Newbie receiver purchase help request

jackson233

My local shop has Polk Rtia5's for a good price but I am overwhelmed trying to find the best receiver to accompany them in my situation.

My primary use for this system will be music listening and an occasional ball game or concert DVD. We have a Yamaha Surround system with our family TV so I have no interest in 5+ speakers etc.

The cave is 20 x 15, music is mostly classic rock and its offspring.

My local Canadian market is limited and my budget is ~$400USD or $500CDN. Local shops bestbuy.ca and 2001audiovideo.com carry Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo, and Denon models in my price range, but I am still not certain what's most important in the specs etc. for loud but quality output.

Thanks for anyone with the time to share their opinion and knowledge, or can point me to an informative site or two.

Cheers/puff,

J233

tonyp063

You may also want to consider an Onkyo TX-8050 stereo receiver.
I've been running one for about a year & I'm quite satisfied. Nice feature set too.

cnh

Hmmmm! Much as I like Onkyos, and I own two of them! I do not like RTi-A speakers on them except for HTheater. For music and HT, Denons sound best on that series. However, I am NOT sure about sub $500 Denons. I've only heard them on old series 2800s and 3800s before they started dieting. In other words, Denon AVRs that were at least 31 lbs or heavier.

The newer Aventage Yamahas will probably also work, but I don't think there are any at the $500 price point? They start higher than that! The $600 and under Yamahas are all too bright!

jackson233

Hey, thanks for your input gentlemen.

I was able to squeeze a bit more into my budget and am considering either the Outlaw RR2150 or the HK3770, which based on what I have read so far are probably my best bets in that price range.

Thanks again.

jeremymarcinko

Look at the onkyo a-9050, it's a two channel integrated, with a built-in Wolfson dac, phono input, and it has pre-outs. I'm am running a couple of bookies off mine and it sounds real nice. It can be had for about $350 shipped.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=893475&gclid=CjwKEAjwqLWrBRC-_OaG-IfL0kASJAAbzKsVvrL7DDvMyTydZetilVAVEPDKLy_n7b_z3RKLKvm7whoCgLfw_wcB&Q=&is=REG&A=details

jackson233

Arrrgh, at times I hate being Canadian. In addition to when Celine Dion opens her mouth, times like now when our dollar sucks are painful.

The Outlaw RR2150 would cost me over a grand shipped to Ontario, which puts me back at square one. With the acceptance that my original budget sucked, are any of the following, which are available to me here, a worthy replacement to power my Polk Rtia5s playing classic rock lossless files via my PC or should I bite the bullet and get the Outlaw?

Looking for a decent quality that won't leave me longing to upgrade before its paid for!


http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/category/Details.aspx?categoryId=141&productId=9698&sku=AZUR651ABLK

http://www.visions.ca/catalogue/category/Details.aspx?categoryId=141&productId=25777&sku=NADD3020

http://www.electronicsforless.ca/teac-ai-301da-integrated-amplifier-with-usb-streaming-3925.html

http://www.electronicsforless.ca/harman-kardon-hk-3770-2-channel-network-stereo-receiver-w-bluetooth-3856.html

http://www.easthamiltonradio.on.ca/en/catalog/product/118158-Cambridge Audio-Azur-651A-B

http://www.easthamiltonradio.on.ca/en/catalog/product/168689-Yamaha-R-N500-S

cvc

If you just need stereo then consider a Yamaha integrated amp.. It's like a receiver but without the tuner.. You can buy a separate one down the line if you need radio stations.. These are from the new Yamaha line of integrated amps.. For another $100 you can get the model above with 85 watts.. The model above also comes in silver if you're interested in looks.. Your Yamaha dealer should be able to order one up for you.. This is strictly stereo and not multi channel.. It does have a digital input for a bluray player as well.. Good stuff for sure though.. Yamaha has more info on their page too..


http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html?tp=34948

cvc

Here's a link to the Yamaha site.. Watch the video at the bottom of the page..

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/amps/a-s301/

jackson233

Hey, thanks for the education and opinions everyone, much appreciated! I guess if I had waited to post I'd have had my options more narrowed down as I realize now that what I am after is an integrated amp with phono and USB.

Having said that I am now weighing the following options available to me here in Canada...

Outlaw RR1250
Marantz PM7005
Yamaha AS801

Any thoughts on those models paired with my Polks?