want a new receiver and have about $700

slowhat
slowhat Posts: 50
edited August 2011 in Electronics
Hello all. I'm ready to get rid of my Denon AVR-788 and upgrade.

Like the title suggests, I have $700 that i want to spend on it.

I want network connectivity (Pandora, DLNA, etc.), more than the 85w per channel that I have, preouts to add an amp later, and more HDMI inputs.

The gear I'll be using with the new receiver:
Polk Monitor 70 x2 front LR
Polk CS1 (will upgrade to CS2 asap) center
Polk Monitor 40 x2 rear LR
Energy ESW-V10 x1 sub

Any ideas at that price point, and i truly mean at that price. I don't want to stray too far.

If i can get the onkyo 809 for the $699 it keeps popping up for I might be easily sold.
I'm also liking the looks and specs of the Yamaha rx-a1000. however, on another forum, someone expressed that I might find issue with not having individual crossovers for each channel.
Post edited by slowhat on

Comments

  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2011
    Best deal you will find. SC25 Pioneer Elite 140x7. Has everything you want and more. Search the forums and you will find plenty a reviews here on them. Quite a few of us use some variation of these ICEAmps. This one I linked is new.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?miscrcvr&1315337860&/Pioneer-Elite-SC-25-New-Factor
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • drselect
    drselect Posts: 664
    edited August 2011
    Sherardp wrote: »
    Best deal you will find. SC25 Pioneer Elite 140x7. Has everything you want and more. [/url]

    +1

    Bought a SC25 over a year ago and have been very happy with it. I have streamed pandora, on line radio channels, and music files with no problems.
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    yeah, looks good, but WAF goes to about 0 without a warranty. (and i can't say i blame her)
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2011
    Well you have 2 choices then:

    Buy an inferior product that comes with a warranty or buy a better product that doesn't include a warranty. If a warranty is a must have, you should probably state that in your original post.
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    Well you have 2 choices then:

    Buy an inferior product that comes with a warranty or buy a better product that doesn't include a warranty. If a warranty is a must have, you should probably state that in your original post.

    While i do appreciate your input, no matter what i purchase, someone will find it inferior to their own preference.

    I was hoping for a bit more constructive input.

    And since you state I have 2 choices, I guess I will take "An Inferior Product That Comes With A Warranty" for $700, Alex.
  • cembros
    cembros Posts: 172
    edited August 2011
    I say you can't go wrong with the pioneer SC line. I bought my SC05 for $700 new from best by a while back when they were bringing in the new line. Love that thing, top notch.
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2011
    Bro the unit is brand new and comes with Pioneer's warranty. What more can you ask for? You don't plan on destroying it in a week do ya? If you need a warranty call Robert @ VE. Ask for the same deal or close. www.valueelectronics.com
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    i guess i might be misinformed, but it was my understanding that Pioneer Elite warranties only stayed intact if purchased from an authorized dealer.
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2011
    slowhat wrote: »
    i guess i might be misinformed, but it was my understanding that Pioneer Elite warranties only stayed intact if purchased from an authorized dealer.

    See link above bro and talk to Robert. He can offer you an excellent deal.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    Sherardp, well played sir! I called and Robert was out, but spoke to someone else and she gave me a pretty kick **** price on a NIB Pioneer Elite VSX-52.

    I can get it for about the same price as the Onkyo 809 when the major discount comes on. Now I must decide between those 2, or even 3 because the yamaha can be had for just over 600 bucks.

    !@#$ me and my first world problems! help!
  • drselect
    drselect Posts: 664
    edited August 2011
    slowhat wrote: »
    she gave me a pretty kick **** price on a NIB Pioneer Elite VSX-52.

    Be careful she talked me into a SC-25 and a BDP..:eek::biggrin:
  • rebuy
    rebuy Posts: 695
    edited August 2011
    I'm so glad to hear it's still the first world where you live.
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    ok, so after a few more hours of not working, but doing research, I'm down to Elite VSX-52 or the Yamaha rx-a1000

    i kind of want to buy today or tomorrow, so the onkyo 809 is out since i can't find the price i want anywhere in stock.
    rebuy wrote: »
    I'm so glad to hear it's still the first world where you live.

    barely
  • WGDB
    WGDB Posts: 162
    edited August 2011
    Square trade offers very reasonably priced full warranties as well.
    Pioneer Elite SC-35, Polk RTA (Real Time Array) 12's,
    Polk Monitor 40 surrounds, Polk CSiA4 Center,
    Polk PSW125, Sharp LC-46D62U,
    Panasonic DMP-BD85, Harmony One,
    iMac streaming an Apple TVII, or Squeezebox Touch
    Bedroom Rig~Sony STRDG-920, Polk Monitor 60 fronts, Polk RM6750 Satellites and Sub, Panasonic DMP-BD85
    Rabbit Hole Rig~Yamaha CA1010, Yamaha CT1010, Polk SDA 2A's, Teac A1500 R2R
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    Sherardp wrote: »
    See link above bro and talk to Robert. He can offer you an excellent deal.

    dude! thanks for the info. I spoke to robert and he got me the vsx-52 for exactly what i wanted to pay, free shipping. I let him know he came highly recommended a member of this forum.

    they didn't have any SC-35's and would be a while before he could get one if he even could.

    so i'm happy and looking forward to my new receiver.

    now to sell my denon.

    thanks again for all the input guys
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2011
    I think you missed my original point, so let me try another way, using the example of what you just bought as a reference.

    First off, the VSX-52 is going to be a great receiver, so let's get that out of the way now. However, the SC models are better, nobody's really going to argue that point. So in that sense, and in my original '2 choice' scenario, the 52 is an inferior product to the SC.

    So you had 2 choices (I've no idea what you actually spent so I'm just using your $700 mark for reference):

    1 - Buy the VSX-52, which is a $900 receiver, for $700, with a warranty.
    2 - Buy the SC-25, which is a $1500 receiver, for $700 (I see them at that price all the time), but without a warranty.

    So if you've got a finite amount to spend you have to decide what's more important to you, the warranty or getting the most bang for your buck. There is no wrong answer there, it's a matter of personal preference.

    Some people like to play it safe, others (myself included) are willing to take the risk so that they can stretch their dollars as far as possible.

    Now having said all that, looking at your speakers I think the 52 will be a fine choice for you and I doubt that you would have noticed much of a difference going with the SC model and the one you chose.
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2011
    Oh, and the Pioneer was absolutely the correct choice over the Yamaha IMO.
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited August 2011
    I think you missed my original point, so let me try another way, using the example of what you just bought as a reference.

    First off, the VSX-52 is going to be a great receiver, so let's get that out of the way now. However, the SC models are better, nobody's really going to argue that point. So in that sense, and in my original '2 choice' scenario, the 52 is an inferior product to the SC.

    So you had 2 choices (I've no idea what you actually spent so I'm just using your $700 mark for reference):

    1 - Buy the VSX-52, which is a $900 receiver, for $700, with a warranty.
    2 - Buy the SC-25, which is a $1500 receiver, for $700 (I see them at that price all the time), but without a warranty.

    So if you've got a finite amount to spend you have to decide what's more important to you, the warranty or getting the most bang for your buck. There is no wrong answer there, it's a matter of personal preference.

    Some people like to play it safe, others (myself included) are willing to take the risk so that they can stretch their dollars as far as possible.

    Now having said all that, looking at your speakers I think the 52 will be a fine choice for you and I doubt that you would have noticed much of a difference going with the SC model and the one you chose.

    You can always purchase a third party warranty from square trade . Just go to the web site enter the details and get a quote instantly
  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited August 2011
    No, you can't 'always' purchase a warranty from SquareTrade, there are still some restrictions and not every product can be warrantied through them. last time i checked, they wouldn't warranty a product bought on Craigslist, for examp.e
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    I think you missed my original point, so let me try another way, using the example of what you just bought as a reference.

    First off, the VSX-52 is going to be a great receiver, so let's get that out of the way now. However, the SC models are better, nobody's really going to argue that point. So in that sense, and in my original '2 choice' scenario, the 52 is an inferior product to the SC.

    So you had 2 choices (I've no idea what you actually spent so I'm just using your $700 mark for reference):

    1 - Buy the VSX-52, which is a $900 receiver, for $700, with a warranty.
    2 - Buy the SC-25, which is a $1500 receiver, for $700 (I see them at that price all the time), but without a warranty.

    So if you've got a finite amount to spend you have to decide what's more important to you, the warranty or getting the most bang for your buck. There is no wrong answer there, it's a matter of personal preference.

    Some people like to play it safe, others (myself included) are willing to take the risk so that they can stretch their dollars as far as possible.

    Now having said all that, looking at your speakers I think the 52 will be a fine choice for you and I doubt that you would have noticed much of a difference going with the SC model and the one you chose.

    no, i totally got it. i should have specified that i wanted a warranty from the start. thanks again for chiming in. i do appreciate everyone's input, whether ignore it or not.
    I'm happy with my decision. thanks again!
  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited August 2011
    That receiver should do what you want and more. I just looked at some pics of it, gorgeous looking unit with the brushed front face.

    Assimilated made a great point, as I would shop along the likes as he would. I recommended that new SC-25 for that very reason. Looking at the 52, you should be just fine with it as well. You got your warranty, all the bells & whistles you wanted, a great price, so I'd like to think you won. Congrats man, post pics when you get it.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
  • polkanddie
    polkanddie Posts: 224
    edited August 2011
    I think you could get a factory refurb onkyo tx nr 3008 for 799 if you join club onkyo... 140w per ch 9.2 receiver
    TV- Insignia 46'' LED,1080p,120hz
    Monster Power center hts3600 mk2
    Onkyo tx sr 503
    Rm6600 with 4 sanus stands
    SUB(DIY)
    Dayton HPSA500, JVC Arsenal dvc 2ohm 12" wired to 4ohms in 1.5 cu ft sealed box
    extras... RT10's.rti4s.atrium 5's.

    "sticking feathers up your butt does not make you a chicken"-Tyler Durden
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    Sherardp wrote: »
    That receiver should do what you want and more. I just looked at some pics of it, gorgeous looking unit with the brushed front face.

    Assimilated made a great point, as I would shop along the likes as he would. I recommended that new SC-25 for that very reason. Looking at the 52, you should be just fine with it as well. You got your warranty, all the bells & whistles you wanted, a great price, so I'd like to think you won. Congrats man, post pics when you get it.

    yeah, i totally understand your approach and at another time, would probably be agreeing with you, but for now the 52 is exactly what i need/want.

    and yes, this is a nice looking AVR. can't wait to have it on my stand. pics will come when this joker arrives. :biggrin:
  • s.erwin
    s.erwin Posts: 12
    edited August 2011
    Oh man, you're going to love your new VSX-52. I just got mine 2 days ago and I love it! Only have a pair of RTi A5s though since I'm in the process of buying everything, but it sounds awesome. I can't stop using airplay too lol. Make sure you get the iControlAV app, if you have a smartphone. It's pretty neat. Not to mention, it's fun to impress some guests with all of the wireless features like that. Anyways, hope you enjoy your new receiver as much as I am right now when you get it. :biggrin:
    -Pioneer Elite VSX-52
    -Cherry RTi A5s
    -Cherry CSi A6 (soon to come)
    -Still sub shopping :rolleyes:
    -Sony 46'' LED
    -Xbox 360 Elite
    -PS3 slim
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    s.erwin - I'm pretty excited....I ordered new speaker wire and banana plugs from Monoprice, so everything should be here by Friday, I'm hoping.

    I already d/l'd the app for android. there is a pretty sweet demo mode, so i've been able to play around with the interface.
    can't wait to set up the unit and work my way through the manual!!
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    update. My Elite VSX-52 is in place and kicking booty.

    such an upgrade over ye olde Denon 788.

    I wasn't expecting better picture quality, but damn if i didn't get it. sweet!!

    i will post pics soon.

    one thought though.....the pioneer android app is very nice; it loks great and is quite intuitive. the level of control through the app is really impressive. I only wish the GUI was as pretty.

    either way, i'm really happy with the purchase. It really made my monitor 70s come alive compared to my old AVR. now i just need to get rid of my CS1 and grab a CS2, then i think i can be satisfied for a a couple years.
  • BWilberg266
    BWilberg266 Posts: 191
    edited August 2011
    slowhat wrote: »
    ...then i think i can be satisfied for a couple years...

    I'd put money on it that the bug will bite again before that, it always does :wink:
    Main Setup
    Fronts - Energy RC-50's
    Center - Energy RC-LCR
    Rear - Energy RC-R's
    Subs - Gone...
    AVR - Pioneer SC-37
    Blu-Ray - Sony BDP-S360
    TV - Vizio E550I-B2
    Media Server - Mac Mini
  • slowhat
    slowhat Posts: 50
    edited August 2011
    I'd put money on it that the bug will bite again before that, it always does :wink:

    ha! you're right. I'm already online looking for a 2 or 3 channel amp. :redface: