Which Receivers work best with Polk?

Jim Wy

The header says it all
I'm looking at what could be considered (around here) lower to mid-end receivers to go with my Polks. After drooling at the H/K 635 I realized two things... It's more than I need and more than I can afford.
I'm looking seriously at the HK 135 ($600CDN), Yammy 5750/60 series ($400-600) and the Pioneer VSX-815 ($350CDN at Best Buy this week).
So far the Pioneer looks like my best choice. Price notwithstanding. It looks like it has everything I need. My question is are there any problems with Pioneer? My old Dolby ProLogic has been working faithfully for years.

Thanks in advance
Jim

PolkThug

Checkout Onkyo at onecall.com.

aaharvel

ignore the 135. no universal remote, no OSD, no pre-outs, no dolbyprologic IIx, no 7.1. Go for the hk avr235 at $350 below:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4008751

If you want a receiver that's going to have any musicality at all, warm/neutral sound, honest to underrated power ratings, A1 customer service, and outstanding reputations- then for the $ check out Harman Kardon, Denon and Marantz.

jmo and welcome to the forum.

Mike682

aaharvel wrote:

ignore the 135. the 235 has 7.1 (the 135 has 6.1), prologic IIx, 7speaker Logic7, more current in the amp stages, more power in the amp stages (50x7 vs. 40x6), 7.1 INPUTS (for sacd), 7.1 PRE-OUTS (for future upgradability), Universal remote control, and EZ set.

JandR electronics has the avr235 for $350 brand new, including taxes and shipping and is an authorized H/K dealer. I'm a fan of H/K but I think the 135 is a joke. All you're buying is the name.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4008751

jmo and welcome to the forum.

Also, the 135 does not have on screen display capability.

ND13

H/K is my preference, then Marantz, Denon, Onkyo. These of course are the affordable brands, there are much nicer receivers, but you have to get in the $2500 and up range. I would only consider Sony and Pioneer in the ES and Elite lines.

Another that I'm not very familiar with is the New Castle line from Sherwood. I've heard good things about them, but have no experience with them. Maybe someone here does???

Mike682

Although I like HK a lot, if you are on a tight, tight budget, take a look at the Pioneer vsx-815 you mentioned. This thing is loaded with all the connections you will need: pre-outs, etc., has Auto MCACC (calibration w/ microphone), equalizer, bass managment... It also comes with an LCD remote and has two good reviews, one from audioholics and another from S&V. Check out the current S&V mag (or website)for the 815 review.

I have seen the 815 go for $249-279 U.S

Jim Wy

Wow!! Gone for an hour and all my questions are answered.
Just went to J&R. Apparently getting it shipped from there is do-able, but $349 turned into $564.00 plus duties. Decisions, decisions

JW
I may have to look on the CDN side for the 235

Jim Wy

Mike682 wrote:

Although I like HK a lot, if you are on a tight, tight budget, take a look at the Pioneer vsx-815 you mentioned. This thing is loaded with all the connections you will need: pre-outs, etc., has Auto MCACC (calibration w/ microphone), equalizer, bass managment... It also comes with an LCD remote and has two good reviews, one from audioholics and another from S&V. Check out the current S&V mag (or website)for the 815 review.

I have seen the 815 go for $249-279 U.S

THe budget is not really a factor (just added up my a/v stuff and w/o a receiver and good rear speakers I'm up to $6k CDN) but I don't make a habit of buying equiptment I won't use to full potential. Got the mains and center for a good deal, bought the sub new for 30% off, and my setup is 95%+ movies. That's why I was looking at the 815
Jim

MacLeod

Pioneer Elite

aaharvel

if price isn't an option then i would buy a pre-owned NAD or B&K by a reputable buyer.
Or you can go my route- buy the cheapest GOOD receiver with pre-outs and then add separate amps. My new H/K 235 and both Adcom amps cost me $750 total.

MacLeod

I like the looks of Rotel. There isnt a shop that carries them anywhere near me so Ive never been able to go check one out in person but its one of my favorites in the high end category.

Mike682

MacLeod wrote:

I like the looks of Rotel. There isnt a shop that carries them anywhere near me so Ive never been able to go check one out in person but its one of my favorites in the high end category.

Went to an audio shop near the house and got a look/hear Rotel's stuff. I really liked their sound and looks. Really nice. My overall impression was that the sound was somewhat relaxed, yet warm and defined with a nice punch.