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Looking for budget reciever for second system.

Hello,

I am looking for a budget reciever for a second system. My maximum budget is US$300.

I have Monitor Audio B1s on the way which I plan to use as fronts, and Mission M30is fo use as rears. I will figure out a center channel later.

the system will be mainly used for music. I was wondering if you have any recommendations. I am not in a situation where I can audition to anything other than cheap recievers that are six years old because of my location, so that is out of the question for now.

I am looking at the Teac AG-L800, The Onkyo TX-SR503, and Pioneer VS-X515 recievers new and am looking at a a few things that I have seen here on Audiogon; Sony AVD-S50es, Harman kardon AVR-135, Yamaha RX-V496.

Any suggestions on any of these or other choices are appreciated.

I am leaning to the Teac because of its size and the remote looks great, but if it doesnt sound the part, then its not worth it. Also the Sony is a great option because it has the dvd player built in, but once again, the sound needs to be decent.
eccbo
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,789 posts
 
Go with the Onkyo TX-SR503. This particular model is well built; offers good sound; and does more things right than wrong, as it gets the trickle down from its bigger brothers in the line. If you can email me a fax number for youself, I can send to you a copy of a review of the SR 503 just done by Sensible Sound magazine. I owned a previous incarnation of this model (494) and was very pleased with it.

Regards, Rich
tripper
223 posts
 
I vote for the Onkyo, but there are more choices a la Marantz and Denon. I always thought Onkyo had the best tuners and are very reliable with decent sonics. The TEAC has its advantages as you point out. And of course, there are many NAD fans out there. The all-in-one units may try to do too much with too little but the seller of the Sony seems happy with his unit. Then again, he is selling! If power supplies could scream...

At these prices, I think it is best to keep the player out of the receiver, but you should follow your priorities, not mine. At least you have a great selection thanks to Audiogon, and the best part, you can bypass CC and BB! Good luck.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
you can get the new harman kardon 2 channel for your budget, and its nealy as good as the magnum dynalab 208 which is close to 3k. lots of good classic receivers out there too from marantz and yamaha.
wrtickle
103 posts
 
I have had excellent results with the following three:

harman kardon avr20 mkII
carver hr-895 and htr-880

I owned each a minimum of 5 years and was very satisfied with each for their musical reproduction, especially at the prices (or lack thereof) they command today. I think the hk avr25 would be also be of interest, although I have not owned it.

Of course if you want dolby digital/dts and modern home theater features you'll have to look elsewhere.
eccbo OP
24 posts
 
thanks for the replies guys.

The Sony sale looks like it may have fallen through so thats out of the question.

Thanks for the recs for the Onkyo. It was second on the list for the new/refurb ones behind the Teac.

I still have a lot to consider. I will keep looking on Audiogon for a few days before i amke up my mind, but I would love to purchase soon.

Keep the recommendations coming. I would love to hear them.

D
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