Need receiver help

TOA cakaroash

It seems you guys really know your stuff, so I figured I would ask for some help.

My current receiver is acting funny, plus its pushing 6 years in age. I think its time to buy new.

Currently, I have a Kenwood VR-7080A. What am I looking for?
At least 3 HDMI inputs.
The unit can not run hot!! Its in a fairly confined area built into the wall.
7.1 would be great for the future.
On-screen display would be neat but definately not necessary.
Amazing sound and solied power.
A/B speaker zones is very important.
Finally, a limit of $400 canadian (my wife wont let me spend more).

I keep reading alot of great things about Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon. What about Sony, Pioneer, and HK?? I hate trying different brands, but if it is a better product, count me in.

Other information that may be useful.
BluRay player is a BDP-S350
TV is a Bravia KDL-52V4100
I also have a Xbox 360 and a HD satellite receiver.

Now for the speakers. They are all Axioms. Millenia Ti for the fronts, QS4 for the rears, and EP-125 sub. Centre is Axiom as well, but I'm not sure the model.
Not to sound like a tool, but I imagine that since this is a Polk forum, there is definately biased feelings, but how does Axiom stack up against Polk speakers? And how good are Polk? I've always wondered, and when I do purchase speakers in he future, Polk is high on the list.

Please help me!! I want to invest my money in something great. Thanks a bunch.

jparker82

I love the sound of Onkyo/Integra for movies. I have had some high end Yamaha receivers like the Z-9. Yamaha sound is great with music. I have had bad exp with Sony and pioneer. I have seen some nice used Onkyo's in the $400us range. The Onkyo seems to have a much deeper sound and is great for movies. They also have the 1.3a HDMI for best blue-ray sound. Hope this helps a little and this is just my view. I have heard good things about Denon I just don't have any exp.

renowilliams

TOA cakaroash wrote: »

It seems you guys really know your stuff, so I figured I would ask for some help.

My current receiver is acting funny, plus its pushing 6 years in age. I think its time to buy new.

Currently, I have a Kenwood VR-7080A. What am I looking for?
At least 3 HDMI inputs.
The unit can not run hot!! Its in a fairly confined area built into the wall.
7.1 would be great for the future.
On-screen display would be neat but definately not necessary.
Amazing sound and solied power.
A/B speaker zones is very important.
Finally, a limit of $400 canadian (my wife wont let me spend more).

I keep reading alot of great things about Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon. What about Sony, Pioneer, and HK?? I hate trying different brands, but if it is a better product, count me in.

Other information that may be useful.
BluRay player is a BDP-S350
TV is a Bravia KDL-52V4100
I also have a Xbox 360 and a HD satellite receiver.

Now for the speakers. They are all Axioms. Millenia Ti for the fronts, QS4 for the rears, and EP-125 sub. Centre is Axiom as well, but I'm not sure the model.
Not to sound like a tool, but I imagine that since this is a Polk forum, there is definately biased feelings, but how does Axiom stack up against Polk speakers? And how good are Polk? I've always wondered, and when I do purchase speakers in he future, Polk is high on the list.

Please help me!! I want to invest my money in something great. Thanks a bunch.

Hi and welcome to the forum

You will surprised to find out that even though this is a polk forum, people in here do like other brands of speakers. I myself have polk but have owned other speakers in the past.

As far as your reciever question is concerned, you may want to look at Canuck Audio Mart. I bought my reciever through that site and have been very pleased. You can sometimes find a real gem as I did. I would look for a pioneer elite series that is maybe 2 or three years old. Just be careful to read the feedbacks for the individual you are considerring to purchase from. I mention pioneer as I like the sound it produces. Others brands such as Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha would do what you want.


Good Luck

cnh

Hi Tim..where have you been?

To OP...xcapri is right, try to get a receiver with pre-outs...it sounds like the older AVRs won't work for you as you need HDMIs...

What's in your price range....something used or a refurb....perhaps an Onkyo 706 or a Harman Kardon 254 or a Pioneer 1018..not the 1019 that has no pre-outs.

All of the models above are at least a year or more old...but you can still find some discounted or refurbed....

If you like 'warm' and musical go for the HK, if you like a more neutral sound the Pioneer. If you want a lot of dynamic movie sound and lots of features the Onkyo.

cnh