I Want a New Receiver

[zombeaner]

So, which one? There are so many!

I have very limited funds, so $200-$350 is maxing me out. I want one that decodes DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD, preferably has 7.1 outputs even though I only have 5.1 speakers now, at least 4 HDMI ins, and preferably upscaling via hdmi for component signals (Wii). The Onkyos look good, but surely there is a less expensive adequate receiver. My home theater room is very small, maybe 9ftx9ft, so I don't need a ton of power. Any suggestions of receivers to look at and places to buy them?

[Cmiller44]

Onkyo 608..seems perfect for you..and not just becuse i have 1 and love it..

Heres a used one....http://www.accessories4less.com/make...ver-608/1.html

Or new...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882120166

[callas01]

go to accessories4less.com and get the Marantz 5003... you will be doing yourself a favor

[zombeaner]

Originally Posted by callas01

go to accessories4less.com and get the Marantz 5003... you will be doing yourself a favor

The Marantz looks good, but I need 4 HDMI ins (2 blu players, Cable, Roku) and it only seems to have 3.

[DeadDog]

Sounds to me like the Marantz nr1501 would be a great fit. Has everything you're looking for plus it's small size. Don't let the power rating fool you, it has MORE than enough to fill your small room.

I have one with a room about twice the size you have and I have no problems (I still need to update my gallery). Its a great receiver and Marantz is a quality manufacturer with a fantastic sound.

http://www.onecall.com/product/Maran...iver/_/R-99803

[LordoftheRings]

Is the Onkyo TX-SR607 only $249.99 with a full year warranty? ...Yes it is! ...At A4L.

And the Onkyo TX-SR707 is only $349.99 at Accessories4Less (also with a full year warranty)!

_____________________________________

* All good receivers between $220 and $400 (from Accessories4Less => very good reputable place):

1. Onkyo HT-RC160 = $219.99 (Almost the exact same as the 607.)
2. Onkyo TX-SR607 = $249.99
3. Onkyo TX-SR707 = $349.99
4. Onkyo HT-RC180 = $369.99** (Almost the exact same as the 807, and the very best receiver here!)
5. Marantz SR5003 = $399.99

#4 is theeeee very best (with preouts for all channels, plus power future-proof).
#3 is an excellent value and it has all you want plus more...
#2 is also an excellent value and complete all your needs plus more...

** If you can stretch that additional $20, the Onkyo HT-RC180 is a no-brainer!
=> It will rock your world, literally! And it has Audyssey MultEQ, plus it is THX Select2 Plus certified!
It will last you 20 years, or less.

[zombeaner]

One thing I'm noticing that I never noticed before (mainly because I never shopped) is that all of these receivers have RCA jacks for Subwoofers. My previous HTiB had regular speaker connections for the sub, the sub is pretty chincy and I would like a new one, but I can't afford a receiver and a sub all at once. Can I convert the stereo cables to an RCA jack somehow?

[robmlisanti]

Get the Denon AVR-1611 or AVR-591 excellent sounding receivers ( I just got the 1611 as a Xmas gift ) 75 watts per channel!
Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel Black AV Home Theater Receiver

http://www.highdecibels.com/prodimag...e/AVR-1611.jpg
Detailed Specifications:
Main Specifications
# Power amplifier section Rated output: *THD figures are power amp stage values.
# Front L/R 75 W + 75 W | (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08 %) 110 W + 110 W , (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
# Center: 75 W | (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08 %), 110 W | 6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
# Surround L/R: 75 W + 75 W | (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08 %), 110 W + 110 W }| (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
# Surround Back L/R: 75 W + 75 W | (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08 %), 110 W + 110 W | (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)
# Preamplifier section Input sensitivity/impedance: 200 mV / 47 kÙ/kohms
# Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 100 kHz — +1, –3 dB (DIRECT mode)
# S/N Ratio: 98 dB (IHF-A weighted, DIRECT mode)
# FM section Tuning frequency range: 87.5 - 107.9 MHz
# Usable sensitivity: 1.2 ìV (12.8 dBf)
# AM section Tuning frequency range: 520 - 1710 kHz
# Usable sensitivity: 18 ìV
# General Power supply: AC 120 V , 60 Hz
# Power consumption: 450 W (Standby 0.1 W)
# Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-3/32” x 6-47/64” x 15”
# Weight: 434 x 171 x 381 mm 22 lbs 7.8 oz, 10.2 kg
Ports
# In HDMI x 4
# Component x 1
# S-Video x 1
# Composite (Video) x 3
# Analog Audio (Tuner included) x 5
# Digital Optical x 1
# Digital Coaxial x 1
# Out HDMI Monitor x 1
# Composite Monitor x 1
# Audio Preout (SW) x 1
# Phones x 1
# Other Microphone Port x 1
# Dock Control Port x 1
# FM Tuner Antenna x 1
# AM Tuner Antenna Remote Control In/Out x 1 In 1 / Out 1

[LordoftheRings]

^ Ya that one too, the Denon AVR-1611 is another great receiver!

* Around $300 at the lowest from certain places. Just make sure it's from an authorized Denon dealer, if you go for that one, at that price.

__________________________

** But the Onkyo HT-RC180 at 39.7 pounds and Power Consumption rating of 7.8A, is the better receiver for only $369.99 (Accessories4Less) => @ http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html ...Almost Sold Out!

Info: => @ http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?cl...ver&m=HT-RC180

A much superior receiver with an Ethernet port (for streaming Music from the Internet), preouts for all channels, Audyssey MultEQ, Audyssey DSX, THX certified, and much much much more....

[crackinhedz]

Pioneer VSX-1020 ($360 + free shipping)



Just throwing another option out there.

[sov20]

Originally Posted by callas01

go to accessories4less.com and get the Marantz 5003... you will be doing yourself a favor

I second this! Marantz FTW!

[carios23]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Pioneer VSX-1020 ($360 + free shipping)



Just throwing another option out there.

I second this one

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by zombeaner

One thing I'm noticing that I never noticed before (mainly because I never shopped) is that all of these receivers have RCA jacks for Subwoofers. My previous HTiB had regular speaker connections for the sub, the sub is pretty chincy and I would like a new one, but I can't afford a receiver and a sub all at once. Can I convert the stereo cables to an RCA jack somehow?

Nope! ...Time for you (Christmas ) to get a new receiver with a dedicated Sub Pre Out. And a new Sub too!

[zombeaner]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Nope! ...Time for you (Christmas ) to get a new receiver with a dedicated Sub Pre Out. And a new Sub too!

Well, looks like my wife will be getting me a receiver for Xmas, the sub will have to wait. What about the RC160? That was on someone's list, and might leave me a little bit of money to save for a new sub and center channel.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by zombeaner

Well, looks like my wife will be getting me a receiver for Xmas, the sub will have to wait. What about the RC160? That was on someone's list, and might leave me a little bit of money to save for a new sub and center channel.

Yeah that's a good one. The HT-RC160 is basically the exact same as the TX-SR607 except:

* No HDMI jack on the front.
* No Sirius radio ready.
* No DTS Surround Sensation Headphone/Speaker.
* And 10 watts less per channel (80 Watts vs. 90 Watts for the 607).

=> At Accessories4Less, those two models are (refurbs):

1. Onkyo HT-RC160 = $219.99
2. Onkyo TX-SR607 = $239.99

~ So for only $20 more you get those 4 extra features above ($5 per feature).

An extra HDMI input on the front panel is quite useful, DTS Surround Sensation on the Headphone could be useful as well, and the two others (10 more watts and Sirius Radio ready) are not.

I'd say for only $20 more, ask your wife to get you the 607.
Or unless you buy it from another store, brand new, and that the difference in price is wider.
Either one is a fantastic receiver for the price!

* Next will be a Subwoofer; ask other members as they know better than me about some good ones for about $200 or so.

[zombeaner]

Maybe I will go with the 607.

Another silly question:

Do I need banana plugs for my speaker cables? All of my speakers are pretty old and none have banana plus connections, does it makes a difference?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by zombeaner

Maybe I will go with the 607.

Another silly question:

Do I need banana plugs for my speaker cables? All of my speakers are pretty old and none have banana plus connections, does it makes a difference?

It's not essential no!

But Banana plugs are easier to connect and less chance to do wrong.
Also 14AWG speaker wires is highly desirable.

For those two items you can get them at MonoPrice.com (cost very little and it's a worthy investment as you will upgrade your speakers eventually).

[zombeaner]

I know that technically this is the wrong thread, but it seems selfish to start another:

How about this sub Best Buy has on sale for $125, the Polk PSW110? Gets decent ratings.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by zombeaner

I know that technically this is the wrong thread, but it seems selfish to start another:

How about this sub Best Buy has on sale for $125, the Polk PSW110? Gets decent ratings.

It's not wrong, You will get the best help by asking in the correct thread. Someone with information about subs, may not look in the receiver thread.

[zombeaner]

Thanks for all the help, guys! I ordered the Onkyo TX-SR607 from a4l.com today and some banana plugs from monoprice. Now I just have to solve the subwoofer issue.

The only bummer is that the receiver should arrive on Wednesday, and I'm leaving town for a week on Thursday! I'll have to wait a while to enjoy it.