AVR / AMP Recommendations from the Gurus..

[djlogix]

So I went to Fry's last night, which was a hell of a drive out to Palo Alto. Damn Bay Area traffic all to hell. I picked up 2 sets of RTi10's, finally thank god. I've got a pair hooked up and damn do they sound good. I've got them at low level strictly because I know this Pioneer in the game room isn't quite enough to drive them, although 100wpc.

I need some recommendations on AVR's and amplifiers. The AVR I'd like to spend not too much on, as I'd rather spend a decent amount on the amplifier. So anything works really. Throw me a couple of sets from cheap to expensive. I'm game. Just work with me here please, I'm a noob... :D

But yeah, I guess to help a bit, recommend some AVR's in the $300-$500 range and some cheap - expensive amplifiers. I also got an update about a deal on an AVR7200 and Pioneer 1015tx . Both under $400 used and BNIB respectively. I was looking at these way back when before I bought my old Marantz - which is now going to the bedroom with the Para 40's.

Thanks guys, and be kind, I'm not liquored up yet.

[Sami]

Get the 7200, great AVR and the price is great. You don't even need external amp if you get it, as it will have more than enough power for RTi10's. Nothing is stopping you from trying external amps of course, just saying it has the power demand under control.

[djlogix]

Get the 7200, great AVR and the price is great. You don't even need external amp if you get it, as it will have more than enough power for RTi10's. Nothing is stopping you from trying external amps of course, just saying it has the power demand under control.

Yeah, unfortunately about 20 minutes ago I was told it's in a non working order.

So I've sort of narrowed it down to a few. I did a search and looked up some impressions and such on this board. There doesn't seem to be a thought on the Yamaha, Onkyo or H&K's that goes one way or another. I'm concerned with the 347's power, and the Onkyo's "brightness" so to speak. I'm just at a loss as to what to go with.

Onkyo SR605 for $429.99

Yamaha RX-V661 for $319.94

Yamaha RX-V861 - $575.94

Anyone have any quams with any of these ? Know any information or product impressions ? I'm definitely looking for pre-outs for an amp or two, but the HDMI video is optional for me as I have something already capable. Thanks guys and if you have any recommendations in this range, feel free to throw em up. :D

[MADGSF]

I would not mix the Yamaha with the RTi personally, they also lean towards the bright side. I have not heard them but the HK are supposed to be a good mix with those speakers. You can get refurbs straight from HK with a warranty so I would suggest checking their site. You will have to get the 247 or higher to get pre-outs.

[cfrizz]

You would have the get the Onkyo 705 in order to have the preouts.

Why haven't you looked at Denon? They generally go very well with the RTi series.

[vonnie123]

Take a gander at the Emotiva products. I have an MMC-1 pre/pro which I gave $699 for....if you upgrade to a next generation processor, you get 40% off as a repeat customer. The MMC-1 was $1199 and is being superceded by new models. If you want to go separates, $1200 would get you set up.


www.emotiva.com

[djlogix]

You would have the get the Onkyo 705 in order to have the preouts.

Why haven't you looked at Denon? They generally go very well with the RTi series.

What Denon would you recommend in the $500 range ? I picked up the 605 tonight to just give it a whirl and so far so good. However the sound takes some tweaking to get right, doesn't quite sound natural yet but that's because I haven't quite set it up right. I saw some Denons tonight and there were some damn good specs I saw. I have someone I talk to through some other forums who is a pretty knowledgable guy. He told me to stay away due to power ratings being lower then advertised etc etc.

But at this point, I'm willing to try whatever. So if you've got a Denon recommendation, I'd love to hear it. As I've never dealt with them in the HT market, how are they feature wise in comparison to the Onkyo's ?

[cfrizz]

I simply suggest Denon as they tend to not be quite as bright when hooked up to RTI speakers. However, if you like the sound of the 605 than maybe it's not a concern for you.

However, I used to have a Denon receiver & it did everything I wanted it to do & sounded great.

In order to get the preamp outputs that you would like, you will have to spend more money on the receiver than the choices you have given.

[Sami]

In order to get the preamp outputs that you would like, you will have to spend more money on the receiver than the choices you have given.

Unless he goes with HK, their models with preouts start from the 2xx series. AVR247 can be had for < $400.

[cfrizz]

Cool!

[jtgranby]

Unless he goes with HK, their models with preouts start from the 2xx series. AVR247 can be had for < $400.

Check out BB they have the HK AVR 347 on clearance anywhere from a high of $609 to a low of $161. Try to figure out BB clearance systemIt does have some problems with a 1080P source and sparkle issues. If you find one it should be in your price range.

JT