Receiver Selection Help for a Friend

[tryrrthg]

I've been out of the receiver loop for MANY years now so I need a little help finding one for a friend. He's putting together an HT for his basement. I'm having him buy the Athena AS-C1, AS-B2, and AS-B1. now he needs a receiver (he only needs 5.1)

I would like to buy him a used Rotel RSX-1055 but I think that will be out of his budget (and is more than I think he should spend).

Anyway, here is what I've come across so far. Let me know what you guys think or if you have any other suggestions. I'm looking to keep it around $400. THANKS!

Refurbished Onkyo 702 (http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4010994) - 1 year warranty

HK 525Z (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=AVR%20525-Z&status=)

HK 430Z (http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=AVR%20430-Z&status=)

There are also a few Denon's at ecost but the warranty is only 90 days and he might be a bit hesitant about that. Has anyone bought refurbished/reconditioned from ecost?

I'm open to used models too, I just don't know the going rates very well.

Any help would be GREAT! Thanks!

[jet2001]

The customer reviews scared me away from Ecost (they were horrible and I'm suprised they are still in business), but I just bought a referbed Denon from Ubid.com. It hasn't arrived yet, arrival date is friday.

I don't have much experience with Onkyo, but I've auditioned H/K's and Denon's. The Denon had more bells and whistles in the models within my price range, that's why I chose Denon. I don't think your friend could go wrong with either one and I'm sure someone around here can give advice on the Onkyo.

Good Luck!

[tryrrthg]

Thanks for the info, jet2001!

I'll probably stear clear of ecost.

anyone else have any info/suggestions?

I did forget to mention that the receiver should be as user friendly as possible. My friend is not into this stuff at all, so it has to be easy to use.

[Mike682]

I have heard good things about HK refurbs. New HK receivers come with a 2 year warranty. Harmanaudio says the HK refurbs carry the original manufacturer's warranty:

These are products that are reduced in price due to small physical imperfections or damaged packaging, are unused returns from our dealers, or are no longer in production. All of them meet our original specifications and, unless specifically noted otherwise, carry the original factory warranties.

Sounds like you get a 2 yr warranty.

Also they give you 30days to return an item:

You may return any item purchased on our Web site for any reason, within the first 30 days. We'll gladly exchange your product or give you a refund for the full amount of the merchandise - whichever you prefer. No restocking fees. No questions asked. Your only cost is the shipping fee back to us.

Mike

[ND13]

Originally posted by Mike682
[B]I have heard good things about HK refurbs. New HK receivers come with a 2 year warranty. Harmanaudio says the HK refurbs carry the original manufacturer's warranty:

+1

[tryrrthg]

Originally posted by Mike682
Sounds like you get a 2 yr warranty.
VERY nice info, thanks Mike! I will see if he has a preference.

Thanks everyone!

[ND13]

Originally posted by tryrrthg
VERY nice info, thanks Mike! I will see if he has a preference.

Thanks everyone!

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