Budget Receiver Search

[slugbug]

Currently using an old Kenwood VR410 receiver and would like to update to something newer with HDMI ports. 5.1 is enough as I doubt I'll ever have room to add extra speakers for 7.1.

- Was looking at the Onkyo DV414 but after reading about firmware problems people are having I'm not sure now. Also has a clunky looking on screen GUI.
- Another option could be the Denon AVR-1713. Any other receivers in the sub $350 CDN price range worth looking at?

My speakers: http://www.athenaspeakers.com/products/audition-series/
-B1 Fronts, R1 rears, and C1 center channel. Subwoofer is an older D-BOX 10" which still kicks butt.

[repete66211]

If I were doing a budget receiver I'd get the best Onkyo or Denon I could afford, so you're on the right track. (Having owned both, if all things were equal I'd lean toward Denon.) Once I had determined it had the right connections I'd get the one with the best version of Audyssey, even if it meant buying last year's model.

[Formula271]

Originally Posted by repete66211

If I were doing a budget receiver I'd get the best Onkyo or Denon I could afford, so you're on the right track. (Having owned both, if all things were equal I'd lean toward Denon.) Once I had determined it had the right connections I'd get the one with the best version of Audyssey, even if it meant buying last year's model.

I would add Marantz to your list. The NR1403 is in your price range. I feel Marantz really has a wonderful, warm, almost "tube-like" sound.

For this price range of receiver, I don't think you could go wrong with Denon, Marantz, or Onkyo.

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by slugbug

Currently using an old Kenwood VR410 receiver and would like to update to something newer with HDMI ports. 5.1 is enough as I doubt I'll ever have room to add extra speakers for 7.1.

- Was looking at the Onkyo DV414 but after reading about firmware problems people are having I'm not sure now. Also has a clunky looking on screen GUI.
- Another option could be the Denon AVR-1713. Any other receivers in the sub $350 CDN price range worth looking at?

My speakers: http://www.athenaspeakers.com/products/audition-series/
-B1 Fronts, R1 rears, and C1 center channel. Subwoofer is an older D-BOX 10" which still kicks butt.

God may bless you with a bigger home, or apartment someday, and you'll never know, what the future have in store for you! If I were you, I would go for an inexpensive 7.1 receiver because, they're just as affordable as a 5.1 receiver, with HDMI ports as well. Whenever you have the extra space to accommodate the extra 2 surround back speakers, you'll be 7.1 ready!

[moebeus1975]

Even though I am an Onkyo fan, out of those two, I would go with the Denon due to the fact it has Audyssey MultiEQ XT, whereas the Onkyo has 2EQ which doesn't eq the subwoofer. Before the receiver I have now, I had one with 2EQ and there is a huge difference between the two.

[pentatonic]

Those are good recommendations but I know that being in Canada makes it harder to find in that price range but I think the best you could do with your budget would be the Onkyo TX-NR515 from NCIX (they are authorized dealer) and this is probably the best receiver you can get new right now. It is there weekly special and might end today, not sure.

Edit: Seems Visions has the same deal valid till the 23rd, as well as Gibbys

Best Buy now price matches any Canadian vendor, internet and all, so with the 10% of the difference it's even cheaper and def a good receiver with great features for the price, IMO your best bet right now.

[slugbug]

I hadn't checked this weeks NCIX sale yet. That's a great price for a 515, thanks

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by slugbug

I hadn't checked this weeks NCIX sale yet. That's a great price for a 515, thanks

Yep, and the same price a few places also, just price match at Best Buy for 10% of the difference, and less trouble if you want it now instead of shipping.

[slugbug]

Originally Posted by pentatonic

Yep, and the same price a few places also, just price match at Best Buy for 10% of the difference, and less trouble if you want it now instead of shipping.

bestbuy.ca doesn't have the 515 online, do they have it in store?