This is my first setup and I'm drowning in the sea of information.

I'm thinking of getting one of these three I thought maybe someone here could help me out.

I'm hoping someone who has one of them can chime in or point me towards a review.


FYI: These are the speakers I got
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....2&type=product from the thread here... I figured I was kind of hijaking that thread with my questions so I better just start a seperate one.

Get a Denon 1905, cost you around $330 or so refurb from eCost or damark... it'll blow away the three you have listed.

Just some observations.

What is your budget?

I would compare the RVX line of Yamaha receivers instead of the HTR series. Also I agree with the Denon suggestion as a possible.

I'm thinking upto about $400. I want something in the mid-level. Don't need all the bells and wistles, but I want plenty of power (I like the idea of having a cusion of extra power I won't be using much, no point in straining it all the time) and a rich sound.

I figure I don't need to spend too much-- considering the speakers I got-- and it's my first system so I'd like to keep it simple.

I would keep on eye on bestbuy.com for the Pioneer vsx-1014. it has 110w x 7, thx select and a slew of other features. they sometimes sell it for 400.00.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....1&type=product

ignore the 100w x 7 that best buy satates. the manual states 110 x 7.

When I can't decide I normally get them all.

Be careful when looking for power ratings. Higher end units are generally "High Current". These are much more powerful then non-high current units. For example, my 40 watt (high current) H/K has much, much more power, cleaner power and a much better sound then my 85 watt Sony (non-high current).

I love Yamaha!

-ant

I second the denon, I have a Denon HT and regular amp I use for my reg stereo and love both. Also if you were pressed for cash for a HT you should have bought better speakers first, get a deal on some energy or klipsch and get an ok reciever to start ot with.

I personally own a mid level onkyo and I'd say it's comparable to Denon and Harmon Kardon. I think these are all excellent receivers to get. I also believe they're all high current and delivers much more punch to music and movies. But for you, I'd definitely recommend Denon over the rest. It's a great receiver for a newb.

You make a great point. See I would take the Celestions over Klipsch any day of the week and twice on Sundays. (I still remember selling "Cornerhorns" to yuppies who thought they were awesome while I thought they had no depth, sounded "horny" and generally sucked, despite them being very expensive.) While I like the energy pretty well, I'd still take the Celestions. I do like Denon. That point being, "good" sound is totally subjective. There is no way to measure what you like. Some people are very happy and enjoy their Bose speakers, while most that get into audio will say they are terrible.

So shawagg, you have a lot of information. It is time to pick a receiver and start enjoying your system. You will only learn what you like by listening, in your system, in your home. So pick one and start enjoying. Oh, and btw, don't think just because you pick you will be done. You will have adjusting to do will want to pick up or barrow a sound meter, etc, etc.

Well... I ended up going with the Onkyo. J&R had the silver one for $229 (new) with free shipping and I jumped on it.

I was really leaning towards the Yamaha, but the price difference was too good to ignore.

So what's this sound meter thing? (Be gentle, I'm a newb.)

...Now to look for a subwoofer...

J&R sells the 1014TX for 399 with shipping. This is the one I would get.

It's sold out... and they've already shipped the Onkyo so I'll just stick with it for now. We'll see when it arrives if I want to keep it or change it. Thanks though.

Get a Yamaha.I did not like Onkyo receivers when I listened to some CD music!The movie sound was better in Yamaha.

Alright no, 2nd guessing him. He got his receiver and speakers. Let him enjoy.