Looking for a Reciever for around $250-$300

[Slappy00]

So I have a bunch of cashback accumulated from buying gifts and want to get myself something for the living room. My trusty Sony STRDA555ES is finally on its last legs and keeps tripping protection faults during movies, also the remote is kind of wonky (noting wrong with it, but it is useless for anything other than turning sound up or down). So I was looking for an appropriate replacement.

My current setup is an average sized living room with two Polk Audio Monitor60 Series II Floorstanding Loudspeaker (no center speaker) and two old Pioneer floor speakers in the back. Connected I have a PS3, Samsung Plasma (the 60" Costco one), and an android tablet or phone for music (google music).

I have a budget of a max of $250-$300 (if it is >$250 it must have some sort of native streaming (see below)) for a receiver, and its main uses will be 50% music and 50% movies.

My two current candidates are:

Yamaha RX-V377 $199 Refurb

Sony STR-DH740

For both I'll need a coax bluetooth steaming adapter. An extra $49 so I guess realistically my spending price is $300 *if* the unit also has native bluetooth or convenient streaming method compatible with android.

Thanks!

 

[gus6464]

If you can stretch by $50 this destroys everything in the price range.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-E400...ds=denon+e-400

Audyssey Bronze and Airplay built-in.

 

[queequeg99]

I would ordinarily agree that the Denon is a great unit (the Audyssey room correction alone is worth it). However, if bluetooth streaming is really really important, you'll want to be sure it will work like you want it to. Denon didn't start to support bluetooth until this year's models so the E400 won't have it. However, it does support DLNA-based streaming. Maybe that will get you where you need to be. Or perhaps an app fix will work to allow you to take advantage of the Airplay support that Denon does offer (doubletwist, allstream, or something like them?).

 

[gus6464]

Who needs BT when you got Airplay?

 

[Slappy00]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Bluetooth is something I am familiar with and I know works with Android and google music. DLNA is something I tried to configure once but it seemed too much like a PIA and I thought airplay was an apple only thing?

I'm pretty sure that there are not any devices that have the streaming compatibility built in in my price range, but I figured I would ask since I haven't bought a receiver in over 10 years.

 

[queequeg99]

Who needs BT when you got Airplay?

I agree (especially if you're listening to higher quality audio). But he specifically wanted BT and if he's got some android setup that he really likes, he'll need to be sure he can get it to work smoothly in an airplay environment. He might need to either change apps he uses to play music or root his phone. Not that these are insurmountable obstacles. But the OP should be aware that last year's Denons very well might not offer a seemless out of the box experience when it comes to streaming music from an android device.

 

[queequeg99]

Just to clarify: You CAN use an android device with airplay. Even if you play your music through Google Play Music. However, you'll need to use a third party app (e.g. doubletwist, allstream, etc.) that will invariably require that your phone be rooted. If your phone is already rooted, you're golden since these apps cost only a few dollars. If not, you'll have to decide if you want to potentially void whatever warranty might be remaining on your phone.

Also, I note that one of your possibilities is a refurbished model. If you're willing to go that route, you should really look at the Denon's offered at accessories4less.com. They are an authorized seller of Denon refurbs so you do get a year of manufacturer's warranty. There are some good deals (again, assuming you're willing to roll the dice with a refurb). Here's one I saw that includes native bluetooth support:

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ultra-hd-a/v-receiver-w/bluetooth-wifi/1.html

 

[BeeBoop]

Wait and search through Best Buy clearance. I got my 1913 for 75$ around this time of year. It was the display model. If you can't wait and search, just buy new. Searching can be done online at best buy clearances and getting alerts from slick deals.

 

[queequeg99]

Wait and search through Best Buy clearance.

Another good suggestion. I just bought a Denon X3000 for $500 through Best Buy clearance (and a 1713 a year ago for $175). There can be some screaming deals, but they can get really sparse at the lower end. But if you find something on the cusp of your budget, go in and ask for a bigger discount as they can make adjustments on the spot.

 

[tential]

If a fully featured remote is something you want, I wouldn't go with Denon or Yamaha.

My Onkyo remote can control every device.

Unless you plan on getting a separate universal remote, I'd go with Onkyo or Pioneer for a lowend receiver.
I'd check over at AVSforum for any model specific issues as well.

The Denon receiver has great Audyssey though. MultiEQ at that price range is very good. I'd again check over at AVSForum though. I've seen peopel claim multieq and ship with a severely stripped down version of it.

Depends on what features are important to you though.

 

[Slappy00]

Just to clarify: You CAN use an android device with airplay. Even if you play your music through Google Play Music. However, you'll need to use a third party app (e.g. doubletwist, allstream, etc.) that will invariably require that your phone be rooted. If your phone is already rooted, you're golden since these apps cost only a few dollars. If not, you'll have to decide if you want to potentially void whatever warranty might be remaining on your phone.

Also, I note that one of your possibilities is a refurbished model. If you're willing to go that route, you should really look at the Denon's offered at accessories4less.com. They are an authorized seller of Denon refurbs so you do get a year of manufacturer's warranty. There are some good deals (again, assuming you're willing to roll the dice with a refurb). Here's one I saw that includes native bluetooth support:

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...ultra-hd-a/v-receiver-w/bluetooth-wifi/1.html

Thanks for the tips, I do have a rooted note 3, so ill look up the apps and that refurb site looks good. I have had good results with refurbs in the past, but amazon only has so much selection of refurbs.

 

[tential]

Thanks for the tips, I do have a rooted note 3, so ill look up the apps and that refurb site looks good. I have had good results with refurbs in the past, but amazon only has so much selection of refurbs.

Was a good remote important to you?
Because like I mentioned, that Denon has a horrendous remote taht again does exactly what you complained about. Essentially only useful for volume.

I'd take the Onkyo/Yamaha refurbs. They all have better remotes.
The TX-NR626 is there with the same exact features, except you get the better remote that controls your TV and AVR (and anything else in the room).

 

[Slappy00]

Was a good remote important to you?
Because like I mentioned, that Denon has a horrendous remote taht again does exactly what you complained about. Essentially only useful for volume.

I'd take the Onkyo/Yamaha refurbs. They all have better remotes.
The TX-NR626 is there with the same exact features, except you get the better remote that controls your TV and AVR (and anything else in the room).

The Sony Remote for my STRDA555ES is impossible to understand, I can't even figure out how to turn the system off with it. At this point anything would be an upgrade, but the simpler the better: Volume, input, soundfield (stereo, surround), power, just simple things that are used often.

I'm taking a hard look at the NR626

 

[tential]

The Sony Remote for my STRDA555ES is impossible to understand, I can't even figure out how to turn the system off with it. At this point anything would be an upgrade, but the simpler the better: Volume, input, soundfield (stereo, surround), power, just simple things that are used often.

I'm taking a hard look at the NR626

Doesn't have a power button?

If you're looking for a simple remote, then all these will work. If you want to use one universal remote though, the Denon is a no go unless you're willing to spend cash and a lot of it(no clue why it's a simple feature).

Again, I'd prefer to see the area you're placing the receiver in. I wouldn't place Onkyo in a nonwell ventilated area. They USED to overheat, in poorly ventilated areas. That said, mine is in an extremely poorly ventilated area running 24/7 for a long time now and is going fine.

 

[Slappy00]

Doesn't have a power button?

If you're looking for a simple remote, then all these will work. If you want to use one universal remote though, the Denon is a no go unless you're willing to spend cash and a lot of it(no clue why it's a simple feature).

Again, I'd prefer to see the area you're placing the receiver in. I wouldn't place Onkyo in a nonwell ventilated area. They USED to overheat, in poorly ventilated areas. That said, mine is in an extremely poorly ventilated area running 24/7 for a long time now and is going fine.

Thanks for your help I did some reasearch and chose:

The Sony STRDH750

It is the same price as the Yam, and has BT built in. It is cheaper than the Onkyo and I don't see myself using most of the features of the Onkyo.

I must admit that I do have a certain bias to Sony since I have never had a bad Sony product, but who knows what the put out there these days. I will be placing the receiver in a slightly confined area (a slot in the entertainment system cabinet), so I might have to reconsider putting it elsewhere as my current Sony receiver doesn't have much clearance. I'll see what eh manual says and follow its advice.