between two receivers/other suggestions

[Jorge_Burrito]

I am looking at getting either a Pioneer 1015 or a refurbished HT 435 for my ascends. My current receivers is basically a cheap POS. The only problem is these are about $200 past my budget right now. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of a receiver for more around $300. Will it be worth it to save for about two months to buy one of the more expensive receivers? If so which one...I would love to hear from people who actually have these receivers?

I will use probably 70/30 movies/music.

[lei@forum]

Well, if budget is an issue, you can go to a ref'd HK 235. It's around 300
on ebay, sold by harmanaudio - the important thing is, it carries the same
manufacture's warranty.

BTW, I got HK435.

-lei

[BGHD]

I'd save for the 435 or find a refurb. The EZSet w/ EQ in the 435 made a difference to my ears (better punch to the bass) over the HK 1005 and 2005 (both only have EZSet). Have never compared the 435 vs the 235, but read the EQ's worth the extra $$$. BTW, those digital AVRs (1005/2005) were very nice too.

[BGHD]

Probably a tougher decision to decide b/w the 1015 vs 435. Both with good reviews in AVS.

[funkyflush]

This is the same dilemma I had. 1015 or 435. I went for the XR-55 + Harmony 659 remote and an SPL meter($360 shipped). I will probably pick up an analog receiver from a local store and compare them.

I don't have my ascends yet, but I will post my thoughts when I get them. The consensus, for Ascend speakers at least, is that the XR-55 has better sound quality than the 1015 or 435, but I won't know for at least another 2 weeks when my speakers get here. Some of the other owners of the XR-55 really like it and it helped me make my decision.

[Jorge_Burrito]

Thanks for the advice so far. I will check out the xr-55 as it definitely somethig I could afford right now. At this point I think I will probably be patient and save up some money though...good things come to those who wait...right? Anyways I am curious to hear from anyone who has a 1015.

[ChrisA]

What about the new Yamaha RX-V557 and 457 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV_series.htm)? Both can be had for under 300 online and they offer some pretty good features? Of course RX-V's are not supposed to be sold online and this will compromise your warranty, but it's still an option.

[lei@forum]

What about the new Yamaha RX-V557 and 457 (http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV_series.htm)? Both can be had for under 300 online and they offer some pretty good features? Of course RX-V's are not supposed to be sold online and this will compromise your warranty, but it's still an option.

Yes, and the Yammy HTR-5860 which is supposedly to be equivelant to RX-V657
that has a pretty good review recently. FYI, 5860s are being sold at an authorized
online retailer for $325.

Not that I'm recommending the 5860, just want you to know all the options that
you have. FWIW, I eventuallu went for a HK435 with a budget of about 150
over what you have.