Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Help me choose between these 4 receivers.

For x-mas I received a pair of m3tis and a vp100 center. The receiver I have now is a Kenwood from the late 80s, so I'm would like to replace it to say the least. Listening will be an even mix between music and HT and I live in a relatively small dorm room. I have roughly $400 to spend and am currently looking at the following:

Denon 1804 $280
H/K avr-125 $180
H/K avr-225 $230
H/K avr-325 $379

All units are refurbished due to money constraints. Concerning the H/K 325, it is rated at 7x50 watts, but if I run on a 5.1 setup, does that mean that it will be able to provide more power to each channel because the 6th and 7th aren't in use?

Hi JServ,

Yes, the power-supply in the 7.1-channel receiver will distribute more power to the channels that are running; in other words, the power supplies in these receivers respond to the available current demands on a moment-to-moment basis, depending on the audio content present in each channel. If you don't connect the additional one or two rear channels of 6.1 and 7.1, the H/K models detect that and the receiver is freed up from power/current demands on those channels.

You could get the H/K AVR-325, which is conservatively rated, very versatile, and would suffice in a larger room once you are out of the dorm.

Regards,

Start, as a base, with the 325 or Denon, but not knowing anything about the source of these refurbished goods, I'd encourage you to use a local dealer or an online e-tailer who states that either they do not sell refurbs OR that they do so in a way retaining all warranties intact. Others may advise differently, but you want to be wary of spending money on a deal that ends up being no deal at all when you find there's no warranty.

As two interesting options, consider:

1. Option 1: Save up another $150+/- to get an AV receiver with more power, ie, one that will last longer and not leave you with power-envy, like the H/K 525, Yamaha 1400, or even this aggressively priced Onky 601. While it's true 50-honestly-rated H/K WPC will more than suffice for your M3s, it's also true that
   
   
   • you can never have enough power, and
   • you will eventuall want larger speakers, so why not get a receiver now that will drive them?


2. Option 2: Go for major savings and comb the classified ads on Audiogon or preferably in your local paper for someone upgrading to a 7.1 receiver and selling "last year's model." If you show up with cash and do your homework, you may get your best cost-performance deal that way. It's not easy to sell a top-grade AV receiver, yet people with upgraditis are likely to want to move perfectly good 2-3 year-old models. You'll miss out on 7.1, but you may never want 7 speakers anyway. This won't get your dream receiver, but it will upgrade the Kenwood, pontentially to a nice product, without breaking the bank.

IMHO

Birdman

Well, while I was writing the oracle spoke. Listen to Alan not me. Although it's still fun to see what people are trying to sell in the papers.

Birdman

Hey Austinbirdman, your advice is excellent. Now, as Oracle, I'll retreat to my cave for some lunch. . .and to ponder the nuances of Dolby Digital Pro Logic IIx. It's tricky setting up seven speakers in a cave.

Regards,

I'd say as long as the retailer is authorized, refurbs are just fine (if not better--they've had the once over!) I don't see the difference between buying an unauthorized refurb and something from some dude posting an ad, either...

I'm looking to purchase from ecost.com which is an authorized denon and H/K dealer on their respective websites.

You may also look at onecall.com. That's where I got my refurb 525. No problems at all, very inexpensive (at the time...)

You are in an enviable position. I own the Denon 1804 and have it hooked up in 6.1. My room is somewhat small 12x16 and open to the rear so the room could be considered 12x26. The Denon with 2M22's and 3QS8's and a VP100 fill the room with sound and I have no power wanting. Although I did look into buying the H/K225 while looking at the 1804 but up here in canada the H/K225 is $1000 and the Denon is $800. The extra $200 dollars wouldn't fly with the family. The H/K325 is a better unit on paper with extra amperage and honest wattage ratings. Happy choosing.

In that price range I'd go with the Panasonic/Technics SA HE 200.