I need a new receiver. Now or wait?

[Arcadio]

My Onkyo receiver failed after 4 years of use. I'm thinking of getting a new receiver in the $400-$600 range. Any recommendations other than Onkyo? Should I get it now or wait for black Friday?

 

[sdifox]

Isn't bf sale already on?

 

[Imp]

One week to Black Friday...

My Pioneer base model is, surprisingly, still kicking after close to a decade. Think I got it in 2006? Been used daily since. It's a VSX-516. They're up to some bigger number by now, but there are 8xx and 10xx series too. The 5xx and 8xx should be in your price range.

 

[unrlmth]

What sort of features do you need? If you don't need the latest features, you can often get older higher end models for cheap. I'm currently running a Rotel I picked up for $200 and an Integra that I got for $80 which mostly likely be >$1k with modern features.

But if you want new there's no point in not waiting to see if there's anything good since we are already so close.

 

[Anubis]

i can sell you a Yamaha RX-A3000 for 500$

 

[boomhower]

I'm a big fan of Denon. I can't recommend enough that you get something with Audyssey, preferably the XT variety. If you can deal with a refurb accessories4less has great deals on refurb'd Denons.

 

[A5]

I'm a big fan of Denon. I can't recommend enough that you get something with Audyssey, preferably the XT variety. If you can deal with a refurb accessories4less has great deals on refurb'd Denons.

Yeah. Amazon Warehouse usually has some good deals, too.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I'm a big fan of Denon. I can't recommend enough that you get something with Audyssey, preferably the XT variety. If you can deal with a refurb accessories4less has great deals on refurb'd Denons.

QFT

 

[slag]

I'm a big fan of Denon. I can't recommend enough that you get something with Audyssey, preferably the XT variety. If you can deal with a refurb accessories4less has great deals on refurb'd Denons.

x2

edit.. err, x3 apparently

 

[ibex333]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I got a n00b question...

Why do people get receivers when there are amps? Isn't a receiver just a glorified amp that has AM/FM radio? (Never mind the video up-scaling capabilities - lets focus on sound only right now)

As I understand, the receiver cannot magically improve the sound quality. The sound will only be as good as the source is... Right? So then the receiver only amplifies the sound. Makes it louder... But I can just use an amp for that.


Can someone explain where my thinking is horribly flawed?

 

[unrlmth]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I got a n00b question...

Why do people get receivers when there are amps? Isn't a receiver just a glorified amp that has AM/FM radio? (Never mind the video up-scaling capabilities - lets focus on sound only right now)

As I understand, the receiver cannot magically improve the sound quality. The sound will only be as good as the source is... Right? So then the receiver only amplifies the sound. Makes it louder... But I can just use an amp for that.


Can someone explain where my thinking is horribly flawed?

Traditionally, a receiver is an amplifier and a tuner. Modern HT receivers have many more functions though. Surround sound, HDMI switch, DACs, surround decoding, room correction, etc.

 

[A5]

Yeah. The other option is pre/pro + amps, but that's relegated to the high end because it costs more than the combined HT Receiver. But these days you have to have something to process all the digital audio formats in use.

 

[tential]

Yeah. The other option is pre/pro + amps, but that's relegated to the high end because it costs more than the combined HT Receiver. But these days you have to have something to process all the digital audio formats in use.

Depends. I use my Onkyo Receiver as a preamp. Then I purchased amps to use with it. I got the receiver for $350 from Onkyo refurbished. Since most Onkyo receivers fail due to heat issues, taking out using the amp section drastically reduces heat (my guess anyway).
I have an inuke amp (I do not recommend unless you're willing to do a fan mod and willing to take a risk on it failing)
and a CrownXLS1500 (I do recommend but they're more expensive)
To drive speakers + Subwoofer (Inuke amp drives rear speakers and subs. It's the NU4-6000).

It's not necessary though and most users will be fine with using a receiver with no external amplification. Just put your receiver ina well ventilated area, especially if it's an Onkyo lol.

 

[A5]

Kinda proves my point if a "low-end" pre/pro is just buying a receiver and then spending a bunch of extra money on amps

 

[Arcadio]

I ended up getting the Yamaha RX-V675 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver with Airplay

I'm pretty satisfied so far, but I need to play with it a little bit more.

 

[hawtdawg]

Accessories4less.

You can get a Denon X3100w for 600. It's the newest model, HDMI 2.0, Dolby Atmos etc. It's refurbished, but it still has a 1 year warranty.

I'm gonna pounce on an X4100w whenever they get one in stock.

 

[queequeg99]

I've gotten some good deals buying open box at Best Buy. I picked up a Denon 1713 last year for $175 and just bought a Denon X3000 last weekend for $500. Both were in perfect condition (they were showroom models) and came with the full 3 year manufacturer's warranty.

 

[ComputerWizKid]

Just curious what was wrong with the Onkyo and also what was the model number?