Receiver Suggestions for HT

jcran17

I was still in the saving stage of my HT system when I ran across a deal I couldn’t pass up. I found a guy that was moving and had to get rid of his entire speaker package quick. I am now the proud owner of RTi10 fronts, CSi3 centers, Fxi3 surrounds, and PSW404 sub all for $600.
My hope is a little advice from the experts about a receiver. After thoroughly reading the posts herein, I’ve come to realize that I NEED an amp and subsequently something with some pre-outs. Unfortunately, the current funds can not accommodate both amp and receiver at once and the old beater Technics receiver I have is an embarrassment.

Prior to reading this forum I had been sold on the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K thanks to the rave reviews on Cnet. Given the lack of preamps, that one’s out. Any suggestions on a receiver around that price point ($450) that will allow me to use push these speakers for a year or two while I save up for an amp?

Thanks for your help

mshan242700

Check out http://www.Videogon.com for Pioneer.

If you search forums, Hi Fi Heaven used to offer 01 and 03 at very competitive prices (don't know what current prices are, though).

Knucklehead

Welcome to CP. Im kind of partial to Pioneer, but my advice is to buy used. I have a Pioneer VSX 816-K with preouts I bought from a CP member for $125.00, best 125 I ever spent.

Sherardp

If you can find a Pioneer SC-05 that would be my 1st choice.

Retro152

Im partial to Pioneer myself also, but have a look at some of the Yamaha models, Rxv-663, or the 863, should fall into your budget, both with pre-outs, and perform admirably. Adding the Amp when funds allow will only enhance everything with either one of these units. By the way, Welcome to Club Polk!:D




Pat.

Retro152

Sherardp wrote: »

If you can find a Pioneer SC-05 that would be my 1st choice.

+1000, if funds permit!:D:D:D




Pat.

jcran17

Thanks for the warm welcomes!!
The SC05 seems to be a pretty popular choice around here. Its a little bit more expensive, but with a little bit of luck maybe I can score a used one. Either that or convince the wife that I "need" it and get a new one. The videogon site seems promising. Haven't really considered the Yammies, so Ill have to take a look at those. Any other brands/models that I should consider? (i.e onkyo, marantz, denon etc.)

Jared

wutadumsn23

Check out Onkyo too, I have an 806 and it is an amazing unit. Has everything you are looking for and more. It is a bit out of your price range, but they can be had for around $600-$650. Check around for used ones too, on Craigslist or even Ebay. Welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

mshan242700

This guy is selling an Onkyo 606: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=45&threadid=2325011&enterthread=y

jcran17

Thanks mshan...seems like a good deal. Unfortunately, no pre-amp outs

superjunior

I have heard of the 92 elite(older version of the sc-05)going for as cheap as 450$ I paid almost double that less than a year ago. That's a lot of bang for the buck, imo. fantastic receiver
jr

Marty913

I would throw in the Harmon Kardon 254 / 354 which would meet the $450 goal. Both are available at the HK STore (used with full warranty) and would be more than adequate for a couple years, have a great sound with Polks, have pre-outs / HDMI / new codecs, etc.

renowilliams

There are definatley some deals to be had on older recievers. I bought mine used and it looked like it was new when it arrived here. Do some looking around and I'm sure you will find a gem for a good price.

Good luck

wingnut4772

wutadumsn23 wrote: »

check out onkyo too, i have an 806 and it is an amazing unit. Has everything you are looking for and more. It is a bit out of your price range, but they can be had for around $600-$650. Check around for used ones too, on craigslist or even ebay. Welcome to club polk.

-jeff

+++++1

jcran17

Whats the deal with the factory refurbs seen on ebay? Are these worth a look or just a roll of the dice?

wutadumsn23

jcran17 wrote: »

Whats the deal with the factory refurbs seen on ebay? Are these worth a look or just a roll of the dice?

Depends, kind of a buyer beware type situation. Usually they are factory overhauled and then re sold at a discount with a much lesser warranty. Could get lucky, or you could get a lemon. I know Onkyo has a refurb section on their website, and if you join Club Onkyo you get an additional 10% discount (not sure about rehab units though) Good luck.

-Jeff

jcran17

Thanks for the replies,

Well after some careful consideration, I think I am going with either the SC-05 or SC-07. From what I've read, the ICE amps will do my RTi10's a little justice until I can get an external amp. Depending on how it sounds, I may try to upgrade the center to a CSi5 as xcapri suggested, although I am not 100% sure how different the two sound.

Now it is just a matter of finding a good deal on the receiver. I'm hoping since the 25 and 27's are out now, maybe there will be a price drip on the 05 and 07. The best I have found on the 05 is $769 new with factory warranty and $650 referb. (ebay with 30 day warranty which scares me). Not quite low enough to pull the trigger yet, I've read posts of 6ave selling them for $625 6 months ago...out of stock now.

-Jared

wutadumsn23

Hey jcran, I see you are from W. Hartford CT. I am originally from CT, I was born in Rockville and grew up in Tolland, but lived all over. I used to work in W. Hartford at a steel fab shop called EBP, but they have since picked up and moved somewhere else.

-Jeff

jcran17

Jeff,
I actually just moved up here from Tampa to take a fellowship job at the hospital. Last winter was tough, but it's hard to complain about the weather now. CT is a beautiful state. Plus, who cares if it snowing if your HT sounds good inside.

-jared

renowilliams

xcapri79 wrote: »

Th Op is obviously interested in deals in the US, but I'm also interested in what is available in Canada.

From my experience, the market for new and used receivers is more varied in the US compared to Canada. I'm interested in knowing purchasing equipment from the US into Canada since I have family there.

While I was in Calgary earler this summer I noticed that were some decent deals on clearance VSX-01THX and VSX-03THX at Soundsuround.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

I'm sure there are more deals to be had in the states on used gear than here in Canada. I bought mine off of Canuck Audio Mart and have been very please with my purchase.


Tim

wutadumsn23

jcran17 wrote: »

Jeff,
I actually just moved up here from Tampa to take a fellowship job at the hospital. Last winter was tough, but it's hard to complain about the weather now. CT is a beautiful state. Plus, who cares if it snowing if your HT sounds good inside.

-jared

That's true, the weather is always changing in CT. Like the old saying goes about New England, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes" lol. I moved to WA. about 11 years ago, but still make it home for visits, since all of my family still lives there.

-Jeff