Hello all,
Doing a new setup in our new house and I have already purchased in-wall and in-ceiling speakers and ran the speaker cable for a 7.1 setup. I also ran speaker cable to the back patio for speakers out there. Here are the following requirements that I'm looking for in a receiver:

1. 7.1 receiver with 2nd Zone capabilities
2. Component Video Switching
5. At least 50 watts per channel

That's really about it. I've been looking into the HK Avr 325 or 330. I need the receiver to be able to send component signal high enough for a ED plasma. I would like to stay in the $300 range, so let me know if there's anything out there that would fit what I'm lokking for. I would really like to have the receiver made by HK, Onkyo, Marantz or Dennon.

Thanks,
Jesse

I don't mean to sound like a dick, but i would save up a few more bucks. Then i'd buy a Denon. Also what speakers are you using?

Mike

$300 isn't even a fair budget for what he's trying to do. I wouldn't call you a dick for stating the obvious. An entry level Yamaha RXV550 is $449 retail and has multi room and is 6.1.

Wow, pretty harsh words from this forum. I've been doing some surfing on ebay and I've come across the AVR 330 in the mid to upper $300 range. So I don't think finding a new or refurbished 7.1 receiver with multiroom for the $300 is out of the question.

I'll be using Dream Series speakers from CSI/Speco.

BTW, Yamaha receiver...whatever.
j

I'd use a Yamaha in a heartbeat over a HK. Don't bother with anything refurbished. Take some friendly advice, save up some more money. Again, i sell and use Denon all the time (business and personal) and would suggest the same to most others.

What about the DENON AVR-785 ?

I believe that is the same as the 1905. I haven't used that specific model, but i would go for that based on their other products i use. Good luck

Mike

What? IMHO Yamaha, dollar for dollar is nice and better than Marantz and certainly HK. Cant comment on the Onkyo though. Keep in mind a $300 reciever is just that - a $300 piece. Don't expect anyone's $300 unit to be earthshattering by any means. I would save a few more bucks and head into the $500 price range.
Not trying to be harsh - just informative.

Stay away from refurb, b-stock, and used stuff. Check ou the Denon 2108 receiver. THe 1905 leaves a lot to be desired but for its price build and functionality you cannot go wrong. Actually with CSI/Speco speakers you might be fine with the 1905. My advice go to any home theater stor and listen and play the with the denon stuff. I sell onkyo, denon and sony and Denon is by far the bes that i sell.

Mike

What does this statement mean?
You came here asking for recommendations, so what is wrong with the Yamaha piece?