Question about first receiver?

[W3sTC0astCA]

Hey guys,

Been doing a lot of reading around the forums and really wanted to start building my first surround sound set-up. I would think I should start with a good receiver and I've seen that a lot people like Denon, Onkyo, and Pioneer's.

Currently I have a Yamaha, but I'm pretty sure it's too old to even be capable of 5.1 or anything. My question to you all is which receiver(s) should I check out based on your guys experience. Being my first "real" receiver, I want to be able to know how to actually use all the features and such, so nothing too high tech. I was thinking nothing more than $900-1,000, maybe less, for now until I get the hang of things later down the road.

Still trying to read about speakers, wires, wiring, connections and things. Very interesting and intelligent folks at this forum. Any help and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance.

(BTW - I really like the look of Denon's and Pioneers)

[kpkelley]

For that price you can find a very good receiver from any of the major manufacturers.

It comes down to what makes them different and which of those differences best suits your tastes.

The one that is intriguing to me is the Onkyo 807, which should be released soon, as it has the Audysses DSX processing which incorporates wide channels. For years the guys at Audyssey have bemoaned the expansion to rear back surrounds, instead of expanding the front sound stage. I am most curious as to how this new technology sounds.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by W3sTc0asTr1daH

Hey guys,

Been doing a lot of reading around the forums and really wanted to start building my first surround sound set-up. I would think I should start with a good receiver and I've seen that a lot people like Denon, Onkyo, and Pioneer's.

Currently I have a Yamaha, but I'm pretty sure it's too old to even be capable of 5.1 or anything. My question to you all is which receiver(s) should I check out based on your guys experience. Being my first "real" receiver, I want to be able to know how to actually use all the features and such, so nothing too high tech. I was thinking nothing more than $900-1,000, maybe less, for now until I get the hang of things later down the road.

Still trying to read about speakers, wires, wiring, connections and things. Very interesting and intelligent folks at this forum. Any help and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance.

(BTW - I really like the look of Denon's and Pioneers)

the easy features to look for are the # of HDMI inputs, Component inputs, DTS-HD and DD True HD decoding, pre-outs for external amplifier, pre-outs for zone 2 or 3.

In your price range everyone pretty muchs makes a good receiver, try Marantz too. I would say to listen to them also they all do have their own sound, and try to use the same speakers when possible, you will be able to tell the differences in the sound easier.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by callas01

the easy features to look for are the # of HDMI inputs, Component inputs, DTS-HD and DD True HD decoding, pre-outs for external amplifier, pre-outs for zone 2 or 3.

In your price range everyone pretty muchs makes a good receiver, try Marantz too. I would say to listen to them also they all do have their own sound, and try to use the same speakers when possible, you will be able to tell the differences in the sound easier.

callas is absolutely right.....try to give them a listen...they all sound a bit different due to their processing and the amps used.

[Irrob]

I'm in the same situation and my budget is similar to yours, give a couple hundred more. I agree its best to try to narrow your choices down to 2 or 3, then go listen to them. I'm going to take an early day off tomorrow and test drive a few myself. I narrowed my choices to Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX and Onkyo TX-NR807 and if the store happens to have Elites SC-05/07, I'm giving them consideration since they can be found at great prices now.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Irrob

I'm in the same situation and my budget is similar to yours, give a couple hundred more. I agree its best to try to narrow your choices down to 2 or 3, then go listen to them. I'm going to take an early day off tomorrow and test drive a few myself. I narrowed my choices to Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX and Onkyo TX-NR807 and if the store happens to have Elites SC-05/07, I'm giving them consideration since they can be found at great prices now.

Irrob.......excellent choice if you can snatch one up!