which reciever???

Im looking to spend about 250.00 to 350.00 on a new surround sound reciever I currently own a sony de325 with the sony speaker package. I am about to purchase the energy encore system but I think I will need a better reciever than what I have. I like what I see on the sony str-de895 but it didnt have real good reviews. Any suggetions on a decent reciever??? Thanks

I'm happy with my Marantz receiver, but other offering from Yamaha, Denon or Onkyo should perform more or less the same. For speaker, instead of getting Encore system, you will likely get better/fuller sound by buying separate bookshelf speaker with matching center and better subwoofer. Never mind the rears you can add later. You still can use your Sony speaker for the rear.
Good luck.

Without knowing how big the room is, might I suggest going a different route? Looks like you want to spend around $1,500 total for a new system as the Encore package goes for roughly $1,100. How about the Ascend Acoustics S22-2001 system (includes HSU VTF-2 and 5 CBM-170s) for $1,255 and a Yamaha RX-V730 for $299.06. The total comes to $1,554.06 delivered.

IF you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, I would check ebay and look for some last year models of Pioneer Elite line, Denon,and Yamaha. For the cash you have or saying you want to spend will not match with the speaker system (lack of real power and quality) so check online and buy something that will hold its own with the speakers.

I'd go with the Ascend Acoustics system with the HSU-vtf-2 sub, and get a Marantz SR-4300 from accessories4less.com. Great place to do buisness with, they sell refurbished equipment that look and play like brand new. And with a refurbished you get more receiver then you would with a new one. The Marantz also has pre-outs, which I'm not sure the yamaha or denons have them.

-Joey

If you're not set on the speakers yet.

This package comes with a Denon 1804 [auth. dlr] for $1250

Here's the deal:

http://forum.av123.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1097

Id go here Ac4l and get this http://www.ac4l.com/itemdesc.asp?Car...R4200&cc=&tpc=
Marantz receiver. It has the full warranty and is what I would get if i was getting smething in this price range.

Check out HiFi.com they have all the Marantz receivers 15% off with free shipping. Or use the following link.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/s...ec_hometheater