I will let you know how she works. Posting additional pics of the pioneer, at least the ones sent to me.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    lriker wrote: »
    I jumped on this deal last week, audiogon pioneer 1018 sale. Dont know whether or not this store had more or not. Should get to me on tuesday. Just sold my polk r50s so I only have monitor 30s as my rears till I replace the front ones - but I will let you know how she works. Posting additional pics of the pioneer, at least the ones sent to me.

    Can I ask how much you paid for it? Looks pretty nice a lot of inputs on the back. :eek:
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,331
    edited May 2010
    I say go for a Pioneer as well.
    This older VSX-1015TX has served me well and is extremely flexible, especially with the MCACC room EQ:
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  • lriker
    lriker Posts: 64
    edited May 2010
    329 shipped. You have to sign up, its free, with audiogon first.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    lriker wrote: »
    329 shipped. You have to sign up, its free, with audiogon first.

    Thanks, he might be able to swing it for that price.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Conradicles wrote: »
    I say go for a Pioneer as well.
    This older VSX-1015TX has served me well and is extremely flexible, especially with the MCACC room EQ:

    Looks like the consensus is towards the Pioneer, away from the HK. Great, I'll try and push him towards that. Plus, that thing has MOSFET stuff in there? Cool.

    Btw, any reason NOT to look at Denons? Too overpriced?
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  • lriker
    lriker Posts: 64
    edited May 2010
    For that same price, several months ago, I got a deon 1610 but it had no preouts. From all that I have read on this site and so on the internet you would have to spend several hundred more to get a denon with preouts. Have your friend check out denons and onkyos websites and see what they are offering.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    lriker wrote: »
    For that same price, several months ago, I got a deon 1610 but it had no preouts. From all that I have read on this site and so on the internet you would have to spend several hundred more to get a denon with preouts. Have your friend check out denons and onkyos websites and see what they are offering.

    Awww... Didn't even think about that option for future upgrades. THX! We'll make sure to kick the tires and ask about pre outs when shopping around.

    You're a gem!
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited May 2010
    Since the core of the 1018 is the same as the THX certified VSX-01 and VSX-03, it is, I believe, technically THX certified, even though they didn't put that label on it (cost?)

    I haven't owned Polk in many years, but from what I've read, Pioneer house sound is supposed to match very well with Polks.
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,081
    edited May 2010
    Go with the Pioneer or HK.
    ____________________________________________________________

    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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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,331
    edited May 2010
    Echosphere wrote: »
    Btw, any reason NOT to look at Denons? Too overpriced?

    I love the older Denons that were made in Japan. They can be had in that price range. Here is one on Agon:
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intamult&1280435366&/Denon-AVR-3600-A/V-Surround-Re

    Maybe a bit out of the price range, but these older models are great for music as well.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    Mshan, thanks for the THX info, that helps!

    Dpowell, probably look at the Pioneer's but will keep my eye on any good deals with HK too.

    conradicles, Yeah, I've noticed that the more recent Denon stuff isn't as well made as their older gear. New stuff feels lighter and more plasticky...
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    I don't think anyone told you to sway AWAY from HK... just that the 1018 is a great value (which it certainly is) If you're trying to get the absolute best for $300, and the 1018 is available for that--do it. If $300 is pushing it, or you can't get a 1018 to fit in the budget, HK would be an excellent backup.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,331
    edited May 2010
    Harman Kardon and Polk is a great synergy match. The high current of the HK's give the polks what they need and deserve.
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited May 2010
    I don't think you would be disappointed in either of those avrs. I love my pioneer but as everyone says, sound is a very subjective and personal thing.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited May 2010
    I'll really try and track down an 1018.

    I had just noticed that a lot of folks here, while giving thumbs up on HK, tend to own Pioneer? renowilliams for example.

    Again, thanks, you folks are great!
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited May 2010
    Better yet, Try and find a Pioneer VSX-49TXi. It doesn't have HDMI but I don't find it an issue. This is a beast of an avr and is very dynamic and powerful. Anyway, keep your eyes peeled.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited June 2010
    Someone just added a Pioneer VSX-03 in Seattle, WA for $390 on Audiogon.

    No box apparently, so local pick up, if you are not too far away, would probably best.

    Good luck.
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  • lriker
    lriker Posts: 64
    edited June 2010
    Echosphere wrote: »
    I'll really try and track down an 1018.

    I had just noticed that a lot of folks here, while giving thumbs up on HK, tend to own Pioneer? renowilliams for example.

    Again, thanks, you folks are great!

    I just got that pioneer 1018 in today and only could hook my monitor 30s to it. Played the opening on IRONMAN and the speakers are completely different from being powered by the denon 1610. All I can say is awesome. It really make my speakers come alive. If the listing from audiogon is still there for the 1018 contact them about it. Item looked brand new and came packed in orginial box. I think youre friend would greatly enjoy it.
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  • Echosphere
    Echosphere Posts: 395
    edited June 2010
    Thanks again folks!

    renowilliams, I think he'll want HDMI so that might not work, thanks for letting me know though.

    mshan, talked to him and think $300 is the max...

    Iriker, Thanks! I sent him the link to it and the Pioneer website specs on it with photos. Not sure if he wants to splurge on shipping, but maybe the seller can lower it. Man these things are so much more affordable now!

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1279920002&/Pioneer-VSX-1018-Ah-excellent-
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