Basic 5.1 receiver needed

[GolfRat]

My old 2 channel receiver just blew out. I don't need a bunch of fancy digital inputs or anything like that. Just something to run DVD, CD, VCR and audio for sat and TV. Sure the more video hooks the better, but no HD or anything at this point.

I would like to get something to drive a couple pair of speakers now and slowly add speakers for a 5.1 system. It is either that or a HTIB which I am not crazy about.

Suggestions would be great. I would also like to buy locally from the typical big box places.

[pittdog1]

This is one of the vaguest threads i've ever seen. No budget? No Room dimensions? No nothing except, i need a cheap 5.1 receiver? There has to be a hundred threads here dedicated to cheaper model receivers. Normally i don't say "use the search feature" as i feel this site is for answering questions and helping people out, but your topic is way to vague to get any responses. Just trying to help you out. Make a couple of trips to the Big box stores, settle on a couple different models and then add the info i mentioned is missing along with your top 2 or 3 choices and you'll get more suggestions then you can handle.

[Bsmooth]

I'd go with a Yamaha,they have a pretty good track record and there a pretty good bang for the buck.I would definately put them ahead of Onkyo.Also see If you can find one of the auto calibrate models,much easier to set up that way.
Good luck !

[whoaru99]

Panasonic SA-XR55, but the best place to get it as far as I know is shipped from Amazon.com for $229. I have not seen many of these on store shelves.

Not real fancy, not all the latest bells and whistles in terms of auto setup, room eq, video conversion, etc. However, it has good sound and plenty of power in a relatively compact and light package with all the "standard" processing modes like Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx. Plus, it's 7.1 so you could go that far if you wanted to.

It is one to seriously consider in the "good-but-cheap" category if you are willing to order on-line. They may be in stores, but cost would almost certainly be higher.

[GolfRat]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definately check out the Panasonic as that one keeps coming up as a quality receiver. BB carriese Yamaha around here but I won't step foot in that place so I will check around for others that carry them. Any particular Yamaha model that would go well with Athena or Infinity bookshelves for fronts?

[GolfRat]

Pitt-
Thanks for the tips. I have checked out the stores and they carry anything from $100 to $1,000. Yamaha and Onkyo always seem to get decent marks so I guess I would say that those are two that I am considering. I would like to buy local so I can check it out first.

I am here in KC also so if you have any suggestions on where to go I would appreciate it. Basically I am starting over as my currrent receiver blew over the weekend and my speakers are too big and too old to keep using for too much longer.

This is for a family room approx 15x20 open at one end to the kitchen with 9' ceilings. I am debating the 5.1 vs. 2 channel with a sub setup. I will probably start out with 2 bookshelf fronts, add a sub and then surrounds and center.

I really don't want to go the HTIB route and then spend more to upgrade later. I woiuld rather do it right the first time, but do have a limited budget. 90% tv/movies and a lot of that will be for the kids.