Best AV receiver around $500?

samwoo2go · 02-07-2009, 08:44 PM

Whats the best bang for the buck receiver for around $500

All I need is MIN 2 HDMI input and 1 HDMI output, 1080p capable, True HD sound, 5.1, and coaxial sub out.

Im looking at these 3 brands only Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha.

Thanks

2kaccordocoupe · 02-08-2009, 03:47 PM

I have brand loyalty to Yamaha as I currently have a RXZ1 and an RX-V1400.

AjzRide · 02-08-2009, 07:52 PM

I have a Harmon Kardon AVR-247, which meet your specs, and I love it. The sound of an HK is second to none, and the on screen menu makes it a breeze to use. Also the firmware upgrade is pretty simple, I've done two already (Added more audio codecs). It also accepts Linear PCM from a PS3 or other BluRay Player. Of the three you had initially listed, the Denon will have the best sound.

Dwn2earth610 · 02-08-2009, 08:55 PM

i have a onkyo and a denon they are awesome. you can prob get a basic onkyo for around 500. but if you wanna spend go with denon

sinnet112 · 02-08-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AjzRide

I have a Harmon Kardon AVR-247, which meet your specs, and I love it. The sound of an HK is second to none, and the on screen menu makes it a breeze to use. Also the firmware upgrade is pretty simple, I've done two already (Added more audio codecs). It also accepts Linear PCM from a PS3 or other BluRay Player. Of the three you had initially listed, the Denon will have the best sound.

+1 on HK. Have an old AVR-635 (doesn't have HDMI, but it's more than 5 or 6 years old) but it still sounds amazing even with optical audio.

Chewyjr15 · 02-08-2009, 10:03 PM

I would look into pioneer they really make good stuff, i had an NAD 722 that was constantly breaking and needing repairs i got a pioneer elite the cheapest one in the elite line and it has lasted 2 year so far and is going strong. It has 2 hdmi in 1 out.

samwoo2go · 02-08-2009, 10:23 PM

i did some research, probably going to want at least 3 HDMI in for maybe a karaokee machine later on (common im Asian), I dismissed the Yamaha for that. I dismissed Sony because they have shitty sound unless you go really high end on their line up. I dismissed HK because even tho they have great sound, they have a lot of quirks and kinks and poor QC. I dismissed the Onkyo for the heat issues.

So we are left with Denon.

I found a Denon AVR-1909 for $486 free shipping and no tax on 6ave.com with a 25% off online coupon code, I think Imna get that. It has mostly everything I want and more. Most of quality and performance reviews are good with laborious setup and shitty manual, but most seem to agree that you can figure everything out in 2 days and not have to touch it for years to come. I think its worth it. What do you guys think?

02-07-2009, 08:44 PM	#1
samwoo2go Banned 442 Rep 779 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	Best AV receiver around $500? Whats the best bang for the buck receiver for around $500 All I need is MIN 2 HDMI input and 1 HDMI output, 1080p capable, True HD sound, 5.1, and coaxial sub out. Im looking at these 3 brands only Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha. Thanks
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02-08-2009, 03:47 PM	#2
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1270 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	I have brand loyalty to Yamaha as I currently have a RXZ1 and an RX-V1400.
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02-08-2009, 07:52 PM	#3
AjzRide Enlisted Member 0 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 1965 Mustang 351w Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mobile, AL iTrader: (2)	I have a Harmon Kardon AVR-247, which meet your specs, and I love it. The sound of an HK is second to none, and the on screen menu makes it a breeze to use. Also the firmware upgrade is pretty simple, I've done two already (Added more audio codecs). It also accepts Linear PCM from a PS3 or other BluRay Player. Of the three you had initially listed, the Denon will have the best sound.
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02-08-2009, 08:55 PM	#4
Dwn2earth610 avant-garde 19 Rep 124 Posts Drives: to work everyday Join Date: May 2008 Location: jersey iTrader: (0)	i have a onkyo and a denon they are awesome. you can prob get a basic onkyo for around 500. but if you wanna spend go with denon
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02-08-2009, 10:03 PM	#6
Chewyjr15 1 addict and proud! 42 Rep 570 Posts Drives: jb 135 on order Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: irvine, ca iTrader: (0)	I would look into pioneer they really make good stuff, i had an NAD 722 that was constantly breaking and needing repairs i got a pioneer elite the cheapest one in the elite line and it has lasted 2 year so far and is going strong. It has 2 hdmi in 1 out. __________________ 2009 135 in transit jet black, coral red, 6mt. sports, hifi, ipod usb, idrive parts sitting in garage: RR intake, plenum, ddv, cdv, catless dp's, o2 sim, catback, bmw performance shifter, m door sills, cf spoiler, cf mirror caps, cf grills, cf pedals.
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02-08-2009, 10:23 PM	#7
samwoo2go Banned 442 Rep 779 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	i did some research, probably going to want at least 3 HDMI in for maybe a karaokee machine later on (common im Asian), I dismissed the Yamaha for that. I dismissed Sony because they have shitty sound unless you go really high end on their line up. I dismissed HK because even tho they have great sound, they have a lot of quirks and kinks and poor QC. I dismissed the Onkyo for the heat issues. So we are left with Denon. I found a Denon AVR-1909 for $486 free shipping and no tax on 6ave.com with a 25% off online coupon code, I think Imna get that. It has mostly everything I want and more. Most of quality and performance reviews are good with laborious setup and shitty manual, but most seem to agree that you can figure everything out in 2 days and not have to touch it for years to come. I think its worth it. What do you guys think?
	Appreciate 0 Quote