Newbie..Help with AVR selection- details inside :)

[Polk12]

I have been reading the forums on here and everyone seems very helpful so I am looking for some advice.

I just purchased an entry level Polk setup. Speakers: RM10 and sub: PSW 10. I got the set new for $230 so I thought that was a good deal. However, I still need to get an AVR for it and need help deciding. I would like one that I can grow into, since I may upgrade the speakers in the future. My tv is a wall mounted hitachi 42 plasma. I will run my Wii/Xbox 360 through it. It will mostly be used for video games, tv, and movies. I am looking for an AVR with HDMI outs that carries audio. From reading the forums it seems like pre-outs should be a requirements if I want to upgrade speakers later..correct? What else should I consider?...have any model/brand recommendations. My budget can be stretched to $500 not much more than that or less (obviously, looking for the biggest bang for my buck).

Thanks all...Happy 4th!!

[obieone]

Welcome to the forum, and nice choice for speakers. Those were my 1st set up.

Best Buy has the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K for $509. That pretty much has all the bells and whistles you'll need for the forseeable future. And you might find it cheaper online, like Amazon, just make SURE, that whatever retailer you buy it from is AUTHORIZED.
If not, then no warranty, and I don't think that's worth $100 off list, or whatever they offer.
Good Luck

[cnh]

Welcome to Club Polk....

You might want to stick with the Pioneer 1018 because the new 1019 has eliminated the pre-outs! And the Older model is heavier and has more amp POWER!

Other options in that price range would be the Harman Kardon AVR 254 or the 354 if you can find it on sale.

Or a good price on an Onkyo 706? Listen to a few of these, they're all good in their own way.

cnh

[Polk12]

Thanks for both suggestions...I will research the receivers you mentioned.

[Polk12]

Anyone have thoughts on the YAMAHA RX-V565 or I think I like the Pioneer vsx919?? Would I be missing any features?

[cnh]

No Pre-outs at the very least....Yamahas also tend to sound bright. But you might like that sound...some do?

You have a tight budget and pre-outs are not found on entry level models....so you're going to have to hover around 500 dollars plus or minus a bit if you want to be fairly future proof!

cnh

[Polk12]

thanks...i'll keep looking

[Polkie2009]

Check out the Yammy RX-V863, it's last year's model and like cnh mentioned, sometimes the older model is BETTER than the new one this year. Look around, you can probably pick one up for around $500.00 bucks.

[potee]

I saw a Yammie RX-V663 at my local best buy yesterday once again last years model but a very good machine. It's in your price range. And when you decide look for deals at jrs and 6th ave on line both have a lot of deals

potee

[Polk12]

Thanks for the heads up I was going to look today and I will be sure to check my local bb

[Zeros]

In my honest opinion, I've always had good luck with Onkyo received for what it's worth.