albert

Yes that's the today's trend. I've noticed many manufactures on various type of consumer products with three year warranties have reduced them to one year. It's becoming one may need to replace products purchased for the home every 1 to 3 years. years ago the trend was to produce products to last many were designed to last a lifetime and could be affordably repaired if they broke. Though many products have many new features and improvements. The general quality of products has significantly gone down. The trend use to be to design and build products to last at least 30 years, or which many did last 30 years and longer. I use to have a Cold Spot refrigerator that was still running like new after 50 years. These days your lucky to have a frig or freezer that lasts 10 years, most of their ext. warranties are for 5 years.

After looking around at new opened box and used receivers and AVR's I decided on a Integra Refurb from accessories4less.com. It really has more than I will ever need as the only thing I have ever connected to a receiver is a TV and monitor. It's an Integra DTR-20.3 which is 90 watts there is also a DTR-20.4 that's 80 watts for the same price which has more hdmi ports. https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intdtr203/integra-dtr-20.3-5.2-ch-x-90-watts-thx-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html I almost purchased on eBay what the seller listed as a new open box Onkyo TX-1050 which sold for around $70.00. The seller said he found it left in a warehouse they moved into and couldn't really verify it's age and use only that it appeared to be unused in it's original packaging. The TX-1050 receiver first came out eleven years ago. Also I previously purchased what is listed as a new Onkyo refurb with 90 days left on it's warranty from eBay but later found there is no such thing as a Onkyo refurb that can be sold on eBay as only two online stores are allowed to sell Onkyo and Integra refurbs. Even stores that sell new Onkyo and Integra products aren't able to sell their rebfurbs. So it was returned for a refund. If you see a AVR listed on eBay as a Manufacture refurb take a closer look as some manufactures have strict policies and only allow certain stores and outlets to sell their refurbs. If sold from elsewhere the manu. warranty becomes void. http://www.integrahometheater.com/outlet.php Also Onkyo and Integra refurb warranties aren't transferable so if you try to sell a new or used refurb it will have no manu. warranty. http://www.integrahometheater.com/warranty.php Someone here recommeded the 40.3 which is similar to the 20.3 with addtional features Dolby Volume Dolby Pro Logic IIz (Front High Channels) Simultaneous or Independently Active HDMI outputs Front Panel HDMI Input S-Video Inputs / Output(s) Phono Input Front Panel A/V Input Multi-Channel Input One thing I noticed about these receivers is they have have a PC IN, meaning you can have your PC's VGA up converted to HDMI.

I've found a couple of what appears to be good deals on "new" open box Onkyo's. TX-SR353 and TX-8050. The TX-8050 is on a bidding auction so I'm not certain what it will go for while the TX-SR353 is on a Buy-it-now auction. To have a valid warranty I believe an Onkyo requires to be purchased from an Onkyo authorized dealer. But their brand new unused so should have more years of use left compared to a pre-owned. The TX-8050 an older model doesn't have HDMI but does have pre-outs for a subwoofer and amp. Also comes with Ethernet to connect to Internet radio, etc. The TX-SR353 has support for HDMI in/out but no support for Ethernet.

I'm not certain what's going on with my current Denon AVR-1612 that I disconnected for a few days. After reconnecting I'm getting audio from both the Aux. and DVD audio inputs. I also connected the PC via HDMI and which is also producing audio . I'll allow it to run for a few days to see if there's a problem with circuits heating up. I haven't had the AVR-1612 apart yet. There should be several boards that are inter connected via flat cabling such as an amp board, a board that controls the audio and possibly another board with micro relay switches that switches audio output using micro relays. I would need to take the AVR-1612 a part to discern it's basic design. The service manual for the AVR-1612 can be found online for $10.00 - $15.00. There should also be some sort of diagnostics that outputs error codes. I think if the problem keeps occurring with the audio working intermittently I'll replace the receiver and possibly attempt to repair the AVR-1612 as there are methods to diagnose audio output problems. The rest of the receiver working, it seems the only problem is or was with the audio output. I seem to remember some loud popping noises, but never really payed attention and looked into it. Perhaps somethings going out on one of the circuit boards and the audio output will be short lived.

It's from an ebay seller. Tested good, but reported some sort of static on an Internet connection and wasn't able to connect. Not certain what the seller means my static. https://www.ebay.com/itm/192418134148?ViewItem=&item=192418134148 Continuous average power output of 110 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz with no more than 0.08 %** total harmonic distortion. Continuous Power Output (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 Ω, 0.08 %) Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W Surround back (Front height/wide). . 110 W + 110 W Continuous Power Output (1 kHz, 6 Ω, 1.0 %) Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 W + 150 W Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 W Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 W + 150 W Surround back (Front height/wide). . 150 W + 150 W Total Harmonic Distortion . . . . 0.06 % (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 Ω, 100 W + 100 W) Guaranteed speaker impedance . . 16 Ω to 8 Ω, less than 8 Ω to 6 Ω (setting required ---------------------------------------------------------- I found some other Pioneers for less however their specs show low THD 0.05 at 1kHz, so it's more important to find the THD between 20 and 20,000 Hz? e.g. One Pioneer specs show a 0.2 % THD between 20 and 20,000 Hz. and .05 % at 1 kHz. So I can assume this isn't a very good THD percentage? I should be looking for 0.09 % or less at 20-20,000 Hz? Continuous average power output of 80 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 000 Hz with no more than 0.2 %** total harmonic distortion. Front (stereo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 W + 80 W Power output (1 kHz, 8 Ω, 0.05 %) . . . . . . 110 W per channel Guaranteed speaker impedance FRONT:A, B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ω to 16 Ω FRONT:A+B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ω to 16 Ω SURROUND, CENTER . . . . . . . . . 6 Ω to 16 Ω * Measured pursuant to the Federal Trade Commission’s Trade Regulation rule on Power Output Claims for Amplifiers ** Measured by Audio Spectrum Analyzer --------------------------------------------------------------- The Entegra DTR-40.3 specs show at 1 kHz THD of .1 % - 6ohm and .7 % - 8ohm Rated Output Power All channels: (North American) 110 watts minimum continuous power per channel, 8 ohm loads, 2 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a maximum total harmonic distortion of 0.08% (FTC) 130 watts minimum continuous power per channel, 6 ohm loads, 2 channels driven at 1 kHz, with a maximum total harmonic distortion of 0.1% (FTC) 120 watts minimum continuous power per channel, 8 ohm loads, 2 channels driven at 1 kHz, with a maximum total harmonic distortion of 0.7% (FTC)

This one seems to have some good specs, only a $150.00 with shipping PIONEER ELITE VSX-32 https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Unassigned-Content/Manuals/VSX-32+OPERATING+INSTRUCTIONS+apr+10 I'm just looking for any viable options and to learn more about what's else is available in my price range. I prefer to try to not purchase things in haste as i've done many times in the past. After looking at other receivers potentially will be more satisfied and less likely regret making a decision.

I found this one that looks interesting. I'm not certain if it was part of a home theatre or not. Has subwoofer support. PIONEER ELITE VSX-32

Ok well perhaps you're correct. You're nearly have me talked into getting one. I see several Integra DTR-40.3 for parts and not working so they do break down at least once in a while. There is a used one on eBay for $149.95 + 29.95 shipping or a best offer. It's just If I spend $233.98 with shipping for the DTR-40.3 I would like it to last from 5 to 10 years min. I would say 10 years min. but than may be too much to expect these days. The website shows a 2 year warranty. Two year warranties you often need to expect perhaps the product will last three years and be required to be replaced on average every three years. Also the warranty for INTEGRA products is only valid for authorized dealers of factory certified pre-owned products. The owner is responsible for any shipping charges. "All shipping arrangements must be made by you and all shipping charges and insurance must be fully prepaid " World Wide Stereo (Outlet dealer – for factory certified pre-owned products) Accessories4Less (Outlet dealer – for factory certified pre-owned products) http://www.integrahometheater.com/warranty.php

Well yes mass production does have it's own set of values. Whether those values have any merit is another topic of discussion. I did come across another older unit whose specs I'm still going over. Harman Kardon HK 3470 https://www.cnet.com/products/harman-kardon-hk-3470/specs/ Approx. the same price as the ONKYO TX-8020 However I believe it lacks adjustable cross-over frequencies which may be set to 80. The Denon AVR-485 with shipping is just under $50.00 apparently an active subwoofer can be connected. Specs do show it supports subwoofer cross-over switching with a choice of 8 cross-over frequencies 40/60/80/100/120/150/200/250Hz. Allowing more accurately match performance characteristics of the subwoofer to the main speaker system.

Ok will seriously consider. I'm just being cautious as I've purchased many new products in the past that have flaked out on me. Some just after the manufacture's warranty expired. Many manufactures of some types of products have reduced their 3 and 5 year warranties to 1 year. The problem with many products is their designed to be replaced as the marketing has changed over the years. Not that many years ago products were designed to last ~30+ years and also designed to be affordably repaired. There were repair people and shops all over the place, that would send a repair person to you home at an affordable repair rate. Sure some manufactures may still do this today if your product's warranty hasn't expired. Paying them to repair a product often cost approx. the same or more than a new one. I guess I'm tired of continually replacing products, many of which may have new features but have poor build quality and quality control. What good are these new features and specifications if your product won't turn on, produce sound, unreliable, etc. I don't think many of the companies would still be in business if it weren't for the fact a certain percentage or perhaps most of their products fail and require replacement. Though there may be exceptions most products aren't really designed to last very long, their basically designed to be replaced.

Well ok I'm just going done the list from the lowest price. If I'm going to spend around 150 dollars another 50+ bucks isn't going to make that big of a difference so perhaps I should set my low price at $130.00 and look for receivers between $130.00 and ~$200.00 and then if at $200.00 whats another 50 bucks perhaps should set a high limit at $250.00? It's sort of a slow process as each receiver I need to search online for it's specifications. As I stated I don't think I'm going to add many speakers perhaps a couple more and don't plan on connecting other equipment other than a PC and LCD monitor. I'm still working my way up from the lowest price used receivers. Currently the only sound output I have is from my Nec V323-2 monitor speakers that are only a few watts. The Denon AVR is sitting here on the floor as dead weight. I suppose it can be used for spare parts? Though I've repaired some types of electronics in the past. If it's only a matter of replacing a board related to audio I may be able to repair it. I would really require a repair manual with detail instructions and schematics as I've never worked on AVR's and audio receivers.

I'm slowly looking around as I need to find and lookup specifications for most of the used receivers. I came across this one at a low price however I'm uncertain if it's specifications, Mitsubishi M-VR400 AV I also came across a DENON AVR-485 that is (20 Hz to 20 kHz) 75 watts per channel at 8 ohms, .08 THD and 110 watts at 6 ohms, . 7 THD Has a subwoofer pre-out that appears is for an active subwoofer. The AVR-485 supports subwoofer cross-over switching with a choice of 8 cross-over frequencies 40/60/80/100/120/150/200/250Hz.This lets you more accurately match performance characteristics of the subwoofer to the main speaker system. Frequency response 10 Hz - 100 kHz (+1, -3 dB) Signal to noise ration 98 dB Subwoofer - 1.2 V/10 kohms CDR/Tape, VCR 200 mV/47 kohms Tone control - treble +/- 10 dB at 10 kHz Base +/- 10 dB at 100 kHz http://www.specsserver.com/CACHE/FILE3953.PDF

Well I took your advice and requested the seller cancel the ebay transaction for the Sony STR-K790. If able to cancel I'm going to look for another rec. with a subwoofer pre-out. Possibly with better specifications. However I would prefer a min of 75 watts, perhaps 100+ watts per channel will allow for some expansion. There are some used Pioneer SX series and also Yamaha, etc. however their costs are significantly more, in the price range of the recommended Onkyo TX-8020 perhaps more.

Ok I've posed some questions on the AVS and Sony forums to determine if anyone may have some knowledge of the Sony STR-K790. From what I've discerned the STR-K790 was original part of a Sony Theatre systems HT-DDW790 and HT-DDW795 From the users manual for the HT-DDW790 I could not find any information about disabling the K790's subwoofer which uses a passive Sony SS-WP700 subwoofer. There is reference to it's subwoofer while in 2 channel mode Reference power output for front, center, surround speakers and subwoofer. Depending on the sound field settings and the source there may be no sound output. 2 Channel Stereo Mode Receiver outputs sound from left/right speakers and subwoofer. The receiver's base redirection circuitry will be activated. The front channel bass frequencies will be output from the sub woofer. There is also reference to A.F.D Modes A.F.D Modes AFD auto Performs the sound as it was recorded/encoded without adding any surround effects. However receiver will generate a low frequency signal for output to the subwoofer when there is no LFE signals. Perhaps I made a mistake ordering this rec. but it's been ordered and would not make much sense spending more money on shipping to return it. I'm currently looking at another Pioneer receiver that has a subwoofer pre-out and is higher wattage per channel. I'm uncertain what to do with the Sony receiver if I end up with two audio receivers.

Yeah I seem to remember reading some about running the speaker wires to and from the subwoofer when a receiver doesn't have a subwoofer pre-outs. According to the SUB-10 manual you're suppose to run wires from the SUB-10's high level IN + / - (Right/Left) to the receivers main speaker (Right/Left) + / - Output and from the Sub-10's high level OUT + / - (Right/Left) to the receivers main speakers (Right/Left) + /-. So it appear you essentially have both front speakers connected to the receiver with the subwoofer inline between the front main speakers and receiver. I'm not certain what you mean by " You'll want to spec that the speakers are full range (if you can), and spec there's no sub (if you can)" I'm not certain what you mean by full range and spec for no sub? The bundled system the Sony receiver came with does have a subwoofer and the rec. has pair of jacks that are labeled "subwoofer" .