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Any mid-priced Receivers Worthwhile???

I auditioned an Onkyo Integra DTR-5.1 receiver today, driving small Paradigm satellites with an M&K subwoofer. The system sounded quite good spacially and in terms of its frequency range, but it had a little too much lower-treble presence for my liking. I'd like to take the plunge into surround sound, but so far, all the low and mid-priced receivers I've heard have exhibited this flaw to varying degrees. Right now I have good 2-channel sound using the venerable NAD 3020 integrated amp. I don't want to regret going to 5-channel surround. Perhaps the treble zing was in the speakers and not the Integra, I can't say for sure. So, my question is: are there any mid-priced receivers that won't bore holes through my skull during the length of a 2-hour flick, or can I only achieve natural sounding HT with high-priced gear?? Thanks in advance for any and all insight!
plato
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
The Perfect Vision magazine gave a very positive review in its current issue (#35) to the Outlaw Audio 1050 6.1 channel A/V receiver. Outlaw sells via Internet, thereby avoiding middle-man markups. The receiver provides 65 x 5 wpc, and sells for $600. Outlaw's Web address is: www.outlawaudio.com

The current issue of TPV also includes their "Editor's Choice Awards" (aka, "recommended components" list). Their choice of moderate and budget A/V receivers are:
1. Harmon-Kardon AVR 7000 ($1800)
2. NAD T751 ($750)
Both of these receivers were reviewed in Issue #34.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Plato: In response to Argent's post, you asked if the Adcom GTP-760 has the capability to separately adjust the gain settings for each channel. The answer is yes. The 760 has a built-in balance test generator, and with the use of the Radio Shack analog volume meter you can set the volume levels very precisely. I recently set up my ex-wife HT system which has an Adcom GTP-760, and we were able to get all 5 channels balanced within 0.5 db of each other using only the 760's internal balancing signal. For more info about the GTP-760, see the current issue (#35) of The Perfect Vision magazine (a very positive review).
bbroussard
189 posts
 
Charles, I like your suggestions, but you must be quoting retail prices. I got my SR-7000 for $675 in November.

Plato, as a current NAD owner, I think you should definitely research NAD options.

Brady
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Guys,

Many thanks for the interest and for all the great suggestions. I'm going to put the NAD T751 on my short list as well. Charles, I've had the opportunity to hear the NAD 3020 with a lot of different equipment and it has never failed to exceed my expectations. It's really a great little piece. In my HT system I have a Pioneer DV333 DVD player, a Hitachi 43" HDTV-ready rear projection TV, and a pair of Yamaha NS-A100XT 3-way tower speakers with two 6.5" woofers, 4" midrange and aluminum-dome tweeter (all aluminum-cone drivers with butyl surrounds). They seem to do a nice enough job considering their cheap $299/pr price -- tight punchy bass & a crisp, smooth, detailed mid-top. My main stereo speakers are the InnerSound Eros ESL hybrids, so I do have a decent point of reference. Happy Easter to All!!!
ehider
286 posts
 
I am an ultra high end guy that is just starting to dabble in home theater. For starters I bought an Outlaw reciever, and am quite impressed with its sound at the under $1000 price point. I'm not sure that there are ANY japanese offering that are less harsh sounding at this price point. I strongly suggest ordering one, and doing an a/b test against some other recievers. You can always return it within the 30 day trial period. (Mid-fi home theater chains offer the same sort of return policies. This would allow you to not make any mistakes trying to get the level of sound quality that you are looking for, without making an unfortunate purchace)
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