What is the best reciever to suit my needs?

polking around

I'm new to this home theater bit, and I'm unsure as to which reciever to buy. I've just bought a pair of monitor 60's, a CSi3, and a PSW12. I want a reciever that will allow before mentioned to preform at their peak level. Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks, Amanda.

danger boy

Amanda, welcome to Club Polk.

congrats on the Polk Audio speakers you've purchased... that's the beginning to a really good sounding home theater set up.

Lets start with how much you are planning to spend on a receiver first. What's your budget for a home theater receiver?

It's easy to go plunk down some money on any ol receiver.. but with a little knowledge before you go out and listen to some receivers.. you'll have a better idea what you like and need in a receiver.

A good place to begin in with say a Denon 1906 receiver. I think they go for about $500 give or take a few bucks. Denon's are loaded with features for their price.. and most receivers today are pretty easy to set up.

Of course there are more expensive receivers out there.. costing several thousand dollars more. So work with in your budget and compile a list of say 4 of your top choices. and if possible go listen to them at your local stereo shop.

come back and ask more questions on home theater receivers.

here is a goodarticle
to read about home theater receivers.

good luck, Al

aaharvel

Harman Kardon avr-240
http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR%20240&sType=C

Marantz sr-4600
http://us.marantz.com/Products/1166.asp

tossup. If you can live without Logic7 (I can't) go with the Marantz, but imo they're BOTH the best receivers for the $ hands down. Both can be had for around $375 online.

Willow

Seems like great suggestions on receivers.

Welcome Amanda, I would simply like to point out that the csi3 would not be the ideal choice for the monitor series. The timbre matched would be the cs1 and cs2.
You are looking for a receiver at a great time, check out any boxing week sales.

mantis

For that system I would suggest the Denon avr2106. It has enough power to run your home theater at peak levels not to mention power a second pair of speakers somewhere else in the house. This second pair of speakers can play something totally different then whats going on in the theater room. Seperate volume and source.

Also if you decide to upgrade to better rti speakers down the road, the 2106 will not run out of gas.

For Polk rti speakers, I hear no better to run them in the receiver world with plenty of flexability then the Denon receivers.If money isn't a problem and you want even better performance and flexibility , look into the Denon avr3806. this takes it to the next level. More reserve power, more features.

Another line to look into is the New Pioneer Elite line. Ipod interface, Xm radio built in, zone 2, hell and the sound quality is as good as the Denon. In some opnions better.

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/554.asp

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/623.asp

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4155_272584183,00.html



Good luck,

Dan

wingnut4772

Welcome Amanda! Nice to see another of the fairer sex around here . Try looking at the Outlaw 1070 also. The wattage may seem a little low but it is all channels driven which is important. It has also started to receive some good reviews. Outlaw Audio 1070 Receiver

dorokusai

Run, run as fast as you can.

wingnut4772

Run, run as fast as you can.

LOL. Probably the best advice so far!

dbournival

You could try a Denon 1905 (it's last years version of the 1906). You can pick up "B-Stock" for less than $300. Onkyo 603's (B-Stock) can be had for the same price if you can find them.

cfrizz

Hi Amanda welcome to Club Polk!

I would 2nd the Denon & Outlaw receivers. Whatever Denon receiver you get should definately have Pre-outs on the back just in case you get the itch to do some upgrading to your amplifier power! I would check out any of the Denon 38xx series to start. The Outlaw does come with pre-outs so no worries there.

Feel free to ask more questions, we like helping out newbies spend their money on good equipment to end up with a knockout system that will last for years!!!

Cathy