Better Receiver: Yamaha or Onkyo

[GTaudiophile]

I'm looking for a good yet inexpensive 5.1 DTS/DD receiver for my dad. I've so far liked these two options:

Onkyo TXSR501 ($270 @ Circuit City)

Yamaha RXV530 ($200 @ Hifi-Buys)

What about other brands?

 

[CraigRT]

Onkyo is better than Yamaha... but Denon rocks the boat.

I'd buy a Denon in a second. infact I am looking @ the Denon 1804 for myself

 

[new2AMD]

1 vote for onkyo here

 

[GTaudiophile]

Hifi-Buys only sells this Denon receiver.

 

[conjur]

I've always had Yamaha but I might be persuaded to get the Onkyo.

 

[murphy55d]

GT...check this:

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=157373

Bought one myself... it works great. Will save you a bit of cash.

 

[Fausto]

Denon AVR1603 for $245 w/6¢ shipping.

They had it for $200 a while back, but $245 with essentially free shipping is still a good deal IMHO.

 

[CPA]

HK is the only way to go.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Without hesitation, the Harman/Kardon AVR 130

 

[Budmantom]

Onkyo, just because I have one.

 

[BornStar]

I got the Denon AVR-483 from 6ave.com. I think it's around $168 right now. I really like mine however there it doesn't switch S-Video which may or may not be a problem. It's a great reciever and does everything that I want it to (I only have one S-Video device).

 

[Stealth1024]

If you want the best check this out: http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/AnthemProduct/AVM20/AVM20.html

Although its $3000+ price tag may be a little hefty I have heard wonderful things.


Although that's just the preamp/processor you would also need to purchase seperate amps.

 

[BigSmooth]

I've had good luck with Yamaha and Denon. I also like my current Kenwood.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Stealth1024
If you want the best check this out: <a href="http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/AnthemProduct/AVM20/AVM20.html">http://www.anthemav.com/NewSitev2.0/AnthemProduct/AVM20/AVM20.html</A>

Although its $3000+ price tag may be a little hefty I have heard wonderful things.


Although that's just the preamp/processor you would also need to purchase seperate amps.

What part of "I'm looking for a good yet inexpensive 5.1 DTS/DD receiver for my dad." did you miss? $3000 plus a preamp is not "inexpensive" by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[biffbacon]

onkyo

 

[Turkish]

Onkyo
Proud TSX 601 owner here.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: Stealth1024
If you want the best check this out: Link

Although its $3000+ price tag may be a little hefty I have heard wonderful things.


Although that's just the preamp/processor you would also need to purchase seperate amps.

Yeah, like I'd buy a receiver that costs nearly twice what my TV did.

I have an Onkyo at home. Seems fine. Sounds good to me.

I doubt you could tell the difference between the Yamaha and Onkyo, though. I'm pretty sure I couldn't unless one is really bad.

 

[ExplodingBoy]

Normally I'd recommend Onkyo, but Yamaha is a good brand too (excellent DSP technology for example). In this case the deal-breaker for the Onkyo is only one component video input (the Yamaha has two). Other than that they both are pretty good. I would definitely stay away from H+K. Denon is very good but you'll likely have to sacrific features or pay extra $$$. Yamaha is only 5ch (Onkyo is 6ch) but honestly 5ch is probably Good Enough.

Note if your dad doesn't have any component video sources (no progressive scan DVD or High-Def TV) then maybe the Onkyo is a better buy. Onkyo also has multiroom (two sets of speakers) so if that is something your dad will use maybe the Onkyo is a good buy. I'm actually pretty biased towards the Onkyo having been using that brand with great success for like 10 yrs. However I see only one component vid. input as a pretty big negative, but maybe that doesn't matter to you.

 

[DrPizza]

I'd go with Onkyo, but I'm biased...

However, check online for prices... go to the Onkyo site and get a list of authorized internet retailers (there's only about a dozen)

Check the prices/shipping at each one... should be able to shave off a significant portion.
authorized internet dealers

Most have ads such as "WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD"... I went with SoundCity from NJ... they ended up out of stock of the model I wanted and I had to wait quite a while (I contacted Onkyo and Onkyo confirmed the problem was a national shortage of that model)

Best Price Audio is having a special (they always do) with free shipping on Onkyo home theater products. I believe Sound City and Best Price Audio both have the TX-SR501 for $250 -$260. AND you don't have the hassle of a $30 rebate. Plus, you're paying tax (most likely) on the 300 which is another $xx. As far as tax online... I guess that depends on how you feel about whether online purchases are taxed or not, and if they're not taxed whether you should feel obligated to pay the tax to your state.

J&R have it for under $250 with free shipping also. I wonder if the $30 rebate at CC is a CC rebate or if it's through onkyo.... that would make it $220 after rebate if it's through Onkyo.