Need advise on buying a receiver

gools

I know nothing. And don't want to get robbed at the store.

I use it for watching movies the most, a little TV on the side. I have searched and read a little, but mostly reads latin to me.

I've read that 7.1 surround recievers are not worth it. Should I stick with the basic 5.1? THX, yay or nay?

I am running a CS2 centre channel. Thinking of getting R50 towers, and R15 rears, and a PW202 sub which might get upgraded, depending on a warranty issue.

I am not hardcore, and don't want to spend alot of $$, but I do enjoy good sound

I also am leading toward the harmon/Kardon, and Onkyo brand, as those are the most availible to me

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

dudeinaroom

You can not go wrong with a Denon or an H/K. Just make sure it has preamp out for all channels in case you want to go with separate amplification down the road. 5.1,6.1,7.1 it doesn't matter. I'm not sur about the H/Ks, but with most of the Denons I've seen if you buy a 7.1, you can use it in 5.1 mode, and use the left over speaker outputs to power another set of speaker in another room, using a different(or the same) source.good luck any more question just ask. I'm sure a few more will chime in as well.

cfrizz

Get whichever receiver has all the features that you think you will want, making sure it has preamp outputs for future upgrading. THX doesn't mean squat.

If possible, take music you know extremely well & listen to both the receiver & the speakers together. That way you will at least have an idea if the 2 work well together.

NeilGabriel

If you really know very little, then try to get a friend who knows a thing or two. If you go to big box stores, you are likely to get someone who knows less than you...and of course, he owns every piece of equipment the store has.....if you go to a higher end place, you are liable to be intimidated...I've bought thousands of dollars in equipment and still hate to go into audiophile shops.... I just mothballed a yamaha HTR (under $400 new) that gave me 6 good years of use.....it was very mass market, but it served its purpose....and now that I have more disposable income and want to focus on SQ more, I am investing again. If your needs tend to be simpler, you can pick up quality used equipment for a good price that doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the 2006-2007 era equipment.

gools

how will I recognize if it has a preamp on it? I've looked up a receiver, and couldn't find the word in the description, or in a photo of the back of the Amp. Is there a way for me to tell?

Thanks for the help

McLoki

gools wrote: »

I know nothing. And don't want to get robbed at the store.

I also am leading toward the harmon/Kardon, and Onkyo brand, as those are the most availible to me

Any other input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

If you walk into a store to purchase electronics - a robbery is going to take place. (especially if you want to get something else in a few years)

I have not read all your replies so forgive me if I am repeating other thoughts.....

If you can stomach the thought of purchasing used, that is the way to go almost nomatter what your budget is. If the thought of used makes you sick - check out refurbs. Not quite as good a deal, but better than purchasing new (even on sale new usually).

Do you plan on keeping the speakers you have or upgrading in the future? If you are happy with the speakers you have - most any AVR will drive them fine. If you like the HK sound, check out NAD as well.

For those speakers don't worry so much about power - just find an AVR that you like to use and seems kind of intuitive to set up. (stop by a few stores and just play with some different ones and see what you like) Once you get the list narrowed down to 2 or 3 brands - try to listen to them with your model speakers or come back with the brands and ask what ones people like with your series of speakers.

Michael

Michael

NeilGabriel

gools wrote: »

how will I recognize if it has a preamp on it? I've looked up a receiver, and couldn't find the word in the description, or in a photo of the back of the Amp. Is there a way for me to tell?

Thanks for the help

Every receiver has a preamp. A receiver is a combination of a preamp, amp and tuner. With home theater, the receiver also has a processor for the 5.1 (or other audio). Many receivers have preamp outs(outputs) on the back that let you send the preamplified signal (with tone and volume controls) to another amplifier, often more powerful and better quality than the one in the receiver. While this is useful to people who plan to upgrade and like the preamp on their receiver, or who want extra amps to run speakers, it is not essential. On the back of the receiver, there will be a section of outs labeled something like preout and they will be connected with a little "u" connector to main in right beside. What I don't know is if you use the preout on the receiver whether the preamp still functions with the main amp on the receiver or if you would then need to connect another premp to the main in on the receiver. Someone help here, please. Wow...that must be confusing.

cfrizz

It will say this in the specs. "Pre-Amp Outputs All (8))"

It will also say this or "Preouts" on the back of the receiver.

gools wrote: »

how will I recognize if it has a preamp on it? I've looked up a receiver, and couldn't find the word in the description, or in a photo of the back of the Amp. Is there a way for me to tell?

Thanks for the help

daboyz

Go to ebay and check out the refurb HK from Harman Kardon Direct. You can't miss them. I got an AVR335 for $225 shipped. It has everything you'll need at a steal of a price.

NeilGabriel

daboyz wrote: »

Go to ebay and check out the refurb HK from Harman Kardon Direct. You can't miss them. I got an AVR335 for $225 shipped. It has everything you'll need at a steal of a price.

I've always been afraid of refurbished stuff. How long have you been running the H/K? I do see some good buys out there. I assumed they were usually part of lemon runs.

DollarDave

NeilGabriel wrote: »

I've always been afraid of refurbished stuff. How long have you been running the H/K? I do see some good buys out there. I assumed they were usually part of lemon runs.

I've purchased several refurbished pieces from the H/K e-bay store. No problems what-so-ever. It is a great way to buy gear with full warranty and each piece I received appeared to be in flawless, like-new condition.

daboyz

First receiver had a blown left channel, they paid to send it back and send me a different one. Looks new and has been fine for about a month. I should be getting an FL8385 5 disc CD player tomorrow from them. Customer service is very good and you have full warranty. Soooooooo much better than paying retail!!

polksda

I've always been a Denon fan.

I started with an AVR-3200 (now in my office at work) then upgraded to an AVR-3803 (about to go into my bedroom rig) and just took delivery for an AVR-2807 for my main rig.

I'm more concerned with features and SQ rather than raw power, as I'm running preamp outs to a Carver 4.0t to drive my fronts (SDA SRS 1.2).

danger boy

the entry level Denon's and Marantz's seem to be very good sound and build quality.. don't let it fool you that if may only have 80wpc. those are most always high current watts. which will drive your R speakers just fine.

what does your budget allow for in a receiver?

gools

Well I went shopping today, and brought home, but haven't unpacked it yet:D .

I went to several different stores, listened to everyones spheil. I finally decided, and bought a Harmon/ Kardon AVR144 reciever, and bought a pair of monitor 60 speakers. I love the Monitor speakers heard them several times, didn't think the wife would let me get them, but surprise.

Anyways, anyone have any thoughts on the Harmon reciever, was a really good price, compared to what else I was shown. But like I said it's still in the box so.....

Thanks for all the feedback

gools

I also don't like the idea of getting refurbished units, have in the past, boughten stuff rebuilt and had no problems, but with something like this, would rather get the warranty on a new product and take it to the store if anything goes wrong.

danger boy

gools, is your HK 144 a refurb or new?

the only thing I could find may be a problem.. is it seems a little low on power.. 5x40wpc.

daboyz

I had the AVR 125 and was stuck because of no preouts. Gools is fine w/that receiver if there are no plans for separates in the future. It's a great entry level receiver and SQ is very good IMHO. I really liked mine until I started hanging out with all you SOB's!!!!!

gools

It's new.

Danger boy, what is a good wpc to look for. I have to go back and pick up my speakers, (to big to fit in the car, with my 2 kids) I might see what they have for more power.

Daboyz, what is a SQ? And what do you mean by no plans for separates, what is that?

Also between the 2 which one do you think is better. The H/K AVR144 or H/K AVR146

Thanks guys

daboyz

SQ is sound quality, separates are if you want to add amplifiers to help drive your speaks. You need separate outputs on your receiver to accomodate the hookups. 40 watts per channel may seem small but the HK's are very conservative. I'm sure there isn't a huge difference between the two but check them out side by side. Good luck!! Dave

danger boy

yeah... HK and Marantz both post their watts per channel as lower than other brands... both I believe are high current wattage.. but 40 seem like it wouldn't give you any headroom.

I say.. start at 90wpc high current minimum and you should be fine. Look at the Marantz SR5001 or the HK 457

engtaz

I would suggest closer to 200 watts or lower watts on HT AVR with pre amp out to add external amps later @ 200 watts a ch.

danger boy

engtaz wrote: »

I would suggest closer to 200 watts or lower watts on HT AVR with pre amp out to add external amps later @ 200 watts a ch.

200wpc Audio/video receivers are rare.. they usually top out at about 170wpc. to reach the 200wpc. you need an external amp. which is a great idea.

some people don't want an external amp.. so I'd say miniumumumuum 90wpc+

engtaz

I usually try around 100 watts as a ref. for a AVR. The 200 watts was manly to ref. lower watt AVR and use it as a preamp.

daboyz

But, if he is looking at entry level and wants new, the HK is not a bad start. It won't give you everything but is also very good for the price.

engtaz

No it's not. HK, Denon, Onkyo are nice units. He just needs to make sure he gets all the audio and video inputs he needs. That's one of the main reasons I chose the Denon 4802. daboyz your advice is excellent, I am just giving more input into options.

gools

Wow!! Hooked up my Harmon/ Kardon this afternoon, good greef. This thing is crazy, I'm really a rookie when it comes to electronics. I never had this much stuff to do with my old JVC reciever.

Well back to reading latin, wish me luck. I have a feeling my posts are going to be going up.

daboyz

Only the beginning...........................

gools

If Harmon/ Kardon rates there wattage lower then what they say, any idea of how much they actually putout?

ben62670

daboyz wrote: »

Go to ebay and check out the refurb HK from Harman Kardon Direct. You can't miss them. I got an AVR335 for $225 shipped. It has everything you'll need at a steal of a price.

+1
They are straight from HK, and you can't beat the price. Take you time, and wait for a deal. I used an HK as a pre pro and it served me very well. Nice smooth natural sound.

Happy hunting Ben

ben62670

gools wrote: »

If Harmon/ Kardon rates there wattage lower then what they say, any idea of how much they actually putout?

My 50 watt HK put out almost as much as my Yammi Did, and sounded a lot better. Its all about currant. Companies play with wattage formulas.

Edit
I just saw you picked up an HK. Does it have pre outs?
If it doesn't do yourself a huge favor, and trade it back in for something with pre outs.