Receiver upgrade?

[Preacher]

I don't fully understand all the reciever specs and decoding available. Right now I have this Technics SA - AX540

http://www.epinions.com/Technics_SA_DX540_Pro_Logic_Receiver__Receiver_SA_DX540/display_~reviews

I'm looking at this one

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKHTR330S

(onkyo) and wondering if it'd be an upgrade; the amp section of the technics is clean. I don't want to loose real solid power for the decoding, but I can't afford much more.

[Preacher]

nevermind they seem to be gone now

[maseline_98]

if you post what you are willing to spend....there is a ton of people on here that would be more than happy to give you some suggestions....

[Preacher]

I don't want to spend much more than 100 dollars if I can get a good deal; if not I'll just wait till next year and increase my budget. I've got a technics which has a good sound based on a seemingly good amp section. I'd really just like to find a reasonably priced decoder to feed into the 5 channel inputs on my receiver.

[John Holmes]

Preacher,

There are a few options. You could get a dvd player that has built-in decoding. Then feed that to your existing rcvr. You could also check out Sherwood. I owned their entry level 5.1 unit a few yrs ago. It was an excellent sounding unit. Just lacked the bells and whistles of the upper models. It was about $114.00 then. There is also the used market. A ton of great products at very resonable cost (audiogon, ebay, etc.). I also always see very good deals at pawn shops. It is not uncommon for them to have a few 5.1 units on hand between $99-$125.00

[Preacher]

I've decided to buy a new receiver and I've got a budget of around 160-170. I'll buy refurb, if its a reputable source, but nothing used (tired of shoestring setups).

I love to listen to music and have a good amp in my current receiver so in that area I don't want to downgrade. I'm not seriously concerned with bells and whistles, but just want solid electronics. I know about some of the technical gymnastics makers do to get better numbers on their products in the amplifiers, but I don't really know who does what. I'm not really familiar with what is important on the digital side. My only real reason for upgrading is to get into digital decoding for movies. I have a small room and 5.1 is sufficient, but a few of these models are 6.1 or 7.1 (good price and seemingly good specs)

I've started a list of receivers I'm going to be looking at if anyone has positive experience with these please let me know. If I should toss any of these out of the mix immediatly let me know why. I'm all ears.

Pioneer VSX-516
JVC RX-D205
Denon AVR-685S
Sony STR-DG500
Yamaha HTR-5930
Yamaha HTR-5830
Motorola DCP-501
ONKYO TXSR504

[Ovation]

I'd consider the Pioneer, Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo on that list, with a preference for the Denon or Onkyo (I've owned a Denon receiver and my current one is an Integra--based on Onkyo). That's from my personal experience (I've also owned a Pioneer stereo receiver and two of my friends are very happy with their Yamaha gear).

[Arneson]

I have been using the Denon AVR881 and can only complain about the inputs and outputs. I have added four additional inputs and four additional outputs, until I find a bigger Denon.
For example, this has only two optical inputs and I need four, or at least three and an rca digital.

[whoaru99]

I've decided to buy a new receiver and I've got a budget of around 160-170. I'll buy refurb, if its a reputable source, but nothing used (tired of shoestring setups).

I love to listen to music and have a good amp in my current receiver so in that area I don't want to downgrade. I'm not seriously concerned with bells and whistles, but just want solid electronics. I know about some of the technical gymnastics makers do to get better numbers on their products in the amplifiers, but I don't really know who does what. I'm not really familiar with what is important on the digital side. My only real reason for upgrading is to get into digital decoding for movies. I have a small room and 5.1 is sufficient, but a few of these models are 6.1 or 7.1 (good price and seemingly good specs)

I've started a list of receivers I'm going to be looking at if anyone has positive experience with these please let me know. If I should toss any of these out of the mix immediatly let me know why. I'm all ears.

Pioneer VSX-516
JVC RX-D205
Denon AVR-685S
Sony STR-DG500
Yamaha HTR-5930
Yamaha HTR-5830
Motorola DCP-501
ONKYO TXSR504

Add the Pansonic XR-55 to your list. You should be able to find a refurb unit that is close to your price range. Features are not all that spectacular, but the power ratings are realistic, has the basics, and it sounds pretty darn good, IMO.