So, after 20 or so years our trusty stereo receiver has died. I am a little overwhelmed by the choices out there so I’m hoping some knowledgeable folks around here can give some guidance.
Here are the components that need to hook up to it:
[ul]
[li]brand new HDTV[/li][li]brand new blu-ray player[/li][li]old turntable[/li][li]old cd player[/li][li]old cassette tape deck [/li][li] old VHS/DVD machine (it allows you to copy VHS tapes over to a writable DVD, and we’re in the process of doing that for some home videos)[/li][li]20+ year old (but still in great shape) speakers.[/li][/ul]
The room is not a large one so doing a whole home theater set up is not really necessary - all I need is something that the combination of old and new components can be connected to.
I bought a slightly earlier version of the Denon AVR-E300 last year, and I mostly like it. I’m not sure that it has enough inputs for all of your old analog devices, but it has HDMI inputs and output which your digital devices would like.
When I got it, I replaced my old bookshelf speakers with two new (and cheap) bookshelf speakers and a center channel speaker. I live in an apartment, so I choose not to annoy the neighbors with a sub-woofer. All of the TV sound goes through the receiver and speakers, not the TV speakers. Sounds good. I may eventually add a sub-woofer and rear speakers down the line, when my living conditions make it feasible.
You might think all your inputs and outputs and such are important pieces of information. But they’re not nearly as important as what your budget is. Without that, it’s going to be difficult to narrow it down.
May I suggest any Denon, Sony, Onkyo or Yamaha are all going to do the job wonderfully.
Another suggestion is to ensure you have way more HDMI inputs than you think you need, I started with just two but now have an XBOX, laptop, Bluray, Pay TV, server etc all hooked up. OK I can switch between them and the laptop is only for occasional use but trust me you can’t have too many HDMI spots, my son has just ordered an XBXone and of course that needs another one!
I run 20 year old speakers, they where very top end at the time and still in production. I recently replaced the drivers and it made a great difference as the old ones had deteriorated over the years.
Thanks for the info so far, everyone (and sorry for putting this in the wrong forum).
As for my budget, I’d really like to keep it under $300 but I’m not sure if that’s possible or would limit me too much. Heck, I don’t even want to spend $200 on the darn thing since we don’t use it very much… but I know that’s not realistic.
There’s always models of very good AV receivers going on sale for less than $300, sometimes very close to $200 before the new models arrive. And with your flexibility of not really needing it for all the surround sound bells and whistles, that seems really likely.
Personally, I would recommend spending a good amount of time over at the AVS Forums - they have tons of information. There’s a forum for AV receivers, and one for 2 channel audio. They usually appreciate some lurking around before you post, but if you find an active thread that’s somewhat related, you can make a quick intro of yourself, and ask for some advice on where to look. Then, when you find out what it is you’re going to narrow it down to, there’s a forum that specifically deals with great sales going on. That’s where I found my Denon 1712 for $220.
One thing I would do is revise your list of inputs to include type. Not having had a turntable in the last 20 years, I’m not sure how many different sized cords they involve. You’ll want to easily scan a receivers specs to see if it’s compatible.
Without that, it’s going to be difficult to narrow it down.