Need a HT processor - buy a used pre or a used receiver?

audiobliss

I'm wordy, I guess I just can't help it. So, I'll start with the short version:

I need HT processing and HDMI switching capabilities, so with a budget of $300 I'm thinking used HT processor or used receiver. So far I've determined the Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Pioneer Elite VSX-53, Denon AVR-4311CI, or Yamaha RX-V3900 will meet my needs on paper and hopefully put a big smile on my face until I can invest more in my setup and upgrade.


Now, for the longer version:

I started out strictly audio and 2-channel, so my equipment so far has reflected that focus. However, I have been enjoying a projector and using my speakers along with that for a good while now. I've been using the A/V out on my PS3 to send audio to my amp, so my technologically antiquated equipment hasn't been too much of a hindrance until now. Now I have acquired a FireTV and am using that for streaming, and it only has HDMI out. So I am now looking for a pre/pro that will work in this new environment. My budget for this will be less than $300 shipped.

I see two directions to go: 1) get a used HT processor or 2) get a used receiver.

HT processor: it's higher quality and not shackled to the other functions a receiver provides, and so offers more granular future upgrades.

Receiver: probably delivers all the performance I need for now and can be re-purposed to power a second rig once it's replaced in the main setup (or use it to power center/surround speakers as I eventually move to a surround setup before acquiring amplifiers for those channels).

My main requirements, roughly in order of priority:

1. at least 3 HDMI inputs
2. full preouts (not just sub/front as many receivers I've seen have)
3. remote
4. quality construction
5. solid processing capabilities (in terms of purity and tone, not necessarily supported audio encoding)
6. having a plethora of composite, optical, coaxial inputs would be a bonus

I have no idea where to start looking at used HT processors, and I like the idea of a receiver being more flexible in terms of future applications, so I've only looked at used receivers so far. I've been out of the audio game for a good while now, so I was surprised that so many modern receivers have permanently attached power cords versus the IEC power connectors as well as being rated for a power consumption drastically below the rated wattage output. I might have inaccurate perceptions, but to me those speak to cheaper products that don't interest me.

That said, I have come up with a list of some receivers I think would perform very well for me, and am looking at current eBay listings for a few of these:

Pioneer Elite VSX-52: I remember back in my more active days here Pioneer Elite was highly regarded, and I think this receiver is from that era. It certainly meets and exceeds my needs.

Pioneer Elite VSX-53: More expensive and fully featured than the 52, and I don't need that added functionality, but if I find one at a good deal I'm definitely not opposed.

Denon AVR-4311CI: Never owned a Denon (besides the cheapie I grabbed at BestBuy to use with my FireTV until I get another solution in place), but I recall them being solid choices, and this one meets all my requirements as well.

Yamaha RX-V3900: Again, this covers all my bases. MSRP was $1800, so this leads me to believe it was a pretty beasty receiver back in the day, but if it's older than the other receivers I'm looking at, that would likely cancel out any perceived benefit the higher MSRP lends it. Also, my my very first step into the audio hobby was a Yamaha RX-V1400, so I'll admit that alone is making me biased toward the Yamaha.


Right now my preferences are either of the Pioneer Elites or the Yamaha. I think I'd be looking at $250-300 shipped for those. I'm looking to buy very soon (eBay listings are expiring quickly), but I would love to get some feedback from CP to either confirm my current line of thinking or redirect it.

rpf65

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649295125-marantz-sr8001-71-thx-avr/