To all AV SIFUs , would need your advice in terms of which AVR to buy .
Currently looking at these 3 AVRs:-
1) Marantz NR1501
2) Yamaha RX-V465
3) Pioneer VSX-819H

Actually budget not more than RM1900 for the AVR as I need to purchase speakers as well.
For now looking only to buy front left & right and center speakers. Sub will have to wait
As for speakers I'm currently looking at the PSB Alpha B1 (for left & right) and the PSB Alpha CLR1.

Do hope I can get some recommendations or advices

why don't you buy a sub instead of the center?

Phantom center (no center speaker) can sound good and the receiver will know what to do with the audio, but Alpha B1 without sub... not so good eh?

I take it you have already decided you like the PSB Alphas and they are great.

So after you get them, take them to the shop and test with the prospective receivers. People here will recommend the ones they use or like - they may even use them with PSBs, but its your ears you have to please. Once you've checked the boxes for the features you want from the receiver all that's left is the sound...

This post has been edited by SiriuslyCold: Nov 17 2009, 11:05 PM

Well minimum a middle range sub would cost about RM1000 or more.
2 main reasons why I will only get the sub later is because (1) dont want to make too much vibrating noise (2) above my budget for now until i save some money.
As advised by some sales personals the Alpha B1 is workable with the sub for now Well for now the speakers should be sufficient

Now my only issue is which AVR to buy? dilemma

This post has been edited by chan14: Nov 17 2009, 11:10 PM

Don't know about the Marantz, but both the Yamaha and Pioneer is about RM1,500/- only. So you still have RM400 to spare.

HAHA still does not help in terms of which AVR to buy

get pioneer

have you heard/auditioned any of them?

Errm never heard of such

Pioneer woudl be the most value among the 2 other brands

buy pioneer

let us know which u decide

HAHA seems like quite a far bit of people encouraging to buy pioneer
Now thinking should be 819 or 919. Not sure what's the price comaprison
Anyone know?

i dunno the prices but the shops that actually sells them should know

when r u getting it? can't wait to hear ur reviews

yup, get the pioneer 919, think only few hundreds more

Well thinking of checking Desa at Kepong and see what they can offer for the pioneer 919.
Hopefully not too expensive

Will update the price when I've checked.

Any other recommendations or comments?

The onkyo or denon brand??

Which model are you recommending for the onkyo and denon?

Anyway came back from Desa and the bestest price for 919 is RM2200. Well it above my budget. So got to opt this model out

I think perhaps you look at the three models. Search which of them allow any pre-amp out to cater for your future upgrade to more powerful Power Amp if you want to upgrade years down the road.

Then you have to listen to each model, if possible, bring along you speakers there and listen to all three of them in single session.

Thanks Peter32, will do that and test it out. But me not that great in listening as I'm just a beginner in this.
But nevertheless will try

what about denon avr-1610?

Chan, to audition the amp, here's my advice.

1. Make sure they neutralise the equaliser. Some AV Amp comes with loudness which enhance the bass and trebles, it is not the real sound you want for audition. So make sure they set it to neutral, or Zero. I made a mistake once.

2. Bring along music CD that you know best from your own home. If possible, bring along a vocal CD, Music CD - both instruments and Rocks ( i also bring along a classical CD too if you have it), and then a movie with lots of noise, actions, and test the sound separations. Don't use their subwoofer. Just your 3 speakers thats all.

Hmmm never thought of the denon avr
What is the price for this?

Noted Bro will do that