Which Receiver?

[Bolt]

New to the site and new to component home theater. Have had a Panasonic HTIB that is about 7 years old and decided it's time to upgrade. Have always wanted Polk speakers and finally purchased a set of RM6750. Not the biggest baddest Polk's out there, but am extremely impressed with the sound. I guess coming from HITB speakers with a passive sub will do that. My next purchase by the end of the month is the receiver. I am having a tough decision between the Harmon/Kardon AVR245 and the Pioneer VSX-1016. They have definate sound differences. The H/K is more of a deep mellow sound but with punch where the Pioneer is crisp with definate definition between highs and lows. But in their own way, they both sound good to me. I watch movies and listen to music about 50/50....maybe more on the music side now that i think about it. I just wonder if the H/K may not be the best choice for home theater. Just seeing what you all think about it.

[tonyb]

Welcome to our humble forum.Don't have either one but maybe others will chime in here.One small observation,you answered your own question,you said you liked them both.Thats the main ticket my friend.The HK will be fine on the movie side.Bring your fav DVD to a dealer and have at it.Audition what you want and let your ears guide you.

[AndyGwis]

Welcome, Bolt.

My journey to Polk was the same as yours, so you may appreciate my input. I had a Panasonic HT (SA-HT80) for about 6 years. I was looking for better speakers and a receiver and stumbled onto Polk at Tweeter (they were having a sale, I'm a sucker for sales).

Anyway, I passed on the package speakers (RM series) and went with the Monitor setup. I initially purchased the Pioneer VSX-1015 and enjoyed it, but found it lacking for HT power. After upgrading to the HK 635 (you'll be more than fine with the 245) and getting a better sub, I couldn't be happier.

The HK blew away the Pioneer for only like $125 more dollars. The watts are rated lower, but it's very high current and an all-around better piece of equipment. If I were in your shoes, I'd get a refurb HK off ebay on the cheap.

I don't think you could go wrong with either receiver, but, personally and having owned both, I think HK is the way to go.

[Bolt]

Thanks for the input guys. Andy.....Panasonic SA-HT70 here. Funny, very similar backgrounds in home theater.:D

[Mjr7531]

Hello there,

I can't say I've owned an HTiB, but I have owned a Pioneer Receiver and H/K receiver, I don't know about the Pioneer Elite line, but the Harmon Kardon stomps the normal Pioneers in my opinion, much better features, the wattage is rated 20Hz-20kHz all channels driven (the Pioneer receivers are measured at 1000kHz, one channel at a time)

It brought life to my old subwoofer, etc. It was an astounding difference.and they were about 150 bucks apart, the pioneer being on the lower end of that ($200)

Hope that helps!

[TennesseeOutlaw]

I would most definately go with H/K! Far superior product IMO. And as Andy stated with Ebay, that is a great idea.. Harman International places several refurbished untis on Ebay. These leave the factory with the same standards as a brand new product.

Good luck

Josh