good receivers under 450$

coolfishy101

Hello all,

I'd say it's about time to replace my pioneer receiver (vsx-d411) and purchase a new one.

This will mainly be for home theater. My budget is a little tight (450$) (I'm only 16). My room is 14'x11'x7'.

I have no sub right now but in the future may be getting a cht12 or cht15.

Also is kenwood a good receiver (THX select)?

specs-
mains- rti-10
center- csi3
rears- rt15i (also thinking about upgrading)

p.s. I do not want sony as I think they are horrible receivers and should have never been introduced to home audio.

Early B.

For your budget you may be able to find a HK 525 new/refurbished. Awesome receiver. I bought mine several months ago for about $450. I liked it better than the Denon 3803.

fgr41

Are you looking for new, or would you consider used?

coolfishy101

I might look into the HK. You liked it better than a denon 3803? What made it more appealing?

I would really like a new one. I have bought used home audio before and it would be an option, but I would have to see it for my own eyes. For example, I have seen a pioneer elite for 450 but I didn't have the money at the time.

If it could be THX select, that would be great, but very hard to find at 450$

RuSsMaN

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?sp=S&brand=HK

Who cares about THX Select.

Cheers,
Russ

coolfishy101

Wow, great prices. As for the THX, I was always under the impression it was the best. Reading all these magazines. I could be wrong though.

gatemplin

Originally posted by coolfishy101
Wow, great prices. As for the THX, I was always under the impression it was the best. Reading all these magazines. I could be wrong though.

THX means very little, a lot of people think Bose is best aswell, it's just marketing. Dont let it be the deciding factor. I also like Harman Kardon, easy to use and lots of quality power. You might want to try www.audiogon.com

coolfishy101

oh, I see. I always hated bose. Just plain out bad sound. Convinced my friends too. Now one of them owns polks and the other is looking at them. hehehe.

Now that I think of it, I guess I could get a refurbished receiver, and if I don't like it I could always return it. Has anyone had bad experiences with them?

Since I have liked my old pioneer I was thinking this www.onecall.com/ProductDisplay.mpt?ProductID=24628&FEID=230&PMNID=416

along with the HK, haven't listened to either yet.

kingtut

Members of HT Forums have reported shut down problems w/the refurbished HK. Some of our Polkie bought refurbished HK, and they worked fine. It's the luck of the draw.

John K.

Yes, 101, the new VSX-1014 which you mentioned should be a good choice and includes automatic calibration and equalization. It's in stock here for $450 with shipping included.

Early B.

You liked it better than a denon 3803? What made it more appealing?

The HK is very smoooooth and clean. High quality parts, etc. Looks nice, too. To me, it sounded better than the 3803, especially with music (better bass), and has just as much power. It also has automatic calibration and Logic 7 (similar to PLIIx). I bought a refurbished model, but it looked brand new. For $430 factory direct, you can't beat it.

If you're gonna get a Pioneer, stick with the Elite series.

bigsexy1

Marantz 5400 or the equivalent NAD model at this price point.

Mike682

Another vote for HK, very warm sounding and great for both movies and music.

Also to be fair, I have heard a lot of good things about Onkyo's 502. For around $279-299, you get a lot for your money.

kingtut

For that price range, H/K 525 also gets my vote. I owned one; it's very warm sounding.

kberg

Definitely consider an Oink.

Airplay355

www.accessories4less.com check out the new and refurbished marantz gear. i bought my receiver from them for $560 refurb

coolfishy101

Sounds like HK gets a lot of votes I'll have to compare. I've got 3 in mind the pioneer, onkyo 502 or 601, and the HK. I have never seen a marantz before, does tweeter sell them? (to listen to)
Thanks for the advise, you guys are fast!

scottvamp

I would really consider the Onkyo's - I think that they are the best bang/hometheater for the buck. My 2cents but I am a Onk fan................

Pinktulip7

Dude,get the Harman/kardon which is the best receiver...

gregure

I agree, for the money the HK is the best choice. Best sound, best parts and best looks. Considering the HK 7300 is the best model, the 525 is only 2 steps below that. Go for it. You won't look back.

brettw22

What's the newer version of the 525 that has the silver case / blue (volume) knob?

Tour2ma

Originally posted by coolfishy101
My budget is a little tight (450$) (I'm only 16).

Geez, when I was 16 my budget was like $25...

Welcome, coolfishy...

brettw22

Jesus Tour....don't be referring to 1940's money......the kid won't have a clue what you're talkin about.

hamzahsh

Get YAMAHA RX-V1400. You can find a very good deal on it, because RX-V1500 is coming out next month. It is a THX Select Certified receiver which has nothing to do with its sound quality. The best thing about this receiver is the sound quality.

Normally, I don't believe in THX stuff. There are many units which rivals THX certified ones. THX is marketing.

Yamaha RX-V1400 has very refined and detailed sound. It is a warm sounding receiver and does the 2-channel very well. The HT performance is top-notch as well.

Buy anyone but make sure you listen before you make the decision.

coolfishy101

wow, a lot can happen in a short time. Thanks for the opinions.

I went to cc to listen to a few receivers- the onkyo 601 and the HK (one model down from the 525 since they didn't have it on hand). I could barely tell which one I liked better. The onkyo seemed to have a few more features to it. But the 525 could make up for that. But at the moment, my ears are choosing the 601. (plus I kinda like the classical receiver look)

For other thoughts I have ruled out pioneer because I can't afford an elite series and the models below that kinda run hot and don't sound the best.

As for the yamaha, I always liked their sound. But I don't think it can compare to the sound of the 601 and the HK.

Also as another note, a cheap power amp could be in the future for bi-amping, but I'll save that for another thread when I can afford it.

ty for the advise

hamzahsh

Originally posted by coolfishy101
. As for the yamaha, I always liked their sound. But I don't think it can compare to the sound of the 601 and the HK.

I don't know If you've heard Yamaha RX-V1400 and Denon 3805 both have a very clean, detailed warm sound. The Denon 3805 will be out of your budget but Yamaha 1400 may fit.

HK and Onkyo both are great choices!

Snoopdog

You should consider the Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K. Same basically as the Elite 52tx, but you can get it for less than $400.

Etronics has them in stock.

TheReaper

Originally posted by coolfishy101
Also as another note, a cheap power amp could be in the future for bi-amping, but I'll save that for another thread when I can afford it.

Just so you know, the Onkyo 601 doesn't have pre-outs for connecting a power amp.

coolfishy101

Well, I feel I'm back to the beginning. I have compared onkyo to HK and I feel onkyo wins. (kinda goes against what most of you said)

As for pioneer, I must be fair I didn't listen to the 1014 so I may take a look at it. I also found a cheap price on a vsx-41 elite. Anyone know about this receiver?http://www.soundpros.net/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=42

I could not find a good price on the yamaha, not even under 599$

Also a seperate amp is not a necessity, just a possibility.

audiobliss

Just to throw in my 2 cents, I really like my Yamaha RX-V1400; in fact, I love it. I don't know about prices on it, though. They'll probably go down even lower AFTER the 1500 comes out.

I would also throw in a vote for the Marantz stuff. They seem to be really nice with a good sound and good reputation.

But, above all, let you ears (and wallet) guide you. You probably won't regret getting any one you've listed.

gregure

Onkyo's tend to have a more upfront sound, whereas HK can be more laid back. I can see why the Onkyo sound might appeal to you more. They are good all-around performers. HK are more appropriate for classical music/jazz. HK's have more refinement, and better details in sound processing, but again Onkyo units are good all around performers w/ a very in-your-face sound.