IC_Freeze

I'm looking for one, mainly for music

Brian Shannon

IMHO the things to look for are

1) High current amps

2) Good control features

3) Space to add existing and future components

4) Good remote.

I would check Yamaha, Denon and Onkyo for starters.

skar

Good sound quality and good build quality.

What to look for depends on your speakers and your price range.

gotapex

One that pleases your ears.

If you're mainly interested in music, I'd start by auditioning the Marantz line, then the Harman Kardon. From there, go to Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer (Elite), and Yamaha.

IC_Freeze

price range is $100 to $250 but I can spend more if needed.
so Pioneer is the tops huh? what about kenwood or Sony?

Master J

At that price range you are not going to find a receiver that does everything, there will be compromises. The lower priced Pioneer have been highly regarded by some as well as some of Panasonics new offerings. Personally I wouldn't touch a lower end Sony or Kenwood, but if all you are looking for is decent DD/DTS playback almost any receiver froma major manufacturer will satisfy you.

J

skar

At $250 or so the Onkyo SR-500 would be an easy choice for me. At $400-500 there are several receivers you should consider.

What speakers do you have (they are the most important component for sound quality)?

METALLICA05

if your going to spend some more get a pioneer vsxd811s. everything you could want and its got preouts for all 8 channels.

PoorBoy

In that price range there really not that many good receivers, but what you need to look for are the good amps.

Rotel, Marantz, and Denon make nice stuff, although Denon is more home theater than the other two. They're costly though, just keep your eyes open in the used markets for a Rotel or Marantz on www.audiogon.com and you'll do fine. Just check back here when you find a moel in your range and we'll check it for you.

hypeiv

low s/n ratios in 5.1 mode

NotThatGuy

I had a Kenwood (250ish?) that sounded pretty decent....for the money. I also had a sony....don't like it...wouldn't recommend. (DE) I am saving up for a real setup.

-pedagogue

edclem

I second skar's suggestion of the Onkyo.
I have an older model (575-X). It's been fantastic.

tommyp007

Yeah, love my Onkyo too. Stay away from the low end Sony's. not much power, fair amount of distortion as volume is cranked.

gcribbs

well if you can pay a small bit more i would get this one

http://www.goodguys.com/adtemplate.a...2&catky=643993

Denon 1403

since I do not know where you live I am not sure if this dealer could sell it to you(they are an authorized online dealer in California and Oregon.

IC_Freeze

cool, thx everyone, I"m going to circuit city today to check some out.

mdX

you're not going to find anything decent at CC in your price range. the only way you'll find something half decent is to buy used. several people here have already made some good recommendations, and I'll add one - Sony's DB line of receivers. much higher build quality than the DE series, almost on par with the ES series. you may be able to find a DB 830/840/930/940 for $250 or so

jeffwright

Can someone give an opinion on a Sony HT-DDW840? (Best Buy, $399)

This will be my first receiver purchase to begin a small HT. I don't want to go too large because my wife would kill me if I spend too much money. I also have a one year old child so I don't think I'll be cranking up the volume for quite a while, either.