A little help/advice please

[brianh78]

Hey guys,

Im a bit overwhelmed with all this stuff, but here goes. Since I dont have a big buget at all (like 250-300max the wife says). I have been looking at getting a new reciever to replace one 6yr old Technics reciever thats on its way out. Based on lots of previous posts I have been looking at the H/K 254, Sony something 800, or onkyo 507. Best I can tell is they will all play audio through hdmi as well as video obvisouly. Can anyone shed some insight into the above models and pros/cons please, I would be most appreciative. Just looking for something kind of basic with hd audio.
I am running dish network hd via hdmi, xbox360 componet(one of the first non-hdmi models) and a sony bdp-bx1 blu-ray also via hdmi if that helps...oh also my speakers are Audiosource brand that does say on back 8ohms. Thanks

Brian

[ak_ka]

Originally Posted by brianh78

Hey guys,

Im a bit overwhelmed with all this stuff, but here goes. Since I dont have a big buget at all (like 250-300max the wife says). I have been looking at getting a new reciever to replace one 6yr old Technics reciever thats on its way out. Based on lots of previous posts I have been looking at the H/K 254, Sony something 800, or onkyo 507. Best I can tell is they will all play audio through hdmi as well as video obvisouly. Can anyone shed some insight into the above models and pros/cons please, I would be most appreciative. Just looking for something kind of basic with hd audio.
I am running dish network hd via hdmi, xbox360 componet(one of the first non-hdmi models) and a sony bdp-bx1 blu-ray also via hdmi if that helps...oh also my speakers are Audiosource brand that does say on back 8ohms. Thanks

Brian

Hi Brian,

First of all, welcome to the forums I was in your exact position a few months ago, so I understand your apprehensions.

I had a budget of $300-$350, which is close enough to yours. Here's the thread I started where I got the recos.
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=117120

I ended up getting the Harman Kardon 254 for the following reasons:-
1. It was 7.1 compared to a few 5.1 in my shortlist
2. It has pre-outs, so I can add an amp later down the line
3. HK is known for clean sound
4. It was on clearance at Fry's for $299

BTW, The Sony DN-1000 is on newegg for $299. If you really can't stretch your budget, thats the one I'd go for.

Hope this helps.
Happy hunting

[brianh78]

Im torn, heard many of good things about the HK's and was looking at that sony as well, maybe I will run to frys to see if they have any, I know theres ebay but I havent had much luck in winning anything on there, sooo..who knows but thanks!

[dewd]

I would go with the Onkyo mainly due to the Audyssey EQ. I used to own HK and thought it was nice, but it had a few quirks that bothered me (like no internal tone for the sub). I never recommend Sony receivers.

[Pycroft]

It's a simple answer between those three: The Harman Kardon. It has pre-outs, is very musical, and does everything the other two don't. The only reason I'd say the Onkyo is if you need a ton of HDMI slots. I believe the HK has 2 or 3. If that doesn't fit your requirement, bummer.