Reccomend a stereo reciver?

dipiazza
dipiazza Posts: 363
edited May 2005 in 2 Channel Audio
Im looking into a stereo reciever, for under $400 can anyone make a recommendation ???

thanks
Terps Swimming!
HT Setup
TV: Vizio VX32L
Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
Fronts: Polk R50s
Surounds: Polk R30s
Center: Polk R20's
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

2CH Setup
Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

Headphones
Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

Other Stuff in Use
Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
Post edited by dipiazza on

Comments

  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited May 2005
    Denon DRA-685. Can be found new for $350±. Refurb for $200±. 100 wpc and will drive a 4 ohm load. A very underrated stereo receiver IMO.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2005
    Look for a used integrated amp by NAD, Rotel, etc. You should be able to find new ones around that price as well.

    Maurice
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,820
    edited May 2005
    But an integrated amplifier is not going to give him a tuner. The dude said reciever for under $400, not integrated.

    Denon has already been mentioned. Also check out Onkyo. They have a couple of models that are pretty decent.

    If you go with the integrated amplifier suggestion, you will need a seperate tuner. You might be able to find a decent used integrated amp on eBay or audiogon for less than $400 but, you'll be buying a tuner too and that might break your budget depending on how much you dump into the rig.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited May 2005
    Question to clarify.

    Is a separate Tuner necessary? If I could get a better product for the same money then I would be willing to sacrifice a tuner. My inputs would most likely come from a CD player and a Laptop computer, possibly a DVD player. Having a tuner is not so important to me if sacrificing it means better sound.

    Thanks for the input. Also what do you all think about the Marantz SR4320?

    Thanks
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2005
    yes sacrificing it does mean better sound. rotel and nad integrated's are a step up from the denon receivers. if a tuner isnt a big deal, go with the integrateds. you can always add a seperate tuner late on if you feel the need, tuners arent that expensive, and a nice vintage one is always floatin around somewhere.
  • Spawndn72
    Spawndn72 Posts: 453
    edited May 2005
    You might also look into vintage gear in general. Great vintage recievers would include Marantz 22XX series and Pioneer SX-650-1250 series. All are 70's vintage stuff and are very nice if you only want 2-channel. Most of them are well below your budget.

    Sansui and Kenwood also made very nice stuff in the 70's but I am unfamilar with those.
    Setup:
    Adcom GFA-545 amp
    Nad 1600 pre
    Dual 704 TT
    Pioneer 707 R2R
    Pioneer DV-578A Multi-format
    Polk SDA-2 Mains
  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited May 2005
    If you're willing to go used, and are considering some of the vintage Pioneers, Marantz's or Sansui's.....then forget all of them and look for Carver Receiver 2000, Receiver 130 or Receiver 150. 70's model Nikko's are also the sleepers of the vintage years. You find a Nikko 1019 or 1219, you got a real good receiver.

    George Grand (of the Jersey Grands)
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited May 2005
    For whatever reason, vintage integrateds, in my experience and travels, seem to be both cheaper and of better quality.

    I'd go with an integrated and separate tuna.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
  • woodyjacobs
    woodyjacobs Posts: 706
    edited May 2005
    If I were looking for a new one I would go with a Denon DRA-685...multi-room capable and gobs of power. If you are willing to go vintage check out the Harman Kardon twin powered receivers from the mid 70's (such as the 430, 630, 730 and 930). These are particularly good for taming potentially harsh speakers IMO (not sure what you are planning on using with this receiver). And of course the vintage Pioneer, Marantz and Sansui receivers mentioned above are nice too.

    I haven't gotten my demo on with the Marantz 4320, although I would like to.
    system 1:
    Athena: AS-F1 mains, AS-C1 center, AS-B1 surrounds, AS-P400 sub, Yammie RXV-730, Rotel RB-976 driving front stage, Samsung BD3600 Blue Ray, Denon DVD2900 for sacd/cd , jbl n24awII on the deck, samsung 40" 1080p lcd

    system 2:
    XBox 360 Spherex 5.1 system, HK DVD38, Phillips CDC 926 CD changer, Phillips 32" LCD

    2 channel
    NAD 1600 pre, NAD 2400 THX amp, Phillips CDC 926, Linn extra speaks, crappy TT
  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2005
    There are tons of choices on audiogon for well under your price of $400. I'd take a look and see where you can get the most bang for the buck.
  • scottnbnj
    scottnbnj Posts: 709
    edited May 2005
    on those carver 130/150's, if you're patient you should be able to get one for less than $200 on e-bay lately. that's a good bit of bang for under 200 bucks.

    )
  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited May 2005
    for strictly 2ch. stereo listening i like Marantz an awful lot-very tough to beat.

    Also that Denon 2ch. above would prob. have a great sound.
    Don't forget the H/K 7300/7400 2ch. receivers.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited May 2005
    Thanks for all the great help guys, i'll let you know what i settle on.
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2005
    You should be able to find a NAD C370 in your price range (used). Vintage is also a great choice like the ones mentioned above.

    Maurice
  • ledhed
    ledhed Posts: 1,088
    edited May 2005
    Love my pioneer SX1280-very clean sound. And actually, A friend is tryin to sell a SX1250 cheap (I mean CHEAP!!) PM if you want details
    God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8