Receiver Recommendations?

[M73]

Im looking to spend around 400 or less for a receiver, as i need to replace the one i have (since it doesnt have HDMI).

Suggestions?

[Chevypower]

I have had some experience with Onkyo and Sony receivers, I think Sony's are easier to use and set up, I would go with the Sony STR-DG920... if it doesn't get under $400, then the 820, but the 820 does not upscale all video inputs through to HDMI (that's a convenience issue), it's nice to only require one video output and input to your TV.

[Driver_King]

Onkyo 705.

[M73]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Onkyo 705.

what makes the 705 better than the 605? And how about the 606 how does that compare to these?

[Chevypower]

The "06" series are the newer models and feature an extra HDMI input over the "05s" I would probably go with the 606 over the 705. There will be a 706 out later. Check out that Sony 920 :-)

[M73]

Originally Posted by Chevypower

The "06" series are the newer models and feature an extra HDMI input over the "05s" I would probably go with the 606 over the 705. There will be a 706 out later. Check out that Sony 920 :-)

so what are the main differences between the sony 920 and the onkyos? Or just personal preference?

[Chevypower]

Well I don't like how on the Onkyo you have to assign inputs, the Sony's you just have to take out of the box, and is very easy to use, a lot of people like the user-friendliness of the Sonys. Other than that, power is about the same, you might get more HDMI inputs on the Sony - there are 4, i can't remember how many on the Onkyo it may be 3 on the 606 and 2 on the 605? or it may be 4 and 3 I forget. Onkyo don't seem to mind making receivers that don't process the sound from the HDMI input - honestly, i think it's stupid to make stuff that doesnt do it). There also seems to be the heating issue with the Onkyos - Which I happened to experience last night with our Onkyo PR-SC885P, the crappy thing is, I didn't know what caused the receiver to stop working, it was outside in the cold at night for crying out loud. Went through troubleshooting today, and the tech support thinks it overheated from the BD player sitting on top. Haven't had that issue with the Sony stuff.

Generally, I just have a lot less issues going on with the Sony stuff. So overall I am happier with them.

[Driver_King]

I don't think it's that hard to assign your inputs. It's a one-time deal. The interface won't be used much on your receiver, so I don't really think that should be a deciding factor, although Onkyo's interface could be nicer. The 606 has four HDMI inputs by the way. The 705 is THX certified and is a step up from the 605. You'd have to decide if the 606 or 705 is better for you. For the overheating issue, just allow it breathing room. It's designed to run hot (at least that's what Onkyo says)

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I don't think it's that hard to assign your inputs. It's a one-time deal. The interface won't be used much on your receiver, so I don't really think that should be a deciding factor, although Onkyo's interface could be nicer. The 606 has four HDMI inputs by the way. The 705 is THX certified and is a step up from the 605. You'd have to decide if the 606 or 705 is better for you. For the overheating issue, just allow it breathing room. It's designed to run hot (at least that's what Onkyo says)

Be glad you don't have to deal with the Marantz' user interface:



Reminds me of Microsoft blue-screens and 1970s computers...

[TENSE]

pioneer elite sc-09!

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Be glad you don't have to deal with the Marantz' user interface:



Reminds me of Microsoft blue-screens and 1970s computers...

Gosh thats horrible!

Denon has a better interface.....not by much though.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Footloose301

Gosh thats horrible!

Denon has a better interface.....not by much though.

Sony's looks better as well. All of it is pretty sh***y though....

[callas01]

You would like the Sony 920, you can buy it on two online stores for below $500 www.ugotadeal.com and www.techdepot.com both sell the 920 for $399. Sony makes nice equipment and it is easy to use.

[cawgijoe]

Take a good look at the Pioneer VSX-1018.....it can be had for under $500. 130w per channel and runs cool. Has three HDMI in's and pre-outs in case you ever want to add an outboard amp in the future.

[4TA23]

My Onkyo 805 runs hot but have had no issues, it has lots of breathing room. I do not know about any of the other recivers but the Onkyo's have built in decoding for the new HD sound and it does an amazing job at decoding a bit stream signal from my Sony BDP-350. The Onkyo's just have better components inside over everything else, period. I have used Onkyo all my life, tried other brands but they all sucked. Denon about the only other one I came close to liking but they are not very user friendly. There is a reason the Onkyo's a re slightly more expensive than some others, better quality.

[obiwopkenobi62]

Originally Posted by Chevypower

Well I don't like how on the Onkyo you have to assign inputs, the Sony's you just have to take out of the box, and is very easy to use, a lot of people like the user-friendliness of the Sonys. Other than that, power is about the same, you might get more HDMI inputs on the Sony - there are 4, i can't remember how many on the Onkyo it may be 3 on the 606 and 2 on the 605? or it may be 4 and 3 I forget. Onkyo don't seem to mind making receivers that don't process the sound from the HDMI input - honestly, i think it's stupid to make stuff that doesnt do it). There also seems to be the heating issue with the Onkyos - Which I happened to experience last night with our Onkyo PR-SC885P, the crappy thing is, I didn't know what caused the receiver to stop working, it was outside in the cold at night for crying out loud. Went through troubleshooting today, and the tech support thinks it overheated from the BD player sitting on top. Haven't had that issue with the Sony stuff.

Generally, I just have a lot less issues going on with the Sony stuff. So overall I am happier with them.

This may just be me but I wouldn't put any equipment on top of the receiver. I also had no problems assigning stuff with my 605.

[4TA23]

Originally Posted by obiwopkenobi62

This may just be me but I wouldn't put any equipment on top of the receiver. I also had no problems assigning stuff with my 605.

Amen, do not put anything on top of it, also had no problem assigning stuff either. I change things around a bit and being able to change assignments helps out alot so I do not have to replug a cord into the back of the reciever, I can just make the change at the equipment and reassign the button, this is why they did that, more choices.