[trilinearmipmap]

I'm looking to get a receiver. I have a casual interest in watching the occasional movie at home or listening to music the odd time. In other words I don't want a high-end system, just something that sounds OK.

My current equipment is:

Sony 46" LCD HDTV (KDL-46EX500)
Sony Blu-Ray player (BDP-S370)
Star Choice HD PVR (DSR-530)
Twenty-year-old Technics stereo amplifier, front display lights mostly burnt out
A pair of Energy XL-26 speakers

I am thinking of getting a receiver first, then later perhaps adding some additional speakers for surround.

The receivers I am considering are:

Denon AVR-591
Yamaha HTR-3063
Sony STRDH510

I have read that Sony receivers are not up to par. On the other hand, there is a Sony Bravia Link feature to integrate the control of all their components, so I was considering going with all Sony components for that reason. The Sony is a lot cheaper than the other two. I want to buy what is adequate, I don't want to buy more than I need but I also don't want to be upgrading in a year or two. Price is only a consideration from the point of view of wastfulness ie. I can afford anything I want but I despise consumption for consumption's sake.

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

 

[eljay]

Most important thing: What features (lossless decoding, multi-channel inputs, pre-outputs, 3D capability, USB connectivity, power rating, satellite radio, iPod connectivity, etc.) are important to you?

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Example:
- Bravia Link sounds like a "nice to have", but I wouldn't base an HT purchase decision on it.
- A quick look at the specs of the Yamaha and the Denon shows that the Yamaha is 3D capable, but doesn't decode lossless audio (DolbyTrueHD, DTS-HD MA). The Denon does both.
- None of those AVRs offer pre-outs, so if I wanted to get a separate power amp , I'd be out of luck.
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Once you know what you want (or think you might want), shop for an AVR that comes closest to giving you what you're looking for. You may have to spend more than what you're currently considering spending, but at least it won't be "consumption for consumption's sake".

 

[57]

Here's the FAQ on what features to look for in an AVR.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76082

Looks like you're the type of person to keep equipment for a while, if so HDMI audio, lossless decoding may be something you wish to have if you don't want to upgrade again in a couple of years. On the other hand, that's not necessary for "casual" listening...

 

[Paul Clancy]

Just bought the Denon 591 from costco.ca . For a low cost receiver it has some big league features , audissy room calibration, binding posts, hdmi 1.4 for 3d, hd audio decoding. It sounds fabulous with my energy e:xl setup and blue ray via ps3 decoding lossless over hdmi (although the denon can do it as well). Runs much cooler than my former pio and better sound field. No down side I can find. Appears to be a quality piece.

 

[pharsyde]

sony's AVR's are good too. nice match with your other sony devices. menu systems, bravia ..etc. S-Air maybe a consideration if you wanted to add additional wireless speakers (surrounds). a second zone to boot ..same deal. pretty sure you will have to buy adiitional sony propriety (S-Air devices speakers ..etc..) regardless doesn't matter, unless your going wireless speakers (your options will be limited).

The STR-DH810 recieved excellant review from "What Hi-Fi" ..

i haven't toyed with a sony lately. maybe a trip to the sony store is in order, the local one here also carries PSB speakers.

 

[Biggles]

I was in a similar situation with a Sony TV and BD player and looking at the Link feature. After research , I went with a Yamaha HTR-4063 5.1 receiver. It wasn't much more than the 3063 ($350 on sale ), and decodes DTS-MA and True HD.Since you invested in a BD player and a nice HDTV , I suggest getting an AVR that can give all the potential to enjoy them.
The 4063 works well with my Sony HDTV and BD player.