Best Receiver under $300

[Lectoid]

I just blew all my money on B&W 603s3's so now I only have about 300 left. I have a Pioneer VSX-D514 currently, but it only has one optical input. I need two. 5.1 is fine for me, I don't even have a center channel yet. Yea I have problems. I wasn't looking to build a 5.1, but now I just need a center and I'll have the 5 part.

I should note that a third of my budget is in Best Buy gift cards. Christmas, what can I do.

Should I try to sell my current Receiver and "upgrade"? I really don't watch a lot of movies on this, which is why I can live with out a center. Most of it's use is music and video games on the Xbox360, which is 5.1.

Thanks.

[clearwaterms]

well, to be honest with you anytyhing you buy at best buy can be bought at a significant savings online... as for best reciever sub $300, The VSX-816 from pioneer is the one I have upstairs and I like the sound quality. It is mated to the athena micra 5 and is has been rated very highly throughout the board. I picked it up at circuit city for $260.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers/806pioneer/

http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/systemguide/1Kentrylevelsystem.php

The yamaha HTR-5960 is also well regarded at $300 plus shipping on ebay.

secondly the Pioneer isn't going to fetch mutch on the used market, a quick ebay scan netted sub $100 prices... To me it would make more sense to stick the pioneer out in a garage / basement / workshop with some basic speakers instead of selling it.

so if I were you I would stick with pioneer and save up more money until you have enough to buy into a better reciever. something from yamaha's RX line, or the like.

finally, spend the $100 best buy gift cards on CD's and xbox games and save up cash for a reciever, it gives you alot more options, including used / ebay / etc...

[peterS]

try to find a old yamaha 5890 from best buy

many still have one laying around- probably a display
fantastic audio quality
it is the same as the 5990 w/o hdmi switching at a much cheaper price

i kick myself for not buying one

try try try to find one

if you want a temporary one the insignia stuff is build pretty solid
here is one of the 2 channel one i used while my amp was being repaired
they have a defeatable preamp and amp so you can use it as just a pree or an amp to supliment individual upgrades

[june]

Yamaha 657

Save a few more $$ and find Yamaha RX-V657.

[Vinny]

If you don't plan on upgrading into separate and take it as a processor in the future, go for Panny's XR-55. Otherwise might think about Denon 1800 series and see if you can get one for around that price

[Lectoid]

I think I am going to try to sell the gift cards so I can get more for my money online. Any good suggestions on where to purchase receivers online? I am pretty internet savy, but if anyone has had good experience, then let me know.

EDIT: Right after I hit submit, I remembered audiogon.

[clearwaterms]

audiogon / ecoustics.com is a price grabber like site...

[joetama]

I have used a RX-V Receiver with B&W products before and have had great results.

Try to deal with the Pioneer for now then get the Yamaha....

[Lectoid]

I've noticed this before, but where exactly are receivers. I see at least three categories where they could be placed. I know to use the search function, but that relies on the poster using the right terminology.

EDIT: On audiogon's site that is. I failed to refer to that.

[blownrx7]

Look under both Home Theater: Processors AND Misc: Receivers
Audiogon doesn't have a Receiver category
Personally I would chec k the two categories above first then use the search function and punch in Receiver.
Good luck.

[june]

Audiogon's Receiver Category

http://buy0.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?miscrcvr&1&ctg&st1