Looking for new Receiver, help needed.

Grumpy_Git · « **on:** 8 Mar 2009, 10:02 am »

Good afternoon class!

Right, I've not even looked at AV amps in an age (still own an Arcam AV50) and I have a problem so I'm looking for advice here. Lets start at the start.....

I dont own a tv but do have a front projector mounted at the back of the lounge, equipment rack is at the front of the room.
Currently run a single HDMI between them.

Recently got a Wii and now want to connect that, more cables are are out, I only got permission for this as it should cut down on cables! and dont want to spend an age looking for standalone upconverterer boxes especially as the fiancee is eyeing up hdmi tv tuners. SO:

I would like a cheap (as possible but MUST HAVE ALL the following features)

sounds good
Radio
Audio over hdmi
HD decoders
component to hdmi upconversion
minimum HDMI 2in/1out
Auto setup/calibration

Nice features to have would be:

Socket for external ir repeater
12v triggers
Simple second remote
passive or quiet cooling
Does not run hot

Not demanding at all am I and I think there may be a few features missing. Anyway, as I say this needs to be as cheap as possible but I dont expect any budget models will fit my needs. I'm in the UK so that affects what I can get.

Thanks in advance

Nick

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Mar 2009, 03:38 pm »

Nick, you've just about perfectly described my Harman Kardon AVR 645. New MSRP was $1,600, but (as with all electronics) they've dropped it from their "current" model listing just a few weeks ago. The 645 has been out a couple years so I'm sure a used unit couple be found for much cheaper. > HERE'S < the spec sheet for the 645.
As a side note, I noticed there's another H/K for sale in the classifieds here, but it looks like they might not be willing to ship to the UK as they prefer local pick up in New York. Also, not sure if their model had all the bells and whistles you're asking for.
But anyway, the 645 is a fantastic machine and I'm VERY happy with it.

Notes:
- The second zone remote is very simple looking, but I've never used it.
- The cooling isn't passive, but a thermometer placed on the case over the hottest area shows about 120F after "getting stupid" with the volume for a few hours.
- Comes with it's own external mic for calibration (actually is pretty accurate)
- XM input capability (available in the UK??)
- USB input for firmware updates.
- Amazing amount of inputs. The sources I've got coming in are: -Wii, -Xbox360, -PS3, Satellite dish, SqueezeBox, and I've still got a couple open holes remaining.

Hope that helps Nick.

Bob

Grumpy_Git · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Mar 2009, 01:31 pm »

Bob

A nice looking amp, but at £650+ more than I was (ideally)looking to spend, thanks for the heads up as I'd not seen the model or a HK at all in a while, and I'll keep looking.

All the best.

Nick.

Mike19 · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Mar 2009, 10:50 pm »

Hi Nick.

You might check these out. Prices are in US$ and are approximate discount retail. All are 7.1; 5.1 receivers are virtually obsolete. 7.1 receivers do just fine w/ 5.1., if that is what you have.

> Denon AVR-1609 $350

> Onkyo TX- SR576 $400

> Denon AVR - 1709 $450

> Pioneer VSX 1019 AHK $500

> Yamaha - V663 BL $500

> Yamaha RX - V765 $600

Harmon Kardon AVRs are quite popular over here, but the cheapest one I could find, the 3550, is $1000.

Grumpy_Git · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Mar 2009, 10:05 am »

Thanks Mike

Time to get googling

Nick

Grumpy_Git · « **Reply #5 on:** 23 Mar 2009, 10:13 am »

Had a bit of a look (and listen to a couple).

I quite like the Denon 1909 (£370) and the Pioneer VSX1018 (£440), also I've seen the Harmon Kardon AVR255 (£399) but not had the opportunity to listen, does anyone have any experience of this specific model, should I try to listen to it?

It seems like good value, reduced from a MSRP of £750 or so but dunno if it ever sold for that, so my MMV as per usual.

Thanks all

Nick.

Mike19 · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Mar 2009, 03:10 pm »

Hi grumpy.

I've never heard an HK reciever, but they are popular.

Their US web site does not list a 255, but there is a 254. I'm thinking the 255 is the Euro version of the 254.

The 254 has only 50 w x 7. Will this be enough to power your speakers?

Mike

Grumpy_Git · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Mar 2009, 05:56 pm »

Mike

50W should be more than enough, its what I run currently and I'm looking to upgrade my 87db/w/m speakers for some in the mid 90's so not a huge issue. Im thinking the pioneer at the moment as its available for about £390 around here but it might be too deep for my rack. hmmm problems problems.

I should hopefully have something bought by mid April.

Cheers

Nick.