HT Receiver recommendation

Stuart,

I wouldn't necessarily recommend a used HT receiver unless you really need to stay within a budget or you can find a very recent vintage receiver on the used market. The new receivers have HDMI input/output, auto-calibration (including room equalization), Dolby Pro-logic II, etc. These features greatly enhance the sonics of the newer units and make them much easier to use.

I can highly recommend the newer Onkyos from the TX-SR60X/TX-SR70X or TX-SR80X ranges. I saw a nearly new 705 for $570 here on AudiogoN this week. There's also a recent forum post from someone stating the 605 is extremely competent for under $500 new/street price.

I've owned Sony ES, Pioneer, Denon, B&K and Onkyo in recent years and I prefer my Onkyo to all of the others for HT duties. It sounds great and it is very easy to use.

Enjoy,

TIC

For less than $600 you can get a NEW Onkyo 705 shipped free from amzon/vanz. All the latest converting/processing. Exc a/v performance with a solid 100wpc and 7.1 capability. Otherwise, for 5-6 bills I would recommend looking for a used Emotiva setup.

Silly me...seriously consider a Cambridge Audio av recvr. Big bang for the buck sound quality. Your dign's will thank you.

Last week I just bought a brand new Pioneer VSX-74TXVi from Hi-Fi Heaven. Ask for Bill and he will be able to sell you one new in the box for $500. Found him on Videogon. Using mine as a home theater preamp which replaced an Outlaw Model 990. Sounds much better probably due to the much more sophisticated EQ mike software.

Slbenz

You may also consider a used Marantz SR-18. Wonderfully musical for 2 channel AND SUPERB for home theatre. They can be had for about $600 with a little patience and bargaining skills.