Help with new receiver - Blu-ray Forum

daly · 12-27-2009, 10:18 PM

Hello I need some help picking a new receiver I have around 350$ to spend less would be good but max 350$. I read alot of info on here and I think you guys will help me out on my first buy of a "real" receiver. I am buying so I can have true hd sound.

Sony STR-DN1000 OR Onkyo HT-RC160

Any help would be awesome and I would like sugestions also if you feel there is a better deal. Thank you.

callas01 · 12-27-2009, 10:29 PM

There are a lot of onkyo owners on here so I am sure the majority of people will tell you that, but I think you should listen to each of them and decide for yourself. I like the sound of the Sony I have over the Onkyo 606 that I heard last year. I know Mr Roy on here had the Onkyo 605 and the Sony 920 and said the Sony played better. However the 920 he and I have both had the amp and powersupply of the ES2400 model. I do not know if the DN1000 will have the same amp and powersupply... however the weight of the DN1000 actually went up over last year, as opposed to decreasing like the Pioneer and Yamahas did.

The Sony will be very easy to setup, has excellent video pass-through and upscaling of analog video, better then the Onkyo. I don't know how easy or difficult the Onkyo will be to setup, but I don't think it will be too difficult at all.

Neither receiver is going to give you the stated watts per channel when operating all 5 or 7 channels.

Personally I think this decision comes down to preference.

daly · 12-27-2009, 11:13 PM

Thank you callas. Im a computer guy so im not worried about setting anything up I just want to find out the best bang for around 350$. The sony has better upscaling thats a plus in my book. Wii will look better on the sony than on the Onkyo.

progers13 · 12-27-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

There are a lot of onkyo owners on here so I am sure the majority of people will tell you that, but I think you should listen to each of them and decide for yourself. I like the sound of the Sony I have over the Onkyo 606 that I heard last year. I know Mr Roy on here had the Onkyo 605 and the Sony 920 and said the Sony played better. However the 920 he and I have both had the amp and powersupply of the ES2400 model. I do not know if the DN1000 will have the same amp and powersupply... however the weight of the DN1000 actually went up over last year, as opposed to decreasing like the Pioneer and Yamahas did.

The Sony will be very easy to setup, has excellent video pass-through and upscaling of analog video, better then the Onkyo. I don't know how easy or difficult the Onkyo will be to setup, but I don't think it will be too difficult at all.

Neither receiver is going to give you the stated watts per channel when operating all 5 or 7 channels.

Personally I think this decision comes down to preference.

Excellent post!

And I couldn't offer better advice than the bolded part above.

daly · 12-27-2009, 11:23 PM

Very true proger. Thank you guys!

Steve · 12-27-2009, 11:27 PM

While I do recommend going and listening for yourself, in your price range I also recommend you take a look at the Harman Kardon store on ebay. They have some great deals there in your price range.

Pycroft · 12-28-2009, 12:22 AM

I second looking at the Harman Kardon online ebay store. You can get a HK254 for less than 350 EASILY and can maybe even find a 354 (The AVR I have) for that much...I did. I think it far surpasses those two units you've listed (And I've heard them both).

Pycroft

pmeguy4 · 12-28-2009, 12:33 AM

I just replaced a ten-year-old JVC with a Denon 590 for $350. If you can live with 5.1, you can't go wrong at that price. It is truly a joy to hear.

solarrdadd · 12-28-2009, 01:16 AM

i'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but if you have 350 why not wait and save some more and get a better receiver. 350 is not really a lot for a good modern receiver especially if you want some bells and whistles. Don't get me wrong for saying that. the pocket usually dictates what is what. with that said, if you can save a little more you'd be able to get a much better class of receiver then you could with the 350. you'd be surprised how much better a receiver you could get once you hit the 500 & up bracket. also think about your future as your making up your mind.

so, do your homework, read reviews, listen to what some of us on the forum have to say and make a smart choice within whatever your budget turns out to be.

best of luck, keep us posted.

daly · 12-28-2009, 01:31 AM

Thank you again so much guys! Solarrdadd I was honestly thinking about saving for a higher end receiver because like you said think of the long run. Im still not sure what to do as of now still reading reviews and doing my homework. I was also looking for a higher end model that has pre outs for an amp later on. But thank you guys so much keep the info coming and ill keep you guys updated on what im thinking about getting because im sure ill have my eye on a few more receivers.

Steve · 12-28-2009, 02:06 AM

I'm just throwing this out there as an option. In the vein of the great advice from solarrdadd, if you could save even another $100, it would put you into this Marantz. It's a very nice model, fully featured, 7.1, and even has pre-outs. $449 with free shipping is a great deal.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Pycroft · 12-28-2009, 02:00 PM

The Harman Kardon HK354 is a high quality receiver. It is 7.1, decodes all recent high def codecs, has 75 true watts per channel (Not the bloated watts per channel some companies claim), has preouts for all speakers, and looks sexy as hell. Again, I got it for less than 400 bucks, but I think the MSRP is around 900 (If that means anything). I'd put it up there with comparable Onkyo, Marantz, Denon, etc. I think it outpreforms the ONkyo 607 (Which I had), would be much better than the Denon listed above. There are better of course, BUT I think it's the BEST bang for the buck going.

johnya84 · 12-29-2009, 06:06 AM

Just picked up and installed the Onkyo RC 160. I have not been really able to configure it yet, but I will tomorrow. BTW got it at Costco for $350 out the door.

callas01 · 12-29-2009, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnya84

Just picked up and installed the Onkyo RC 160. I have not been really able to configure it yet, but I will tomorrow. BTW got it at Costco for $350 out the door.

wow they sell them at costco now?

daly · 12-30-2009, 05:09 PM

How well dose the Onkyo RC 160 Upconvert?

callas01 · 12-30-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daly

How well dose the Onkyo RC 160 Upconvert?

I believe that they only upconvert to 1080i, and from different reviews it seems that they are not the best at it either I believe that Sony and Denon upconvert the best, Yamahas should do a good job of it too.

daly · 12-30-2009, 08:16 PM

Thank you callas I have a wii and I would really like upconvert to 1080p. Im still looking around I was looking at the Denon AVR-790 for a while but alot of people say that it dose not sound as good as alot of others i was dissapointed when I read that but im not sure if I should lisen to everything. It upconverts to 1080p. Any one have info on Denon AVR-790?

callas01 · 12-31-2009, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daly

Thank you callas I have a wii and I would really like upconvert to 1080p. Im still looking around I was looking at the Denon AVR-790 for a while but alot of people say that it dose not sound as good as alot of others i was dissapointed when I read that but im not sure if I should lisen to everything. It upconverts to 1080p. Any one have info on Denon AVR-790?

You should go listen to the receivers if possible, and if you can. take your own speakers and see if they will hook them up for you so you can hear what your speakers will sound like through them... Perhaps taking the bookshelf's of your speakers if they are in the same line would be easiest... just make sure the dealer or store is ok with it. Or that they have the same speakers you do.

cdot2four · 12-31-2009, 04:40 AM

Save up for a better avr. I wanted to spend $500 and saved up and bought a $1100 denon.

johnya84 · 01-02-2010, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

wow they sell them at costco now?

Yes, they sell them at Costco but you have to call if they have it. $299 plus tax.

12-27-2009, 10:18 PM	#1
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	Help with new receiver Hello I need some help picking a new receiver I have around 350$ to spend less would be good but max 350$. I read alot of info on here and I think you guys will help me out on my first buy of a "real" receiver. I am buying so I can have true hd sound. Sony STR-DN1000 OR Onkyo HT-RC160 Any help would be awesome and I would like sugestions also if you feel there is a better deal. Thank you. Last edited by daly; 12-27-2009 at 10:21 PM.

12-28-2009, 12:22 AM	#7
Pycroft Member Member since:Feb 2009 Trading Score:7	... I second looking at the Harman Kardon online ebay store. You can get a HK254 for less than 350 EASILY and can maybe even find a 354 (The AVR I have) for that much...I did. I think it far surpasses those two units you've listed (And I've heard them both). Pycroft

12-28-2009, 12:33 AM	#8
pmeguy4 New Member Member since:Dec 2009 4K collection:11 Blu-ray collection:250 DVD collection:132	Don't disregard Denon... I just replaced a ten-year-old JVC with a Denon 590 for $350. If you can live with 5.1, you can't go wrong at that price. It is truly a joy to hear.

12-28-2009, 02:00 PM	#12
Pycroft Member Member since:Feb 2009 Trading Score:7	Hk The Harman Kardon HK354 is a high quality receiver. It is 7.1, decodes all recent high def codecs, has 75 true watts per channel (Not the bloated watts per channel some companies claim), has preouts for all speakers, and looks sexy as hell. Again, I got it for less than 400 bucks, but I think the MSRP is around 900 (If that means anything). I'd put it up there with comparable Onkyo, Marantz, Denon, etc. I think it outpreforms the ONkyo 607 (Which I had), would be much better than the Denon listed above. There are better of course, BUT I think it's the BEST bang for the buck going.

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12-27-2009, 10:29 PM	#2
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	There are a lot of onkyo owners on here so I am sure the majority of people will tell you that, but I think you should listen to each of them and decide for yourself. I like the sound of the Sony I have over the Onkyo 606 that I heard last year. I know Mr Roy on here had the Onkyo 605 and the Sony 920 and said the Sony played better. However the 920 he and I have both had the amp and powersupply of the ES2400 model. I do not know if the DN1000 will have the same amp and powersupply... however the weight of the DN1000 actually went up over last year, as opposed to decreasing like the Pioneer and Yamahas did. The Sony will be very easy to setup, has excellent video pass-through and upscaling of analog video, better then the Onkyo. I don't know how easy or difficult the Onkyo will be to setup, but I don't think it will be too difficult at all. Neither receiver is going to give you the stated watts per channel when operating all 5 or 7 channels. Personally I think this decision comes down to preference.

12-27-2009, 11:13 PM	#3
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	Thank you callas. Im a computer guy so im not worried about setting anything up I just want to find out the best bang for around 350$. The sony has better upscaling thats a plus in my book. Wii will look better on the sony than on the Onkyo.

12-27-2009, 11:23 PM	#5
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	Very true proger. Thank you guys!

12-27-2009, 11:27 PM	#6
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	While I do recommend going and listening for yourself, in your price range I also recommend you take a look at the Harman Kardon store on ebay. They have some great deals there in your price range.

12-28-2009, 01:16 AM	#9
solarrdadd Blu-ray Prince Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Virginia Home Theater Gallery:255 4K collection:209 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:4 Blu-ray reviews: 42 Trading Score:316	i'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but if you have 350 why not wait and save some more and get a better receiver. 350 is not really a lot for a good modern receiver especially if you want some bells and whistles. Don't get me wrong for saying that. the pocket usually dictates what is what. with that said, if you can save a little more you'd be able to get a much better class of receiver then you could with the 350. you'd be surprised how much better a receiver you could get once you hit the 500 & up bracket. also think about your future as your making up your mind. so, do your homework, read reviews, listen to what some of us on the forum have to say and make a smart choice within whatever your budget turns out to be. best of luck, keep us posted.

12-28-2009, 01:31 AM	#10
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	Thank you again so much guys! Solarrdadd I was honestly thinking about saving for a higher end receiver because like you said think of the long run. Im still not sure what to do as of now still reading reviews and doing my homework. I was also looking for a higher end model that has pre outs for an amp later on. But thank you guys so much keep the info coming and ill keep you guys updated on what im thinking about getting because im sure ill have my eye on a few more receivers.

12-28-2009, 02:06 AM	#11
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	I'm just throwing this out there as an option. In the vein of the great advice from solarrdadd, if you could save even another $100, it would put you into this Marantz. It's a very nice model, fully featured, 7.1, and even has pre-outs. $449 with free shipping is a great deal. http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

12-29-2009, 06:06 AM	#13
johnya84 Member Member since:Oct 2008 Blu-ray collection:30	Just picked up and installed the Onkyo RC 160. I have not been really able to configure it yet, but I will tomorrow. BTW got it at Costco for $350 out the door.

12-30-2009, 05:09 PM	#15
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	How well dose the Onkyo RC 160 Upconvert?

12-30-2009, 08:16 PM	#17
daly Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Boston, Ma Blu-ray collection:38	Thank you callas I have a wii and I would really like upconvert to 1080p. Im still looking around I was looking at the Denon AVR-790 for a while but alot of people say that it dose not sound as good as alot of others i was dissapointed when I read that but im not sure if I should lisen to everything. It upconverts to 1080p. Any one have info on Denon AVR-790?

12-31-2009, 04:40 AM	#19
cdot2four Special Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Metro Detroit PSN:cdot2four Blu-ray collection:158 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	Save up for a better avr. I wanted to spend $500 and saved up and bought a $1100 denon.

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