Budget Recievers...What should I get?

[Driver_King]

I've been interested in the 805 for awhile but it still is over $500 and there are new recievers coming out lately. I'm really wanting to upgrade and want to spend preferably less than $500. Are there any new recievers around $200-400 that are really worth it? I'm looking for a reciever that has a small THD, obviously HD audio, preferably 7.1(much more common now), and has a decent amount of usable features(if that makes sense.) Thanks.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I've been interested in the 805 for awhile but it still is over $500 and there are new recievers coming out lately. I'm really wanting to upgrade and want to spend preferably less than $500. Are there any new recievers around $200-400 that are really worth it? I'm looking for a reciever that has a small THD, obviously HD audio, preferably 7.1(much more common now), and has a decent amount of usable features(if that makes sense.) Thanks.

What BD player are you using?

[moviefan]

Sony STR-DG 820
4 HDMI inputs.
Decodes all new audio formats.
$399>00

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by DutchBoy

What BD player are you using?

PS3.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by moviefan

Sony STR-DG 820
4 HDMI inputs.
Decodes all new audio formats.
$399>00

1% THD isn't good.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

PS3.

Your options are better then.

You only need one capable of receiving PCM audio. Since the PS3 will be doing the decoding, the receiver doesn't have to decode anything. PCM receivers will probably start around 300 bucks, and go up depending on what you want the receiver to do.

NM -- if you ain't down with the DG-820, you certainly won't like mine. :P

[Driver_King]

Go ahead and say it. I just want one that does HD audio too in case I get a standalone eventually.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Go ahead and say it. I just want one that does HD audio too in case I get a standalone eventually.

I got the Sony 720, but just because it accepts PCM and was at a REALLY good price-point.

If I was getting a standalone I'd have gotten the Onkyo (605 at least), though.

[Driver_King]

I'm only worried about the THD. It'd be a great choice if it didn't have that THD level.

[Driver_King]

Hmm...I was looking around and have been thinking. I still want an Onkyo. I was looking at the 606, 605, 705, or 805. I know that the 705 and 805 has THX certification. Is the certification really worth it? And do the Burr-Brown DAC's really make a big difference in SQ?

[dobyblue]

You can get a refurbished Onkyo TX-SR805 for $549
http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receiver.../40650016.aspx

They are an authorized Onkyo dealer - http://www.us.onkyo.com/locations_intdealer.cfm

Onkyo warranties their refurbished products for one year - http://www.us.onkyo.com/warranty.cfm

And YES there is a big jump up in power and quality from the 705 to the 805

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

1% THD isn't good.

If that's at full power does it really matter?

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by moviefan

If that's at full power does it really matter?

It's a placebo effect, people feel better about buying stuff with lower/higher numbers even though the truth is they will never be able to tell the difference.

[DetroitSportsFan]

Onkyo 605 or 606.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by moviefan

Sony STR-DG 820
4 HDMI inputs.
Decodes all new audio formats.
$399>00

Has high THD rates, I would advise against this model or any Sony non ES model.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I've been interested in the 805 for awhile but it still is over $500 and there are new recievers coming out lately. I'm really wanting to upgrade and want to spend preferably less than $500. Are there any new recievers around $200-400 that are really worth it? I'm looking for a reciever that has a small THD, obviously HD audio, preferably 7.1(much more common now), and has a decent amount of usable features(if that makes sense.) Thanks.

On the cheap? Since you have a PS3? Follow the link to the Marantz 4001 Receiver New http://www.accessories4less.com/make...DMI-NEW/1.html

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I'm only worried about the THD. It'd be a great choice if it didn't have that THD level.

Also check out the Yamaha RX-V663 on Amazon for 412.69 THD of 0.06% or less. Much better than the Sony product.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

It's a placebo effect, people feel better about buying stuff with lower/higher numbers even though the truth is they will never be able to tell the difference.

If numbers don't matter why 1080p over 1080i or 720p then? They're all HD - because some people can tell the differnce. I've always found Sony receivers to be a bit noisy (had one back in my main system in the early 90's - sold it in two weeks and never looked back. The only Sony receiver to make it in my house since is an HDMI receiver that I found at a Goodwill that had a broken knob - fixed with a universal remote - and now its in my bedroom but it can go no further). The whole format "war" came down to numbers in some aspects, people buy speakers on numbers. In some cases (not all, but some) numbers can make a difference - and when it comes down to THD, beleive me if you have ears to hear, it makes a difference.

[martinstraka8282]

Yamaha RX-V661 has done me well.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by martinstraka8282

Yamaha RX-V661 has done me well.

+1 thats a good one too