Receiver Suggestions for $500

[Agrare]

A friend of mine is looking at buying a receiver in the $500 range. Was wondering what people would suggest in that range. It doesn't need to have analog in or anything like that. Something with 5.1\7.1 and the ability for a second zone. at least 3 HDMI inputs would be required.

Because I have the Onkyo 606 we took a look at the Onkyo's and are liking the 607 but I'm sure that people here can give suggestions on other brands that will probably be a better deal. As said above, $500 price limit

-Agrare

[Caesu]

Im happy with my Pioneer vsx1019ahk. That will fit the budget, may even save you a little also.

[Wingman1977]

Double post.

[Wingman1977]

I would go with Onkyo or Pioneer:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...419+4291303180

[tintinskoog]

in your case i would choose the Onkyo TX-SR607.. It´s great in my system...

[JasonR]

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

[Steve]

Originally Posted by JasonR

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

I second this one.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by steve

i second this one.

+3

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by JasonR

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

I agree too....I couldn't find this link, thanks Jason.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by JasonR

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

Refurbished.

[Bad8511]

Originally Posted by caesu

im happy with my pioneer vsx1019ahk. That will fit the budget, may even save you a little also.

+1

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

Refurbished.

With warranty. I would take it over anything else listed, even at refurb.

[typo]

Im also looking at around this price range. Have been looking at the Yamaha V863. How does size up against the Pioneer?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by JasonR

With warranty. I would take it over anything else listed, even at refurb.
O

Agreed. This would still be my 1st choice in the price range.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by JasonR

With warranty. I would take it over anything else listed, even at refurb.

It's only 1 year. Onkyo comes with a 2 yr (at least mine did).

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

It's only 1 year. Onkyo comes with a 2 yr (at least mine did).

Yep, still wouldn't deter me. The Marantz has better true power, preouts, and better build quality.

Marantz SR5003

Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 103.8 watts
1% distortion at 118.0 watts

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receiv...er/index3.html

Pioneer VSX-1019A

Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 28.7 watts
1% distortion at 34.3 watts

http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/...er/index4.html

Onkyo TX-SR607

This graph shows that the TX-SR607’s left channel, from CD input to speaker output with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 87.5 watts and 1 percent distortion at 108.6 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 131.0 watts and 1 percent distortion at 175.6 watts. Please note that the absence of a multichannel analog input currently precludes measuring power output with more than two channels driven.

http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/...er/index3.html

[stcurell]

Any other reasons besides power why this is best?

[JasonR]

I would take it for the preouts alone over the others.

[Wingman1977]

Originally Posted by JasonR

Yep, still wouldn't deter me. The Marantz has better true power, preouts, and better build quality.

I've made it a rule (for me) to never touch anything refurbished (no matter what it is).

[Steve]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I would take it for the preouts alone over the others.

Originally Posted by Wingman1977

I've made it a rule (for me) to never touch anything refurbished (no matter what it is).

I have to agree with JasonR on this one. Never again will I buy a receiver without pre-outs, and I don't recommend models without them to anyone else either.