onkyo TX-SR502 or HK235

[madguitar26]

ad to that the MARANTZ SR4500 .

[davidb]

Don't have any personal experience with the Marantz, but I do with the other two. I'd recommend the HK hands down. It is, in reality, a much more powerful receiver, despite the advertised wattage on each. In addition to that, the HK has (at least to my ear) a less abrasive sound than the 502 and 503. Additionally, the 235 (and the 240) have a full set of pre-outs and 8-channel analog inputs, as opposed to 6-channel on the Onkyo 503 and I assume the 502 as well. This is important if you ever connect a computer to the system, as some computer games can actually support a discrete 7.1 channel output. Three of each type of digital input, as opposed to 3 opt. / 1 coax. (especially important when most DVD players, at least at entry level, will come with only coax out).
If you ever moved out of your small apartment and got a bigger place with bigger speakers to fill it up, you'd be glad to have the amperage that the HK would give you. Move up to the 240 instead of the 235, and you get a quadruple crossover (excellent feature if your system uses different type/size speakers in different positions), nameable inputs, enhanced Ipod compatability, and maybe some other stuff I'm forgetting.

[L.J.]

Additionally, the 235 (and the 240) have a full set of pre-outs and 8-channel analog inputs, as opposed to 6-channel on the Onkyo 503 and I assume the 502 as well. This is important if you ever connect a computer to the system, as some computer games can actually support a discrete 7.1 channel output. Three of each type of digital input, as opposed to 3 opt. / 1 coax. (especially important when most DVD players, at least at entry level, will come with only coax out).
If you ever moved out of your small apartment and got a bigger place with bigger speakers to fill it up, you'd be glad to have the amperage that the HK would give you. Move up to the 240 instead of the 235, and you get a quadruple crossover (excellent feature if your system uses different type/size speakers in different positions), nameable inputs, enhanced Ipod compatability, and maybe some other stuff I'm forgetting.

Excellent points

[madguitar26]

thanks for the reply
i had no ideia the HK240 was so much of an improvement over its predecessor.
just out of curiosity,what would be the step up after the HK240?
brazilian folks claim the denon avr 3805 as the living god in the HT realm,
as the NAD line of receivers.
i wanna know your input on this one

[L.J.]

thanks for the reply
i had no ideia the HK240 was so much of an improvement over its predecessor.
just out of curiosity,what would be the step up after the HK240?
brazilian folks claim the denon avr 3805 as the living god in the HT realm,
as the NAD line of receivers.
i wanna know your input on this one

Thought you were only looking to spend 400

[madguitar26]

still am looking for up to 400 bucks.
the question is outa curiosity

[L.J.]

still am looking for up to 400 bucks.
the question is outa curiosity

Next step up for HK would be the 340, which has a few more bells and whistles(more inputs, second zone, better remote). Compare.

Actually, you may be able to find a 335 for a little more than $400 mark. I believe the 340 is the replacement for the 335.

The 3805 is a step up from my 2805. It offers a third zone, better remote, and a few more WPC over my 2805. Not enough for me to justify a $400 difference between the two, when I upgraded. I thinks it's a great unit though.

Shop around if you can.