Receiver choices. Where to start?

[Newmason]

I just took delivery of my new HDTV (WD60737) on monday, and am looking for a basic 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound receiver. I'm looking for something that is basic and has plenty of HDMI inputs. There are so many out there, I dont know where to begin. Anyone help? Just looking to talk about reciever's first, and then speakers will be next. I have the BUG!

[Bluubyu]

the pioneer elite vsx-01 is on sale at BB for $699.99, I got the vsx-03 for $749.99 at BB. Both great decks, lots of hdmi ports accepts all hd codecs.

[Canada]

Denon AVR 789 http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...est%5Fcookie=1

[Dase]

Originally Posted by Canada

Denon AVR 789 http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...est%5Fcookie=1

+1

DenonAVR789

[Johnny Vinyl]

What speakers will you be running with this new Receiver? Your basic A/V receiver brand (Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc.) are notorious for overstating power output, which is why I ask about the speakers you will be connecting. If they aren't very efficient (less than 90db) I'd suggest getting a beefer amp. Something to keep in mind.

John

[Dase]

Originally Posted by John72953

What speakers will you be running with this new Receiver? Your basic A/V receiver brand (Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc.) are notorious for overstating power output, which is why I ask about the speakers you will be connecting. If they aren't very efficient (less than 90db) I'd suggest getting a beefer amp. Something to keep in mind.

John

This is not correct. If you look at any bench tests for the 789, 889, or 989 AVR's, you will find that Denon does a fantastic job at correctly stating power output.

one of many examples (the Denon AVR 1909 and 789 are identical):

AVR1909benchtestresults

[mjbethancourt]

Denon AVR 2309 can be had for $650 (check pricegrabber). That's best bang for the buck. I'd go with Marantz SR6003 at $800, it gets better ratings for picture quality.

If you need cheap, there are some reasonable options in Sony and Onkyo at about $400... but they have weak amps.

[Slec]

let's not get ahead of ourselves here.
First and foremost, what's your budget?

There are plenty of guys in here who will give you great guidance. The best place to start is to let us know what your budget is for receiver and speakers. Then start thinking about time frames for purchasing everything to complete your setup.

Other things to consider.
Are you willing to build slowly? This will allow you to have a system that will last you for years to come and hopefully fight off upgrade-itis
How much room do you have?
Would you prefer a system just so that you can get up and running? There's nothing wrong with this approach, but as you move on, you'll want more (I promise )

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by -dase-

This is not correct. If you look at any bench tests for the 789, 889, or 989 AVR's, you will find that Denon does a fantastic job at correctly stating power output.

one of many examples (the Denon AVR 1909 and 789 are identical):

AVR1909benchtestresults

You may choose to disagree with me, as I do with you, but that's not a discussion for this thread. My only point was to take A/V power ratings into consideration if his speakers are of low efficiency.

John

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by -dase-

This is not correct. If you look at any bench tests for the 789, 889, or 989 AVR's, you will find that Denon does a fantastic job at correctly stating power output.

one of many examples (the Denon AVR 1909 and 789 are identical):

AVR1909benchtestresults

Actually John is correct here, here is a few examples from HT Magazine:

Results are claimed / actual

Onkyo 805 = 130 / 120.4
Onkyo 806 = 130 / 76.4
Yamaha RX-V863 = 105 / 41.6
Sony STR-DA4300ES = 100 / 43.1
Denon AVR-3808 = 130 / 113.5
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH = 130 / 120.00

All found here if you want to check yourself:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/

Edit> Not trying to start an argument, just showing every manufacturer is guilty of "fluffing the numbers" every now and then.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Newmason

I just took delivery of my new HDTV (WD60737) on monday, and am looking for a basic 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound receiver. I'm looking for something that is basic and has plenty of HDMI inputs. There are so many out there, I dont know where to begin. Anyone help? Just looking to talk about reciever's first, and then speakers will be next. I have the BUG!

Go to Master List of Receiver Review Thread and check Post #2. It has enough links to receiver reviews to give you a headache.

[Drew664]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Actually John is correct here, here is a few examples from HT Magazine:

Results are claimed / actual

Onkyo 805 = 130 / 120.4
Onkyo 806 = 130 / 76.4
Yamaha RX-V863 = 105 / 41.6
Sony STR-DA4300ES = 100 / 43.1
Denon AVR-3808 = 130 / 113.5
Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH = 130 / 120.00

All found here if you want to check yourself:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/

Edit> Not trying to start an argument, just showing every manufacturer is guilty of "fluffing the numbers" every now and then.

Wow... A buddy of mine bought that receiver, and I bet he has no idea the wattage is so low on it. Hell, I would never have guessed that! Just another reason to step into the world of separates for me.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Drew664

Wow... A buddy of mine bought that receiver, and I bet he has no idea the wattage is so low on it. Hell, I would never have guessed that! Just another reason to step into the world of separates for me.

If one could do it, that is the best solution. However, it isn't always feasible to go that route for any number of reasons (financial and WAF being the most common).

John

[CasualKiller]

Originally Posted by Drew664

Wow... A buddy of mine bought that receiver, and I bet he has no idea the wattage is so low on it. Hell, I would never have guessed that! Just another reason to step into the world of separates for me.

One thing to keep in mind though, numbers are just numbers right, in the end it's the sound quality that counts.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

One thing to keep in mind though, numbers are just numbers right, in the end it's the sound quality that counts.

I agree 100%. I pay some attention to basic stats, but for the most part I eliminate them during any auditioning process as it is indeed the sound that matters first and foremost.

John

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

One thing to keep in mind though, numbers are just numbers right, in the end it's the sound quality that counts.

One number does matter and that is the balance of your bank account at the end of the month.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

One number does matter and that is the balance of your bank account at the end of the month.

Speaking of which, I think my ISP bill is due tomorrow. If you don`t see me around you`ll know why!

John

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

One number does matter and that is the balance of your bank account at the end of the month.

Ain't that A fact ~ mines been hovering around 10 for A few months now !!
10 =

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

Ain't that A fact ~ mines been hovering around 10 for A few months now !!
10 =

Mine is in the Line Of Credit (LOC) territory.

[JJ]

<---broke for a week.