Which HT receiver should I buy??

BMW F22 · 02-12-2011, 09:19 PM

I'm looking to buy a home theater receiver but have no idea which one to buy. There are so many brands and models out there I'm a little bit lost so I'm turning to you guys. Please recommend me a good receiver (avr) in the $300-400 range.

I've heard a lot of good things about Onkyo and a few people at work recommended Harman Kardon (AVR 1600 or AVR2600). HK's website also has the AVR 154 for $200. Thoughts?

JayKay335i · 02-12-2011, 09:24 PM

It would depend on your application. 5.1, 7.1? Multiple room capacity? How many peripherals? Inputs? Future expandability? Read cnet reviews as well. And check the forums.

BMW F22 · 02-12-2011, 09:32 PM

I have a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 70s that I would like to have hooked up. I might buy add some rear speakers (a pair of monitor 50 maybe), a center speaker and maybe a sub later on. I will probably never go past 5.1 though.

This setup is gonna be in my bedroom so for now I'm just looking to hook those Polkies up (for music and movies).

newdadkel · 02-12-2011, 09:32 PM

Pioneer and Yamaha have some nice receivers. Even the lower end in your price range will have some nice options and expandability. I personally have a Pioneer receiver

Had Onkyo receiver in college but was not impressed. The first one I had actually did not work which Circuit City had not seen happen before. After they replaced it, the second one had very poor distribution of sound, and I wasnt even running much through it at the time. Would not recommend Onkyo based on personal experience but others have probably had better luck.

BTM · 02-12-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newdadkel

Pioneer and Yamaha have some nice receivers. Even the lower end in your price range will have some nice options and expandability. I personally have a Pioneer receiver

Had Onkyo receiver in college but was not impressed. The first one I had actually did not work which Circuit City had not seen happen before. After they replaced it, the second one had very poor distribution of sound, and I wasnt even running much through it at the time. Would not recommend Onkyo based on personal experience but others have probably had better luck.

That's strange. My dad all but swears by Onkyo...he has 5.1 Polk surround sound with an Onkyo receiver (can get the model# later) and while sure it isn't top of the line as far as home audio goes, he's very well researched and not prone to being a cheapass when it comes to this stuff...has Stereophile magazines going back to the mid 90s...

newdadkel · 02-12-2011, 09:42 PM

Yea BTM I had heard good things about Onkyo as well. I just had crappy luck with both receivers that I ended up with. The brand has been around for awhile so apparently most people have had good experiences with their Onkyo components.

I have been very impressed with the Pioneer receiver, but it is upper end. I dont have any experience with lower end Pioneer. Our AV guys that set up our house like Yamaha and really recommend them.

BMW F22 · 02-12-2011, 09:53 PM

Thinking about picking up a refurbished model of this- http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Harman+K...iver&cp=1&lp=3

Goes for about $300 refurbished.

M3ltdown · 02-12-2011, 10:40 PM

Pioneer vsx-1020...check amazon pricing.

BMW F22 · 02-13-2011, 02:23 AM

Okay I've narrowed them down to 3 receivers:

Harman Kardon AVR 1600
Yamaha RX-V667
Pioneer VSX-1020-K 7.1

Help me pick the best one please...

Spoolin335 · 02-13-2011, 04:15 AM

Please dont buy a Pioneer.
I had a Yamaha for a long time, bought an Elite Pioneer amp that was around $1000 and it was the biggest POS i have ever bought. I took it back and bought a Yamaha for around $700 and i am way happier with it.

I would go with the Yamaha from my own experience.

BMW F22 · 02-13-2011, 11:05 AM

I just read that the Pioneer 1020 had (maybe still has) some hand shaking issues. So for me it's now down to either the HK AVR 2600 or the Yamaha 667. Both are close in many things making the choice a bit harder for me.

Jaypod · 02-13-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I just read that the Pioneer 1020 had (maybe still has) some hand shaking issues. So for me it's now down to either the HK AVR 2600 or the Yamaha 667. Both are close in many things making the choice a bit harder for me.

Go for the AVR2600. I have the 7550HD and as a result two of my friends bought HK, 1 bought the 2600 the other bought the 3600. They both love them. You cant go wrong with either of those, but my vote is HK.

BMW F22 · 02-13-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaypod

Go for the AVR2600. I have the 7550HD and as a result two of my friends bought HK, 1 bought the 2600 the other bought the 3600. They both love them. You cant go wrong with either of those, but my vote is HK.

Damn baller!!!

I just pulled the trigger on the HK AVR 2600. It just looks so damn sexy.

Thank you for all the help guys!!

On a BMW related note, it has Logic 7 processing. Hehe

Jaypod · 02-13-2011, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Damn baller!!!

I just pulled the trigger on the HK AVR 2600. It just looks so damn sexy.

Thank you for all the help guys!!

On a BMW related note, it has Logic 7 processing. Hehe

LOL - I have to admit it is pretty sweet!

Congrats on the purchase, I think you will really like it!

Bartman619 · 02-13-2011, 05:27 PM

This is what I'm probably going to replace my Cambridge 540 v.2. The price is nice too.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=MANR1501

BMW F22 · 02-13-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartman619

This is what I'm probably going to replace my Cambridge 540 v.2. The price is nice too.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=MANR1501

I've heard about that brand, though it doesn't come up often. I'm not sure about the features but for about the same price there are a few options that you should look at.

M3ltdown · 02-13-2011, 09:34 PM

I personally have the vsx-1020 with no issues at all. It replaced an Onkyo 606 that didn't have enough HDMI inputs for me. I'm sure every model will have a dead unit.

OC Guy · 02-14-2011, 12:34 PM

I want the VSX-1120. Love the iphone/ipad integration.

bolinp78 · 02-14-2011, 12:59 PM

I have had Onkyo and HK in the past, did not like either one of them. I had reliability issues with the HK, as did my friend (on two different units).

I currently have Yamaha and love it. I believe that it is one of the better brands for the audiophile. It shines when listening to music specifically.

BMW F22 · 02-21-2011, 12:35 PM

Damn it the 2600 is gonna take 3-5 weeks for delivery (been about a week since I ordered). I'm seriously considering ordering the 3600 now...($200 more though).

HISI808 · 02-21-2011, 12:48 PM

What about the Marantz NR1501 Slim Line Home Theater Receiver? $400.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1501...8310032&sr=8-1

I have a 7 year old Marantz receiver that's still going strong.

BMW F22 · 02-21-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HISI808

What about the Marantz NR1501 Slim Line Home Theater Receiver? $400.

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1501...8310032&sr=8-1

I have a 7 year old Marantz receiver that's still going strong.

I haven't heard of Marantz until a few weeks ago (maybe I just wasn't in the market for receivers then). Anyhow, I'd like to stick with Yamaha or Harman Kardon because those were the brands I liked prior to a few weeks ago.

It seems like many people like marantz on the avs forum though. I just haven't read enough about it to consider it I guess...

02-12-2011, 09:19 PM	#1
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Which HT receiver should I buy?? I'm looking to buy a home theater receiver but have no idea which one to buy. There are so many brands and models out there I'm a little bit lost so I'm turning to you guys. Please recommend me a good receiver (avr) in the $300-400 range. I've heard a lot of good things about Onkyo and a few people at work recommended Harman Kardon (AVR 1600 or AVR2600). HK's website also has the AVR 154 for $200. Thoughts?
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02-12-2011, 09:24 PM	#2
JayKay335i Banned 198 Rep 5,046 Posts Drives: ///M323 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: North Dakota; its best DUHHHHHH iTrader: (1)	It would depend on your application. 5.1, 7.1? Multiple room capacity? How many peripherals? Inputs? Future expandability? Read cnet reviews as well. And check the forums.
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02-12-2011, 09:32 PM	#3
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	I have a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 70s that I would like to have hooked up. I might buy add some rear speakers (a pair of monitor 50 maybe), a center speaker and maybe a sub later on. I will probably never go past 5.1 though. This setup is gonna be in my bedroom so for now I'm just looking to hook those Polkies up (for music and movies).
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02-12-2011, 09:32 PM	#4
newdadkel Private First Class 60 Rep 192 Posts Drives: 2011 X6M CBM Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Pioneer and Yamaha have some nice receivers. Even the lower end in your price range will have some nice options and expandability. I personally have a Pioneer receiver Had Onkyo receiver in college but was not impressed. The first one I had actually did not work which Circuit City had not seen happen before. After they replaced it, the second one had very poor distribution of sound, and I wasnt even running much through it at the time. Would not recommend Onkyo based on personal experience but others have probably had better luck.
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02-12-2011, 09:42 PM	#6
newdadkel Private First Class 60 Rep 192 Posts Drives: 2011 X6M CBM Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Yea BTM I had heard good things about Onkyo as well. I just had crappy luck with both receivers that I ended up with. The brand has been around for awhile so apparently most people have had good experiences with their Onkyo components. I have been very impressed with the Pioneer receiver, but it is upper end. I dont have any experience with lower end Pioneer. Our AV guys that set up our house like Yamaha and really recommend them.
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02-12-2011, 09:53 PM	#7
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Thinking about picking up a refurbished model of this- http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Harman+K...iver&cp=1&lp=3 Goes for about $300 refurbished.
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02-12-2011, 10:40 PM	#8
M3ltdown Master Chief 19 Rep 641 Posts Drives: 09 e90 M3 JzB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	Pioneer vsx-1020...check amazon pricing.
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02-13-2011, 02:23 AM	#9
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Okay I've narrowed them down to 3 receivers: Harman Kardon AVR 1600 Yamaha RX-V667 Pioneer VSX-1020-K 7.1 Help me pick the best one please...
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02-13-2011, 04:15 AM	#10
Spoolin335 Justin Herass 355 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: X6M / M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (7) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 Audi TTRS [10.00] 2012 BMW X6M [9.00] 2007 BMW 335i [9.00]	Please dont buy a Pioneer. I had a Yamaha for a long time, bought an Elite Pioneer amp that was around $1000 and it was the biggest POS i have ever bought. I took it back and bought a Yamaha for around $700 and i am way happier with it. I would go with the Yamaha from my own experience. __________________
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02-13-2011, 11:05 AM	#11
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	I just read that the Pioneer 1020 had (maybe still has) some hand shaking issues. So for me it's now down to either the HK AVR 2600 or the Yamaha 667. Both are close in many things making the choice a bit harder for me.
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02-13-2011, 05:27 PM	#15
Bartman619 Captain 25 Rep 701 Posts Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SDCA iTrader: (2)	This is what I'm probably going to replace my Cambridge 540 v.2. The price is nice too. http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=MANR1501
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02-13-2011, 09:34 PM	#17
M3ltdown Master Chief 19 Rep 641 Posts Drives: 09 e90 M3 JzB Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	I personally have the vsx-1020 with no issues at all. It replaced an Onkyo 606 that didn't have enough HDMI inputs for me. I'm sure every model will have a dead unit.
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02-14-2011, 12:34 PM	#18
OC Guy General 558 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I want the VSX-1120. Love the iphone/ipad integration. __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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02-14-2011, 12:59 PM	#19
bolinp78 G35 convertee 69 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 2008 335i (AW) Join Date: May 2008 Location: . iTrader: (1)	I have had Onkyo and HK in the past, did not like either one of them. I had reliability issues with the HK, as did my friend (on two different units). I currently have Yamaha and love it. I believe that it is one of the better brands for the audiophile. It shines when listening to music specifically. __________________
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02-21-2011, 12:35 PM	#20
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Damn it the 2600 is gonna take 3-5 weeks for delivery (been about a week since I ordered). I'm seriously considering ordering the 3600 now...($200 more though).
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02-21-2011, 12:48 PM	#21
HISI808 Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 2011 AW 128i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (4)	What about the Marantz NR1501 Slim Line Home Theater Receiver? $400. http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-NR1501...8310032&sr=8-1 I have a 7 year old Marantz receiver that's still going strong.
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