Need A/V Receiver for LSi 7.1 System

buttonMasher

My old HK AVR525 died and I need a replacement. I'd also like to upgrade in the process.

I have the following speakers:
Front: LSi15 (x2)
Center: LSiC (x1)
Surround: LSiFX (x4)
Sub: PSW650

If money were no object which receiver would you run? What about if you only wanted to spend $1500USD or less? What about separates?

From the experience I've had, I like the warmness of the HK and dislike the brightness of a Sony. I'd prefer not to go with another HK due to build quality issues.

Thanks for any suggestions.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Sorry to hear about the 525, that's a fine sounding receiver. What went wrong, any chance you could still use it as a preamp and just add an amp?

if money were no option I wouldn't even look at receivers...

if your budget is 1500 max and you're set on a receiver, I'd say look at Outlaw Audio or NAD. if you're open to separates, you could always look to get a good amp now and spend less on a receiver to use as a preamp, then upgrade the preamp down the road. Your best bang for the buck is going to be with used/demo gear.

jakelm

Go back with HK. IMO, best AVR for your buget.

http://harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR%20645&sType=C

I have the 635 and couldnt be happier.

buttonMasher

Polkmaniac wrote: »

Sorry to hear about the 525, that's a fine sounding receiver. What went wrong, any chance you could still use it as a preamp and just add an amp?

My local tech that HK recommends quoted $250 to replace a diode and 5 IC's whatever that is. Needless to say I didn't let them fix it. It's pretty much completely dead.

reeltrouble1

I would not buy a receiver. I would by a seperate pre/pro and amplifier(s). If I did buy a receiver any manufacturer, but I would get one with pre-outs and add amplification. For 1500.00 you can do yourself up very well.

i dont like to recommend one product over another, as, nobody likes their baby called ugly. There are thousands of posts about the different ones if you do a search.

RT1

engtaz

Just get 1 with all the audio and video input you want. I did.

buttonMasher

Any thoughts on Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi?

polkatese

This Rotel would powered your LSis very nicely:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1182006900

no affiliation, but I thought it is within your budget and it is a proven receiver to drive LSis. I had one before, the earlier model. It works great. Sold it when I moved up to B&K separates.

My .02, Pioneer Elite Receivers are very nice, but not optimal to drive 4 ohms speakers such as LSis. Welcome to the forum.

AndyGwis

I have a HK 635 and love it, but for your setup and budget, I'd go separates.

Rotel, B&K, Outlaw. . . just tons of stuff out there.

Or, you can get a decent receiver to use as a pre-pro and a nice 7 channel amp to give you even more options.

McLoki

NAD will power your LSi's ok. I personally am not a huge fan of the laid back NAD with laid back LSi but it can be resolved with some minor changes.......

Michael