best receiver under ~300

[kazza2ud]

Hey guys, I just want something basic and solid for a home theater and some PS3 games. I thought these looked ok:

Onkyo 505/506/575 (can't tell difference) vs Yamaha RX-V363

but people complain a lot about how the audio doesn't pass through HDMI on these units. Then there's also the Yamaha RX-V463 which is 100 bucks more than the 363 and I can't figure out why, but no one gave that one a bad review for not being able to pass audio through HDMI, so I can't figure out if it can or cannot.

How important is the HDMI audio pass through? I'll have a PS3 and that can do all the decoding, but if I have to use some other cable for audio, will that reduce the quality of the sound? I won't have very many inputs, probably just the PS3 for now.

Oh and I heard there are buzzing and other problems with the new Onkyo's 605/606 line so I was trying to avoid that, plus... I basically just need something simple so was trying to save money. What do you guys think?

[kazza2ud]

And does it make sense to try to get a old/used theater system, one like this:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...744446800.html

obviously that receiver doesn't have hdmi so wires would be annoying but how do you guys feel about buying used audio equipment like that? Google doesn't even know what that guy has, the model numbers are too ancient, but it looks high quality.

[Rustmonkey]

If you're looking for a used one, I just picked up an Onkyo 605 @ vanns.com for 264.00 shipped - they have a couple more on clearance that are open box items (but they state have been gone over by their authorized service center)... so you might check that out.

[aramis109]

For $299, you can't beat an Onkyo 605 refurbished unit. Still has a year warranty on it. Either eCost or Accessories4less are great places to find good deals on the 605 at that pricepoint.

I've had mine for a few weeks now and love it. If you're going to jump into a new receiver at that pricepoint, do yourself a favor and get something that handles the audio codecs and doesn't just do passthrough. You'll be kicking yourself later if you do.

The PS3 can decode the HD lossless formats, but can only pass them out via HDMI, so passthrough is going to be a no-no. On the Onkyo front you'll have to get a 604 or higher in order to hear them.

I can definitively say that there is a BIG difference in lossless audio vs. lossy via optical, even on a "budget" home theater like mine. Of course the mix is always crucial- a bad lossless track is still not going to blow your doors off- but the immersiveness and range of sound that lossless gives you is one of my favorite parts of blu-ray.

[Beta Man]

My opinion...... but again... sound is subjective......

I have this one in the bedroom with B&W M-1's connected to it, and also a PS3, and I'm very happy....... but there are a lot more popping up at or around $300 these days.


http://www.accessories4less.com/make...ceiver-/1.html



even less $$$



http://www.accessories4less.com/make...-w/HDMI/1.html



EDIT,

I also have the 7001 and it has plenty of power for my power-hungry speakers, so don't judge AVRs purely on published wattage ratings etc...... again... just my little soap-box!

[m_tyson]

You can get a new Yamaha RX-V661 for under $300.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by kazza2ud

Onkyo 505/506/575 (can't tell difference) vs Yamaha RX-V363

I wouldnt waste the money on any of these.

The other recommendations made are good.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by aramis109

For $299, you can't beat an Onkyo 605 refurbished unit. Still has a year warranty on it. Either eCost or Accessories4less are great places to find good deals on the 605 at that pricepoint.

I've had mine for a few weeks now and love it. If you're going to jump into a new receiver at that pricepoint, do yourself a favor and get something that handles the audio codecs and doesn't just do passthrough. You'll be kicking yourself later if you do.

The PS3 can decode the HD lossless formats, but can only pass them out via HDMI, so passthrough is going to be a no-no. On the Onkyo front you'll have to get a 604 or higher in order to hear them.

I can definitively say that there is a BIG difference in lossless audio vs. lossy via optical, even on a "budget" home theater like mine. Of course the mix is always crucial- a bad lossless track is still not going to blow your doors off- but the immersiveness and range of sound that lossless gives you is one of my favorite parts of blu-ray.

GREAT FIND on the refurbished Onkyo's for as low as 264. Is there any site that has the Yamaha rx-v663 receiver for around that price? I checked eCost, Vanns, Accessoryforless and a few others but they don't have refurbished/used Yamaha v663's. Also, i cannot find any Bic Acoustech 5.1 surround speakers used at ALL, let alone for a good price. Can any of u guys recommend a spot or place for these? I already have all this stuff but i had to pay FULL PRICE TOP DOLLAR for all this and i can't afford to do it all again for that kind of price. ANY help would be appreciated...thanks guys

[kazza2ud]

OK new lineup:

Yamaha RX-V663 ($400) and Onkyo TX-SR606 ($400) are too expensive

Leaves:

Yamaha RX-V661 ($300)
Onkyo TX-SR605 ($300)

I've just heard bad things about the 605, overheating, popping and humming noises, etc...

[m_tyson]

I would recommend the V661.

Originally Posted by kazza2ud

OK new lineup:

Yamaha RX-V663 ($400) and Onkyo TX-SR606 ($400) are too expensive

Leaves:

Yamaha RX-V661 ($300)
Onkyo TX-SR605 ($300)

I've just heard bad things about the 605, overheating, popping and humming noises, etc...

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by kazza2ud

I've just heard bad things about the 605, overheating, popping and humming noises, etc...

I won't say these problem do not exist...but my father has a 605 and has never had any of these problems.

[Sith]

Originally Posted by kazza2ud

OK new lineup:

Yamaha RX-V663 ($400) and Onkyo TX-SR606 ($400) are too expensive

Leaves:

Yamaha RX-V661 ($300)
Onkyo TX-SR605 ($300)

I've just heard bad things about the 605, overheating, popping and humming noises, etc...

absolutely none of that has happen to me.....I have a directv HD box, a ps3, and a 360 hooked up to a 605(360 with optical other 2 hdmi) and have not
heard one popping noise, it's never overheated(though i live 3 miles from the
beach) and humming noises never either....It's worked great out of the box
from day 1.....This receiver is a steal for the $$$

[Sith]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I won't say these problem do not exist...but my father has a 605 and has never had any of these problems.

And the crack man hooked me up That was a good batch back
in May for my Birthday homie

[Sith]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

GREAT FIND on the refurbished Onkyo's for as low as 264. Is there any site that has the Yamaha rx-v663 receiver for around that price? I checked eCost, Vanns, Accessoryforless and a few others but they don't have refurbished/used Yamaha v663's. Also, i cannot find any Bic Acoustech 5.1 surround speakers used at ALL, let alone for a good price. Can any of u guys recommend a spot or place for these? I already have all this stuff but i had to pay FULL PRICE TOP DOLLAR for all this and i can't afford to do it all again for that kind of price. ANY help would be appreciated...thanks guys

frys bro

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Sith

And the crack man hooked me up That was a good batch back
in May for my Birthday homie

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by kazza2ud

OK new lineup:

Yamaha RX-V663 ($400) and Onkyo TX-SR606 ($400) are too expensive

Leaves:

Yamaha RX-V661 ($300)
Onkyo TX-SR605 ($300)

I've just heard bad things about the 605, overheating, popping and humming noises, etc...

that guy in post #5 also makes a good point though

Just listen to some stuff, and decide for yourself.

[HOME THEATRE ADDICT!]

I have the Onkyo 605 on amazon for $285.99. Its in great condition, just that I upgraded to the 705!

[kazza2ud]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm thinking of going with the Yamaha RX-V661, I heard it has less features but better sound, don't know if it's true. I've never heard of Marantz, are they any good?

[Colglizity]

The Yamaha 463 can pass audio via HDMI... I thought it didn't at first until I did a little more digging. I'm suggesting this receiver to a buddy of mine who just bought the Polk Rm 6750 5.1 package. You can find the Yammy for $259 at Video Only.

[ReggaetonSalsero]

Originally Posted by ReggaetonSalsero

GREAT FIND on the refurbished Onkyo's for as low as 264. Is there any site that has the Yamaha rx-v663 receiver for around that price? I checked eCost, Vanns, Accessoryforless and a few others but they don't have refurbished/used Yamaha v663's. Also, i cannot find any Bic Acoustech 5.1 surround speakers used at ALL, let alone for a good price. Can any of u guys recommend a spot or place for these? I already have all this stuff but i had to pay FULL PRICE TOP DOLLAR for all this and i can't afford to do it all again for that kind of price. ANY help would be appreciated...thanks guys

HEY MA MAN.....i tried frys.....they don't have the v663 used or refurbished. They want 500 bucks for a new one plus tax and shipping on top of it. I was hoping since an onkyo 605 was found for 264 bucks refurbished (and i don't want that cause i had the 605, 805 and 905 and all of them were HORRIBLE, they all overheated, and gave me so many problems....and i had 2 905's and all gave me issues) i want to stick with the yamaha as it's been perfect with much more options and i figured u guys would know where i can get the v663 refurbished under 300 like u guys did with the onkyo 605. There has to be SOMEPLACE!!

Also, Frys doesn't even sell the BIC ACOUSTECH 5.1 Home theater speakers nor sells them separately either, let alone refurbished or used. Has to be SOMEWHERE I can find it used.