Home theater receivers ?

[BOBALOO]

I currently have a 7 year old Yamaha pro logic receiver with 110 watts per channel and the sound from my Yamaha is kind of flat no matter what brand of speakers I run to it.
I am looking for a new receiver that will play regular stereo thru ALL my main speakers and surrounds while still sending a signal to the subwoofer.
I think the cheaper Sony's do this but I read that the signal to the sub is cut off. I am NOT a home theater junkie and dont really care too much about having the perfect tonal balance or perfect placement of my speakers. My main and surrounds will both be full range and I would like them to pull double duty for music and movies.
MUST be in the lower price zone (under 500$)

[Jyruiz]

At that price range, I would look into the Onkyo TX-SR603, or the Pioneer VSX-1015TX.

[Flashover]

Yamaha & Dennon both make good recievers for the money..

[INSman]

Spend the money once and you won't regret it !!
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
http://www.sunfire.com/ultimatereceiver_II.html

[ROZ]

Spend the money once and you won't regret it !!
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
http://www.sunfire.com/ultimatereceiver_II.html
If you're going to spend it once and not pay a TON of money:
http://www.krellonline.com/images/p_HTS_lg_F.jpg 3k
http://www.krellonline.com/images/p_TAS_lg_F.jpg 8.5k
http://www.krellonline.com/images/p_KAV2250_lg_F.jpg 5K
Don't forget the dvd :D
http://www.krellonline.com/images/p_DVDs_lg_F.jpg 8k
Or you can just go Denon:avr5805
http://usa.denon.com/avr5805_large_front_rdax_467x316.gif 6k
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/prod_images/RXZ9.jpg 4.5k
But I can save you a few bucks :D

[ROZ]

How about this: AVR2106 by Denon...
http://usa.denon.com/avr2106_large_front1_rdax_467x234.gif
Power Output; Watts Per Channel 100
All Channels Rated @ 0.05 THD –
All Channels Rated @ 0.08 THD
Weight: In Pounds 26.8
Width (inches) 17.1
Height (inches) 5.8
Depth (inches) 16.4
SOUND MODES
THX Ultra2-Certified –
Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit – D.D.S.C - D –
Processor(s) – Bit Depth and Type 32-bit Floating Point
Dolby Pro Logic IIx – with Cinema, Music, Game Modes
THX Post-Processing – DPL (4.0), DPL2 Cinema, DD/DTS (5.1), ES Discrete (6.1), ES Matrix, Neo:6 Cinema –
THX Ultra2 7.1 Cinema, Music and Game Modes –
THX Surround EX Decoding –
Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding
dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding
dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes
dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing
Dolby Headphone –
HDCD Decoder –
Audio Signal Delay (Sync. Audio with Video signal) – By source
Pure Direct/Direct/Stereo Modes on Digital/Analog inputs
Stereo/Direct Modes w/Pure Analog Path –
5-Channel Stereo Mode –
Video Game Mode –
Wide Screen 7.1 Mode –
Mono Movie Surround Mode –
Rock Arena Surround Mode –
Matrix Surround Mode –
Jazz Club Surround Mode –
Virtual Surround Mode – For 2 Speakers/Headphones –
Multi-Channel Stereo Mode 5/6/7
DSP Effect Modes 8
Auto Surround Mode (Analog or Digital Input Type)
Active Center Channel In All Surround Modes
CONNECTIVITY
True 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability
True 24-bit/192-kHz Digital Input Capability –
Assignable Digital Inputs
Digital Input – DENON Link 3rd (SACD Ready) –
IEEE-1394 Digital Audio Input/Output –
Digital Inputs: Coaxial 2
Digital Inputs: Optical 4
Digital Outputs: Optical 1
Digital to Analog REC Out –
Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner 10
Phono Input
Source Function Renaming –
Analog Record Outputs 3
Front Panel A/V Inputs w/Cover * Composite and S-Video –
Video Conversion –Composite to S-Video to Component
Video Conversion – Composite to S-Video to Composite
Video Conversion – Analog to HDMI –
DVI/HDMI Video Inputs – Compatible with 1.1 Spec. – Multi-Channel Audio –
HDMI Video Outputs –
Composite Video Inputs –
Composite Video Outputs 3
S-Video Inputs 5
S-Video Outputs 3
Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth - *Assignable 3x100
Component Video Outputs 1
6-Ch. External Analog Input –
8-Ch. External Analog Input
Banana Plug Speaker Terminals, All Channels
Cinema EQ
Front A/B Speaker Selector
56 Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning
Radio Data System (RDS) –
XM Satellite Radio 'Connect and Play' Ready – with optional antenna
Direct Function (Tone Bypass)
Volume Control Un-muting
Selectable Muting Levels (Full/-40/-20) –
Video Select Control
RS-232 Port – Third Party Remote Controllers
RJ-45 Ethernet Port – Same Functionality as AVR-5805/4806 –
PC Setup and Control Capability –
IR Serial Remote In/Out terminals
+12v Trigger Output - Assignable 1 (25mA)
Multi-Source/Multi-Zone (*Uses REC OUT) 2S/3Z*
Pre-amp Outputs for Multi-Zone –
High Pass Filter for Multi-Zone Outputs –
Multi-Zone Pre-Amp Outputs – Selectable Output Levels Fixed Only
Discrete Multi-Zone Composite Video Output - *S-Video also –
Discrete Remote Power On/Off, Source Selection and Volume for Main and Second/Third* Zones
Discrete Remote Source Selection for Zone 3 –
Assignable Amplifier Configuration of Surround Back Channels x with Volume
Speaker Time-Delay and Level Controls: L/R, Sub, C, Surr. L/R, Surround Back –
Pre-Amp Outputs All (8)
COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY
Equal Power Amplifiers 7ch
Low Impedance Drive Capability –
High-Current/Discrete Amplifiers
Independent Power Supplies
Pure Audio Construction –
Toroidal Power Transformer –
Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Analog Devices, HammerHead SHARC
Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Texas Instruments Aureus –
AL24 Processing - All Channels –
24-bit/192-kHz DACs – Burr-Brown PCM-1791 –
24-bit/192-kHz DACs - Analog Devices AD-1837
Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24/96
Variable High/Low Pass Crossover Points (12/24dB) 40/60/80/100/120/150/200/250
Built In Time Based Correction –
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Front Panel A/B Speaker Selector –
Auto Setup Calibration
Auto/Manual Room Equalization
Audyssey MultEqxt Room Eq. with up to eight position setup –
Auto Setup Microphone Included/Type Y/Mold
Dual Surround Mode Spkr. Selector –
Icon-Based On-Screen Display
Front Panel System Setup Control –
Personal Memory Plus
System Setup/Surround Parameters Lockout
Relay-Controlled Protection Circuits
Microprocessor User Re-set
Detachable Power Cord –
Subwoofer Peak-Level Limiter –
Pre-programmed (10 Devices) Glow Key Remote Control with Punch Through Commands

[BOBALOO]

The Denon looks good, do most of the newer receivers let you play full range music on ALL your surrounds and main speakers? I imagine that the center channel would be off during this playback, am I correct?

[BOBALOO]

How about this: AVR2106 by Denon...
http://usa.denon.com/avr2106_large_front1_rdax_467x234.gif
Power Output; Watts Per Channel 100
All Channels Rated @ 0.05 THD –
All Channels Rated @ 0.08 THD
Weight: In Pounds 26.8
Width (inches) 17.1
Height (inches) 5.8
Depth (inches) 16.4
SOUND MODES
THX Ultra2-Certified –
Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit – D.D.S.C - D –
Processor(s) – Bit Depth and Type 32-bit Floating Point
Dolby Pro Logic IIx – with Cinema, Music, Game Modes
THX Post-Processing – DPL (4.0), DPL2 Cinema, DD/DTS (5.1), ES Discrete (6.1), ES Matrix, Neo:6 Cinema –
THX Ultra2 7.1 Cinema, Music and Game Modes –
THX Surround EX Decoding –
Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding
dts ES Discrete 6.1 Decoding
dts ES Matrix 6.1 Decoding
dts Neo:6 Stereo-to-Surround Cinema and Music Modes
dts 96/24 5.1 for DVD-Video Processing
Dolby Headphone –
HDCD Decoder –
Audio Signal Delay (Sync. Audio with Video signal) – By source
Pure Direct/Direct/Stereo Modes on Digital/Analog inputs
Stereo/Direct Modes w/Pure Analog Path –
5-Channel Stereo Mode –
Video Game Mode –
Wide Screen 7.1 Mode –
Mono Movie Surround Mode –
Rock Arena Surround Mode –
Matrix Surround Mode –
Jazz Club Surround Mode –
Virtual Surround Mode – For 2 Speakers/Headphones –
Multi-Channel Stereo Mode 5/6/7
DSP Effect Modes 8
Auto Surround Mode (Analog or Digital Input Type)
Active Center Channel In All Surround Modes
CONNECTIVITY
True 24-bit/96-kHz Digital Input Capability
True 24-bit/192-kHz Digital Input Capability –
Assignable Digital Inputs
Digital Input – DENON Link 3rd (SACD Ready) –
IEEE-1394 Digital Audio Input/Output –
Digital Inputs: Coaxial 2
Digital Inputs: Optical 4
Digital Outputs: Optical 1
Digital to Analog REC Out –
Analog Audio Inputs, Incl. Tuner 10
Phono Input
Source Function Renaming –
Analog Record Outputs 3
Front Panel A/V Inputs w/Cover * Composite and S-Video –
Video Conversion –Composite to S-Video to Component
Video Conversion – Composite to S-Video to Composite
Video Conversion – Analog to HDMI –
DVI/HDMI Video Inputs – Compatible with 1.1 Spec. – Multi-Channel Audio –
HDMI Video Outputs –
Composite Video Inputs –
Composite Video Outputs 3
S-Video Inputs 5
S-Video Outputs 3
Component Video Inputs x Bandwidth - *Assignable 3x100
Component Video Outputs 1
6-Ch. External Analog Input –
8-Ch. External Analog Input
Banana Plug Speaker Terminals, All Channels
Cinema EQ
Front A/B Speaker Selector
56 Station Auto-Preset Memory Tuning
Radio Data System (RDS) –
XM Satellite Radio 'Connect and Play' Ready – with optional antenna
Direct Function (Tone Bypass)
Volume Control Un-muting
Selectable Muting Levels (Full/-40/-20) –
Video Select Control
RS-232 Port – Third Party Remote Controllers
RJ-45 Ethernet Port – Same Functionality as AVR-5805/4806 –
PC Setup and Control Capability –
IR Serial Remote In/Out terminals
+12v Trigger Output - Assignable 1 (25mA)
Multi-Source/Multi-Zone (*Uses REC OUT) 2S/3Z*
Pre-amp Outputs for Multi-Zone –
High Pass Filter for Multi-Zone Outputs –
Multi-Zone Pre-Amp Outputs – Selectable Output Levels Fixed Only
Discrete Multi-Zone Composite Video Output - *S-Video also –
Discrete Remote Power On/Off, Source Selection and Volume for Main and Second/Third* Zones
Discrete Remote Source Selection for Zone 3 –
Assignable Amplifier Configuration of Surround Back Channels x with Volume
Speaker Time-Delay and Level Controls: L/R, Sub, C, Surr. L/R, Surround Back –
Pre-Amp Outputs All (8)
COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY
Equal Power Amplifiers 7ch
Low Impedance Drive Capability –
High-Current/Discrete Amplifiers
Independent Power Supplies
Pure Audio Construction –
Toroidal Power Transformer –
Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Analog Devices, HammerHead SHARC
Dolby Digital, dts and DSP Modes – Texas Instruments Aureus –
AL24 Processing - All Channels –
24-bit/192-kHz DACs – Burr-Brown PCM-1791 –
24-bit/192-kHz DACs - Analog Devices AD-1837
Analog-to-Digital Conversion - Bit Depth/Sampling Rate 24/96
Variable High/Low Pass Crossover Points (12/24dB) 40/60/80/100/120/150/200/250
Built In Time Based Correction –
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Front Panel A/B Speaker Selector –
Auto Setup Calibration
Auto/Manual Room Equalization
Audyssey MultEqxt Room Eq. with up to eight position setup –
Auto Setup Microphone Included/Type Y/Mold
Dual Surround Mode Spkr. Selector –
Icon-Based On-Screen Display
Front Panel System Setup Control –
Personal Memory Plus
System Setup/Surround Parameters Lockout
Relay-Controlled Protection Circuits
Microprocessor User Re-set
Detachable Power Cord –
Subwoofer Peak-Level Limiter –
Pre-programmed (10 Devices) Glow Key Remote Control with Punch Through Commands
I think my home addition budget is smaller than the price for that stuff and I am adding 1200sqft

[Jyruiz]

The Denon looks good, do most of the newer receivers let you play full range music on ALL your surrounds and main speakers? I imagine that the center channel would be off during this playback, am I correct?
If you don't set the speakers to small it should.

[ROZ]

The Denon looks good, do most of the newer receivers let you play full range music on ALL your surrounds and main speakers? I imagine that the center channel would be off during this playback, am I correct?
When I play 5/6/7 channel stereo, all of the speakers play full range.

[DOHARA]

The pioneer vsx-1015tx-k is just under 500.00 with all the bells and whistles. read the reviews on cnet.com it's par with yamaha,onkyo,denon.
Good prices here too.
http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_26741.htm

[teamaquaholicks]

i have a denon that is probably 12yrs old and still going strong. and i just bought another denon like the one roz suggested and it rocks. all speakers do play in full range. not to mention you can have two zones that will play your movies in the main room and have music in the other rooms. i have about a 15k system in my house and it's perfect. the guys are right, spend the money once and you won't be sorry. good for resale anyways. be sure to spend some money on the unit that you are using for your music and movies. if you don't have digital outputs on your player, you won't get anything out of any deck you buy. digital is a must other wise it will only be simulated sound. not the same.