Receiver Upgrade

[willx45x]

Here's my current set up:

Toshiba 32" Flat Screen TV (not HD)]
Yamaha floor speakers (paid $300 for the pair)
Yamaha center channel (paid about $150)
Sony 5.1 Receiver (paid about 250 3-4 years ago)

Everything was purchased at Best Buy. I'm thinking now might be a good time to upgrade my receiver. How much bang for my buck can I get if I'm looking to spend $350-$500 on a new receiver? Is the upgrade worth it, or should I wait until I have more $$$ to invest. You'll notice I don't have rear speakers, but I am planning to add those soon. Would I be better off purchasing a new receiver first, or new speakers?

Thanks guys!

w

[AZHT]

The Yamaha HTR-5750 or 5760 are in that price range. The 5760 comes with Yamaha's YPAO calibration feature. Both are at Best Buy. Denon has a model called either AVR-1604 or 1804 around $500 too. Good units. What about adding a sub for the low end?

[willx45x]

The Yamaha HTR-5750 or 5760 are in that price range. The 5760 comes with Yamaha's YPAO calibration feature. Both are at Best Buy. Denon has a model called either AVR-1604 or 1804 around $500 too. Good units. What about adding a sub for the low end?

I think a sub needs to be my first purchase. Would you purchase a Yamaha sum to match my Yamaha speakers (probably a $200-250 sub)? If not, can you recommend a $200-$300 sub with decent performance?

Thanks!

w

[AZHT]

You don't need to buy a matching Yamaha sub, and I wouldn't. Look at the Klipsch KSW-10 and 12 (retail for $399 & 499) or JBL's. Both at Best Buy. Also the Paradigm PS-1000/1200. Some here like the HSU & SVS online dealers too. Try to buy enough sub so you don't have buyers remorse. Some specialty dealers offer a 1 year speaker trade up too. I have a Klipsch KSW-12 that works great. Little boomy but loud and a solid starter sub. I'll sell ya mine since I'm considering a new sub. :)

[Bryan]

Sounds like you are trying to do a complete system overhaul. Here you need to decide upon your priorities. For example, if you want speakers then you should consider going the used route. (Shameless plug here but I have a ceramic blue/silver nOrh 4.0 video package up for grabs for $500 plus shipping.) If you want a subwoofer to be the first purchase, buy a quality one such as a HSU VTF-2. Granted it is in the $450 range but it is quality and will last you for several years to come. If you desire a new receiver, the Yamaha HTR-5760 could very well be right up your alley. Whatever you do, buy quality for that is what will last you well into the future.

[sy_lu]

Adding rear speakers probably will give you more bang for movies. If you want a new receiver, Pioneer VSX-2012 is on sale at Goodguys at $499,95. This is half off from MSRP. I find it a better unit in general than the Denon 3300 it replaces.