Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

[ODogg]

I think my Kenwood is dying, not sure though. Anyways, for a while i've considered upgrading anyways as the Kenwood only has one digital optical input which is a real pain as I have to use a switchbox.

So I'm looking in the $300-$500 range for a receiver that has at least 3 (4 would be even better) optical inputs, is at least 5.1 surround sound and having HDMI switching or pass thru would be nice as well, but not mandatory. I'd also like a video output if possible so I can setup and change things on the receiver on my tv screen but this is also not mandatory.

I've been looking at Harmdon Kardon but the Best Buy guy said they were pretty complex to setup and directed me to Yamaha. And then online I've been looking at Onkyos.

Anyone got any recommendations?

[fishepa]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

Marantz sr4600 would fit the bill I believe.

Edit: It only has 2 optical inputs and no HDMI however, but it's only about $300.

[ODogg]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

Marantz sr4600 would fit the bill I believe.

Edit: It only has 2 optical inputs and no HDMI however, but it's only about $300.

thanks, i'm going to read up about it now..

EDIT - hey i found this one for only $99 more and it has HDMI, 3 optical in, 2 coax in and looks pretty awesome, has a backlit remote too..

http://us.marantz.com/Products/1867.asp

[fishepa]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

thanks, i'm going to read up about it now..

EDIT - hey i found this one for only $99 more and it has HDMI, 3 optical in, 2 coax in and looks pretty awesome, has a backlit remote too..

http://us.marantz.com/Products/1867.asp

If you like that receiver you can get it here for $399. They are an authorized reseller of Marantz so the warranty is covered. I've bought both my Marantz receivers from them and have not had any problems.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4001

[ODogg]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

If you like that receiver you can get it here for $399. They are an authorized reseller of Marantz so the warranty is covered. I've bought both my Marantz receivers from them and have not had any problems.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4001

eXcellent! thanks for the link. i was looking at this other place but wasn't sure about them as I'd never heard of them. i think either next pay or the pay after i'm going to go ahead and order this, it's the best deal for the money that i've been able to find. the closest thing to that receiver is the yamaha the best buy guy showed me but it's an additional $100 so this is a heck of a deal.

[mjb2124]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

I've been looking at Harmdon Kardon but the Best Buy guy said they were pretty complex to setup

I've had a Harmon Kardon AVR340 for a few years now. It wasn't hard to setup at all.

There are a lot of options though. You could conceivably plug it in and let it go, but you wouldn't be taking advantage of all it has to offer. You would connect if via s-video to your TV and then name each input and run through some of the other screens to configure other options.

There is also the option of hooking up the supplied microphone to it, placing the microphone where you'll sit and then let the receiver run through a series of test sounds to auto-configure everything (ie: x-overs, delay adjust, channel adjust). Be aware that the series of signals it lets out are VERY loud.

[ODogg]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

I've had a Harmon Kardon AVR340 for a few years now. It wasn't hard to setup at all.

There are a lot of options though. You could conceivably plug it in and let it go, but you wouldn't be taking advantage of all it has to offer. You would connect if via s-video to your TV and then name each input and run through some of the other screens to configure other options.

There is also the option of hooking up the supplied microphone to it, placing the microphone where you'll sit and then let the receiver run through a series of test sounds to auto-configure everything (ie: x-overs, delay adjust, channel adjust). Be aware that the series of signals it lets out are VERY loud.

Yeah that microphone deal sounded awesome. But yeah I read the manual online and I about crapped my leg. Even as a technical person it made me scared, very scared LOL...

[mjb2124]

Re: Any suggestions on an decent 5.1 stereo receiver?

Yeah that microphone deal sounded awesome. But yeah I read the manual online and I about crapped my leg. Even as a technical person it made me scared, very scared LOL...

Honestly, there's not much reason to be scared.

I knew very little about x-overs and delay adjust and all that other stuff when I got the receiver. However, I used the microphone and set it up. Then I read some info on the internet and tweaked it from there to my liking. Sounds good to me now so I'm leaving it as is!