Looking for a new reciever. I need some advice!

[quikgp]

So I'm looking at upgrading my current system. My weakest link is my receiver. Here is the set-up (for reference)

Paradigm Phantom (front towers)
Paradigm Titans (rear speakers)
Paradigm CC390?? (Center) - I think that's the model #
Paradigm PD1000 (sub)
and
Paradigm Atoms (zone 2 for stereo sound from PC)
Yamaha RX-V530
PS3
I'm also running a belkin power bar that filters the AC signal

So my receiver is the weak point, especially because I get a hissing noise from it at 1/4 volume and up. I researched reviews on this reciever and it seems to be a common problem everyone had with it. Other than that, I cannot complain about sound quality and such. Paired with the paradigm phantoms, the highs are a bit bright, but nothing unpleasant.

So for my upgrade I'll give you what I'm looking for:
-7.1 surround
-HDMI hookups (preferably 3, but I can live with 2)
-HD audio decoding
-2 zones (1 for home theater, one for 2 ch computer). If the second zone could be powered at the same time, that would be a bonus
-I'm hoping to get a good HTR that sounds good in 2 ch mode. I know for the best quality I should be getting a 2 channel amp, but I don't have room for all the equipment. So I'll settle for a good htr that sounds good in 2 ch.
-for what its worth, I listen to all sorts of music, from classical to alternative, and of course movies (blu-ray of course!)
-NO HISSING!!! this is huge for me. I dont want to deal with the background hissing anymore. its the main reason I'm getting rid of my receiver
-also, I know this is nit-picky, but I want the receiver in black


I'm looking to spend around $500 or less.


I've been told to look at Yamaha RX-V663 and Onkyo 606. I've been hearing mixed reviews on them. For the most part people seem happy with them, but I've heard several negative reviews, so I'm looking to hear your thoughts on this.

[Mr. HiDef]

Onkyo 606 I have the 605 and love it

[darwin316]

Originally Posted by quikgp

So I'm looking at upgrading my current system. My weakest link is my receiver. Here is the set-up (for reference)

Paradigm Phantom (front towers)
Paradigm Titans (rear speakers)
Paradigm CC390?? (Center) - I think that's the model #
Paradigm PD1000 (sub)
and
Paradigm Atoms (zone 2 for stereo sound from PC)
Yamaha RX-V530
PS3
I'm also running a belkin power bar that filters the AC signal

So my receiver is the weak point, especially because I get a hissing noise from it at 1/4 volume and up. I researched reviews on this reciever and it seems to be a common problem everyone had with it. Other than that, I cannot complain about sound quality and such. Paired with the paradigm phantoms, the highs are a bit bright, but nothing unpleasant.

So for my upgrade I'll give you what I'm looking for:
-7.1 surround
-HDMI hookups (preferably 3, but I can live with 2)
-HD audio decoding
-2 zones (1 for home theater, one for 2 ch computer). If the second zone could be powered at the same time, that would be a bonus
-I'm hoping to get a good HTR that sounds good in 2 ch mode. I know for the best quality I should be getting a 2 channel amp, but I don't have room for all the equipment. So I'll settle for a good htr that sounds good in 2 ch.
-for what its worth, I listen to all sorts of music, from classical to alternative, and of course movies (blu-ray of course!)
-NO HISSING!!! this is huge for me. I dont want to deal with the background hissing anymore. its the main reason I'm getting rid of my receiver
-also, I know this is nit-picky, but I want the receiver in black


I'm looking to spend around $500 or less.


I've been told to look at Yamaha RX-V663 and Onkyo 606. I've been hearing mixed reviews on them. For the most part people seem happy with them, but I've heard several negative reviews, so I'm looking to hear your thoughts on this.

I think you can get an Onkyo 706 for less than $500 now....

[Mr. HiDef]

Originally Posted by darwin316

I think you can get an Onkyo 706 for less than $500 now....

well then thats what you should get
.


Yup $488 at amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR706...9370831&sr=8-1

[quikgp]

On the Onkyo TX-SR706 there are 9 speaker outputs... a 7.1 and a 2 ch zone 2.

is it possible to Bi-amp the front speakers AND run a zone 2?
I believe you can bi-amp the fronts with the zone 2 output, but if I wanted to run a 5.1 setup, could I use the rear surronds to bi-amp the front speakers?

[ZIPPO]

PIONEER VSX 1018 read review: http://hometheater.about.com/od/audi...sx1018full.htm
less than $420.

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by quikgp

So I'm looking at upgrading my current system. My weakest link is my receiver. Here is the set-up (for reference)

Paradigm Phantom (front towers)
Paradigm Titans (rear speakers)
Paradigm CC390?? (Center) - I think that's the model #
Paradigm PD1000 (sub)
and
Paradigm Atoms (zone 2 for stereo sound from PC)
Yamaha RX-V530
PS3
I'm also running a belkin power bar that filters the AC signal

So my receiver is the weak point, especially because I get a hissing noise from it at 1/4 volume and up. I researched reviews on this reciever and it seems to be a common problem everyone had with it. Other than that, I cannot complain about sound quality and such. Paired with the paradigm phantoms, the highs are a bit bright, but nothing unpleasant.

So for my upgrade I'll give you what I'm looking for:
-7.1 surround
-HDMI hookups (preferably 3, but I can live with 2)
-HD audio decoding
-2 zones (1 for home theater, one for 2 ch computer). If the second zone could be powered at the same time, that would be a bonus
-I'm hoping to get a good HTR that sounds good in 2 ch mode. I know for the best quality I should be getting a 2 channel amp, but I don't have room for all the equipment. So I'll settle for a good htr that sounds good in 2 ch.
-for what its worth, I listen to all sorts of music, from classical to alternative, and of course movies (blu-ray of course!)
-NO HISSING!!! this is huge for me. I dont want to deal with the background hissing anymore. its the main reason I'm getting rid of my receiver
-also, I know this is nit-picky, but I want the receiver in black


I'm looking to spend around $500 or less.


I've been told to look at Yamaha RX-V663 and Onkyo 606. I've been hearing mixed reviews on them. For the most part people seem happy with them, but I've heard several negative reviews, so I'm looking to hear your thoughts on this.

I just upgraded my receiver to the Yamaha HTR-6080. It carried a retail price of $999 when it was released last year, but I found it online for $277 shipped. That's a fraction of what I paid for my Yamaha HTR-5960 a couple of years ago. I would strongly suggest checking it out. It is the same receiver as the Yamaha RX-V861, which is now the RX-V863 this year. It offers 105 watts x7, HDMI v1.2, repeats 1080p signals, and upscales other signals to 720p / 1080i.

Here's a link to the specs and a review:

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...ETYP=ATTRIBUTE

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-av...-receiver.html

If you can find it around $300, I'd recommend jumping on it. It's beyond a steal in that price range, and it sounds noticeably better than my HTR-5960, which I still really enjoy.