AV Budget Receiver - Pioneer PIONEER VSX519 or Sony STRDH800?

[admin_exported]

Hi

I'm looking for some advice. I have a Sony KDL40Z4500 TV and BDPS550 Blu Ray Player. I was recently using my Denon DHT 500SD 5.1 home cinema system as a makeshift AV receiver (until I could afford a proper AV Receiver). Unfortunately the Denon base unit decided to blow up on me (quite literally) and I do not believe that the quoted repair costs at £90 are cost effective.

I'm looking at a Budget AV Receiver and have seen the Pioneer VSX519 in Richer Sounds for £199.95 and the Sony STRDH800 for £260. I hope in the short term as finances are tight to use the existing Denon 5.1 speakers that came with the home cinema system. Can I have any comments on which is the better value for money. The rest of my equipment is Sony but I'm not sure that means I should go for the receiver where the Pioneer is £60 cheaper and I will not be using a 7.1 speaker set up.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

The Onkyo SR507 is another option - one of the cheapest ways to get HD Audio and plenty of inputs.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I'm not an expert in this at all? Which is the best value for money in respect of these models? Is it worth spending extra on the AV receiver or to just get the Denon DHT500SD repaired? Will I notice much of a difference?

 

[Anonymous]

I got a Pioneer VSX 819 new and boxed from a pioneer dealer on ebay.

250.00 delivered ,let me know if you want the store name, they might have some left.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

any of the amplifiers you mention will offer you a lift in performance. HD audio is a key benefit of bluray and the new amplifiers have the decoding built in.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks, sounds like a good deal. Would be very happy to find out the name of the store. Much appreciated. Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Will get for you when I get home about 5:00

I couldnt belive it, as all others were selling for 350.00 +

 

[Anonymous]

Cheers, that is much appreciated. £250 sounds like a bargain, hope that the dealer has some units left. Steve

 

[Anonymous]

Your in luck. Here's the link

They have a proper store and everything, you wont beat anything at this price, I love mine TBH

 

[Anonymous]

That is excellent. Thanks for looking this up for me. My only concern now is whether I can connect my passive subwoofer to the Receiver or whether I also need to buy an Active Subwoofer - Any ideas?

 

[Andrew Everard]

Answered in your other thread.

 

[Anonymous]

I (think) not 100% but you do need a powered sub for the VSX.

My mate gave me a cheap Gale sub 5, its really good for it being like 10 years old.

Will buy another after x-mas.