Narrowed down to 3 Receivers pls advise

[naftalim]

There is so much information out there and I've never had an AV Receiver, (and now new to HDTV in general) that itws confusing.

Reading all the forums, and considering my budget, space considerations, and needs, I have narrowed my AV Receiver down to these three. Would very much appreciate your comments.

Current Setup

Sharp LC42D648 (HDMI to HDPVR)
Novus 6416 HDPVR
Sharp Bluray BD-HP20u (HDMI to TV)

AV Receivers in my list
Denon AVR 788
Onkyo TX SR605
Harmon Kardon AVR 147

Thanks from Vancouver, BC

[hugh]

There are tons or receivers out their and its virtually impossible to know what is best for you without more information.

Perhaps you could tell us why you narrowed it down to these three and what you see as the pros and cons of each.

If you do that then we would get a good sense of what is important to you and be able to guide you better.

[TrooperOttawa]

I would go with the Onkyo model. As far as I know it's the only model of the three that support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. This means it will probably have a longer shelf life compared to the other two.

[naftalim]

Thanks Hugh and Trooper


I narrowed it down to these three for the following reasons listed in priority


Viewing needs (I don't want to spend too much time fooling around with the systems, want something simple but good quality and HDMI)
Budget ( Bought HDTV, BluRay and HDPVR all in the last 30 days )
Space considerations ( I will not be able or willing to go to a 7.1 configuration, will probably only get 2 speakers)

Thanks

[rocket9]

I looked at most of the contenders that Hugh lists in the $1000-$1500 range. They all sounded good to me, with the Marantz 8002 sort of edging out the Denon 3808i in overall SQ and definately the best in 2 channel sound. That was my biggest consideration as I listen to a lot of vinyl and jazz CD`s. I drool at the thought of having a separate pre/amp for music and another AVR for home theater, but its just not viable for me.

IN general, I think I am going to wait a full year to look into getting an AVR. I think I want the best processor for video and that seems to be one of the things that drives people to the Onkyo line. I own an older model, non HDMI, Onkyo and have been very happy with it. But its 2 channel performance, IMO, is below average. But I don't know, nor have I heard, that the new ONkyo's may have improved in that area.

That's what you have to do..really identify what is important to you. For me, its the 2 channel performance first. I know that many just love the new Denon line and I can see why. Basically state of the art in terms of all the hookups, the new HD audio formats..etc.

I hope in a year`s time that they will all go to the best video processor.

If I was buying stricktly on home theater grounds..I would go with the Denon 3808i. Thats as good as it gets, from my readings, for the price point.

[TECHNOKID]

Space considerations ( I will not be able or willing to go to a 7.1 configuration, will probably only get 2 speakers)
Have you considered VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND?

[cm_soo]

I have the Onkyo model listed below in my signature, very happy with it 2 years later. Great price, easy set up, awesome sound, great list of functions.
It marked my move from entry level audio receiver to intermediate, I noticed a huge difference in audio quality.
Only think I don't like is the ergonomics of the remote.

[naftalim]

Thanks everyone, I'm about to get this at electronicsoforless. Thing is, why do I actually need an A/V Receiver. At present, I have the Sound coming from the speakers in the TV and it seems ok? I know, its kind of late to be asking this, when I'm one click away from my order

[eljay]

If an A/V receiver is not substantially more than a stereo receiver, you might as well get the A/V receiver so that, should you want HT audio, you won't have to go shopping again.

[naftalim]

Ok, purchased the Onkyo SR605, get it next Wednesday.

Now for speakers, I was thinking of one of those speaker bars, mainly for space considerations. Any suggestions? I guess now that I got the Receiver, I don't really need a high end one like the YSP series from Yamaha. Just good speakers that will work well with the equipment listed below and the SR605. It could also be some small speakers that would sit on my TV stand, I think they are called Center Channel?

Thanls

[Jotronic]

Based on your cable provider and that you live in Vancouver I assume you are in downtown. I'm in Yaletown and live in an apartment that is 580 sq. ft so I understand your need for small speakers. I picked up some Wharfedale Diamond 9.1's at a local shop (pm if you want to know where) and they are simply astounding. They have a very full sound and while I have a subwoofer as well it is not necessary in a small apartment like mine. They sound great and they won't break the bank either.

[TECHNOKID]

Now for speakers, I was thinking of one of those speaker bars, mainly for space considerations

Space considerations ( I will not be able or willing to go to a 7.1 configuration, will probably only get 2 speakers)
Have you considered VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND?

Speaker bar=Virtual Surround Sound meaning: this give you full simulation of a surround sound, simulates front, center, rear and bass... if you get only a center channel, you will then need other speakers in order to get all the frequency specs and effects.

[Windchaser]

If you are looking for a Speaker bar; probably the Polk is your best deal and fairly easy to find. The Mirage is also very nice; but more $$$

If you go with small speakers your options open up a fair bit. I have heard good things about eh Wharfedales as Jotronic mentioned and another friend of mine I know just got a really good deal on some Jamo's at London Drugs.

Depending on how much you are looking to spend you really can't go wrong with the PSB Alpha's for the money. Very good value and also Canadian.

Some people I know swear by Axiom (now only sold over the Internet) and they claim you get a better deal because you are buying direct from the manufacturer.

Try to listen to at least three different models with the same CD before you buy. That will help a ton.

[Stargazer]

Is the Polk soundbar significantly cheaper than the Yamaha YSP series? I always thought they were close in price and what I've heard of the Yamaha YSP, they're one of the best at creating virtual surround.

I thought about a soundbar, but purchased Polk Audio RM10 5.1 speakers for about $350 instead. The price is way cheaper and I get real surround sound. They are very compact and they sound great.

[naftalim]

Thanks All, I like the looks of the Polk Sound Bar, a bit pricey, but will fit well. However, I am not sure where I will put it, as I have a Sharp LC42D64U so it won't attach to the top or bottom.

I also have a Sanus Stand so I wonder if I could put it on the base.