"HDMI switching, Decent power rating at this price, 7.1 analog input, 92 kHz/24 bit audio DACs for all channels....Spring clip speaker terminals, lack of on screen setup menu...With a surprisingly low retail price, the Sherwood RD-7502 is a good choice for those looking to get into a home theater receiver without shelling out a lot of money, but also those who need some HDMI switching capability...With features such as Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx, DTS ES,..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Average Buy for Everyone
"When Pure Direct engaged, the signal bypasses the tone, loudness, balance controls, and other circuit, being fed directly to the discrete power amplifier...Rather than the usual 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response, Yamaha has given the RX-497 the ability to handle frequencies from 10Hz to100kHz (1dB...Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio and other new formats will be able to output sound over this range, so the RX-497 is fully compatible with products using these formats...The RX-497 is capable of delivering large amounts of reserve power for accurate reproduction of high-energy peaks...As befits a high performance receiver, the RX-497 is designed to be suitable for use in custom installations..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Average Buy for Everyone
"Denon 5.1 CH A/V Home Theater Receiver In Black, Model AVR1610...Affordability and high performance are the hallmarks of the AVR-1610 home theater receiver, which features the latest high resolution audio decoders, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio...With three HDMI inputs and two HD-compatible component inputs, the AVR-1610 features analog-to-digital HDMI video conversion, allowing a single HDMI cable run to your HDTV, simplifying connections and minimizing cable costs at the same time..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Average Buy for Everyone
"The TX-SR507 has many of the same features of the more expensive models for a fraction of the price (four 1080p capable HDMI inputs and TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding...I've never owned a A/V receiver before so I tried to do my homework before I made a purchase...The TX-SR507 has many of the same features of......" read more »
"Three HDMI inputs; decodes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit streams; includes calibration mic for automated setup...No video or digital audio inputs in the front panel; no ?direct...mode; crappy remote control...If you’ve been waiting for the prices of HDMI-equipped A/V receivers to come down to earth, Sherwood’s new RD-7503 should help you pull the trigger...But if you’re planning to connect this receiver to a home theater PC, be aware that we encountered..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Average Buy for Everyone
"Denon has announced several new AV receivers for 2008, ranging from $1,200 down to $300...The six most expensive models (AVR-2809CI, AVR-2309CI, AVR-1909, AVR-989, AVR-889, and AVR-789) feature upconversion of analog signals up to 1080p, as well as onboard decoding for high-resolution audio soundtracks, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio...AVR-2809CI ($1,200), AVR-2309CI ($850), AVR-1909 ($650), AVR-1709 ($450), AVR-1609 ($350), AVR-989 ($1,200), AVR-889 ($750), AVR-789 ($600), AVR-689 ($400), and AVR-589 ($300..." read more »
Specs: 160 Watt Total AMP Output • 80 Watt Per Channel • iPod ready • multi-room audio output
Reviews: 39 user reviews
"Multi Source / Multi Zone Audio Video Receiver features XM ready and, iPod Command and Control capability...The DRA-397 AM/FM receiver offers high-performance operation, functionality and affordability, all in a single unit...uncompromising approach to sound quality and the DRA-397 is no exception thanks to the meticulous Denon-developed circuitry...iPod (*1) playback can be enjoyed through the DRA-397 when the ASD-1R, Denon's original Control Dock for iPod (sold separately), is connected to the dedicated control terminal of the DRA-397..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Buy with caution if you really want it
"Select the right smartphone for your lifestyle...The Onkyo HT-RC160 Home Theater Receiver offers lots of audio and video features, as well as good audio performance, in an affordable package...For example, the user can be watching a Blu-ray Disc or DVD movie with surround sound in the main room, while someone else can listen to a CD player in another, at the same time..." read more »
"The TX-8555 is packed with proprietary Onkyo amplifier technology and housed in a sturdy, vibration-resistant chassis...The TX-8555 also has a Phono input so you can connect a stereo turntable without adding an optional pre-amp accessory...The TX-8555 Stereo Receiver offers superb functionality and dual-room capability that will be hard to match...This receiver features a high-end design approach encompassing everything from its massive power transformer design and high-current, low-impedance drive to discrete output circuitry and minimal use of negative feedback...The TX-8555, with high-current, low-impedance drive capability, 2 x 100W amplification, 20Hz - 20KHz frequency response, and a vibration-resistant chassis, is a lot of what you need and none of what you don't..." read more »
Retrevo's Recommendation: Average Buy for Everyone
Specs: 5.1 channel Surround • 150 Watt Total AMP Output • 30 Watt Per Channel • iPod ready
Reviews: 12 user reviews
"Overall, these receivers are a big improvement over the existing models, but they'll face an uphill battle versus the competition...Tell us what you like about this product...Tell us what you don't like about this product..." read more »