Recommendations for a new home theatre receiver

[WillErickson]

Hello all, I'm looking to replace my failing home theatre receiver. My speakers are still working great, just need a receiver. I'm not really knowledgeable on home theatre specs, but a few needs/wants:

-3 optical inputs would be great, but could survive on 1
-4 component video inputs would also be nice
-needs to be dolby digital/DTS capable
-would like to stay under $400
-I'm somewhat brand loyal to Sony

Thanks, Will

 

[ANYTIME]

Buy it at Costco and you'll always have that forever return policy going for you, wether it be next week or 5 years from now.

 

[WillErickson]

Current unit is a Kenwood, about 4 years old, so not too bad a lifespan. I can't shop at Cosco, I work for a competitor (Wal-Mart)....

Will

 

[NetViper]

I am not personally a big fan of sony, but my dad has one that is in your price range and he really likes it. I would at least get 2 optical inputs. 1 for dvd and 1 for DVR.

 

[chumch]

Here's and easy place to look:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tmCZLbwyCBz/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=10420

 

[WillErickson]

I have a DVR/DVD recorder combo, the reason I need 3 optical/ 4 component video inputs are for all my game systems.

Will

 

[hlweyl]

I'm going to be in the market for one soon also. Here's a great place to start searching for what fits you: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?forumid=90

and it's hard to beat the prices and service here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home/

 

[ncdogdoc]

You will have a difficult time finding more than two component inputs on a receiver in that price range. You will be better served finding a simple input switcher.

BTW, you are always better off using coax digital inputs if available, just be sure to use true 75 ohm interconnects, just like for video.

 

[ryans]

I have a SONY STR-DA30ES. This is an awesome system and for the price you can't go wrong. It has 5 optical inputs, 10 million other inputs on the back. It doesn't have component inputs, as it was made in 1998, but I would just use a converter box. I'm using all SVideo for my gaming systems and those are pretty crystal clear.

I have mine setup so I can just put it on Video 1 for my satelitte, or Video 3 for my games. No need to have to fiddle with the TV to change the mode. Here is a link to a fresh one on Ebay. hell if this one doesn't get many bids I might buy it as a 2nd system.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39800&item=5760431024&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[ryans]

i'd also keep an eye on this one. The 50ES has more power and a better remote.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39790&item=5760334208&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[caseycarson]

I'm using a Yamaha. I'm really happy with it. I'm not sure of the model #, but it was about $1200. I'm running Polks on a 5.1 setup. I can shake my neighbor's house if I choose to.

 

[robr]

enter the world of high end...... go to ebay, buy a lexicon dc-1 w/dts and ac-3. $300-$500. then you just need an amp to go with it. it will BLOW YOU AWAY (good speakers required)

 

[NSX-Stalker]

Check out Outlaw audio.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/home.html

NSX-Stalker

 

[NsXMas]

I have a Yamaha HTR-5760, which is well regarded. It's alsmot too powerful. I have 2 surround sound speakers sitting on a table, and the thick cable leading to the speakers got so warm due to the power that it actually melted some of the wood of the table.

 

[sjones]

I have the marantz 7500 series and i've been very pleased with its performance so far. This was an upgrade from a sony str-de935 receiver.
For your price range, I would recommend a marantz sr4500

http://us.marantz.com/shop/_templates/Proddetail.asp?model=7&cat=15

 

[robr]

I have a Yamaha HTR-5760, which is well regarded. It's alsmot too powerful. I have 2 surround sound speakers sitting on a table, and the thick cable leading to the speakers got so warm due to the power that it actually melted some of the wood of the table.

what kind of wood have you discovered that melts? .

 

[Doc C]

I've had good luck with Yamaha and Denon. Both have good power and a lot of features. They have models that vary in price, but the Yamaha has fantastic DSP for listening to live concerts and to enhance movies as well. Just my $.02.