Recommended receiver for going digital

[RickH]

I've still been using a Sherwood receiver I've had since '95 but I think it's time I moved up in the world - any recommendations for a pretty decent digital receiver in the $200-$300 range? I don't want separate components, just a receiver to drive bookshelf speakers and power a 5.1 surround system for movies or SACD's in a small bedroom. Any recs for Sherwood or comparable brand?

[Reginald]

Harmon Kardon (sp?) puts out a nice little receiver at about $300 that will do everything you want. At least they did a year or two ago.

[Dean De Furia]

Denon 1803 or 2803. EXCELLENT for the $.

[Clay]

A used Marantz would be a great deal.

[Tony Plachy]

NAD might also make something in your price range.

[Taurus]

Rick,

Whatever receiver you decide on, remember: if you want to play a hi-res source through it , it MUST have a 100% analog signal path from the analog input jacks to its power amps.

Or:

If you're one of us cranky troublemaker people :) who think hi-res PCM is more transparent than DSD, look for a receiver with a signal path using the 192kHz format which IMO shouldn't audibly change any source's sound qualities. Though I'm afraid this is usually restricted to very expensive models ($1000+). But I know Pioneer uses at least a 96kHz pathway even in their cheapest receiver, the VSX-412 (@$180 at Best Buy), and even that shouldn't really affect anything very much. This didn't take much investigative effort--there's a big sticker stuck on the front panel saying so!

It seems like the brands that usually include analog signal paths for their 5.1 input (usually set aside for a hi-res format) are Sony, Yamaha, Denon, and Panasonic. But also, this feature almost always works alone: you can't use the bass or treble controls (unless they are mechanical controls), no special processing like hall/church/etc., and probably no bass management. That last one is starting to change though--the most expensive Denon supposedly uses an analog system to do this. And someone at the HTF said S&V reported a new JVC receiver has a proper bass management system, though I'm not sure what it actually does.

[T]

[JohnG]

Denon 1603.....$179

does Dolby Digital/DTS plus Pro Logic II.

http://cache.bizrate.com/ce/large/7226037.jpg

check out bizrate.com

[Taurus]

I'm not knocking Denon at all, but they have a strict policy concerning buying their components from on-line sources.

Read about it here (http://www.usa.denon.com/home/) (scroll down to the grey box).

[T]

[FabFourFan]

Originally posted by Taurus
I'm not knocking Denon at all, but they have a strict policy concerning buying their components from on-line sources.
Read about it here (http://www.usa.denon.com/home/) (scroll down to the grey box).[T]

:confused:

Um, T, I read that page and that's _not_ what it says!

The text in the grey box says that Denon wants you to by only from AUTHORIZED sellers, which include on-line sales.
Denon is warning you to stay away from all UNAUTHORIZED dealers, whether or not they are on-line.

Does this make sense, then?


FFF
(who used to be able to read, anyway) ;)

[Taurus]

When I wrote "strict" I only meant that they have certain preferences concerning on-line retailers, not that you can't buy their stuff from such people.

Blame this on that Long Island Tea I had at Chili's an hour ago............:)

[T]

[Gary]

Just make sure that whoever you buy it from really is an authorized dealer!

That looks like an interesting solution for my TV surround problem! The problem? A missing digital receiver! ;)

[Gary Freed]

Denon's low priced Receivers still give you great sound. Some of the more reliable on-line Denon retailers will warrant the product. Otherwise
hit a large chain store during close outs and pick up an overstock or
demo unit. You'll get the low price with a warranty.