Low Priced Receivers

beachtreehouse68 -- Tue, 03/21/2006 - 15:37

Hello all, I'm looking for a LOW priced receiver..under $250 any ideas? Thanks

peterd -- Fri, 03/24/2006 - 16:57

Hi,

That's a tough one. Under $250.00 will probably only get you mass marketed brand receivers but if that is what works for you, fine. Unfortunately these receivers are made with low quality electronic components, power supplies, tuners, etc. It will probably sound muddy and not crisp. In the budget end of high end audio, you can't go wrong with NAD hi-fi receivers but you'll pay a bit more. It will be worth it though. I've had my 7240PE NAD receiver for more years than I can remember and it still sounds fantastic. You may also do well buying a preowned receiver at a reputable hi-fi audio store that was traded in on an upgrade purchase. This is probably your best approach.

Jim Hannon -- Fri, 03/24/2006 - 23:41

I second Peter's recommendation of a used NAD, providing the contacts are cleaned. I've had one as a back-up for years.

However, if you can swing it, the new NAD receivers/integrateds are bargains. I'd look for the BEE versions.

Jim Hannon -- Fri, 03/24/2006 - 23:41

I second Peter's recommendation of a used NAD, providing the contacts are cleaned. I've had one as a back-up for years.

However, if you can swing it, the new NAD receivers/integrateds are bargains. I'd look for the BEE versions.

beachtreehouse68 -- Sat, 03/25/2006 - 12:14

Thanks for the information, Great site!!![/b]

neil.gader -- Mon, 03/27/2006 - 15:30

I agree that finding a used NAD is a great way to go. Here's another option in a new AVR. Pioneer has just released the 7.1-channel VSX816 for $299 retail. It's XM ready and has XM's new Neural Surround decoder for receiveing XM's 5.1 special programming. You can also reassign amp channels to biamp the front LRs. I've had pretty good experiences with Pioneer gear. I can't vouch for this newcomer's performance but it might be worth a look.

Neil Gader
Associate Editor/ TAS-TPV

Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound

bphilpott -- Mon, 04/03/2006 - 00:40

I agree, with everybody concerning the NAD. My first purchase was the Rotel Reciever (RSX 965) which I am still using as a preamp for tube monoblocks. Rotel makes awesome reasonable price equipment. I could be selling my Rotel in a few weeks or months which will be a sad day (email me if you wish ... I am not using this as a advertising site, but helping somebody out). I suggest you explore ebay (I am fearful of buying equip from people you do not know) or used gear from a local dealer. Save your money and wait, do not buy the mass marketed garbage out there.