Receiver Suggestions

[Tim D.]

I am looking for recommendations on a receiver that will meet my needs and let me get the most out of my new Polk speakers. Any feedback would be great.

Needs:
7.1
pre-outs (I won't be adding an amp immediately, but I plan to in the future)
bi-amp capability on rear surrounds

I have just purchased some RTi8's for the front, CSi5 for the center, and RTi4's for the back. In the short term, I would like to bi-amp the RTi8's using the rear surround channels, and eventually get a separate amp. I also have a PSW303 and a Boston Acoustics PV600 from my old system.

I also just got a Panasonic DMP-BD60K blu-ray, so the receiver would need to have all the video components to fully support that. I am probably 80% HT and 20% music.

My budget is around $400-450, which I know is not enough to get what I need new, so I will be looking in the used market. I appreciate your help!

[ND13]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-354-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI_W0QQitemZ180341710001QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRecei vers_Tuners?hash=item180341710001&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

[cnh]

Tim D.

That's a FANTASTIC price for a nice, 'warm' sounding receiver with pre-outs and everything else you need! I was going to suggest the HK AVR254. But this is even better and it's refurbed by H.K. so (warranty is there?).

Great call!

cnh

[vijayl]

I'm running similar speakers as you do. Onkyo TX-SR805 and it is fantastic. If you are interested - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/1100235089.html

[Conradicles]

Welcome to Club Polk Tim D.
Good to have another NC guy here!

harman kardon AVR354 would be my choice as well. They sound good with Polks.
Let us know what you choose. Enjoy.

[Tim D.]

I have the opportunity to get a used Onkyo tx-sr705 for $350. Would that be better than the HK AVR354?

[cnh]

Tim,

I'd listen to the H.K. also. And then decide. This is really subjective question. Because the 705 also has everything you need. Onkyos are also nice receivers. Some like H.K. better, others prefer the Onkyo. I'd say it's a toss up? But that price on the HK is fairly unbeatable.

cnh

[ND13]

Both have high current amp sections, but in my experience the HKs are always underated and are rated from 20-20k instead of 1k. I've never owned an Onkyo AVR, but have owned one of their stereo receivers in the past. I prefer the HK and they make a decent pre if you decide to add an external amp.

[Tim D.]

I noticed that the power is only 75 watt/ch. with the HK. How does that compare to Onkyo's power ratings (because I know it isn't like comparing apples to apples all the time.

Would 75 wpc be enough for my setup?

[ND13]

See post 8

[cnh]

As ND13 rightly points out, HK ratings are the real thing. The Onkyo power is a bit overstated. The HK 354 should have no problem powering your system until you get external amps.

[ND13]

HKs ratings aren't peak, either. I've owned several pieces of HK gear over the years and am using a 3380 for my state of the art 2.1 HT system:D and have never had anything go wrong with any of them. My 3380 stays on 24/7 and has been since 2005. I've driven SDAs, Monitor 10s, Mon 7s, RTA 8TLs and a couple of times two of those sets(SDA 2As and RTA 8TLs) at once and never clipped.

[cnh]

HKs ratings aren't peak, either.

You're right,

It's only this year or so since they've changed their ratings. I believe the previous model was rated 55w for 7 channels all driven RMS from 20-20khz at less than 1 percent distortion at 8 ohms. I guess they got tired of being passed over by buyers who didn't understand what their ratings meant?

cnh

[ND13]

They handle 4 ohm loads with ease, too. At least they use to.

[Tim D.]

Thank you so much for all the great responses! I was looking at the specs on the HK 354 and didn't see where it specified if you could use the rear surrounds to bi-amp the front R/L speakers. Is this something I should be worried about? I was just concerned that my RTi8's wouldn't be getting enough power to bring them to their full potential.

[ND13]

You'll be fine.

[apphd]

There are a lot of good things going for the HK, but I would research it more to see if anyone is reporting any HDMI issues when used with the: Panasonic DMP-BD60K, your TV and cable/sat. box. There have been a lot of owners (some here in CP) reporting some annoying HDMI issues with some sources and displays. I don't think there have been any complaints other than the HDMI, and it's not like other makes don't have any issues, just saying it's worth looking into.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=868358

[Intel92]

fwiw the 275 is the current bid not the buy it now price on that HK.

[Tim D.]

Yeah, I just noticed that also. Oh well, too good to be true. It looks like they selling $450-500 + shipping. Do you all think the $350 Onkyo 705 would be my best bet now?

[Tim D.]

I have an Onkyo tx-sr604 in my current setup. It is rated at 90 wpc, but I have read that it is really closer to 50 wpc in practice. Will I see a significant improvement in sound qualilty by going with the HK avr 354?

[nooshinjohn]

this might be a nice way to go... nice pre section with THX...

http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-RX-V2600-THX-HOME-THEATER-RECEIVER_W0QQitemZ140309549895QQcmdZViewItemQQptZR eceivers_Tuners?hash=item140309549895&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Tim D.]

Thanks nooshinjohn. I wasn't really considering Yamaha because of what I had read about them being overly bright with the Polk speakers, and I tend to like the warmer sound. Right now I am really trying to decide between the Onkyo 705 and the HK 354. Just trying to find out which would be the better upgrade to my current Onkyo 604.

[doggie750]

Yo TIM,
Welcome to the POLKbreed! I've done my research and concluded purchasing the HK354 then but there was a grace came from heaven that push down the price on the PioneerElite SC07 that I have to bite it hard. See other threads for details.
I have a HTinstaller friend whispered about the Yamaha863 as well so was eyeing on that for a while between my 1st choice. And as far as Onks, they are good but I have no detail experience with them. My SONY, a pre ES, model was one beast in it's years and it's still nice up to now but lack of hd formatting which led me to be one of the ELITE owners in this forum.

Please note as ND13 suggested, if you like to go separates then pick up the HK354!!!

Otherwise:
Per my advice, taste all of them with your set up and you'll be happy as long as you never look back.

[Parachoute]

Thanks nooshinjohn. I wasn't really considering Yamaha because of what I had read about them being overly bright with the Polk speakers, and I tend to like the warmer sound. Right now I am really trying to decide between the Onkyo 705 and the HK 354. Just trying to find out which would be the better upgrade to my current Onkyo 604.

I think you have your answer. You mentioned that you like warm sound... then HK is the way to go!

[apphd]

Tim you may want to try a PM to bdtae5656 he may be getting rid of a HK 3550HD. I have no idea who he is so I can't endorse a sale, but you can always talk to him and go from there.



And my L/R/C will be powered with an Amp....so whats a good choice? Direction would be great. HK sent me a new 3550HD, I think I may get rid of it and buy something else

[Tim D.]

Thanks apphd. Just did.

[Tim D.]

I know this is a little higher in the price range, but does anyone have any thoughts on the Denon AVR-988? You can get a refurbished one from Dakmart.com for $490. How would this compare to the HK 354?

[cnh]

I know this is a little higher in the price range, but does anyone have any thoughts on the Denon AVR-988? You can get a refurbished one from Dakmart.com for $490. How would this compare to the HK 354?

The 988 might have a bit more power than the HK, have you heard Denons--they're not quite as warm as the HKs but they're not what I would call Bright either. I'd listen to them. Among other things I have a Denon AVR 2807 which is very similar to a 987/8. It's certainly a good receiver.

Question. Do you like the Onkyo 604, the way it sounds. Because if the 'answer' is yes you might want to stay with Onkyo. I have an Onkyo 605 that I use to power an all Mseries set of Polk towers/surrounds and I like the sound fine. It is a matter of taste in the end. Go with what you 'like'.

The Denon has a bit more high end detail than the Onkyo, is a little cleaner...but not everybody enjoys that. See Mantis's review of the Pioneer ICE-amps...there is a good example of different sound...a bit more neutral and clean. But some people might find that 'forward' and many love it!

cnh

[oifvet0608]

The HK has a very warm sound and will accent the Polk speakers better than the Denon or the Onkyo but there have been issues with the firmware on the audio with the HK when using a PS3 and HDMI. Also to take full advantage of DTS-HD and Dolby-HD you need to route HDMI through the receiver (you can't just use optical) so if you plan to use a PS3 for Blu-Ray viewing then go with the Onkyo or Denon. If you plan to use a standalone Blu-Ray (*Panasonic or Samsung are the best in my opinion) then it will not matter.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1043407

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1053202

[onkyo]

Hey everyone! This is my first post on here but I have owned onkyo AVR's for years and have never had any problems with them, in fact as i've upgraded my friends get my old stuff and those receivers are still working great! I don't have any background with HK so I can't offer any advice. I also have polk speakers and ,I think, has a great warm sound with onkyo. I just picked up a txsr 806 for 700.00 HAPPY RECEIVER HUNTING!

[cnh]

Great handle Onkyo...hope you're not infringing on Onkyo's claim to that trademark!

Welcome. And I agree, I've always thought of Onkyos as 'warm' perhaps not as warm as HK but 'pretty' d..d close IMO.

cnh

[onkyo]

yea they may not like it but i've been buying onkyo components from the age of 17, i'm now 45 so i think i've spent enough money with them to use the name! HA!HA!

[Rocco1]

Timmy,

I have sold both receivers. From a pure reliability stand point and pure power. onkyo hands down. Beyond that your best bet is to get both and listen then return the one you dont like. that is what i recommend to most people that question what to get.