FLAV2000

I just sold my Sony STR-DE825 receiver and am looking to upgrade a little (this model had no DTS)

Looking at the Sony 845
Harmon Kardon avr 110/210
Pioneer VSX-21/33 and 709s

any others i should consider

Where the best place to buy these online

So far i was gonna get the Sony as all my other components are Sony

my ht page
http://z34.dhs.org/theater.html

nrcannes

I'm no expert but I have the Onlyo TX-DS575 and its quite impressive. Very few "preset" DSP modes, but they really aren't necessary. And it has dts.

Cardiff Giant11

quote:<HR>Originally posted by nrcannes:
I'm no expert but I have the Onlyo TX-DS575 and its quite impressive. Very few "preset" DSP modes, but they really aren't necessary. And it has dts.

<HR>

I second the Onkyo 575. I have the model one below it(the Onkyo 484) and I am EXTREMELY pleased with it. The 575 can only be even better!

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DavidY

In your price range, I would recommend either:

Sony DB-840 or DB-940
Onkyo 575X (575 with S-video switching)

I would definately skip the any model in the Sony DE series. They are mass market oriented and therefore, will not perform as well as the mid-end DB series IMO. The DB series is better built, more like the top of the line ES series.

There are a number of Onkyo 575 owners who have reported the infamous hiss (see Audioreview site). So make sure you get a good return policy if this one is on your list. There have a few owners who complained that hissing was still an issue with the Onkyo 575X. Otherwise, Onkyo are well regarded by many...well built for the $$$$. Be advised that Onkyo receivers are NOT rated for 4 ohm speakers.

Another receiver that may be considered is the Pioneer Elite 24TX or 26TX. Good sounding receivers for the buck IMO.

Dave


[This message has been edited by DavidY (edited December 31, 2000).]

Mister Beefhead

I picked up the Sony STR-333es for $525 with free shipping from Oade brothers (www.oade.com). I absolutely love this reciever. I was not too impressed with the 2-way lcd remote at first, but i'm getting used to it. I made this purchase about a month ago, so i'm not sure if the free shipping promotion is still on (it isn't stated on the website - I called in my order and was plesantly suprised. ) This is an authorized dealer, so their products carry the full Sony warranty. I have heard some claims about the sony 333 and 444 es running too hot, but I just finished viewing The Matrix and Jurassic Park DTS back to back at extremely high volume and the reciever does not feel hotter than any other reciever that I have ever felt. (I am running five NHT SuperOnes and a powered sub, and have the volume set right between "My dvds are shaking right out of the rack" and "My neighbors hate me")(about three-quarters of the way up the dial)

dfriedland

anyone know anything about the Philips fr975?

it looks nice on paper... check it out on amazon... it's the same company as marantz

Deadman31

I have the Sony DE-845. It rocks.

FLAV2000

I've been looking at some of the Kenwood models with the touchscreen remotes...nice looking rigs (silver) and the remote looks awsome

last years models and be had for around 400 US VR-3080/vr3090

any comments?

conkie

I like my Kenwood VR-407, Does DTS and was about 600 for The set + Speakers

Kenny J

I'm really surprised that no-one has
mentioned Denon.You can check out the
1801 for about $380-$420.There's several
sound fields including 5ch stereo.DTS and
DD with 70watts to all 5chs.Lots of
inputs with a extra one for a (6th ch.)
The Onkyo TX-DSS575X ($430-$500) is
worth a look. Great features same watts as
the Denon.Both Denon and the Onkyos have
a solid reputation.

FiveO

If you are going Sony be sure to get the DB series. The DB series has the inside workings of the ES series. The DE series has had problems.

I'm running a STR-DB930 myself and love it.

nizzo

I bought an Onkyo 575x and had to return it due to the terrible hiss.

I would definately go with Denon 2801. I ordered it last week after weeks of research and auditioning receivers in this price range.

You can get it for $450 plus shipping from www.crazyeddie.com. (MSRP is $700)

I agree with others to stay away from the Sony DE line. You may also want to consider Yamaha 5250.

Good luck.

cloud

I don't think it worth recommending Philips either.

Best brands would be Denon, Sony DB series, Yamaha RX-V and HTR series and Onkyo.

The Marantz and Pioneer Elite series are also good but I don't think they have anything in that price range.

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dfriedland

i saw the Denon 1801 for $318 at lgdsuperstore.com

dfriedland

crazyeddie.com also has the 1801 for $317.95, and the 2801 for $449.95

I'm so tempted

SoSpacey

Yamaha 596. Receiver is about 500 dollars and you can probably find it cheaper. Many many preset DSPs, awesome HT sound, DTS and DD, 110w x 5.

Much better, IMO, then the Sony or Pioneer. Onkyo is a close second.

Taco

I demo'd an Onkyo mid-line (about $600-700) 676 I think. was woefully underpowered and sounded very tin-ny or electronic in stereo mode. Hated it so much I didn't even listen to video surround. My wife listened for 5 seconds and told me to take it back. Was replacing a 20 year old Pioneer receiver which still sounds WAY better than the Onkyo.

Went with a Denon 3300 (which you can get for under $500 refurbished at uBid) or I would vote for the 1801 or 2801. Got the 1801 for my Mom and it's great, delivered under $350 at Crazy Eddies.

Xanager

I would have to recommend the Onkyo 575X. I haven't had any problems with mine. I know there was hissing problem with the 575, but I haven't heard a 575X with the problem. I have my set hooked up to an Energy Take 5 with a 10" sub and couldn't be happier in respects to "bang for the buck." For the money, I don't think that you can get a better receiver.
For a little more though, I have heard that the Denon 3300 is pretty good.
Best Price Audio and Video has the 575X for a pretty good price.

BT

quote:<HR>Originally posted by dfriedland:
anyone know anything about the Philips fr975?

it looks nice on paper... check it out on amazon... it's the same company as marantz<HR>

Uhh... stupid question, but can anyone shed light on this statement? Does Philips manufacture Marantz equipment? Or is it vice-versa? I'm confused...