Staff
We get many requests for information about low-cost surround sound receivers from those of you looking to purchase a startup system. Therefore, we have put together a list of receivers, costing $500 or less (street price), and classified them according to our five-star rating system (like we do for the movie and music review section). Since receivers tend to sound very similar in this price range, the rating is based on features, ergonomics (user friendliness), and bang for the buck. We will be adding and subtracting to this page from time to time, depending on which models are discontinued, and which ones are introduced. Unless specified, the receivers have Pro Logic only. If they have DD and/or DTS decoding built-in, or if they have a set of 5.1 input jacks (pre-ins, "AC-3-Ready"), or a set of 5.1 output jacks (pre-outs), the notes column will specify this, to the best of our knowledge.
RATINGS:
MODEL # | PRICE | NOTES | RATING |
Aiwa AV-DV70 | $350 | DD built-In | |
Aiwa AV-D30 | $200 | 80 watts x 4; 5.1 inputs | |
Denon AVR-1100 | $284 | 55 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Harman Kardon AVR-20II | $300 | 50 watts x 3, 20 watts x 2 | |
JVC RX-884V | $379 | 120 watts x 2, 100 watts x 3; DD built-in | |
Kenwood VR-205 | $200 | 50 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Kenwood VR-207 | $300 | 100 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Kenwood VR-209 | $379 | 100 watts x 5; DD built-in | |
Pioneer VSX-D457 | $300 | 100 watts x 5; SRS | |
Sony STR-DE325 | $200 | 100 watts x 4 | |
Sony STR-D425 | $250 | 100 watts x 3, 50 watts x 2; 5.1 inputs | |
Sony STR-DE525 | $300 | 100 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Sony STR-DE625 | $400 | 100 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Sony STR-DE825 | $474 | 100 watts x 5; DD built-in | |
Sony STR-G8ES | $449 | 120 watts x 5; 5.1 inputs | |
Teac AG-D9100 | $349 (Price Club) [ BEST BUY!! ] | 100 watts x 5; DD built-in; 5.1 outputs | |
Technics SA-AX6 | $400 | 100 watts x 6 (one for subwoofer); 5.1 inputs | |
Technics SA-AX920 | $350 | 100 watts x 6 (one for subwoofer); 5.1 inputs | |
Technics SA-EX320 | $180 | 80 watts x 4 | |
Yamaha RX-V595 | $479 | 70 watts x 5; DD built-in | |
Yamaha RX-V793 | $479 | 80 watts x 5; DD built-in |
© Copyright 1998 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity
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