Nov 25 Podcast #454: Receiver Buying Guide
The HT Guys buying guides have become an annual tradition, and something that we really look forward to putting together. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition!Dolby Ultimate Home Entertainment Contest
Listen to the show
Today's Show:
News:
- Mobile TV Service in 20 Markets by the end of 2011
- Netflix outs $8 stream-only plan in the US, hikes DVD rates
- Verizon triples FiOS speeds to 150Mbps
- Slingplayer for the iPad Now Available
Other:
- Soldiers Secret Santa is launching our 2010 Fundraising drive to help the children of deployed US servicemen and women around the globe.
- Stop on over to Hop-Talk.com and join in the conversation where we blog about beer & life
- Stage Lighting Super Saturday
- Squeezbox Remotes
Receiver Buying Guide
The HT Guys buying guides have become an annual tradition, and something that we really look forward to putting together. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition!
Less than $500
Marantz NR1501 Slim Line Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $400)
This is a thin receiver that comes in at just a tad over 4 inches in height. The NR1501 has 4 HDMI inputs, supports next generation audio and has an auto calibration feature. The receiver makes our buying guide because it is perfect for someone who has limited space but still wants the features of a traditional receiver.
Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $499)
What is considered an entry receiver by most makes our list because of its full feature set. The SR608 is THX Select2 Plus Certified, supports HDMI 1.4 and is 3D ready. It will also upconvert your HDMI video complements of the Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing. Its 3D ready, if you care about that and has 5 HDMI input in the rear of the unit. Just an HT Guys tip though. Only buy this unit if you have proper ventilation. Heat may ruin your experience!
$500 - $1000
Pioneer VSX-1120-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $550)
We reviewed the 1120’s younger sibling (VSX-820) back on Podcast #430. Take everything we liked about the 820, great sound, next generation audio support, and iPod support and add Internet radio, support for the Pioneer iPhone app, PC control and throw in two more HDMI inputs (six total) and you have a winner!
Harman Kardon AVR 3600 85-Watt x 7.1 Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $800)
We’re big fans of Dolby Volume and the 3600 has it! Whether you are playing music from the included iPod Dock or watching TV, Dolby Volume will keep the audio at a consistent level. While the 3600 doesn't have all the features of some units on the list at lower prices, the audio quality of the Harman Kardon is hard to beat!
Yamaha RX-V867BL 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $800)
Priced in the mid-range but the 867 has a feature set that’s comparable to many high end units. The 867 not ony has 6 HDMI inputs but it also has two (simultaneous) HDMI outputs. So if you want to have multiple TVs connected to the receiver you can create a sports bar environment in your own home. The Yamaha RX-V867 supports 3D, Audio Return Channel next generation audio and a slew of other great features. The 867 is a great option for those with a slightly bigger budget.
Greater than $1000
Denon AVR-3311CI 7.2 Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Street Price $1200)
We are big fans of Denon products and the 3311CI is a real powerhouse that we highly recommend! The 3311CI supports Audyssey DSX surround processing, Audessey MultEQ automatic room acoustic measuring and correction system. Support for next generation audio, 3D and Anchor Bay ABT-2015 upconversion and deinterlacing are included. At 125 watts per channel the 3311 will fill almost any room with high quality audio!
PIONEER ELITE SC-37 7.1 Channel 3D Ready A/V Receiver (Street Price $1999)
The SC-37 is “Made for iPhone” so you can incorporate your Apple products into your home theater. Home Media Gallery allows you to stream your network-connected content with DLNA 1.5 support. Control the SC-37 Full-Color On-Screen GUI and PC Web Browser Control. Other features include:
Reader Comments (2)
Regarding PBS stations in high def on Dish Network, they are now there (at least in the LA area on KCET and KOCE). I've been asking Dish for these since I installed the service and continued to get a canned response. Last week, they just appeared.
re Netflix:
the last DVD I have out was shipped in May. I thought I'd switch to Streaming Only as soon as it became available, but won't because my DVD queue would disappear. I could replicate that data elsewhere & save $24 per year. However, as soon as an item on my DVD Q becomes available via streaming, it is automatically added to the bottom of my Instant Q. I want to keep that function