Home theater tech is now so popular that I am beginning to see brand-name Dolby Digital/DTS receivers with a good number of features for less than $200!

My trusty ol' NAD stereo receiver (good quality but totally no-frills) is beginning to die on me, so I am wondering what I can get that costs very little and performs very big. One brick and mortar store near me had a Kenwood receiver for about $157!!!

If I can get something good and cheap I may actually have enough money left over for 3 more speakers, too. :) Anyone, do you have recommendations?

Probably not much UNDER $200...
 

You probably won't be able to find a decent name-brand DD/ DTS receiver for under $200... more likely at or above $200 is where you begin to find decent receivers... Mosey on over to your local electronics store and have a listen to all of the cheaper receivers and see if you can tell much difference with the ones that are twice the price. :) You might be surprised...

-BT

nonsense. there are several solid receivers that can be had for under $200 online with some shopping around. my pioneer 509 was around $250 shipped. the 409 (few less bells and whistles, but essentially the same) can be found for $200 shipped.

there is also a decent kenwood in that price range. again, online.

I second that.

I got a Sony STR-DE835 (DD/DTS)for about $200 at Service Mechandise (dont laugh, please) and it does very well in my 14x22 foot livingroom.

I got the JVC RX-6500V for $200 when Merceta was still around. I've been extremely happy with it and it provides both DD and DTS. You just need to keep your eyes open and shop around for a while.

I have to agree with BT, since none of the suggestions so far is less than $200 (let alone $157). Try finding something in the $200-300 MSRP range and buy it cheaper online.

^bump to the top. Any more opinions on this?

First time to this Forum. I'm looking at a sub-$250 receiver myself.

Thanks!

I have a Pioneer VSX-d409. I paid 269.00 Canadian Dollars(open box). So I'm sure you can find this for less than 200 US (or close to it).

I love this receiver, My setup is the VSX-d409, Polk CS245i center, Polk R10 rears, Abrtract Acoustics Mains (I've never heard of them either but they rock), and the Sony sub. And trust me this sounds amazing. I know that there's a lot that will put this to shame, but I'm very happy with it.

I hope this helps.