A HT dummy needs help. Receiver under $1k

4runnin

So, here's a little background.. The gf and I have been watching TV (panny 50" plasma) with blown factory speakers for a few months :rolleyes:

She bought us the Polk RM510's from newegg so we can finally have a somewhat decent setup. Now we need a receiver. I've always been into friends/relatives great home theaters setups just could never afford to play with them myself. Now I have some good funding, and a head start since now I have speakers! So I'd like to spend maximum $1k on a GOOD receiver that I can use later on when we get a bigger place...and I can get better speakers to better suit the receiver. I hope this is making sense.. lol

The Polk RM510 setup includes RM8 front speakers, the RM8 center, and RM7 surrounds along with a 10" powered sub (not sure the model on that)

I was looking at Denon, Onkyo, and Pioneer but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the selections. I'm not set on these brands so if there is something better out there, I'm open to suggestions.

This will mainly be used to watch HDTV and DVD's/Blurays. This setup will also be used for listening to MP3's via home network and ipod. Correct me if I'm wrong but, when a receiver states multiroom networking that means if the receiver is in the living room, I can also use it to watch tv upstairs in my bedroom?

My requirements are:
a bunch of HDMI inputs, DVD/bluray, xbox, wii, comcast box etc..
Multi-room networking would be a big plus (assuming it means what I thought it means)
Ethernet hookup to connect to the home network would be a big plus
Some kind of iphone support would be a plus but not necessary
7.1 or 7.2 for future speaker upgrade (even though I have 5.1 right now)

Please excuse my total noobness. I just want to make a good decision on what I buy and have no regrets :biggrin:

punk-roc

I've been using a Pioneer SC-25 for a while now and I have been really happy with the results.. I got it for less than $900.. I think they go a little less than that now

It has most of what you are asking for (except the Iphone stuff); So I'd put that on your short list to research more

Jason

4runnin

Thank you for the suggestion. Although I'd rather not buy used so I've added the SC-35 to my short list.

I think I'm going to go with either of these 3:

Onkyo TX-NR3008
Denon AVR-3311CI
Pioneer SC-35

Right now leaning towards the Onkyo. Any input?

punk-roc

I've had a couple different lower end Onkyo's and liked them fine. When I bought the Pio SC-25 it replaced an older Onkyo SR600 series (can't remember if it was the SR603 or 604) and the SC-25 was an obvious improvement, predictably.

I haven't tried an Onkyo that would be considered comparable to the Pio SC-25 so I can't compare straight across. The Pio seemed to be less forward than my Onkyo + Rti8 combination I had before. I like the sound of my Pio + Rti8 combo far better, but its probably a combination of better electronics inside the Pio and better amplifier driving the speakers..

Bottom line, is you probably can't go wrong with any of those.. choices you listed.. I'm partial to Pioneer, but I haven't heard the higher end Onkyo's or any Denon receivers

Hope that's a little helpful for you

Jason

mdaudioguy

Unless you're going to upgrade those speakers some time, you could run them with most any AVR. The SC models are really nice, but honestly, you could find a real nice performing receiver for half your budget.

JMO to offer you another perspective. Welcome to Club Polk!

specd_out

Pioneer VSX-32
or
Pioneer 1120k

I have the 32 and its great. I am very happy with it and its ease of use.