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Okay A/V Club, I need some help

post #1 of 7
12/23/07 at 7:04pm
Thread Starter 
My receiver, an old Sony I've had for at least 10 years, is threatening to die again. I'd like to replace it with a proper A/V receiver with lots of inputs for the computer, PS2, DVD, etc. I'd prefer one with a decent amplifier in it (I remember my A/V nerd friends talking about Denon, Yamaha, Onkyo, and a couple of other ones, and buying a Yamaha). I only use 2 channel sound right now but in the future I'd obviously like to be able to add a center(s), rears and maybe a sub to the setup. No sense in buying one without that capability anyway. I assume many of these have on screen menus now. Also, I'd prefer a decent, solid remote as I don't have a universal one at the moment. Front A/Vs would also be really nice as the rear of my installation is a pain to get to.

I really don't care whether it's used so I was looking through Craigslist but I don't follow the model names or anything and don't even know what I need, and I don't want to learn. My knowledge of picking one at this point is basically "pick one with lots of buttons and inputs, a decent screen, and over 20lbs". I just want to buy something and have it work and be done. I'd like to keep it under a few hundred dollars if possible, a couple years old does not matter to me if it is in solid shape.

Do any of these look promising?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=denon
http://seattle.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=onkyo

Any other suggestions? (Slickdeals, fatwallet etc.?)

Thanks.
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post #2 of 7
12/23/07 at 7:29pm
I have no direct experience with the latest receivers, but add the Yamaha RX-V661 to your list to check out. It has an amazing amount of features for its price (<$400).

--Andre
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post #3 of 7
12/23/07 at 8:31pm
Video capabilities have a lot to do with receiver cost Is component upconversion important? Is HDMI important? If neither of those is true, you can get away dirt cheap. If the first is true, used is still a good option. If the second is true, you need to but almost new.

I would add Harmon Kardon to your list of prospects due to their beefy amps and quality bass management. Something in the 300 or 400 series is probably a good fit--maybe a 435 or a 340. They have ebay sales on factory refurbs here: http://buy.ebay.com/harman-kardon . I bought through the ebay seller a few years back and had a very good transaction.
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post #4 of 7
12/23/07 at 10:45pm
The Denon receivers are quite good. That AVR 2802 might be worth a look depending on condition.
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post #5 of 7
12/24/07 at 12:45am
I know you may not be looking to read pages and pages about receivers but here are a couple of recent threads on AVSforums you may wish to skim:

Best value receiver below $500

Receiver recommendations in $200 to $500 range.

I have a Yamaha that is a couple of years old that I am happy with.
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post #6 of 7
12/24/07 at 6:09pm
In my experience you cannot go wrong with Yamaha.
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post #7 of 7
12/24/07 at 10:36pm
Dennon is top of the heap, and priced accordingly. Onkyo is good if you want up to date tech, since they've been on most of the A/V bleeding edge throughout their lift time (first DVD player, first THX 5.1 reciever, etc). Yamaha is Yamaha, and Yamaha is always good.

Marantz is mind blowing, and insanely expensive in most cases (their $10,000 radio, por exemplo).

I suggest Dennon if its in your price range, or Yamaha for lower end but good. Also, look up the model numbers you think you might like to make sure they have all the features you want. For example "low end" Dennon ($300) lacks 7.1 surround and anything over 50 watts.
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