Which receiver to pair with these Jamo speakers?

[skatalite]

What receiver would you recommend to couple with the Jamo S 406 5.0 set? (Link: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...06-hcs-1-black)

Let's keep the price at or under $600. I use a PS3 to play games, DVDs and Blus. Only other HDMI in I have is a digital cable box.

But here's what I'm looking for:

- meshes well with the specs on the speakers
- has at least 4 HDMI ins
- decodes TrueHD and dts-HD
- is awesome
- refurbished is an option

Thanks!

[callas01]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

I would start with that one.

Otherwise look at either a Yamaha 765 or Pioneer Elite VSX-21

[Rob J in WNY]

Very attractive-looking speakers and very low pricing. One thing I did notice on the specs is that they are 6-ohm speakers, and the towers are given the highest power handling out of all of the package at 120-watts maximum input power - that's a bit on the lower side (but, considering the price of these speakers, it is understandable).

Keep in mind that even though most receivers will not truly put out their advertised specs in terms of true output wattage, their watt-output is also generally rated on an 8-ohm speaker load. Attaching a 6-ohm speaker will cause a natural increase in the output power - theoretically, say 120% to 150% more, depending on the receiver's amplifier design and operating parameters. For example, if an amplifer can produce 100 watts per channel with an 8-ohm speaker load, then a 6-ohm speaker load may cause the output to increase to 120 to 150 watts per channel (again, in theory).

Just something to think about as there is the possiblity of damaging the speakers with equipment turned up toward reference volume levels.

All caution aside, I wonder how good they sound. They are really very nice looking, and a rather complete package for such a nice, low price. Just add a subwoofer!

[Big Daddy]

It really doesn't make any difference what brand of receiver you use with those speakers. Make sure the receiver is a relatively new 5.1 or 7.1 receiver, has HDMI input/output, offers support for the latest HD audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD MA, and is within your budget. The rest is personal choice and aesthetics.

Vann's has good choices. Crutchfield is not the cheapest, but has a lot of good information about receivers on their site. Of course, you can always check Amazon. The vendor with the cheapest price is not always the best choice. Make sure the vendor is reliable, ships fast, has good customer support, and has a reasonable return policy if the receiver is defective.

[wdhays]

Mostly good advice so far. Keep an eye on Dealcatcher.com, as well as Newegg, Tigerdirect, AbesofMaine, JR.com, abt.com & Onecall.com

While I understand where Bid Daddy is coming from, I have a different opinion. You are obviously trying to get the best out of your system, within a certain budget.

The Denon AVR-1910 would be my recommendation. Here is a link for an "open box" unit:

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.asp...DENAVR1910-OPN

Use coupon "bonusbuy" for a 6% discount. That gets it well under $400.00, shipped.

Then, put the money you saved toward a "decent" subwoofer. Your speakers will need the help on the low end(mine cost 6x as much & they sound much better with a sub). Use a crossover point of 80 to 100 hertz, depending on how low your speakers will actually reproduce.

The thing I really like about this unit over any other brand, for the price, is the Audyssey MultiEQ. Denon uses 9 EQ frequencies vs some others 5-7 EQ frequencies, measured in up to 6 locations. This is why certain receivers are sounding so much better in recent years. If you can smooth out the frequency response of less than perfect speakers(they all are) in less than perfect rooms, you will have better sound.

My dad bought this unit to replace a 3-4 year old $500 Yamaha. What a huge improvement.

I just ordered 2 Denons for different rooms in my house, if that's any indication.

Fair warning though: The remote sucks & the manual is horrible. Try to get help from someone that has one already. Get a Harmony remote when you save up another $60-$100. You'll thank me later.

[Steve]

Of course I agree with what Big Daddy told you (as usual ). However, if you want recommendations for specifics models, I second the Marantz suggestion made by callas01. If I was in the market for a receiver in that price range that's what I would buy for myself.