For a cousin - best AVR under $300?

jeeper_nick
jeeper_nick Posts: 27
edited February 2009 in Electronics
My cousin was in town for a family funeral (our grandpa) last weekend and was asking for some advice on a good AVR for a basic set-up. He's basically going to run an XBox360 and an upconvert DVD player to a 40" Samsung LCD tv. He is in an apartment and plans on moving into a house with his fiancee this year, and wants to start putting together a simple 5.1 set-up. He's military, so not a lot of money floating around.

Now, I haven't shopped for any gear that cheap in about 15 years, so I told him I would have to do some research (IE: Ask you lot) and get back to him. Let the suggestions begin. :)
Coming Soon: The GregorPlex II Cinema

Sanyo PLV-Z2000 Projector
106" HDTV Formatted Electric-drop screen
50" Samsung PN50A450

Onkyo TX-SR876
Emotiva UPA-7 Amplifier
PlayStation3
Monster HTS 3600 mkII
*undetermined upconvert DVD player*

Polk LC265i Fronts
Polk LCiC Front Center
Polk LC80i Rears
Post edited by jeeper_nick on
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Comments

  • jacob.simpson
    jacob.simpson Posts: 481
    edited February 2009
    Just google "clearance electronics expo" You get some display models at throwaway prices, but read through each product before hitting the button, some does not come with all the accessories, choose ones which have all of them and and in very good condition (If you are interested some Lsi 15 are at real cheap prices):D
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited February 2009
    Things I'm sure have changed in the last 30 years, but the base PX/BX were always good starting points. Also there were always guys wanting to upgrade, and sometimes changing duty stations to another base and for what ever reason did not want to take what they had with them. Always a lot of used stuff available. Anyway the usual suspects come to mind to look for: Yamaha 663, Pioneer 1018, Harmon Kardon 254, Onkyo 706 all are around $400. Look for referbs and used on these models, or find the corresponding last year model (won't have the latest HD audio decoding, and HDMI may be < 1.3 or non existent) which really isn't that big of a deal for either. Can't think of anything from Denon or Marantz that I think would be worth buying in this price range.
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited February 2009
    Two or three years ago I got a Denon 1506 for 200 bucks. Pretty sure it was B-stock or refurbed, but it worked just fine (still does), and... 200 bucks. Nothing fancy but a solid unit at a great price, would certainly fit your cousin's needs. Just gotta keep your eye peeled for deals like that.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited February 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • lectronicjunkie
    lectronicjunkie Posts: 299
    edited February 2009
    The Onkyo TX-SR506. It would be a good inexpensive receiver to start with. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543832-REG/Onkyo_TX_SR506B_TX_SR506B_Home_Theater_Receiver.html
    It's all in the detail.
    :cool:

    HT Setup:
    Samsung PN50D550
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Samsung BD-D6700
    Fronts: RTi10's
    Center: CSi5
    Side surrounds: RC65i's
    Rear surrounds: FXiA4's
    Sub: Velodyne CT120
    Outdoor: Atrium 45's

    Pictures here
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