Best DD/DTS receiver for $200-$300?

[caiman]

I am currently using a Sony Pro Logic receiver for surround sound (in my bedroom). I am starting to save up for a good digital receiver, but there are just too many of them out there to know where to start. I have never owned a DD receiver before, so anything I buy will probably blow me away, but I still want to do a little research first.

I am mostly looking for good sound above anything else. Features are nice, but very secondary for me. Also, it can't have any sort of loud hiss (like some of the Sony models). I have been looking into some of the Yamahas and Pioneers. What can you all suggest? Thanks.

[nekobus]

Check out the Onkyo TX-SD494($300 at Crutchfield).It has DTS and Pro Logic II.

Great receiver, very well made. No cheap construction hiss like some less expensive receivers have.

[caiman]

Originally posted by nekobus
Check out the Onkyo TX-SD494($300 at Crutchfield).It has DTS and Pro Logic II.

Great receiver, very well made. No cheap construction hiss like some less expensive receivers have.


Thanks for the response. I have been looking into this particular model today and it looks to be a good deal. Definately a consideration. Anyone else have any suggestions? Thanks.

[DaLeroy]

The new Yamaha RX-V420 should be within your budget. I own the 520 and it's a very nice amp! Very clean sound, solid construction.

[skar]

I second the Onkyo 494. Also you may want to look at the Denon 1801.

[TCG]

Also check out the Yamaha HTR-5240

[Dydion]

I second the Yamaha HTR-5240

Excellent. No problems at all.

[bgarcia]

onecall.com is blowing out the Pioneer VSX-D709S. This receiver 'retailed' for $750, and they are selling it for $250. No affiliation with either company, but it seems like a steal to me. Check it out.

[skeeterbug]

denon avr-3300 off ubid.com for $300 is the best deal you'll get in this range. sweet receiver. check out audioreview.com reviews for all the details. there is a fan issue on some units (mine has a kind of loud fan and i still love it). others don't have a problem at all. apparently there is a fix - but you have to send your unit in unless you negotiate something different.

[Ishouldknowbetter]

yamaha htr-5250, $299 at JandR.com (last year's model, msrp was $499). Don't know why I haven't bought this yet.

[lalakai]

skeeterbug, on a related note, have you ever purchased from ubid??? I've heard several different attitudes concerning them.

caiman, I'm in the same boat and currently looking at the Harmon Kardon 110, or might toss in the extra bucks and get the 310.

[skeeterbug]

i have used ubid a lot. my denon 3300 (refurbed) is from ubid. my olympus c3000 (refurbed) is from ubid.com. so is my panasonic dv200 digicorder (new), my toshiba 50a60 (new) and my b&g 220 radia center channel (new). my hp computer (refurbed) is from ubid as is my friend's computer and laptop. so is my dvd player (new), my camera case (new), 2 paintings (new), my citizen watch (new), my bolle sunglasses (new)....

you get the idea ;-) i love ubid. they aren't perfect, but they are very, very good.

re: experiences:

i ordered a new sherwood newcastle receiver and it arrived refurbed, damaged and had a hiss sound. ubid took the unit back (and paid for shipping), refunded my money and i won the denon and love it. the fan turns on intermittently and whirs a bit - apparently due to a defect in a circuit. it is barely noticeable but i may still write denon to try and get a new circuit board and install it myself (i don't want to pay shipping 1 way and lose my unit for 1+ months). i knew all about the fan issues with this unit going in and i wasn't surprised. this is a denon problem, not a ubid problem

my olympus c3000 (great digicam) came with one pixel always on the back screen and the manual was spanish. big deal, i saved $300. the pictures are fantastic and that is why i bought it. i would shy away from laptops due to the pixel issue - unless you don't mind a pixel on or off, here or there.

my toshiba 50a60 has a slight bubble or nick on the screen and a toshiba service rep will be out to look at it in a week or so. i expect it to get fixed.

i educate myself on prices and always get the price i want. i probably bid in 20-30 auctions for each win. i won the b&g center channel for $100+ less than some others paid - but it took a while. same with the 50a60. patience is a key unless you have money to burn.

also, understand the warranties are typically short so you take on extra risk - so you better save 30-40% to account for this risk. uneducated folks pay too much.

the quality of my life is drastically better than it otherwise would have been due to ubid.com. i highly recommend them. they aren't perfect, but they are very, very good IF you educate yourself and are patient.

[caiman]

I went to my local BestBuy yesterday and they had none of the Yamaha HTR-52XX models. They did have the newer HTR-5440 and 5050. The guy told me the 5440 was almost exactly like the 5240. Does anyone own the 5440? What can you tell me about it? Thanks

[rubberman2k]

I bought a Kenwood from Circuit City. It was $299 and came with a free set of surround and center speakers. The reciever is a 500watt with prologic, DD, and DTS. not sure of the model # but i think its the VR407. Alot of other features too.

[debbert]

I picked up the Sony STR-DE845 2 weeks ago at Circuit City for $299.

Very nice sound!!

[bluesman]

I have the ONKYO TXDS 494 in my Computer/Music Room and it is great. I really like the ProLogic II for Movies and Music. I can highly recommend it.

[shadowhawk2020]

I bought the Pioneer VSX-D509s at costco for $199 check out the reviews at www.audioreview.com Great reciever for a great price!!!



ShadowHawk