Top 5 Receivers between $250-400?

[EQ3282]

So, I think I have settled on the Polk RM6750's as those seems to be generally suggested/approved as a low-cost, good value 5.1 set (I don't have a real need for a 7.1 system at this point). I also haven't ruled out the Klipsch Quintet II's (if I can find a good price, considering I'd need to get a sub after that purchase).

However, I am still torn on receivers. So, here's the question:

List your top 5 receivers between $250-400, and hopefully I can gauge a purchase based on that. 5.1 is perfectly fine, as I could always sell the receiver if I ever want to upgrade to 7.1.

Thanks!

[TheZoof]

I am not sure what the top 5 are but if you want to spend around $400 the one that I would get is the Denon AVR-888.

It handles HDMI input for Audio and will produce quality sound at 7.1 PCM.

Currently I own a AVR-588 and if I knew what I know now about audio I would have definitely picked up the AVR-888 instead.

[Dirk504]

I currently have those same Polks and I'm using the Onkyo 606 for my receiver. This receiver not only has 4 HDMI inputs, but also passes video AND audio thru HDMI. It's also a 7.1 receiver, so you can always add 2 more speakers whenever you want. The audyssey setup made it really easy to calibrate the speakers. Overall I'm very pleased with this receiver.

[Beta Man]

Throw Marantz SR-4001, and SR-5001 on your list, in addition to the Yamaha 663, and Onkyo 705

[Driver_King]

The silver Onkyo 805 is $505 (see my sig.) It is out of stock right now though.

[EQ3282]

Thanks for the feedback, but $400 is the very top of the budget, and that's even pushing it (considering the speakers will set me back $250), so I'd like to stay, ideally, in the $300-350 range if possible.

I only have the PS3 and TV, so multiple (3+) HDMI input ports isn't necessary (not sure why I'd need that many).

So, any suggestions in my sweet spot would be great.

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

Onkyo 705

[cconne69]

I got the Sony STRDG720 7.1 receiver. It does the HDMI audio and works great for me. I bought 5.1 Yamaha all from BB and it totaled $535 for everything. The receiver was $250.

[Moefiz]

You can get the Yamaha RX-v663 from 350 and up online.
Very good receiver has all of the latest features.

[UltimateFighter]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

You can get the Yamaha RX-v663 from 350 and up online.
Very good receiver has all of the latest features.

+1 Fantastic receiver for the money!

[Moefiz]

Also forgot to mention when you have decided on your receiver check J&R website and see if they stock it and if they do CALL them up and see what kinda deal you can get on it.

I got a good deal on the Yamaha V663 from them...never hurt to try.

Good Luck.

[EQ3282]

Thanks for the input!

J&R does have the Yamaha, but looks like its at $500, so not sure I'd be able to talk them down to where I want to be ($325).

I did a quick search, and the cheapest I saw it online is at buyretail.com for about $350 + shipping (anyone used them before?). There's also an ebay listing at $300 now, but that will surely go up. Otherwise, $450 is the lowest I can see it.

I did a Google search, and Buy.com has it listed for $319. But when you click on the buy.com link, it shows the Yamaha Yamaha HTR-6150 for that price. Kind of a lame 'bait' tactic there.

[Themoth]

Originally Posted by cconne69

I got the Sony STRDG720 7.1 receiver. It does the HDMI audio and works great for me. I bought 5.1 Yamaha all from BB and it totaled $535 for everything. The receiver was $250.

I would at least go with the STR-DG820 to add alittle future life to the receiver and to add decoding and another HDMI and more Watts. all for an extra 50 bucks over the 720.

[EQ3282]

I've read here and elsewhere that, for the money, Sony receivers really aren't worth it (selling a name more so than feature-set/quality).

So, it seems as though the ones I should look into are the Onkyo X05 series (should I avoid the X06's? I've read not-so-good things) and the Yamaha V663. Any others within the $300-350 range?

I appreciate all the help you all are offering!

[prerich]

Since you are using the PS3 and can't find the Yamaha for your price, Beta -Man's suggestion of the Marantz 4001 and 5001 are the best price/value out their. Here's the link http://www.accessories4less.com/make...urround/1.html or http://www.accessories4less.com/make...und-NEW/1.html or http://www.accessories4less.com/make...urround/1.html pick your posion !!!!

Much better sound than the Sony's IMHO - I have a friend with the Pioneer 1017 thx model and a Sony 820. He actually states that Pioneer playing lossy sounds better than the Sony playing lossless. You can feel the difference in the build. The Marantz receivers....beast.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by EQ3282

I've read here and elsewhere that, for the money, Sony receivers really aren't worth it (selling a name more so than feature-set/quality).

So, it seems as though the ones I should look into are the Onkyo X05 series (should I avoid the X06's? I've read not-so-good things) and the Yamaha V663. Any others within the $300-350 range?

I appreciate all the help you all are offering!

I will disagree with only part of that statement - the Sony's actually offer a greater feature set per price point than most receivers - but as far as selling the name Sony...yeah. Once again - since your PS3 does the decoding - look into the Marantz models !

[micks_address]

i have a sony dg910 which does lossless via lpcm from my ps3... sounds pretty good to me.. feed mordant short premiere sats with mordaunt short ms309i sub... its a nice combination

[papaholmz]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

You can get the Yamaha RX-v663 from 350 and up online.
Very good receiver has all of the latest features.

+1

Originally Posted by UltimateFighter

+1 Fantastic receiver for the money!

++1

Originally Posted by Moefiz

Also forgot to mention when you have decided on your receiver check J&R website and see if they stock it and if they do CALL them up and see what kinda deal you can get on it.

I got a good deal on the Yamaha V663 from them...never hurt to try.

Good Luck.

Absolutely call J&R, they will give you a deal over the phone. You can also get it at Buy.com for $319.

-papaholmz

[EQ3282]

Originally Posted by papaholmz

+1



++1



Absolutely call J&R, they will give you a deal over the phone. You can also get it at Buy.com for $319.

-papaholmz

I saw the $319 too, but if you click the link, it sends to a page for the Yamaha HTR-6150. Is this the same/similar receiver? Is there a difference? I couldn't see one from the product description.