New Receiver Recommendation request

[Nikka488]

I'm looking to upgrade my Kenwood VR-309 5.1 system. I've had it for over 10 years and have been really happy with it (besides never being able to get DTS to work lol). Now that I've upgraded to 1080p (Samsung LN46B650) & Blu-Ray (PS3) I'd like to upgrade my sound system as well. I have to be somewhat 'smart' with my expenditure.

Here's my request: Please recommend either:

1. A receiver (preferably 7.1) and a site to check out between $300-$500.
Or
2. An All-In-One system (preferably 7.1) which can decode all of the current audio streams on Blu-Rays. Preferably under $800, but up to $1K. (This might require me waiting until i get my tax return LOL)

If I end up going with just a receiver I'm hoping my existing Kenwood speakers will work until I have enough to upgrade them.

I'd like to say thank you in advance. I'm sure many of you get these questions all of the time. I however don't have any friends or co-workers who have any knowledge in these areas.

[Beta Man]

I believe your speakers are 8 ohms, so should work with pretty much any of the newer receivers.....

If you've been happy with your kenwood, I'd venture to say you'll be pleased with anything you find capable of the new codecs..... just listen to a few.... I have had many, and currently use a Sony, and 2 Marantz's.... The Marantzs I have are the SR-5001, and SR-7001 because I used PS3's on both so I only needed it to accept the signal, and not actually decode the audio.

Check Accessories4less.com for Onkyo, Marantz, and Denon

good luck!

[FendersRule]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

I'm looking to upgrade my Kenwood VR-309 5.1 system. I've had it for over 10 years and have been really happy with it (besides never being able to get DTS to work lol). Now that I've upgraded to 1080p (Samsung LN46B650) & Blu-Ray (PS3) I'd like to upgrade my sound system as well. I have to be somewhat 'smart' with my expenditure.

Here's my request: Please recommend either:

1. A receiver (preferably 7.1) and a site to check out between $300-$500.
Or
2. An All-In-One system (preferably 7.1) which can decode all of the current audio streams on Blu-Rays. Preferably under $800, but up to $1K. (This might require me waiting until i get my tax return LOL)

If I end up going with just a receiver I'm hoping my existing Kenwood speakers will work until I have enough to upgrade them.

I'd like to say thank you in advance. I'm sure many of you get these questions all of the time. I however don't have any friends or co-workers who have any knowledge in these areas.

Honestly, an Onkyo SR-607 will do you just fine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120133

And it's only $389. You can then spend the remaining money on other things. It will decode all lossless signals, and it's a 7.2 system. The setup microphone is also really nice for calibration.

[Nikka488]

Thank you for the replies so far. Any thoughts on this Onkyo set up being released next month (April)?

Onkyo HT-S5300 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver/Speake​r Package with Dock for iPhone/iPod ( Black) by ONKYO $499.99

Amazon has a great information page detailing the specs. Here's a brief snippet:

# 80 watts/ch with 290W powered subwoofer

# HDMI (Version 1.4 to Support 3D Video Formats, Audio Return Channel), Deep Color , x.v.Color , LipSync, Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio , DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, Multichannel PCM, and CEC

# Powered Zone 2 and Zone 2 Line-Out for Playback of Separate Source in Another Room

[FendersRule]

Stay away from the HTiB, even though you'll probably be happy with the Onkyo HTiB. However, money can still be better spent buying separately.

I'd get the SR-607, and go with the speakers/sub separately. Lots to choose from, and there's lots of screaming deals from time-to-time on Polks and the rest.

[Chordata]

I'd wait to upgrade until the HDMI 1.4 (i.e., 3D-ready) ARs come out. Check out the Onkyo TX-SR308 and higher-end models due out soon.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by O_V_N

I'd wait to upgrade until the HDMI 1.4 (i.e., 3D-ready) ARs come out. Check out the Onkyo TX-SR308 and higher-end models due out soon.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=...s=Receiver&p=i

If 3D television is an important feature for you to have, I would follow this advice. Otherwise, You can proceed with pretty much any receiver recommendation here.

[Chordata]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

If 3D television is an important feature for you to have, I would follow this advice. Otherwise, You can proceed with pretty much any receiver recommendation here.

I did say "I"...

But the Onkyos do everything else that a 2D AR does. Doesn't make sense to me to upgrade to something that isn't 3D-capable so you don't have to upgrade again in a few years.

[blkhrt]

I recently purchased the Pioneer VSX-9040txh from amazon for about that price and have been very happy with it. If you are looking for something that will be 3D compatible, it looks like JR.com is taking pre-orders for the Onkyo TX-SR608 for $449. I'm not sure when it will be available though.

http://dealnews.com/Onkyo-7.2-THX-Ho...ng/354517.html

http://www.jr.com/onkyo/pe/ONK_TXSR608/

[laie_techie]

HDMI 1.4 isn't just about 3-D, is it? It includes an ethernet channel (no extra cat-6 cable for network), audio return channel, and higher bandwidth (accommodates 2K and 4K video with color spaces).

Future-proof as long as it doesn't increase the price too much.

[Nikka488]

I think I'm leaning towards the Onkyo TX-SR608. The Press release says it's due out in April, but doesn't specify beginning or end of the month. Or course I'm hoping it's sooner than later. LOL. Does anyone think that there will be a better deal than $449 (No tax, free shipping to WA w/ JR.com)

Does anyone think that going with an older model (for example: SR-607 for $389) is better?

or is there is a general consensus that newer features are the way to go? If I'm dropping this decent amount of change I'd rather it not be outdated for at least a little while....

BTW you guys have been great helping me out with my decision. It's much appreciated it.