Home Theatre - My AV receiver just plotzed

[Too Tall]

I've been rocking a Pioneer Elite SC-05 for years. It's been good to me and what is likely a simple thing is it's demise. I've got a sound drop out that is very likely due to a bad volume control and frankly it's not worth the repair bill / cost to own ratio.

I am not interested in a receiver, only playing the TV.

What are good < $500 options?

FWIIW Speakers consist of: Klipsch, Klipsch, Klipsch and some junk for rears.

[Bob Ross]

I am not interested in a receiver, only playing the TV.

Other than one interesting new product from Rotel, anything in the sub-$2k range that will do surround processing, power 5 speakers, and provide video source switching will be a receiver.

[Too Tall]

Other than one interesting new product from Rotel, anything in the sub-$2k range that will do surround processing, power 5 speakers, and provide video source switching will be a receiver.

Right, thanks Bob.

Edit: What Bob said.

[Gattonero]

Rotel, Naim.
You got Klipsch, they're loud aren't they?

[Too Tall]

Rotel, Naim.
You got Klipsch, they're loud aren't they?

You have no idea.

[spopepro]

I've been impressed with Marantz continuing to use solid components. I think you should be able to find an AV receiver from them for under 500 bucks.

[maunahaole]

Lots of options in sub 500 receivers. The confluence of sound processing and watts per channel is pretty huge right now. Nice stuff even pops up on amazon sales now and then.

[robin3mj]

Wuz gonna say Pioneer before I even clicked on this thread. I trust their stuff. (Probably gonna buy a no-nonsense AM/FM/USB input car stereo from them this week if my new rig pans out.)
If you're not spooked- go grab another one in your price range.

[Bob Ross]

To be honest, "Under $500" isn't really in my vocabulary when it comes to audio gear...but the party line on the entry level Sony AVRs is that they don't completely suck (or, as we used to tell prospective clients when I sold consumer A/V in the early 80s "this one definitely will not kill your children!")
AV Receivers | Best Home Theater Receivers | Sony US

[Too Tall]

Hmmm. Pioneer VSX-1131 is available locally.

[maunahaole]

That pioneer looks nice. The networked features look cool.

[Peter Polack]

I can't recommend a specific brand/model but I will say I've been prowling craigslist recently and I'm surprised what's available that's very recent vintage. Worth checking out.

Also, I'd suggest you reconsider repairing your receiver. I just had a 25 year old amp repaired at about what it cost when new. I still feel it's a better bargain than buying new. Many of the parts are generic/common and can keep your unit running for decades.

P.S. I just bought my first pair of Klipsch speakers; Heresy II's. Yes; they play loud. They shake the floor joists without breaking a sweat.

[rec head]

Only concern would be upgradeability. If you think you'll be getting a 4k TV then an AVR that has the latest HDMI version is a good idea.

PS- ATMOS and DTS:X are awesome.

[Too Tall]

Only concern would be upgradeability. If you think you'll be getting a 4k TV then an AVR that has the latest HDMI version is a good idea.

PS- ATMOS and DTS:X are awesome.

We do have a 4K TV but HEY that content looks scary good as it is so I won't sweat it. I'll look a little harder at repair but honestly the new versions of my old unit sans multiple zones and a bazillion watts per channel I don't need are close to repair costs. I DID like my AV receiver, it was great.

Peter, dang man welcome to the club. They are great rock and roll speakers. Listen at a safe distance ;)

[Gattonero]

You have no idea.

I still don't get it how my friend from TNT-Audio got away from being arrested, when he was trying them

[alexstar]

In your price range I like my Denon receiver. Check them out.

[rec head]

We do have a 4K TV but HEY that content looks scary good as it is so I won't sweat it.

HDMI 2.0 should only be an issue when hooking up new components like if you get a UHD disc player or 4k Roku. For OTA or apps built into the TV it doesn't matter.

[spopepro]

I still don't get it how my friend from TNT-Audio got away from being arrested, when he was trying them

Probably by feeding them with some sub-10W homebrew class-t getup. Of course over obnoxiously arcane hand braided computer cables.

Seriously though, the tnt folks are good blokes. I like their style.

[Too Tall]

In your price range I like my Denon receiver. Check them out.

Point me at something you like maaaaaan. I do like Denon.

[Too Tall]

Sitting? It's fixed. I did a bunch of reading about common causes for sound drop outs. One of the top reasons are speaker wire related. I remade and established all speaker connections and the problem went away....as if I had not already done a visual check and all seemed ok.

Much relieved here, I like this unit.

Thanks for your patience and good advice.