What Budget 5.1 Receiver for Best 2-Channel Sound?

[winegasman]

Due to budget crises, I'm gonna have to get a single 5.1 receiver and live with it for 2-channel sound as well. I've had a cheap HTIB ($299 Sony package) in the past and found it quite adequate for movie viewing. Now, I need recommendations for a 5.1 receiver that will do the home theater basics adequately, but will give me satisfying 2-channel so I can continue to enjoy my TT. If the receiver has a GOOD phono section that would be a bonus. But I'm not counting on it. I'm prepared to run a phono preamp into a line of the receiver. I need to spend less than $500, new or used; and less than that would be even better. Thanks for your recommendations.

[tgunner]

As an owner of one, I would personally reccomend a Harman Kardon receiver from the AVR series. They have seperate modes for stereo and surround, and also have an excellent phono stage! I checked around, and would recommend this one, from this store: http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Code=HK+AVR240&JRSource=DealTime.datafeed.HK+AVR240

I know it's 7.1, but you can set it to 5.1, the higher watt models have higher wattages, and this one is the best blend. :thmbsp:

[gyusher]

For 500 bucks you can buy a very nice receiver. . .
`1)- HK AVR240
2)- Pioneer VSX1016
3)- Yamaha HTR5860/5960
4)- Pioneer ELITE VSX80TXi (449.00 online)


The best deal going right now is at Best Buy they have the Yamaha HTR5890 on sale for 599.99 (list is 850.00)

If you want to buy off eBay there are a few spectacular deals but read the fine print first. . . Make sure it is new not "B" stock or a referb unless priced right.

There is really not a nickle's worth of difference between any of them at the same price points. . . Except features so buy what fills your requirements. . .

Forget about 5.1. . .Buy a 7.1 receiver and use it as 5.1 if you like. Typically 7.1 receivers are higher up the food chain and you get more for your money. . .

[Clmrt]

harmanaudio.com

Refurbed, 2 year warranty ( ! )

I lived for 4 years with the AVR110, 45w x 2, and was always very happy. No phono, though.

[aiconn]

...If the receiver has a GOOD phono section that would be a bonus. But I'm not counting on it. I'm prepared to run a phono preamp into a line of the receiver...

H/K receivers are very good quality, however I don't think any of the current models have phono inputs.

The Onkyo TX-SR703, however, does have a MM phone input and gets you into a THX certified receiver.

[Duffinator]

harmanaudio.com

Refurbed, 2 year warranty ( ! )

I lived for 4 years with the AVR110, 45w x 2, and was always very happy. No phono, though.I recommend a HK AVR for 2 channel. Denon's and Yamaha's are a close second. You can also get a Denon refurb from Dakmart with a one year warranty.

[winegasman]

Thanks folks. Can anyone tell me the differences between the Yamaha RX-V family of receivers and their HTR family of receivers? Thanks!

[Clmrt]

Like ES vs regular Sony. Build, refinement and features. Oh, and cost.

My uncle has a v2600 (?) and he likes it. Well, he don't know jack from jill about audio, but I like it. Difficult menu system but nice build and...well, I was going to say sound but he runs acoustimass...

[griz780]

Three years ago I bought a mid range Sony ES series model STR-DA1ES.

They retailed for $500 but you can find new old stock for $250 less for used.
I paid $250 on clearance with a 5 year warranty three years ago.

Decent performance for modern electronics without paying a grand. I've been running it in 4ohm mode for stereo and havn't smoked it yet. Some good reviews on the web too.

100 watts x 5 w/low output if you have a sub
THD .05% from 250 mw to full rated power (2 channel).

FM tuner is not great, but the source inputs are clean and two channel mode bypasses the processor and produces true analog output. I chose this receiver because it mirrored performance of my vintage equipment (pioneer SX-780) for decent sound without paying a fortune.

Just my two cents

griz780

[Blue Meanie]

Like ES vs regular Sony. Build, refinement and features. Oh, and cost.

Not necessarily. I don't remember the EXACT story, but many (if not all) RX-V models and HTR models are identical, just badged differently depending on where they are sold. One line is meant for places like Sears and Best Buy/Circuit City type stores, and the other line is sold predominantly in audio "salon" type stores.

Jeff

[thedelihaus]

Also check these out-

Onkyo TX-SR504 Dolby Digital EX/DTS Home Theater Receiver ($299)

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=rec_hometheater&item=o1tx504b

Marantz SR4600 Dolby Digital EX/DTS Home Theater Receiver ($399)

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=rec_hometheater&item=m1sr4600

I looked at Yamaha, HK, Denon, Onkyo and Marantz when I was buying 18 months ago. By the way, Denon and Marantz are now owned by the same parent company.

I own an earlier version of the Onkyo, the 502 or 503, cannot recal, and I'm not near it currently, and find it excellent. This new model, if you're into iPod connectivity, has compatibility with the RI Dock for the iPod.

I also really liked the Marantz, and almost got that. Starts off on a good foot, with a 3 year warranty, vs. 2 from most manufacturers.

Here's a blurb on the Marantz-

"Want audiophile performance? Depend on Pure Direct and Video Off modes to help you listen further into the music. Other features include a unique Simple Setup so you can enjoy your system quickly and effortlessly. The AM/FM tuner has 50 custom-name presets. The SRS TruSurround headphone output means you can be surrounded without disturbing anyone. There's a remote control and a three-year warranty for your peace of mind."

[Duffinator]

I don't remember the EXACT story, but many (if not all) RX-V models and HTR models are identical, just badged differently depending on where they are sold. One line is meant for places like Sears and Best Buy/Circuit City type stores, and the other line is sold predominantly in audio "salon" type stores.

JeffThat's my understanding as well. There are some cosmetic differences but the internals are the same.

[Duffinator]

"Want audiophile performance? Depend on Pure Direct and Video Off modes to help you listen further into the music. I always listen to stereo music on my Denon 3805 in Direct mode. The pure direct mode shuts off the display and video. I like to see the on screen graphics which you get in Direct mode.

[Clmrt]

Not necessarily. I don't remember the EXACT story, but many (if not all) RX-V models and HTR models are identical, just badged differently depending on where they are sold. One line is meant for places like Sears and Best Buy/Circuit City type stores, and the other line is sold predominantly in audio "salon" type stores.

Jeff

Orly? I assumed...strange that they'd do that.

[Blue Meanie]

Orly? I assumed...strange that they'd do that.

Don't feel bad. :no: I had assumed the same thing for quite some time myself. :yes:

Jeff

[whell]

Over at the Asylum, and on the Klipsch web site, folks have raved about the (believe it or not) Panasonic line of HT receivers with digital amplification. They supposedly sound fantastic provided you feed the unit a digital signal (coax or optical - don't use the RCA's). The newer versions also support HDMI.

[ojTHEd]

The RX-V and HTR models are pretty different in terms of cosmetics, but also in terms of measurements and wattage ratings. That said, I have a connection that gets me my Yamaha gear at about 50% below list. Even if I didn't, I'd still chime in and tell you that Yamaha is going to give THE best 2-channel sound from any HT receivers. I'd recommend the RX-V7** series. I have the older RX-V750, and it's a dream. The phono section is really nice, it's got plenty of wattage and it has Yamaha's "pure direct" mode which pretty much turns the Yamaha into a two-channel power amp.

"Pure Direct bypasses the receiver’s processors, decoders and video circuitry to produce a much cleaner unmolested sound."
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2004/yamaha_rx-v750.shtml

Anyone looking for an HT receiver with really solid 2-channel performance should NOT pass up a Yamaha.

[Blue Meanie]

The RX-V and HTR models are pretty different in terms of cosmetics, but also in terms of measurements and wattage ratings...


Highly possible. But my understanding was that a few years back the HTR and RX-V lines had many models that were pretty much identical between the two lines. Although it is possible that some folks were just blowing smoke up my ass (wouldn't be the first time). :yes: I just took them at their word, and never actually researched it myself. :scratch2:

Jeff

[bookasan]

As Thedelihaus sugested, the Marantz 4600. I just got mine delivered today and all I can say is WOW! I bought mine new on Ebay from a factory authorized dealer for under $300 shipping included. The silver aluminum faceplate reminds me of the vintage Marantz receivers that I am used to. I narrowed my choices to the HK and Marantz, but decided on the Marantz because I belive it offers a bit more power than the HK in the same price range, and also read several reviews that said it really performs well as a 2-channel receiver as well.

[reggaenaut]

I have a HTR 5830 Yammie and end up using it for stereo.

[Bonder]

I have a Yammie RX-V1000 circa 2001 and the Phono stage is disappointing, at least they offer one, perhaps the newer models have been improved.

IMHO if you plan on playing alot of vinyl you should test the phono stage before pulling the trigger. Good luck!

[energyandair]

Due to budget crises, I'm gonna have to get a single 5.1 receiver and live with it for 2-channel sound as well. I've had a cheap HTIB ($299 Sony package) in the past and found it quite adequate for movie viewing. Now, I need recommendations for a 5.1 receiver that will do the home theater basics adequately, but will give me satisfying 2-channel so I can continue to enjoy my TT. If the receiver has a GOOD phono section that would be a bonus. But I'm not counting on it. I'm prepared to run a phono preamp into a line of the receiver. I need to spend less than $500, new or used; and less than that would be even better. Thanks for your recommendations.

If you are prepared to live with Pro-logic, I strongly recommend a Yamaha DSP-A2070

The DSP-A2070 was Yamaha's TOTL surround sound receiver in the early 90s ($2000 list). Some people say that they are the best prologic receiver ever made.

Now they are ridiculously cheap - typically in the $200-$300 range I think and if they have a few issues they may be much less. eg http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-DSP-A2070-Digital-Sound-Field-Processor-Remote_W0QQitemZ110021742815QQihZ001QQcategoryZ149 78QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I bought one locally a month or so ago and its the only surround sound receiver that I have tried that I am happy listening to as a stereo. It has a very good phono stage and the sound is clean, dynamic and non fatiguing.

David