Need advice on what receiver to buy???

[UcLaGeE]

Hi, I'm looking into buying an Acoustics Research HC2 Speaker package (comes with the 5 'Edge' and their S112PS sub... $549 at J&R...) along with a Pioneer DV-333 DVD player (I picked this because I want the CD-R reading capability and heard it was a pretty good player too ~$200-249)...
All I haven't figured out now is what receiver to get, so any recommendations (I don't know too much, beginner in home theater, but I want DTS, thats about my only requirement)? I don't want to spend too much, but something that will make my stuff sound good (less is better, but $300 max), and what kind of cables will I be needing for this whole setup (where to buy it would be helpful too). Also are there any good search engines for best prices on equipment like this (I've been using mysimon mostly so far).... and any opinions on my overall setup? I plan to use it for both home theater and music in a dorm-type (apartment next year) environment.

Thanks!
Anthony
agee@ucla.edu

[Master J]

Well for 300 dollars there are some nice Kenwood and Pioneer receivers available that will give you DTS capability. In that price range there is not any really receiver that stands out from the others. You have a made a good choice in a DVD player as well as your speakers considering the budget you are on, but you should ask yourself if you will be satisfied with those speakers down the road. It is most likely you will hold onto your speakers longet than your receiver, so you may want to put that 500 or so dollars into a couple of nicer stereo speakers and a matching center channel and then buy your surrounds and sub at a later time once you have more funds saved up. With that said the AR speakers should be very nice performers.

J

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Don't be a luddy-duddy! Don't be a mooncalf! Don't be a jabbernowl! (http://www.dvdtracker.com/~jlane)

[steve f]

OneCall www.onecall.com (http://www.onecall.com) had the Sony DB830 for $319, check and see if it's still there. This is a very good receiver, has Dolby 5.1 and DTS and plenty of power. It's definitely not just a typical 'bargain' receiver and is a real step up from the $300 receivers you'll find at Circuit City and Best Buy. I believe it's being closed out because the new DB840 is out, $319 is a very good price.

I've had very good luck with One Call, I'm a repeat customer and recommend them highly.

[hahn]

if you're willing to add in about a $100, you can get the onkyo 575 (maybe even the 575x model, if you really look hard and find some rebates), which i will hands down recommend over any of those $300 dts models. it will give you plenty of power, and then some. plus, it will have all the little perks (nice remote, 5 channel stereo, etc).

[Ketamine]

Go here www.audioreview.com (http://www.audioreview.com) to see reviews of anything you are looking for. Should give you info on how good receivers are and where to find them at a good price.

[COACH]

Definitely go with the onkyo txds575x.. Circuit City has it for around 400-450... don't get it mixed up with the TXDS575.. that model doesn't have DTS

[BigBadWes]

I'd definitely go with a Sony! I got a Sony STR-DE835 DD/DTS and it kicks serious rear!!!!!!!!

[stevef]

I'd go with an Onkyo TX-DS575X, I want a 777, but not anytime soon according to my finances. Check with Bobby at LSRQ@AOL.COM he has an HT installation business in NJ and has great prices. I recently purchased some Polk Audio products from him, an excellent guy to do business with, give him my regards !!!! stevef

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stevef

[BEC]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by COACH:
don't get it mixed up with the TXDS575.. that model doesn't have DTS<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

THE 575 HAS DTS. (Geez - the Forum owner has one!) Please check your facts before spreading misinformation.

Onecall also has refurb 575 models w/original warranty for $296 and that's a good deal:
http://sql.onecall.com/ProductDisplay.mpt?ProductID=9196

The 575X gives you S-video switching, an extra digital input (4 instead of 3), backlit remote, and 3 more DSP's (8 instead of 5). Onecall also has a good price on the 575X.

As far Sony DE receivers go, the DB series has gotten more favorable reviews (actually, less slams) than the DE series. Better build quality, more reliable.





[This message has been edited by BEC (edited September 25, 2000).]