Basic AV Receiver

[Murph7355]

It looks like my 15yr old Sony STR-DB925 has finally died. Well, the rear speaker channels have, rendering it somewhat unfit for purpose now sadly. But after such long and good service it is forgiven.

So I need to replace it, and am turning to the PH massive for a short list...

Requirements are pretty straightforward (in no particular order)...

- 5.1 channels (no interest in dotting more speakers around than I already have)
- line level sub output
- optical inputs (SPDIF and coaxial preferred)
- at least three source inputs, plus at least one set of analogue inputs
- similar output to the Sony (100W per channel I believe) as this has worked nicely
- decent quality remote that can take some punishment and can send commands to at least two devices
- preferably one that sets itself up audio wise

The sources that are hooked up to it are a Pioneer 436XDE plasma, a Mac Mini (used as an HTPC) and a Nintendo Wii (not used in a while, but you never know). I don't need HDMI switching, wifi, ethernet, airplay, iDevice connectivity etc etc etc. Of course if these things come with one then I'm sure I'll find a use for them. But don't need them.

The current speakers are an Energy set up (similar vintage to the receiver and still working nicely)..no real interest in replacing these at this moment in time as they look discrete and work well).

Budget? Cheap as possible really. The Sony has been great and didn't cost a bomb, so I'm not inclined to blow thousands on it. Just want a solid receiver that's great at surround sound and OK with music. Sub 500 quid would be handy.

TIA

[Frances The Mute]

I've recently upgraded so I have my original receiver still available if you're interested?

It's an Onkyo TX SR606 (in black) which is everything you're looking for and more. Superb condition and boxed with all the accessories.

[pauljdh]

Onkyo make excellent receivers!

[Murph7355]

Thanks chaps, and especially Frances for the offer.

It gave me an idea for looking at very slightly older releases (bit younger than yours Frances... New old stock) .... Will post back later.

[Patch1875]

Richer Sounds are good for cheap last years models, I would also consider a Yamaha.

[paulrockliffe]

Gumtree will likely pop up with the answer for you if you have a look around.

I've just upgraded my old Sony, the 970 version of yours to the Sony DN1010 which is 7.1. I have to say that there was a huge jump in the quality of the surround sound, even up-mixing to the 7.1. I don't know if it's advancements in the technology or the extra speakers, but I'm hugely impressed.

[Murph7355]

So after a bit of research I started looking for a Denon AVR-X2200W...but was a little too late for these. A number of B or C grade items were available, but they weren't really cheap enough for me not to use man maths and go for the later model.

So I ended up with an "ex demo" AVR-X2300W instead for a great price and obviously with a warranty etc etc.

I considered a couple of Sonys but fancied a bit of a change.

Very pleased with it. The game has really moved on a considerable amount in the last 15yrs! Set up was a breeze, and it has a ton of functionality I doubt I'll need for a little while (though the HDMI switching is coming in handier than expected as Input 3 on my plasma seems to have carked it). It's far from "basic", but hopefully will last me another 15yrs, after which time I won't care as I'll no doubt be stuck watching Countdown, Jeremy Kyle and soiling myself