Getting a new receiver, thoughts?

lsiwill

I'm a new member to the forum and I'm also fairly new to AV. I recently bought my first pair of Polks, LSi 15's, and I'm now in the market for a new receiver. I haven't really developed any brand loyalty yet, but I know that Pioneer Elite, Onkyo, H&K, Marantz, Yamaha are all good receivers. I have some Carver power for the LSi 15's and plan on getting more eventually to go with an LSi C and probably the 7's or 9's eventually too. I'd like to stay around 500 for a receiver, but I'm somewhat open on the budget end. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on what I should get, where to look, etc. Thanks for the input.

kuntasensei

If you're already accustomed to the Onkyo sound, I'd stick with Onkyo. Newegg's got the 707 for $599 right now and it has pre-outs so you can run your LSis off the Carver. It also has all the latest Audyssey and Dolby bells and whistles, and should be a solid step up from your 506. With that Velodyne, you'd benefit quite a bit from Audyssey's MultEQ auto-EQ.

leroyjr1

Pioneer elite gets my vote.

cnh

I agree with K-sensei....if you find that you like that Onkyo sound...these receivers really do give you the most bang for your money in terms of features for HT.

The 707 would be a good choice and can be had for a nice price...even a 706 refurb which might run about 450 or so would do you!

cnh

headrott

I recommend Denon. I have owned a few their recievers (still own one) and they are very good. I would probably go with a somewhat older model though as their newer stuff is not made as good (IMHO) although they have more features.

wutadumsn23

+3 on Onkyo. If it ain't broke, don't fix it right? I have an 806 and love the way it sounds with my Polks. The 707, 706, and 806 are all solid options.

-Jeff

ben62670

I like HK refurbs. Very warm and neutral. Ignore the watt rating on HK's. They are very solid, and most receivers are very optimistic with their ratings. Think Head units in car audio;)
Ben

domflane

I know you already know my opinion, but HK gets my vote. Bang for your buck, look up harmanaudio on ebay, 354's are going for under $400. Save your money on the receiver and put it towards amps that will power the LSi's that you're going to get to finish your system. The HK's make great pre-amps and come with all the options that the others charge hundreds more for. Good luck Willy and hook up those speakers for christ's sake.

rcrook317

+1 on harman audio
got hk354 for 300refurb and it looks brand new,this thing was 899 last yr,499 this yr so its a good deal
also recomend denon as that is what i owned previously and i was pleased w it

lsiwill

The Onkyo 707 sounds like a good deal but like I said i haven't built up any brand loyalty. I haven't used the Onkyo 506 really at all so I don't really have any favortism toward the brand. I bought it when Circuit City was blowing out it's inventory and have been planning a move after I got it. So with the limited space I have I decided to wait to really hook it up. I guess maybe I should get more familiar with my current Onkyo before I decided if I want to buy a better one or go with a different brand. I have heard/seen a few HKs and I do like what they have to offer. They do seem to be a good bang for your buck. I know the newer Marantz AVRs are nice too. My Dad is and has been a Marantz guy since their glory days in the early 70's. He has a vintage 73 Marantz and it's pretty nice. He's also got some really nice new AVRs of theirs too. But I know you're going to pay more for what you get with them as compared to the HK.

AshishG

This is also a good deal which has been on and off last few days.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/AVR-790-A-V-Receiver/4398181/product.html?AID=10654383&PID=3640385&SID=skim355X561

Lowell_M

+1 on H/K Refurbs

MCCLIPSE

+1 on Harman Kardon brah. Save the money for more amps and buy me one too while you're at it.