[RoadTripper]

My modded Panny SAXR-45 modded just died.  Rather than sending it back to the modder, I figured that since it is just used for movies and TV, I'd buy something basic. What's the latest on consumer quality amps/receivers these days. I think a chip amp isn't worth the trouble since the Panny never really sounded audiophile quality, modded or not. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[JoshK]

Price range?  Makes a huge difference.

I love my Onkyo 905, but its a $1600 receiver.  It sounds pretty close to the better audiophile SS gear out there. 

For more basic receivers I am not sure.  The Onkyo 805 is a trickle down version of the 905 and is about $900.

[RoadTripper]

Right. I knew that was coming. I am running this system from a basic Oppo DVD player into my Zu-Druids. But I don't care about the sound all that much. So, keep the price as low as possible and still get reliability. Thanks. Also, 2 channel is all I need.

[satfrat]

Right. I knew that was coming. I am running this system from a basic Oppo DVD player into my Zu-Druids. But I don't care about the sound all that much. So, keep the price as low as possible and still get reliability. Thanks. Also, 2 channel is all I need.

Then you want a stereo receiver, not a home theater receiver as your title suggests. The prices drops considerately ya'know.

Cheers,
Robin

[Doublej]

Is $150 low enough in price for you?

If so get a refurbed HK 3380-Z, 80wpc for $148 plus shipping available from the HK website. If you want a current model or more power for $229 plus shipping get a refurbed HK 3485-Z, 120 wpc.

If you don't like HK, get a 2 channel Onkyo from their website for $150-$200.

Want cheaper? Buy a 1970s receiver off EBay.

[cloudbaseracer]

My modded Panny SAXR-45 modded just died.  Rather than sending it back to the modder, I figured that since it is just used for movies and TV, I'd buy something basic. What's the latest on consumer quality amps/receivers these days. I think a chip amp isn't worth the trouble since the Panny never really sounded audiophile quality, modded or not. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

So what did you not like about the Panasonic?  Can you offer specifics as I am looking at a XR-57 as a "high end" audiophile component.

Thanks,

James

[JLM]

I had an entry level HK factory refurbished stereo receiver, a 3340 I believe, for a 2.1 HT system that was of secondary importance to me/family.  Loved the heavy power trannies/caps and it sounded better than my Rotel (a stereo A/V receiver, just what you're looking for if, frankly it had a better sound and was newer). 

But the HK kept developing severe left channel distortion.  Came with a 2 year warrantee, so I didn't pay.  Explanation at the repair shop was blown diodes.  The factory really stood behind the warrantee and in fact wanted to know the initials on the backside sticker (for quality control purposes).  If I could have gotten it back to the shop a 3rd time under warrantee they would have replaced it at no charge.  Not much of a risk for $160 I suppose.

As it didn't get used much, the thing would sit (blown again without my knowledge) and the warrantee expired way too soon.  As we were building our house the "while we at its" dictated that we wire the new TV room for at least 5.1.  So when I finally got around to replacing it, it was with a cheapy Sony 6.1 receiver.

For just watching TV, I rarely use the receiver/external speakers (maybe for a big game with guests or a concert).  If that's you, I'd consider a small quality integrated amp with those highly efficient Zu speakers.  Having a remote would be a less importance if you have get up to stick a DVD in anyway.  You could even use an inexpensive SET if you want to avoid class D or T amps.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I've got a Harman Kardon AVR 645 that I couldn't be happier with. It's multi channel so it's more than you'll need, but the customer support I had with HK a year ago was amazing. They exchanged a 2 year old unrepairable $999  AVR 535 ("535" I think it was) unit with a $1,600 unit at no charge to me. The onboard DAC works very well with the SqueezeBox. The only "issue" I had was with the HDCP/HDMI "handshake" not working with an Oppo I bought and had to return. But compatability is going to be a possibility with any new HDMI equipment nowdays. 

Harmankardon.com has a list of a few two channel rigs.
That's my vote.

Bob

[raztec]

I've got a pair of AV123 Strata Minis in a 7.1 system run by a Panny XR57. The Panny just doesn't have the power to run these well, so I'm going have to upgrade.

But I'm thinking no HT receiver is going to do the Minis justice, so I'd like one with pre-outs so I can add a separate amplifier just for the minis. Of course I'd be willing to go the pre/pro + amp route as well if there's better value there for the money.

Can anyone recommend a 7.1 (or 5.1 with pre-outs if that will work) HT receiver or pre/pro ?

My budget is ~$2000 split between AV reciever (or pre/pro) and amplifier.

Thanks,
Raz

[Bob in St. Louis]

Again, I'd give my Harman Kardon AVR 645 another well deserved 'bump'.
7.1 with high and low level outputs. I use the front main 'pre-out' to a tubed Jolita, the center channel is internally amped as are the rear surrounds.
I'd think the unit should drive your 86dB speakers pretty well.

Here's all the information a fella would need to know about a 645 H/K:

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR%20645&sType=C

Bob