Best/Cheapest entry level receiver? - Blu-ray Forum

SellmeyourDVD · 12-31-2009, 10:00 PM

Last night while at my friends house, his 10 year old receiver died. He wants a entry level receiver that will handle HD audio. He uses a PS3 to watch his blus so he'll be using that to decode the audio. He really like my Onkyo, but I can't find the same model for sale anywhere. Your help is appreciated.

HiDefRev · 12-31-2009, 10:10 PM

I agree. Onkyo usually packs the most bang for the buck. Accessories4Less is a great place to find Onkyo gear and I HIGHLY recommend them. This link goes directly to the new 607 model, but they have most of the other receivers (including the 606 ) in stock as well: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

SellmeyourDVD · 12-31-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiDefRev

I agree. Onkyo usually packs the most bang for the buck. Accessories4Less is a great place to find Onkyo gear and I HIGHLY recommend them. This link goes directly to the new 607 model, but they have most of the other receivers (including the 606 ) in stock as well: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

I TOTALLY forgot about accessories for less!!!! Thanks!!!

Steve · 12-31-2009, 11:09 PM

What kind of budget does he have? The entry level Onkyos are nice, but they don't have pre-outs. If he can swing it I like the Marantz SR5003 from accessories4less.

PCFan · 01-01-2010, 12:51 AM

Best Buy has an Insignia NS-R5101HD receiver on sale for $179.99! It has the HD audio decoders, 3 HDMI inputs, and it's an entry level receiver.

callas01 · 01-01-2010, 01:42 AM

The Sony DH700 will be inexpensive, 7.1 channels and accept LPCM from his PS3

RBBrittain · 01-01-2010, 02:47 AM

For his situation, either the Sony or Insignia would do. The Sony is a bit better overall than the Insignia, and probably worth the price difference; it doesn't have HD-audio decoders like the Insignia, but with a PS3 he doesn't need them. B&H has it for $198.99 here.

Hammie · 01-01-2010, 03:16 AM

I personally like the Yamaha 663 if you can still get one. I think they are about $350. It supports all the current HD codecs and has pre-outs for growth.

starkent08 · 01-01-2010, 08:12 AM

i would say the pioneer 1019 ah-k has all the features of the recievers that cost 1200 and its only 500

JasonR · 01-01-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starkent08

i would say the pioneer 1019 ah-k has all the features of the recievers that cost 1200 and its only 500

No, please don't.

Quote:

HT Labs Measures
Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 28.7 watts
1% distortion at 34.3 watts

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...er/index4.html

And no preouts.

Look at the 663 like Lou mentioned.

jerwin · 01-01-2010, 04:16 PM

A word of advice:

The new models aren't always comparable to the old ones, especially when the old model was the "hidden gem" of the line. Onkyo's 805 used to be the receiver to get, largely because it had really good amps. The 806? Not so much. It's still decent, but it it's not quite as stellar. (and probably doesn't overheat quite as often).

The Pioneer VSX-1014 used to be highly praised-- a Elite in disguise. It's successors? Not so much.

Pay attention to what's been left out, too. For instance, the new onkyo 07 series lacks multichannel inputs. If you have old gear that requires them, don't assume that they'll be there.

canative454 · 01-01-2010, 05:40 PM

I would definitely look at Harman-Kardon...their ebay store you can get a really good quality AV Receiver for very little money. They are refurb but I haven't had any problems with them. Take a look at the AV254 or AV354.

jerwin · 01-01-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canative454

I would definitely look at Harman-Kardon...their ebay store you can get a really good quality AV Receiver for very little money. They are refurb but I haven't had any problems with them. Take a look at the AV254 or AV354.

Mostly AVR247s right now.

The 247 is 720p, PCM 7.1, and has two hdmi ins, one out.

Quote:

Key features of new receivers:
254 and 354 1080P scaling with Torino faradouja chip
Brand new HD GUI and menu system
3 HDMI in, 1 out using 1.3a protocol
254 and 354 Dolby True and DTS HD Master capable
354 has BridgeII Ipod interface included in box (compatible with new Iphone and Ipods)

quest88 · 01-01-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonR

No, please don't.

Best quote of the year so far !

Maybe we should have a below 300 dollar receiver thread for our budget minded members.

Kryptonic · 01-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Denon AVR590 for $300-$350. Decodes everything and has pre-outs. I have it and love it dearly.

12-31-2009, 10:00 PM	#1
SellmeyourDVD Blu-ray Guru Member since:Apr 2008 Blu-ray collection:125 Trading Score:11	Best/Cheapest entry level receiver? Last night while at my friends house, his 10 year old receiver died. He wants a entry level receiver that will handle HD audio. He uses a PS3 to watch his blus so he'll be using that to decode the audio. He really like my Onkyo, but I can't find the same model for sale anywhere. Your help is appreciated.

12-31-2009, 10:10 PM	#2
HiDefRev Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:State of Relativity Blu-ray collection:35	Onkyo I agree. Onkyo usually packs the most bang for the buck. Accessories4Less is a great place to find Onkyo gear and I HIGHLY recommend them. This link goes directly to the new 607 model, but they have most of the other receivers (including the 606 ) in stock as well: http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html Last edited by HiDefRev; 12-31-2009 at 10:13 PM.

01-01-2010, 04:16 PM	#11
jerwin Active Member Member since:Nov 2009 Blu-ray collection:58	A word of advice: The new models aren't always comparable to the old ones, especially when the old model was the "hidden gem" of the line. Onkyo's 805 used to be the receiver to get, largely because it had really good amps. The 806? Not so much. It's still decent, but it it's not quite as stellar. (and probably doesn't overheat quite as often). The Pioneer VSX-1014 used to be highly praised-- a Elite in disguise. It's successors? Not so much. Pay attention to what's been left out, too. For instance, the new onkyo 07 series lacks multichannel inputs. If you have old gear that requires them, don't assume that they'll be there. Last edited by jerwin; 01-01-2010 at 06:34 PM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Any good entry Level Receiver deals?	Best Pricing	Kali157	1	01-05-2010 01:41 AM
Best entry level AV Receiver in your opinion ?	Receivers	Elandyll	22	08-07-2009 06:55 PM
good entry level hi-def receiver	Receivers	zoon_ii	12	04-17-2008 12:34 PM
Entry-level Receiver/HTIB for PS3	Receivers	Vonscoot	4	10-13-2007 06:34 PM

12-31-2009, 11:09 PM	#4
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	What kind of budget does he have? The entry level Onkyos are nice, but they don't have pre-outs. If he can swing it I like the Marantz SR5003 from accessories4less.

01-01-2010, 12:51 AM	#5
PCFan Expert Member Member since:Oct 2008 Trading Score:202	Best Buy has an Insignia NS-R5101HD receiver on sale for $179.99! It has the HD audio decoders, 3 HDMI inputs, and it's an entry level receiver.

01-01-2010, 01:42 AM	#6
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	The Sony DH700 will be inexpensive, 7.1 channels and accept LPCM from his PS3

01-01-2010, 02:47 AM	#7
RBBrittain Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Little Rock, AR 4K collection:751 Blu-ray collection:1842 DVD collection:91 MA collection:989 Digital collection:349 iTunes collection:56 Prime collection:5 Trading Score:6	For his situation, either the Sony or Insignia would do. The Sony is a bit better overall than the Insignia, and probably worth the price difference; it doesn't have HD-audio decoders like the Insignia, but with a PS3 he doesn't need them. B&H has it for $198.99 here.

01-01-2010, 03:16 AM	#8
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	I personally like the Yamaha 663 if you can still get one. I think they are about $350. It supports all the current HD codecs and has pre-outs for growth.

01-01-2010, 08:12 AM	#9
starkent08 Senior Member Member since:Mar 2009 Blu-ray collection:870 Blu-ray reviews:16	i would say the pioneer 1019 ah-k has all the features of the recievers that cost 1200 and its only 500

01-01-2010, 05:40 PM	#12
canative454 Active Member Member since:Jun 2009 Location:Hanford, CA Blu-ray collection:247	I would definitely look at Harman-Kardon...their ebay store you can get a really good quality AV Receiver for very little money. They are refurb but I haven't had any problems with them. Take a look at the AV254 or AV354.

01-01-2010, 10:45 PM	#15
Kryptonic Suspended Member since:Jul 2009 Trading Score:45	Denon AVR590 for $300-$350. Decodes everything and has pre-outs. I have it and love it dearly.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals