Receiver suggestions in the $350 range?

[KaBudokan]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to update my HT setup with a new receiver. I had an Onkyo 5.1 I was just using for audio, but it recently started flaking out. Adding in a recent upgrade to a new HDTV setup and an even newer Blu-ray, and I'm ready to move up a bit.

I'm looking to avoid Onkyo - the receiver I have is the only Onkyo I've ever owned, and it's also the only receiver I've ever had that started to die. I'm sure they're generally fine, but that's where I'm at with that.

I have a 5.1 speaker setup - probably won't ever go to 7.1 or more. I currently have 2 HDMI sources that will be going into the receiver, and would like to have at least 1 more available in case I add a game system or something else in the future. I would prefer a receiver that at least converts any signal input up to the HDMI output - 1080p upconversion would be nice, but not necessary. My room is about 10x20.

I've been leaning toward the Denon AVR-1610, but am open to other suggestions.

Thanks for any input you can give!

 

[sivart]

My Onkyo is working fine (3+ years), I've had 2 Sony's die on me, while my Panasonic boom box from 1987 keeps going strong.

Denon or Pioneer are the only others I'd consider when it is time to look again...hopefully not soon

 

[mc866]

Onkyo 607 for that price, every other month Onkyo does a refurb sale at shoponkyo.com. Keep an eye out for that, I got mine for $320 shipped.

Edit: Bleh, noticed you don't want Onkyo. I guess the reason I suggested it is because for that price range you can't find another product that matches the 607 in features

 

[Swivelguy2]

Denon 590 (5.1 x 75W, 3 HDMI inputs) for $300 or Denon 790 (7.1 x 90W, 4 HDMI in) for $400.

 

[PJABBER]

The least expensive of the current receivers with full Audyssey and HDMI repeater functionality are the identical DENON AVR-590 (found in big box stores like Best Buy) for around $260 and the AVR-1610 (everyone else, usually for a bit more) and the Onkyo TX-SR507 for around $270. Previous year models will be available at lesser cost.

You might want to check out Ebay listings for both new and manufacturer refurbished deals as I see Bing is offering 20% cash back on purchases there right now. Be sure to buy from an authorized dealer through Ebay, most have Ebay storefronts. If you need to know how to go about the Bing cash back program check out the Hot Deals forum here first.

FWIW, I got a current model $899 list Denon receiver for around $350 using Ebay for lowest pricing and a very high Bing cashback percentage about a year ago. It took a couple of months to get the cash back but it was worth the wait.

YMMV.

 

[Swivelguy2]

The Onkyo TX-SR507 doesn't have Composite/Component -> HDMI video conversion while the Denon AVR-590 does, so if you'd like to have the "1-cable solution" for hooking up to the TV, it's a better value.

For that functionality, you have to step up to the TX-SR607. Also, both of these Onkyos run very hot to the touch, which is unsettling (and probably wastes electricity). Denons run very cool.

 

[KaBudokan]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up picking up a Denon 1610 through Electronics-Expo.com. I had to call the order in, and I somehow was quoted a price of $260 when I said I had a discount code. This apparently is no longer working (at least not for THAT discount).

Anyway, I received the 1610 and am enjoying it so far. Hoping to really get to play with it some more this week.

 

[PJABBER]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up picking up a Denon 1610 through Electronics-Expo.com. I had to call the order in, and I somehow was quoted a price of $260 when I said I had a discount code. This apparently is no longer working (at least not for THAT discount).

Anyway, I received the 1610 and am enjoying it so far. Hoping to really get to play with it some more this week.

That's a good price for a good receiver! Enjoy!