Yamaha HTR-5930SL 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I just installed my new receiver last night - in a breeze.
This replaces my high-end Yamaha RX-V890; I needed 2 optical audio inputs. I tested all the functions and I am totally impressed and satisfied with my purchase. What is most important, is to have good speakers. Great quality is no longer a luxury. A better surprise, this is a 2006 model. WOW!

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Take the next step in home theater performance with the Yamaha HTR-5930 digital surround receiver, which boasts 5.1 channels (110 watts x 5) of amplification and a host of high-end features. The receiver is built around Yamaha's proprietary surround sound technology and a powerful 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter that maximizes the signal quality, ensuring that everything from two-channel audio sources to 5.1-channel DVDs sound rich, immersive, and dynamic. Plus, the receiver's wide 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency range helps digital audio sources like DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD reach their full potential.
Movie and music buffs will dig the HTR-5930's Digital Sound Processing (DSP), Yamaha's means of simulating the acoustics of a concert hall, movie theater, or rock concert hall in the comfort of your own home. The Cinema DSP's four programs includes Movie Dramatic, Movie Spacious, Game, and TV Sports, each of which creates an optimum sound field for a specific type of programming. The Music DSP modes, meanwhile, range from 2-Channel Stereo to Concert Hall to Roxy Theatre, the latter of which reproduces the dynamic music environment of one of L.A.'s legendary rock clubs. And, of course, the HTR-5930 handles standard processing for Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic II sources.
What really makes the HTR-5930 tick, however, are the extras, such as Silent Cinema, a Yamaha-exclusive technology that lets you enjoy multichannel music or movie sound through ordinary headphones, and a night listening mode that lowers the volume during loud passages so the kids don't jolt awake after hearing explosions and other special effects from the next room. Plus, the HTR-5930 not only comes with a standard AM/FM tuner, but is also XM satellite radio ready. All you need is a separately sold XM antenna and a subscription to XM satellite radio and you're set.
Additional features include a virtual surround sound mode, A or B speaker selection, a sleep timer, and a Set menu that lets you optimize the receiver to suit your individual home theater system.
With a bevy of digital and analog inputs, the HTR-5930 can accommodate several digital sources such as DVD players, CD players, video game consoles, digital satellite systems, and much more. The rear panel options include two optical digital inputs and one coaxial digital input; three HDTV-compatible component video inputs and one output; four composite video inputs and two outputs; and two analog audio inputs and one output. Also present is a 5.1 multichannel input.
The HTR-5930 measures 17.12 by 5.94 by 12.44 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box HTR-5930 receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM loop antenna, indoor FM antenna, user's manual.

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Yamaha RX-A1000 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)As I write this review, I am listening to my favorite music DVD (Eagles, hell freezes over), and I have the volume cranked to about 70% to match the listening volume of the Yamaha HTR 5790 (50% volume) that this RX-A1000 replaced. The 5790 had 110 watt vs 105 watt per channel for the RX-A1000. It was time to replace my 5790 because I recently purchased a Samsung 8000 series LED TV and wanted to pass 1080p signals from my BluRay player to the TV via the Yamaha receiver. The 5790 did not have any HDMI ports and you can't pass 1080p signals through component cables. The old Yamaha could not process Dolby True HD either. One of the nice features on this new receiver is the ability to pass video and audio to the TV via the HDMI cables even when the receiver is off. How cool is that? We don't always need 735 watts, especially when we are only watching a news channel. Another cool feature is the NET Radio. I connected the RX-1000's LAN jack to my router (via a gigabit switch)and 24 hours later (I could not get it to work imediately), I am listening to 15,000 radio stations. It took 24 hours for the receiver to figure out it was connected to a computer network? I don't understand why it didn't work right away. I checked all my settings over and over and then turned it off when my patience started wearing a little thin. The next day when I turned it on, the NET radio was working. This unit is about a $200 step up from my old receiver, but in my opinion does not match the sound of my older Yahama unit. Gosh, did 5 watts make the difference? Yamaha spent 2 years designing and building the Aventage series from the chassis up. This was not a redesign, (building and improving on an existing chassis), it is a complete new design including the number of feet (5) on the bottom. Well all in all I like this unit, but if I had it to do over, I would have waited a month and bought the RX-A2000. The RX-A2000 has video processing and upscaling that would improve the picture quality of whatever you are jacking into it, as well as 130 watts per channel.

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AVENTAGE is a dramatic, inspired step forward in audio/video component design. AVENTAGE brings studio-grade sound and sophisticated video enhancements to the home as a result of unparalleled attention to detail in design, engineering and fabrication. Details that, at first glance, would not seem to affect the quality of sight, sound, and control, when brought together within an AVENTAGE component produce a work of visual and acoustic art.The RX-A1000 A/V Receiver supports 3D and Audio Return Channel, with 8 in/2 out HDMI, new GUI, new YPAO, network functions, and control via web browser.

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Delphi XM Roady XT Satellite Radio Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The Roady XT has made some major improvements over the Roady2. First and foremost, artist names and song titles will now scroll if they are longer than 16 characters. Each will scroll twice at the beginning of a song. If you need the complete name/title further into the piece, the best way to trigger the scroll again is to to hit the "display" button five times. This takes you back to the same display mode you were using, and it will begin to scroll again within a few seconds.
The sports ticker is great also. I was able to set it up for every NFL team, so there doesn't appear to be any limit on its size. It's not instantaneous, however; it takes about 2-3 minutes for an actual change in the score to be reflected in the ticker.
There is also a "Jump" button which allows you to flip to the previous channel.
The "Tuneselect" feature now allows you to search for songs not only by the song title, but by the artist name as well. This is accessed through the menu screen. You do, however, have to pick one or the other.
Another big plus: The Roady XT now gives you access to virtually the entire FM spectrum (88.1-107.9) if you want to listen via the FM modulator. The "Jump" button also comes into play here as well. If you hold it in for a few seconds, it will bring up a screen showing the last 6 FM frequencies you used. You can then use the arrow buttons to go to the one you want, then hit "Select." And by setting your in-dash radio's presets to the corresponding FM frequencies, it makes it much easier to adjust the modulator if you start running into interference as you drive.
Tip: The XM antenna also serves as the FM transmitter. If possible, place it close to your regular car antenna.

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The smallest and lightest XM satellite radio on the market, the Delphi XM Roady XT comes with everything you need to enjoy more than 150 commercial-free satellite channels in your car while you're driving across town or across the country. The plug-and-play Roady XT is easy to install, with no wires or cables required. Simply dock it on your dash, whereit uses its built-in FM transmitter to wirelessly transmit the signal to an empty frequency on your FM dial. The device supports more than 100 frequencies, so even users in the busiest radio markets should be able to find several static-free channels.Once installed, listeners will have access to the full XM menu of music, sports, talk, news, children's, and entertainment programming, all without having to listen to a single commercial. The Roady XT also offers 21 advanced traffic and weather channels--yet another reason XM was named best radio service at the 2004 Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards.
To make the listening experience more informative, the Roady XT displays the channel name, artist name, and song title for each XM channel on the bright, high-contrast screen, which boasts seven vivid backlighting colors. Complementing the track info is the TuneSelect feature, which alerts listeners when their favorite songs and artists are playing on a specific channel. Meanwhile, sports and finance fans will delight in the customizable sports and stock tickers; the former runs through the latest scores and schedules for both college and the pros, while the latter keeps track of up to 20 stocks at once.
All the features come bundled in a sleek, innovative housing that's designed to ensure high sound quality while taking up a minimum of space. The diminutive size (it measures a mere 3.7 by 2.2 by 0.61 inches) fits easily in most jacket pockets or purses. This not only helps protect against theft, but also makes it convenient to bring the Roady XT inside for home use (requires the Roady XT home kit).
So don't waste another moment listening to cliché-ridden commercial radio--join the XM revolution today with the Roady XT.
What's in the Box Roady XT satellite receiver, car dock, user's manual.

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Onkyo TX-NR906 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Simply amazing! I must say, this has to be one of the most sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment that I've ever owned. I don't even know where to begin. Did I mention this thing is amazing?
I was running a Bose Lifestyle 48 prior to this, but when I finally decided to make the most of HDMI connections, I shelved the Bose and stepped up to the ONKYO. What a breath of fresh air! There are so many features of the TX-NR906 that I like. Starting with the remote control--I'm sure it's common practice nowadays for receiver remotes to be fairly smart, but this guy is really bright. I've managed to teach it all the commands from my three main remote controls (TV, BD & CD Players), more or less, just by pointing the controllers at each other and clicking. I'm referring to commands that aren't usually part of a universal controller's arsenal. The large number of connection choices are really coming in handy, as well. I'm maxing out the HDMI inputs and have one of the two outputs connected to my TV. There's a ton of digital audio options as well. The front panel offers a number of connection choices, including a USB port for playing MP3s.
Another aspect of this receiver that I really like is the fact that this system not only sounds phenomenal when playing movies, but sounds equally as incredible playing CDs or listening to music from my PC. With previous systems it always seemed like one was better than the other, but with the TX-NR906, I really feels like I'm getting audiophile quality sound from all components. Oh yeah, did I mention? HD FM radio sounds phenomenal! I don't have XM or Sirius yet, but that's on the short list of near term upgrades. There's an antennae connection for both.
This receiver is the hub of my home theater. Putting things in perspective, my setup includes a Samsung LN46A750 46-Inch 1080p DLNA LCD HDTV with RED Touch of Color, Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player, a Sony 5-Disc Carousel CD Player, Dell XPS Pentium D 3.0 GHz/3.0 GB RAM/VisionTek Radeon HD4850 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express Graphics Card, Playstation 3 80GB, Motorola digital cable box/DVR , and Aperion Audio's Intimus 5T Hybrid HD speaker system. All this, combined with the TX-NR906, really sounds and looks incredible. I'm utilizing HDMI for video on all components. I'm also supplementing the digital cable box's audio with a coaxial cable. Similarly, I'm augmenting the BD Player's audio by connecting audio cables via the multichannel jacks.
I bought the TX-NR906 in October 2008 and so far, I haven't found anything I dislike. The only minor thing I will point out is with the remote control. When you are teaching it commands from your other remotes, you might have to try it a couple of times. At first, I thought that some of the commands weren't going to be able to be taught, but I stuck with it and eventually was able to teach it all commands. No big deal, just don't give up if it doesn't work right away.
Whether you're watching HD TV, listening to your favorite music, watching the latest release on Blu-Ray, or playing the hottest shooter on your PC or PS3--if you have the money, this receiver is the perfect addition to any home theater.

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Multi-dimensional, superbly crafted, and loaded with impressive specs, the TX-NR906 A/V home network receiver is a true champion for the age.With seemingly endless abilities-including HQV Reon-VX video processing, dual high-def HDMI outputs,Audyssey room correction technologies, and multi-room audio and video distribution-the TX-NR906 leaves no base uncovered. Built around an isolated power block and pre-processing unit, this network receiver reveals the full potential of virtually any media.This includes any internet- or computer-based sources accessed via its network apparatus (which incorporates a new vTuner interface and Certified for Windows Vista? status). It's also equipped with CD-quality HD Radio, Satellite and Internet Radio, and XM HD Surround sound capability.The TX-NR906 is the first receiver of its kind to include ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) video calibration, further enhancing its groundbreaking pedigree.

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Denon AVR-4308CI Multizone Home Theater Receiver with Network Streaming and Wi-Fi Review

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(More customer reviews)Denon 4308CI Receiver

Strengths: Great quality picture and sound, excellent build quality, nice display, GUI interface, easy to assign/rename imputs, HD radio, 4 HDMI, 140 Watt multizone output, good value for price point.
Weaknesses: Complicated user manual, Useless remote, Faroudja vs. Silicon Optix processor
Price paid: $1,780 (2/08)from a reputable retail store. (Please do not ask which one as I was given an insider price)
Summary: After considerable research I purchased the Denon 4308CI to upgrade a prexisting Sony STRDA555ES receiver. My main desire in upgrading was to obtain HDMI connection capability and take advantage updated sound processing and 1080P upscaling. I ruled out various other comparable recievers for a variety of reasons, including heat generation as my components are enclosed in a audio rack partially recessed into a closed media room.
As a longtime Sony fan and owner of three ES AV recievers, it came down to a choice between the STRDA 5300ES and the Denon 4308CI.
I opted for the Denon over the Sony for a few reasons. The display on the Denon is much larger. It might sound silly but I like to see the information displayed on the receiver from where I'm listing to music. The Sony display was rather small. I also liked the fact that the Denon has internet streaming capability and HD Radio reception. The Sony has more HDMI hookups and a longer warranty (5 years vs. 2 for the Denon) but the Denon has increased power handling and full 1080P upscaling. Pricewise the Denon was a few hundred dollars more then the Sony but I felt that it had a more "modern" feature set.
So far after 4 months of use I have been very pleased with the Denon. Sound is fantastic and the GUI was intuitive. I disagree with some of the other reviews that I have read regarding the ease of setup. It took a little longer then I anticipated to set up but as I previously noted the GUI was fairly intuitive. I really like the fact that you can rename the inputs so when you select them from the function selection dial it will display whatever name you decide on. I prefer optical connections so I had to reassign some of the optical connections. Rear connections seem pretty sturdy. The unit gets warm but not hot after a few hours of use. Still havent taken advantage of the 1080P upscaling as of yet. HD radio signal reception is pretty strong and so far no interference despite living in a New York City Apartment building.
Harmony 880 Universal Remote works better then supplied remotes.
Video processing is excellent. I have however occasionally noted video artifacts. This reciver uses a Faroudja DCDi FLI2310 processor which is simply not as highly regarded by professional reviewers as the Silicon Optix Realta HQV processor used by Denon's flagship 3800BDCI Blu-ray player or the Silicon Optix Reon chipset used by receivers such as the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8. However, overall picture quality on standard 1080i and 720p cable source material is excellent.
3808CI vs.4308CI? The 4308CI appeared to have a slightly more "attractive" build quality and appearance. In comparing the two models side by side before purchasing, the 4308CI simply looked better. However, HD radio, increased power handling and WiFi capability were the primary reasons I opted to spend more to purchase the 4308CI.
4308CI and 3800BDCI blu-ray combo. Have had the 4308CI and the 3800BDCI paired for the last three weeks. The Blu-ray picture is simply amazing. Will never purchase another standard DVD again if available in Blu-ray format.
Conclusion: I've been very happy with the 4308CI. It offers great sound and picture features at an attractive price point. However,if you are interested in better video processing you may want to check out the Onkyo TX-NR905 and Integra DTR 8.8 as well.

Review system components: (used in review)
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U 1080P (limited Ed)
Artcoustic DF-65's
Artcoustic DF-Multi (center)
Denon 3800BDCI (DVD)(used three weeks)
Sony ES 5 Disc changer
Sony SACD player
Monster HPS7000 Signature Series
Monster AVS2000 Signature series
Polk XM Radio Tuner


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Denon AVR-4308CI Next Generation A/V Multi-Source/Zone with Network Streaming Receiver

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Pioneer Elite SC-25 - AV network receiver - Rhapsody, vTuner, Sirius internet radio - 7.1 channel - high-gloss black Review

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(More customer reviews)As the title instruct you to do above, do what you have to, to be able to get one of these gems! I have had this receiver for about a month, and I never cease to be satisfied with this Unit! This unit is all about the details, both in sound quality and build quality. The thing is a monster(over 40 lbs). The connection panel in the back even has copper screws to attach grounding wires to for your individual connections, if your connection needs to have a ground available . Not to mention, the sheer amount of inputs at your disposal means that you can hook up almost anything your heart desires. Anyone can hook this unit up and use the M.C.A.C.C. and get a good sound, but, as the saying goes the devil is in the details. If you want to take it a step further, you can hook your receiver up to your P.C. (as I took the time to do) with a non supplied cable and download pioneers advanced M.C.A.C.C. software and fine tune your sound stage to your hearts content. I have a Horn loaded set-up for speakers which some people whine about the sound (klipsch: rf63's, rc64, rsw10d, and 2 pairs of rs62's), but if you are knowledgeable enough about tuning to use you computer skills and M.C.A.C.C. (playing with the X curve roll off) then you can get a sound that's on par with the best. The ICE power amps deliver effortless clean and coherent power to all channels, and have been tested to deliver with in approximately 1% of the claimed power rating on test benches by several different magazines/reviewers, not like other brands (Onkyo to name one in specific,I have previous ownership experience tsxr-806, which might have reached its power rating if there was a power surge and the unit was blowing up). The kuro link is a nice feature for those of us who own Pioneer Kuro's (myself included). One last feature that is worth noting is the pure direct feature that delivers the sound with no processing as it should be, in 2 channel full range with no sub out put so make sure your speakers are up to snuff and you will get a sound that is as incredible as it was intended to be, you will hear things that you have not noticed on the recording in previous listening sessions on other equipment. If you can afford it, or at least over extend yourself to get one, buy it as fast as you can.
As an update I recently added two items to this receiver that I believe made a great improvement in sound quality, an Audioquest NRG-5 AC9 power cord, and a pare of 10' bi-wired with bananas, Audioquest Mont Blanc(bananas because of the lack of spade support, which is endemic to most receivers for space reasons). The first thing I think that anyone purchasing one of these darlings should do is to toss that wimpy ac9 cost saving power cable it was designed to save them $. Doing so will allow your receiver to eat as much clean power (assuming you are running a power conditioner) as it can demand, and the improvements in the sound staging and placement of instruments and vocals were night and day. It may be me but I think the power cable made a larger improvement than my $2k+ speaker cables.

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The Pioneer Elite SC-25 A/V receiver is the entry point for Pioneers exclusive Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEPower Class-D technology; specifically designed to bring a new level of performance to stereo and multi-channel surround sound. The driving force for its development was the anticipation of new uncompressed soundtracks from Dolby True-HD and DTS-HD Master audio now emerging on the Blu-Ray Disc format, bringing sonically exact studio duplication into the home.

140 Watts x 7 Direct Energy ICEpower Amplification
Networking Entertainment featuring streaming Internet Radio, Rhapsody*, SIRIUS* and more.
3-Zone Multi-Zone and Source (A/V)
HDMI Ver. 1.3a (5 Inputs Including Front HDMI Input / 2 Outputs )
Sound Retriever - Multi
Dolby True HD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Pro-Logic IIx
Dolby Digital EX
Dolby Digital 5.1
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS-ES
DTS 96/24

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Sherwood RX-4105 2-Channel 100-Watt Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)This Sherwood (noted brand years ago, now mysterious) might be a decent bargain for twice the money. It's stripped down by present standards -- two channels only, no phonograph input. It's dead quiet and extremely clean sounding. I can't hear any emphases or dead spots in the frequencies. The tuner is exceptionally good; I am surprised at the success I'm having with it in a poor reception area, with only the antennas that are supplied. Appearance and quality are fine: nice black steel case, solid buttons, one big old volume knob. It was all I needed, so I'm very pleased. Going to get another for a computer amp.

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Sherwood's incredibly affordable RX-4105 offers integrated preamplification and amplification, inputs for numerous audio source components, and advanced radio tuning and station access. The receiver delivers 100 watts RMS per channel x 2 for strong, clear sound across the audible spectrum--even at low listening levels. The company has lowered the amplifier's distortion relative to the previous model (the RX-4105), to less than 0.08 percent, while also giving the receiver a new layout borrowed from its higher-end components.The RX-4105 uses totally discrete amplifiers for all channels (TDAS) to maintain its high power and low distortion. Use the receiver's A and B clip-type speaker outputs to power 2 different rooms, or to biwire a pair of speakers for more efficient amplification (with A outputs driving the woofers, for instance, and the B outputs driving the tweeters--make sure your speakers are compatible if this is a key feature for you).The receiver also offers a handy 25-key remote control and switching for 2 pair of loudspeakers. Audio inputs switch between and amplify up to 4 additional components, including 2 requiring both inputs and outputs (such as a cassette deck and a VCR). The built-in AM/FM tuner features 30 station presets and auto station setup.Other features include bass and treble tone controls, a dimmable fluorescent display, and a .25-inch headphone jack for private listening.What's in the Box Sherwood RX-4105 receiver, remote control, AC power supply cord, FM indoor antenna, AM loop antenna set, and owner's manual.

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Onkyo TX-8222 50 Watt Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I had a 30-year-old, top-of-line Marantz that gave up the ghost altogether after the internal lights started fading. Much as I liked it, the cost of repair was considerably higher than this Onkyo (the internet lists plenty of repair places to send units like the Marantz to), and I no longer use my stereo nearly as much as I used to (I wonder how often the surround-sound, 5-speaker audiophiles actually remain seated in their sonic cocoons).
Anyone with experience with audio knows that manufacturer wattage claims are variable, often essentially meaningless, even when listed as RMS, and that 50 watts is more than adequate for all but the most low-efficiency speakers (Acoustic Research, Bose). So I decided to forego the extra pound and a half and save a few bucks, because the features are practically identical with the 100 watt Onkyo. The latter has a few additional frills (brightness dimmer, effects bypass, FM character naming) along with provisions on back for a studio geek to plug in 3 addition pieces of equipment.
Both Onkyos have a convenient volume knob, but I miss the other knobs and the gyroscope tuning, which was more accurate than digital tuning. Also, the Marantz had a third, mid-range tone control (useful for bringing out vocals), both a loudness and a volume control, and numerous filters that were useful for "smoothing-out" the sound of some old LP records. The handiest feature of the Marantz was two additional phone plug inputs on the front of the machine, intended for plugging in tape recorders for dubbing or musical instruments for recording and monitoring. Most of us don't place units such as this in cabinets where it's convenient or even practical to plug and unplug other equipment to the rear of the machine on a continual basis. And as is the case with most Japanese manufacturers, including Sony, the machine is not actually assembled in Japan (try Malaysia).
The biggest annoyance of both this receiver and the more powerful one is an ill-conceived switch that doubles as both an input and a tape monitor switch. You must avoid even touching the switch (more difficult than it sounds) or you'll activate the monitor function and mute all devices connected to the receiver. (I even placed temporary masking tape over the switch to "quarantine" it from my fingers.) Nevertheless, the 8222 is a fine performer and a top brand (I don't recall ever seeing Onkyo producing cheap, low-end product and catering to the masses, as is frequently the case with Sony and Panasonic). But I'm hanging on to the Marantz in case I decide to get cash-careless and go all-out retro.

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Onkyo 50 Watt Stereo Receiver TX8222

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Boston Acoustics Horizon HRD-I iPod Docking Station (Midnight) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have a Boston Acoustics Solo radio and it's not compatible. I did as much research as I could be before purchasing and didn't find any specific information about compatibility so just be careful. It seemed to be well made and easy to use if you had the right equipment so I gave it 3 stars...

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The Duo iPod Dock from Boston Acoustics will turn your Duo radio into the the Duo-i but with an external dock. This dock will charge your iPod while docked and allows access to your files via the Duo's remote control. The Duo has a video composite output for enjoying your iPod's video files on your TV as well.

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Pyle P1002AI 1000 Watts Hybrid Receiver and Pre-Amplifier with AM-FM Tuner/iPod Docking Station Review

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(More customer reviews)Just received this on Friday and hooked it up to our new Bose environmental outdoor speakers 251 putting out 200 watts per channel. Hooked up Itouch ipod to it, was working great at first, but then unit started going haywire until it ultimately FROZE and none of the operations worked properly. Called their support office today and was informed that this unit is NOT compatible with Itouch ipod models and it will short out the unit if you try to dock it in the included dock on the top. The dock on the top is made for older generation ipod models. However, you can purchase a universal ipod doc that hooks up to the back of the unit via RCA outputs if you want to use this unit with Itouch ipod. Doing this will charge the Itouch, but then in order to hear your songs you may also have to hook up the Itouch via the Ipod/Mp3 jack on the front of the unit. Once this is hooked up properly, the sounds is AMAZING for the Bose speakers that we have! It's reallly incredible and sounds like an outdoor concert. I only gave it three stars because the manual has no directions in it and no way of knowing that if you try to connect Itouch into the ipod dock that it will short out the unit. Had we known that from the beginning in the item description or the manual it would have saved us a lot of headaches trying to figure out what the problem was! Also, another FYI, the technical support agent suggested purchasing their lower end model P1001AT that DOES NOT have the ipod dock at the top if you are going to strictly use an ITOUCH ipod with it. Again, you would just have to purchase a separate universal ipod doc.

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Pyle Pro's amazing new 1000 watt Hybrid Reciever and Pre-Amplifier is the perfect solution for any home or office audio needs. Using sophisticated circuitry and premium components for uncompromising musicality -- this reciever is famous for delivering powerful and accurate sound. Complete with i-Pod docking port -- simply plug in your i-Pod and enjoy hours of high quality music. Experience warm, detailed sound from all your music sources with the P1002AI integrated amplifier. This powerful amp and reviever can easily power up to 4 speakers and has a separate gain control for the preamp and subwoofer. Unit includes AM/FM radio with auto-seek, 2 mono RCA outputs dedicated for subwoofer use, and tons of other great features. You won't find a higher quality amp/reciever at a lower price.

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Onkyo TX-8255 Stereo Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've wondered at times about some of the glowing reviews I've read online over the years for various products: Are these real folks or PR plants from manufacturers? (Hey, it happens all the time in the hotel biz.)
So... if you share my suspicions, no, despite what follows, I don't work for Onkyo in any way shape or form--but I have been involved with audio in various capacities for many years. And... the last time I got this excited about a piece of electronics Ronald Reagan was president...
In short, if you're considering replacing an older receiver (or any receiver you're not currently totally in love with) and you aren't looking for surround sound or lots of bells and whistles, this is your amp. It has a rich, lush (very tube like) sound, and it doesn't sweat driving 4 ohm speakers very loudly (trust me, I know.)
But let's stay respectful: If you're looking to fart out bass at 130db, please don't waste your time with this receiver. Consider 10 o'clock the maximum volume setting for most digital sources. There are cheaper models on the market you can abuse. Please do.
Power. Clarity. Smoothness and functionality. Especially for well under $200 I doubt this receiver will ever meet its match.
post script: Since I wrote this review some time ago, I've noted a few criticisms regarding the sound of this receiver. Ok, here's the deal: It ain't a Krell or a Mark Levinson, but for a fraction of the cost you're getting, to me, the best sound available for a few hundred bucks--and quite often for multiples of that figure. Add in a cheap but fair sounding EQ and you suddenly have yourself fidelity that can very much approach audiophile standards. Under $1000 per unit, the number one problem I've found in so-called "mid-fi" gear is trouble in the 1K range. So if you can cheaply attenuate that, again, you've got yourself some very respectable sound at a bargain. But "off the rack," I've never found anything that approaches the sound of this unit at anywhere near the price. It was especially rewarding to read from so many folks (older ones in particular) how they and others were able rediscover the simple pleasure of listening to music again thanks to this cheap Onkyo receiver--and isn't that what good audio is all about?

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If you want your receiver to focus purely on two-channel audio, the TX-8255 could be just the answer. It`s perfect for your living room, or anywhere else you like to sit back and soak up your music.The TX-8255`s rock-solid construction incorporates a heavy-duty extruded aluminum heat sink to ensure cooler operation.The whole unit is housed in a rigid, reinforced chassis-finished off with a hairline-brushed aluminum front panel-to help eliminate vibrations. Add compatibility with RI dock for the iPod(R), and you have a superb stereo solution that brings out the power and dynamism of your audio sources.

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PYLE PRO PT260A 200 Watt 2 Channel Home Stereo Receiver w/AM FM Tuner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am writing this review in response to an earlier reviewer's comment about the hiss problem with this receiver.
I purchased this unit 6 months ago because I needed a receiver for under $700 that could handle a pair of 4ohm speakers. I was a bit skeptical about just how well this would work, but for less than $100 I believed it would be worth a shot.
Initially, I encountered a similar difficulty with the hiss (as well as some clipping and distortion).
However, as soon as I switched out the 4ohm speakers for an 8ohm Bose set, the receiver sang just fine. A keeper!
(Note that some minor amp hum is to be expected with *any* receiver. The only time I can hear it on this model is when I place my ear directly in front of the speakers. That said, I have noticed over the years that some reviewers can be quick to growl at equipment when the real problem is poor speaker placement. There are several good articles on the web that provide details on how to avoid the audible consequences of positioning speakers too high or at incorrect angles.)
That aside, here are a few other perks of the Pyle PT-260-A:
- At level 10 (out of 40) it provides good background sound. At 20, it can fill a large room and be heard clearly in the next room. At 30, it becomes uncomfortable to the ears.
- The EQ controls are programmed to handle a significant range, with the bass creeping as low as 40Hz (not always the case in cheaper model receivers, which usually only stretch to 60-80Hz). Meantime, the treble only reaches as far as 15kHz, which is actually a strength considering the depth of the bass (cheaper models tend to exaggerate the high end, which is why they tend to be characterized as sounding tinny). All that said, one slight twist of the EQ knobs can make quite a difference. Be sure to play around with different combinations until you land on just the right sound for your speakers and your setting.
- The mic inputs work great for karaoke. Not my cup of tea, per se, but wonderful for children who want to sing along with a CD. (They also will have a lot of fun with the echo control!)
And of course all equipment has quirks:
- For my needs (with only one component connected), the PT-260-A serves its purpose quite well. However, if you intend to input more than one component, there is only one selector switch on the unit itself (though there is a separate button for CD, Aux, Tuner, etc. on the remote). In addition, the unit sets to Tuner each time it powers up (which then blasts the room with radio static if you don't have the antenna connected).
- If you plan to use a turntable with this receiver, you will need to pick up a phono preamp (there is no powered input).
- The display is a bit cheesy. The EQ meter simply dances a preset light pattern that has nothing to do with the music being pushed through. (Though it can be amusing to watch it bounce out of rhythm with the music!)
So the verdict:
This receiver costs less than $100. For a model that operates on par with more expensive models, it is worth learning to live with a couple of minor bugs.
If you are on a budget, or have children who express an interest in listening to music, this is *the* way to go. If only a receiver of this quality had been available at this price when I was in high school! (In the early 1990s, the cheapest comparable model would have cost $250-350.)


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This 200-watt amp brings music to the living room with crystal clear clarity. With plenty of inputs, you won't find this amplifier lacking. It plays AM/FM thanks to the built in tuner - store up to 50 presets! It's equipped with three RCA inputs on the back and two ¼" mic jacks on the front, so you can turn this amp into a karaoke machine - even add an echo effect. Easily adjust the volume, balance, treble, bass on the master output for total control of your sound. AM/FM antenna included. Runs on 110 and 220 V AC.

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ETON G6 Aviator Buzz Aldrin Edition AM/FM, Aircraft band and Shortwave Radio, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
When the G6 arrived I must say I was a little shocked as I was expecting a larger package, but as the old expression goes "Size Makes no Difference",and that applies to the G6!
The build quality was extremely good, the rubberized coating and the "just right" weight make for a very good, solid feel.
After a brief scan of the operating manual I placed 2 AA Alkaline batteries in the G6 (you can also use NI-MH batteries and charge them in the G6) but I was very excited and did not want to wait one minute longer, I wanted to play now!
I powered the G6 up and selected the MW AM Broadcast Band, my favorite
for chasing weak, distant signals. I then thought to myself, I need a "Standard" in which to compare the G6. Being an avid radio collector I selected a Tough Act to Follow" radio from my collection for the AM MW Blue Ribbon. I chose my Panasonic RF2900.
Both radios had brand new alkaline batteries installed, as I did not want to deal with AC power line noise, induced into the units by operating from the AC Mains.
It was in middle of the day so I selected a station on 1360 KHz, KWDJ, 1000 watts day, in Ridgecrest, CA, about 100 miles from my location in Lancaster, Ca. At that distance the measured signal strength of KWDJ was less than 100 Micro volts/Meter (Measured on Potomac FIM 22 AM field strength meter)
I placed both radios on the same table ,and rotated the units so their loopsticks were optimized for reception from the direction of Ridgecrest, Ca.
Also note, that in Lancaster, there is a 1000-watt AM station on 1380 KHZ
Its transmitter, less than 3 miles from my location, and in the same heading as
Ridgecrest!
As I tuned the RF2900 to 1360 I heard Dr. Laura, pretty clear along with a fair amount of background noise.
I listened for about 2 minutes to make sure that the signal was steady, which it was.
Now it was "ShowTime" I powered the G6 up, and using the Jog Wheel, I tuned the G6 to 1360...and with the volume set about halfway....I heard Dr. Laura, with about the same amount of noise as the RF2900!
Needless to say, I was impressed.
OK I said, lets take a listen to the low side of the band.
How about a lowly 100 watt AM station XSURF on 540 KHZ in Mexico, over 100 miles away.
I rotated the radios toward Mexico, tuned the RF2900 to 540 ,and there in the noise was XSURF on 540.
I should call the G6, the "Little Engine that Could" because when I tuned it to 540 KHZ, there was XSURF with just slightly more noise than the RF2900, WOW!
The G6 had no trouble in pulling in most all of the Los Angeles radio AM signals which ranged from 75 to 100 miles away with only one 50,000 Watt signal.
Ok, I was convinced that the G6 had great performance on MW AM, but how about FM?
I went back to my radio collection looking for a portable radio to make the comparison, a unit with better than average FM reception, my Eton E5.
On FM a good test would be pulling in KGZO, 90.9 in Shafter, CA
Operating with only 1.9 KW of power, over 100 miles away.
This is a good test of sensitivity and selectivity as my location in Lancaster, Ca, is within the 1MV contour of Superpower 110,000 Watt KPFK at 90.7.
In the past the Eton E5 had no problem in pulling in the KGZO signal in full stereo, with only a slight intrusion from KPFK.
The Eton E5 repeated this task as expected.
After tuning the G6 to 90.9 and with a little playing with the rod antenna, there was KGZO in stereo with just a slightly more amount of intrusion by KPFK, but still listenable!
The G6 had no trouble in pulling in signals from all the Los Angeles FM signals from Mount Wilson, the location of 99% of Los Angeles FM Signals.
On more thing.... do not let the small speaker size fool you, this little baby can fill a small room with pretty good volume.
On Shortwave the G6 is comparable in selectivity and sensitivity to several of my Shortwave rigs including my Eton E5, my Sony 6500 ,and my Sangean 909. The BFO makes copy of SSB a breeze as well.
On VHF I can hear signals from Aircraft and from LAX and Lancaster's Fox Airfield.
On a scale of 1 through 10 the Buzz Aldrin Edition Grundig G6 gets a
BIG 10!
Chris Compton
Professional Broadcast Engineer, and Avid Radio Collector for over 35 Years
Lancaster, CA


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With the Aviator at your side, you�ll always have great listening options. Tune in to AM, FM, aircraft band or Shortwave frequencies easily with direct keypad entry. Or, use the STOP tuning feature to browse stations and stop on the next available frequency. You can also use D5 tuning to get a taste of what�s playing�stop on the next available frequency for five seconds at a time. Use the international clock and wake-up alarms to keep you on schedule, wherever your travels take you.

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Pyle Home PD3000A 3000-Watt AM-FM Receiver with Built-In DVD/MP3/USB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Product does as expected. Overall, works great! "Good power on my 150wrms bookshelf speakers!" The negative is that it is not 300wrm x 2 at 8ohms. It is really 150wrms x 2 at 8ohms or 260wrms x 2 at 4ohms and should be labeled as such instead of using false wattage for advertising. This is the reason why I have not gave it 5 stars. Sorry, I am an audiophile and am critical. For the money, you can't beat it, but do not get 300wrms speakers or they will be underpowered!

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The Pyle Home PD3000A enhances your home audio/video system with a lot of power for not a lot of money.Boasting a 3000 watts of power,it will power up to four speakers. It has separate gain controls for a DVD player, tuner, devices connecting via USB, and portable MP3 players. Receiver works as a rack mount or stand alone.

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Yamaha RX-V2065BL 7.2-Channel Network Digital Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just received this receiver (no pun intended) yesterday. I spent around 2 months researching this purchase and finally decided to go with the RX-V2065 because I have always owned Yamaha receivers. I'm amazed at the sound quality!! This unit replaced my old Yamaha HTR-5140 and there is a world of difference in the sound. The internet radio is amazing. It sounds great and there are thousands of stations to choose from. I was listening to a radio station in India earlier. The HD radio is also a very nice feature and the few stations that I do get sound great in HD. I did have some trouble getting connected to my network because for some reason I had my router only assigning 11 IP addresses and they were all taken, so the 2065 wasn't being assigned an IP address. Was an easy fix once I discovered it. So if you have any problems connecting to your network, be sure to check your router settings first, as the Yamaha should just connect with no intervention.
CONS:
As some people have stated in other forums, Yamaha has cut some corners on their new receivers. My Yamahas have always had two power outlets on the back and I have always used one of these to plug in the subwoofer. The 2065 has no power outlets which I did not notice until after I bought it. I'm going to have to get a power strip in order to plug everything in and I won't be able to power on and off the subwoofer simply by turning the 2065 on and off.
The FM reception is not very good at all. I cannot get the two local stations that I listen to (and I could easily get them on the HTR-5140). If you go to the AVSForums and look in the 2065 thread, you will see that others have complained about this as well. With all the choices I have with the internet radio, this isn't going to be a big issue for me, but it might for someone who listens to the radio a lot.
The speaker connectors are very close together. I spent way more time than I should have getting the wires connected. If you do not already have them, I highly recommend getting banana plugs for the connections to the receiver. As soon as I get the chance I'm going to order some banana plugs and cleanup the connections.

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Yamaha RX-V2065BL 7.1-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver

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Yamaha HTR-5860 XM-Ready 7.1-Channel A/V Surround Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a beef with the remote on this unit. All remotes included with units above entry level must have learning capability. This remote, sadly does not.
The quality of the reciever is pretty good. It seems well built. The front control panel is well placed and the rear jacks are intuitively placed. The volume increases and decreases in TINY increments....which is a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. The e-z setup was pretty easy to do. The on-screen programming is also nicely presented. I can tell no difference in the up-convert function to component. The input switching which is carried out through the receiver is excellent...when you change inputs (DVD, TIVO, CABLE, ETC), it automatically changes inputs on your TV....this is a nice function if you have a spouse who can never remember which input to switch to to watch a movie!!
Overall, I wish this receiver had HDMI jack to upconvert to highest quality signal...you will find this on the top-of-the line units. I'm pretty pleased with this purchase, given the low cost offered by Amazon with free shipping. If you are looking for an upgrade to your home theater, give this unit a shot.

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Yamaha Superior Performance, High Powered 7.1-Channel 770W (110W x 7) A/V Receiver. It features Yamaha's unique CINEMA DSP for outstandfing home theater performance, as well all Dolby formats and all DTS formats. It has YPAO which automatically sets the best sound for any room, with any speaker placement. It has Quad-Field CINEMA DSP and 14 Surround programs. It also features Night Listening Enhancer (Cinema/Music) and Silent Cinema. It has Component Video Up Conversion (Full) It is XM Satellite Radio ready. It also features on-screen display. It has an 8-Channel External Decorder Input.

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Yamaha RX-396 - Receiver - black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This receiver was sold to me as a unit the would give me clear, natural non-distorted sound, even though the output wattage is not as high as some other receivers. On all these fronts Yamaha delivers! It's slightly lower wattage sounds louder than an equivalent receiver of another brand. If you want to hear loud music, you will have to turn the volume control just past half-way, but the sound is still crystal clear. I have had this for about four years and have used high quality Boston Acoustic large bookshelf speakers. - Simple, effecient stereo receiver with awesome sound and some nice features (sleep, remote with volume control, input plugs for two sets of speaker and more... no subwoofer input, though, but the sound delivers a lot of bass on regular speakers.)


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The Yamaha RX-396 Natural Sound Stereo Receiver is a perfect way to start putting together a stereo component system for your child or for a second room at home. Deciding to create your own component audio system is a wise choice because it's an investment that you can constantly upgrade and grow with. Yamaha delivers clean power and reliable assurance that the RX-396 will be a solid foundation and will offer years of wonderful listening pleasure.Versatile binding posts for convenient, easy speaker connectivity (Speakers and Wire not included)Includes wireless remore control

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