Topic: Reciever Recomendations

[jpschust]

also what about some of the lower models of the denons- they are in this price range.

[Craig T]

<$500, I'd only look at the Panasonic "SA-XR" series with digital amps.  I have the XR45 and using the digital inputs, it shouldn't sound as good as it does for <$400.  The 25 & 45 are being replaced with the 50 & 70 early April.  The XR70 will include impoved speaker jacks and HDMI (digital high-def a/v connection) for the same price as the XR45.  If you can find a left-over XR45, I wouldn't hesitate to grab one unless HDMI means something to you.  Wayne at www.boldercables.com is doing a mod on the XR45 to bring the performance up to that of multi-thousand dollar separates.   Check out the Bolder Cable forum at www.audiocircle.com or search XR45 on www.audioasylum.com and you'll see tons of posts.

[Nick in Edinboro]

If your going for digital amplifier, why not just build x number of monoblock GainClone amps (x = however many channels you want).  There's a forum dedicated to DIY chip amps here at DIYaudio.com.

These ones were in wood housings, you can make them however you want.


Stupid simple to build really and is virtually a clone of the 4700 GainCard made by Sakura Systems, retail for a few thousand dollars.  Not that more money means it's better, but the reviews I've read about it are very good as well.

See the reviews of the GainCard here:
www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/ equipment/999/47review.htm
http://www.dagogo.com/47LabGaincardS.html
http://www.onhifi.com/product/47labs_products.htm

Forgot to mention, GainClone's work best with very efficient (sp?) speakers.  So keep that in mind.

[MBecker]

you might want to take a look at the NAD 742, it doesn't have the bells and whistles of other receivers, but it sounds really good.   Don't be decieved by its power rating either, NAD rates conservatively, so when it says 50 watts x 5 channels, you are getting at least that, if not more.  

[wboswell]

If you buy a used "receiver", you're going to save tons as opposed to a new one.  Check out the used gear on ebay.

[Stumptown Matt]

If you buy a used "receiver", you're going to save tons as opposed to a new one.  Check out the used gear on ebay.

I have checked Ebay, but there are so many that some specific model #s and some personal experience is what I'm looking for so I can sift through all the crap.

[mgleason007]

<$500, I'd only look at the Panasonic "SA-XR" series with digital amps.  I have the XR45 and using the digital inputs, it shouldn't sound as good as it does for <$400.

How about < $300?

[Craig T]

<$500, I'd only look at the Panasonic "SA-XR" series with digital amps.  I have the XR45 and using the digital inputs, it shouldn't sound as good as it does for <$400.

How about < $300?

Damn, that's cheap!  At that price I'm tempted to buy a 2nd for the bedroom system.  You may want to call to make sure they actually have some in stock since its a discontinued item.

[creekfreak]

A pioneer elite receiver for under $500 is a good deal. Their elite stuff is much better than their consumer gear, but then again, I have always bought pioneer for some reason, even the cheaper stuff, they always have a good mix of features at a good price point.