Video Asylum

Posted by bondmanp (A) on January 02, 2003 at 12:52:24

In Reply to: Need Info On Big Screen TV's & AV Receivers posted by Peter K on January 01, 2003 at 15:51:51:

I agree that the Pioneer Elite is the best RPTV available, despite the cost. Try to go with the 530 instead of the 520, since it has a DVI. If your HT room is dark, avoid the silvery cabinets of the Sony.

I think you mean the Denon AVR-4802, since I am not aware of a 4803. I am not familiar with the Onkyo or the Marantz, but the 4802 is a pretty good value if you can find it discounted. It's fairly powerful, dynamic and not overly bright sounding. With the right speakers, it can really sound quite good. I heard it once with a pair of discontinued NHT 2.5i towers, and I was very impressed with the solid, deep bass, which was well-defined and had slam to spare. I have seen authorized dealers selling this receiver at or below $2000. If you are doing a 5.1 channel system (or are willing to add an amp for the surround-back channels), you can also consider the Rotel RSX-1065 or 1055. As a musical receiver, the Rotel will, IMHO, outperform a lot of the mass-market brands at the same price point.