Cheap A/V Receivers

Okay, I know supposedly "you get what you pay for". But I plan on making home theater a hobby on a budget basis. I'll probably finally upgrade my audio system with the new tv. I'm not gonna spend alot on a high-end receiver that I'll probably replace in a couple of years anyway. Since my HT is mostly used for movie watching, and I think my Pioneer vsx411 sounds okay with my Sony ssmb-mf speakers, will you guys kick me outta here if I go with the Pioneer vsx-912 6.1? CNET gave a great rating and said it was comparable to Yamaha. User reviews have been positive for sound & connectivity. I can get it for $220. Also, does Pioneer's high THD matter?

Take a look into Onkyo's TXSR502. It is a descent little machine for the price but you will probably be spending a little more than the $220 for the Pioneer (but it will money well spent). Or have a look at Harman/Kardon's AVR135 - but that will probably be even more than the 502 (again, money well spent).

Circuit City has an open-box sr502. Probably can talk 'em lower than the $269 tag on it. I know it's 6.1, but I'll probably use 7 speakers. Do you know if it has the split capability? How about the Yamaha rxv450?

I agree with the Onkyo receiver recommendation. Check out the prices on the Onkyo TX-SR502 at J&R which is an authorized Onkyo internet dealer. They want $149.88 plus shipping for a refurbished unit and $229.99 with free shipping for a new one.

Onkyo's are great "budget" units...and I don't mean budget in a bad way at all.
Pioneer's "high THD" doesn't really matter as long as it's below 1%. You could be really discriminating and linit your selection to something below 0.5% THD. Most studies to date prove human ears can't pick up on THD of 2% or less, 1% is really low, and 0.09 is incredibly insignificant. So how important is THD really? A few years back that spec started getting used all over the place and got out of hand.
If you see something like 90 watts, 1 kHz, 10% THD though...run....fast....

Thanks!

Use that bottom level Onkyo for sound in my Puter room. Can't beat it for the money.

Da Worfster :D

Another vote for the TX-SR502. I got mine for $155 refurb/shipped with one year warranty and am quite happy with it....Jack

Depending on what "chep" is, i vote for the Cambridge Audio Azur 540R. Can be found for a low 500 sometimes. Better than my old 3K 989 :( Makes me wonder about the Japaneese electronics :p