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Old 01-24-2010, 02:00 AM   #16
OBCT
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Originally Posted by Titan View Post
What model do you have/recomend? Thanks.

Your input on these matters is highly prized. No offence to the others on the thread.
I'm running an HT-R550 (the A/V receiver portion of the HT-SR800 system). It's essentially identical to the TX-SR505. Unfortunately it is not ideal (and is now old), but it hasn't given me any problems in two years of heavy use, which is all I can really ask.

Given the layout of my apartment/living room, it has met my current needs/expectations. I finally added a PS3 to the home theater setup this Christmas, and I happened to finish watching the BD of Batman Begins just minutes ago. I gotta say, it sounded good all things considered. Still, I'd love to upgrade to a DTS-HD Master Audio/Dolby TrueHD compatible system someday soon.

If it weren't for the great deal I got on it - and it's subsequent durability to this point - I frankly might have looked elsewhere for a receiver, possibly into separates (pre-amplifier/processor and amplifier(s) as individual items) and a set of more ... "refined" ... speakers. The budget doesn't always allow for such frivolities, though. It always comes down to dollars and sense. As is, I'm not itching for change - any more than usual.

I do have experience with this pre/pro (paired with Crown amps) in a more professional setting. It is one incredible piece of equipment. Crossing the border into the prosumer realm, it's a little overboard for most residential applications, but it goes to show that Onkyo successfully jams a ton of features into a relatively small and easy to use product quite regularly. Their newest version nearly boggles the mind.


As for what model to recommend for you... I'm not sure it's fair to say, "any Onkyo is a great buy - stick with them and you'll be happy," when in fact there are other great manufacturers and brands, and no brand is perfect. Based on my experience, I would look at Onkyo first.

One may peruse their current model line here, keeping in mind suggested retail prices (in US dollars), just to get an idea of what costs what right now. It all comes down to what you want from a receiver right now, what you're willing/hoping to spend on it, and how long you're likely to wait before upgrading.
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