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home receiver

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chuckm1020

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
1,175
i really couldnt find another place to post this. but.... What do you guys think is the best home theater receiver for $400. Thanxs
 
Onkyo is a very good brand indeed. You could also go with Denon or Harmon Kardon. Here are some brands to avoid: JVC, Panasonic, Sony/Aiwa (by far).... I'm not going to look at other sites just to tell you what not to buy, I am too lazy.

For good prices, you can try www.pricescan.com - it's like pricewatch but way better for electronics and some other stuff.
 
In alphabetical order, I would say that Denon, Harmon Kardon, Marantz, Onkyo and Yamaha are good brand names to look for. As a general rule, try to pick up a one of thier higher level recievers that is one or two generations back. As long as they are purchased from an authorized dealer, refurbs a re a pretty safe bet to make your $400 stretch farther. As a simple example, look at this Marantz SR4400 , availible for $399, or the refurb SR6200 sold here for $399. The SR6200 is a better unit, but the from a couple product cycles ago. There are really no new critical features that the SR4400 has been given that would elevate it over the SR6200, but the SR6200 has significantly beefier amplification than the SR4400, along with having a better quality DAC stage. In comparison, the refurb Marantz 6200 is a better use of your $400 than the new SR4400.

Look for analog 5.1 inputs so that you can hook up an external multichannel device like a DVD-A, SACD or an HTPC. Don't get too hung up on wattage numbers, because esoteric calculation parameters can make the results vary widely. Your best bet to evaluate power ratings is to look for the RMS (root mean square) value, but still don't take this too seriously. If you can, try to get a reciever that can drive speakers of less than 8 ohms of impedance. Look for 6 or 4 ohm ratings.

In a larger consideration, what are the speakers that you will be hook this $400 receiver up to? The general rule of thumb is that the speaker budget should be 3-4 times the amplification budget. It is also not necessary to go full surround right away. Spending $800 on a good pair of "bookshelf" speakers with a quality subwoofer is a MUCH better decision than spending $800 on a set of 5 mediocre speakers, and subwoofer. If you get yourself good a good stereo pair of speakers right now, you can get the matching center later, if/when you have the funds. The same goes for the surrounds. While I'm on the topic, unless you have a large space, or a large budget, it's hardly important to go with a 7.1 setup. Hardly any movies have even an optional 7.1 soundtrack, while the vast majority have a 5.1 soundtrack.
 
all advice given is pretty good. With a $400 budget your really not going to get anything better than whats been mentioned. I haven't looked at Denon lower models in awhile so Im not sure of their pricing, but I'd definately look at them. Always liked their recievers (just bought the AVR-3805)

Second choice would probably be either the Onkyo 601 or the HK430 (think its around your price).

EDIT: Quick note if you decide to look at HK. All their recievers use the cirrus dac which is notorious for audio delay. What I mean is when switching digital source's it can often take a few seconds to lock in the signal/format. Some don't notice but others it drives nuts. Apparently a firmware fix is in the works but from memory the 430 isnt upgradeable. You'd need the 630 for that.
 
Personally, I prefer Onkyo.
I have a few reasons for this.
One is the quality. I have owned everything from their entry level 2 channel models, all the way up to their Flagship THX certified models. Of all that I have owned, NONE gave me a problem.
Two is the sound. Onkyo is one of the best performers IMO. I have had Kenwood, Pioneer, and Yamaha models too. No comparison. The Onkyo takes it.

The TXSR601 can be had at your local Circuit CHITY for $399

Whatever you choose, good luck!
 
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