Best Surround Sound Receiver $300 to $500

Well, my 2 year old Technics Receiver is on it’s way out. The sound cuts out and in (with the same clicks heard when switching inputs) after only an hour of use. This used to only happen when the thing ran for 6 or 7 hours straight. It’s only 2 years old and I’d try to get it fixed, but it was never a very nice receiver anyway, so…

In your opinion, what’s the best surround sound receiver for $300 to $500?

I’ve been looking at the:

Panasonic SA-HE100K (cheap, good reviews, Consumer Reports Best Buy) or SA-HE200 but worry these will have the same problems as my Technics (underpowered, runs hot, dies after 2 years). I’ve always been a big fan of Technics/Panasonic but I worry about there receivers.

Denon AVR-1604

Onkyo TX-SR601

I’ve heard excellent thing and bad things about them all.

I’m more concerned about TV and DVD audio then music, but that doesn’t hurt either. Right now, I have all Technics speakers (center, 2 front, 2 rear) that’ll I’ll upgrade eventually.

Any ideas?

larsenMTL

You might want to look at the Harmon Kardon AVR130. Circuit City has it for $400.

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&catoid=-8021&qp=0&oid=81873

Way below your league, but I bought a $99.00 DVD with a surround sound system, hooked up my VCR and digital video box and I have had it for over two years.
No problem, sound is great! At least I, and all my friends think so. Maybe a more expensive system is better, but no complaints on what I have.

Just a thought.

On the internet I like checking out onecall.com I don’t work for them, just buy from them, and they ususallly have good deals. They offer manufacturer’s warranties which is unique for a webiste too.

I’m pretty happy with this Sony STRDE695 A/V receiver from Circuit City. $300, many input/output options.

I’m not the one to ask about this, since I still have the receiver I got as a graduation present from high school in 1986.

I have a Yamaha RX-V530, which has a lot of decent options and power to spare. They change model numbers every year, so this particular one probably isn’t available any longer. But Yamaha makes decent amps, as does Denon (my other one, which has been serving me faithfully for five years now).