[NateG]

Hello all,

So I had the Onkyo HT-S3200 speakers system with the HTR370 receiver. Not the best in the world, no, but with 5.1 surround while playing video games -- I was very happy. Problem is, my receiver is BUSTED (thus the past tense). Must have been a power surge or something because I had some circuit shorts and about 2 busted channels. Needless to say the price to repair is not worth the money -- I might as well just get a new one. But I am kind of lost when it comes to receivers. As I said, I do play games a lot on it, but I also love listening to music as well. I know stereo receivers are definitely better for that, but I'm not willing to sacrifice the surround that comes with gaming and movie watching.

So can anyone give me advice on what receiver I should get? My price range is between 100-300 bucks. Suggestions? Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[mshan]

Probably helps if you state whether you need all of the home theater soundtrack codecs, and how much real power you need (what speakers do you run and how loud do you like to listen).

Do you just run a left and right speaker, is there a sub, or do you want a full 5.1 or 7.1 configuration?

$300 will probably get you a good, current model year avr from a lot of the big manufacturers, it's probably just that their real power output is way lower than what is advertised.

Might also want to ask around the Club Polk forums:  http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

And another helpful thread:  http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=89484



edit:  also may want to check the cross-over point of your current speakers and make sure that is an option with new AVR you buy.

[mcgsxr]

I run a small surround setup on the main floor, and recently picked up a Pioneer VSX-819H.

Would be in your price range, and I am very pleased with it - auto setup etc.

[John151]

So can anyone give me advice on what receiver I should get? My price range is between 100-300 bucks. Suggestions? Any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Used receivers can be had for a song.  Check out the classifieds here or an AudioGon.

Here is a JVC for sale from the "Trading Post" here on AC: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=74206.0

There have been many positive comments over the years on the JVC digital amp receivers.  I have a Panasonic digitial amp reciever that sounds wonderful. 

[JLM]

Check out Harmon Kardon factory rebuilts (about 1/2 the price of retail).  They use big power supplies, have a nice warm sound, and are pretty well built.  At the retail level they are more respected than Sony, Denon, Onkyo, etc.