[PYROphonez]

My Preamp/Amp combo is slowly dying, and I'm in need of a replacement. It's gotta have a Phono stage, a tape-out for my headphone amp, and at least 3 (preferably more) inputs. I'd like to do $300, but it's flexible to a point.

The first that caught my eye was this Harman Kardon 3485

It's $250+$free shipping, and seems to do what I need. It's actually $10 cheaper on amazon: $239.11.
Is this a good choice? I haven't seen much in the way of reviews, though there were no negative comments. I don't really know this field very well either.

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[PYROphonez]

I just discovered a new receiver that is very interesting to me.
The Outlaw Audio RR2150

It is really pushing it on price ($650), though if it's worth it, I'd probably be willing to go there.

 

[purk]

If you don't mind buying used, check out Sony STR-DA777ES.

 

[Katysax]

There have been a couple of threads about the Harmon Kardon. They were quite positive. I haven't heard one myself but I looked at Amazon reviews because it looked like a pretty good deal.

 

[smithy]

I've got the same problem Pyro! Only I was hoping to find a receiver/integrated amp that had a good headphone amplification stage built in. I've been looking at these integrated amps:

pm7001 $459.00 at Audiophile Liquidator

340a $329.00 at Spearit Sound

The only problem: They don't have tuners (i'm assuming which is why you specifically want a receiver), but you could buy a separate am/fm tuner. I've purchased Outlaw equipment before, and I really like it!

 

[PYROphonez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've got the same problem Pyro! Only I was hoping to find a receiver/integrated amp that had a good headphone amplification stage built in. I've been looking at these integrated amps: pm7001 $459.00 at Audiophile Liquidator 340a $329.00 at Spearit Sound The only problem: They don't have tuners (i'm assuming which is why you specifically want a receiver), but you could buy a separate am/fm tuner. I've purchased Outlaw equipment before, and I really like it!

The tuner actually isn't that big of a deal to me, though it's a nice feature. I do have a separate HK tuner, though it's not hooked up to anything at the moment. I mentioned the Outlaw because of some of the positive reviews that I read.

 

[grawk]

I think if the outlaw is in your budget, it's hard to go wrong. They make awesome gear for the money.

 

[soundboy]

Onkyo TX-8522 stereo receiver $220.00 shipped @ J&R

Phono pre-amp, tuner, remote, iPod compatibility, XM radio ready, real 100 watts/channel, super-smooth sound, etc.

 

[esuko]

Price drop new to seccond hand on AV receivers is huge -> buy used one

 

[PYROphonez]

I appreciate all the suggestions so far.
I have another question/possibility:
The Yamaha RX-V661

I can have it for $400 shipped, though I have no way of figuring out how it sounds.
Can anyone help me out there?
It certainly has any and all audio and video features I'd need for the next couple years to come.

 

[infinitesymphony]

You won't go wrong with any of the receivers or integrated amplifiers that have been mentioned so far. The choice is yours. Boston HD5s can be driven by almost anything.