Wanna Help A College Kid Get Re-focused on Finals Week?

GoBigBlue
GoBigBlue Posts: 212
edited May 2011 in Electronics
It's finals week and I need to study Microbiology and Organic Chemistry, but I'd rather look at A/V receivers. HELP ME!!!

I'm looking for a new receiver to power my 2 Monitor 60's, CS 20 Center, 2 TSi 200 surrounds, and my Klipsch Sub-12.

I'm looking for quality over power. I just moved into a new apartment complex, and I don't think they really tolerate loud music/videos.

I'm considering a mint Harman Kardon HK AVR 230 for $175 off the local CL. I'm also considering a Pioneer VSX-521 and the Elite VSX-30. But I just added the Onkyo TX-309.

I just bought a 50" Panasonic Plasma and a bunch of furniture so my budget is tight. Trying to stay under $300.

Suggestions? Comments? Advise? Thanks.
Post edited by GoBigBlue on
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Comments

  • GoBigBlue
    GoBigBlue Posts: 212
    edited April 2011
    Sorry, should have clarified. I added the Onkyo to my wishlist. I have a Yamaha RX-V367 right now, and I'm not in love with it. It just feels lacking with my music, but it is adequate. I appreciate your input--my best bet would be to save, but I'm not very good at saving money :P
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  • EDUBAG
    EDUBAG Posts: 403
    edited April 2011
    hk 254 or 354, great sound, great reviews and you can find them for very good prices at the harman kardon ebay store.

    good luck,

    eduardo
    HT:
    POLK AUDIO RTI4 FRONTS
    CSI3 CENTER
    DEF TECH PROMONITOR800 SURROUNDS
    PSW 125 SUB
    PIONEER ELITE AVR23TXH AVR
    APPLE TV 160GB
    PANASONIC BLURAY PLAYER
    50" PANASONIC PLASMA TCP50C2

    2 CHANNEL:
    KEF R300 THREE WAY BOOKSHELF GLOSS PIANO BLACK
    ROTEL RC 990BX PRE
    ROTEL RB 990BX AMP
    OPPO DV980 (AS CD PLAYER)
    PIONEER PL100 TURNTABLE WITH SHURE MX97E CART
    MIT EXP2 SPEAKER CABLES
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  • GoBigBlue
    GoBigBlue Posts: 212
    edited April 2011
    Appreciate the advice, guys!

    I've heard good things about Harman Kardon, but I've never taken the dive.

    DSkip, you're a pro, dude. It never occurred to me that I was never really "upgrading" if I'm buying similar level receivers. I'm actually looking to replace my Yamaha Receiver since I just picked up a second set of speakers for my office. The Yamaha will power my 5.1 Klipsch system for the office and the newer Receiver will replace the Polk HT system in my living room. I guess I'm just looking for a cost-effective replacement, but looking for a slightly better unit (if that makes any sense).

    So, I'd be better off getting the HK 254 or something similar off eBay than a newer entry level Pioneer Elite?
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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited April 2011
    I have the HK 354 and it powered my system just fine until I added my Parasound. I think you would be fine with that and I didn't pay much for mine used. If....ahem, when you get the itch, you can add some external power and make it sound even better yet.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
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  • GoBigBlue
    GoBigBlue Posts: 212
    edited April 2011
    Thanks for the comment! I'm sure sooner or later I'm going to get on the neighbors' good side and they'll put up with some wall/floor shaking. Maybe then I'll invest in something more powerful.

    I really like what I'm seeing from HK. I may just go down that route.
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  • GoBigBlue
    GoBigBlue Posts: 212
    edited April 2011
    I did it. I bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-30. The features were the selling point. Someone tell me I didn't make a huge mistake.
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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Posts: 10
    edited May 2011
    I've had good luck with Denon, they are widely available and you can get good prices on previously very pricey units.
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