AVR from US

[mgdelhi]

Hi.

After I have bough BDP, Media Player and Sun-HD, there is sudden requirement of an AVR which has 3-4 HDMI inputs.

Now, I have an option to buy it from US (through ebay, etc) and get it deliver to my uncle's place (Presto, Pennsylvania, PA) who is doctor by profession. I will request him to receive it, get it re-packed and courier it to me. Now I have following questions in my mind:

1. Is it worth getting an AVR (supporting Dolby True-HD, DTS-HD-MA) from US.
2. Is it too much botheration to send a 10-12kg product to India through courier?
3. If my uncle sends me a gift, will the custom duty applicable, if yes, how much for an AVR costing US$400 approx.
4. Suggestion for the AVR please in the range of 400 to 500 USD. 90% time for movies (DD,DTS,Dolby True-HD, DTS-HD-MA), 10% music. Denon/Yamaha/Onkyo, etc. etc.

Thanks.
MG.

 

[santhosh]

Costwise, it makes sense to buy in US, and you should get an AVR which does HD Audio.

10 to 12 kg weight is not a problem (anymore) for shipping. Why worry about gift, customs etc? Try Global Ebay or Borderlinx. Search our forum for more info on these.

Just FYI, you will not have a useful warranty if you buy from US and you will also need to buy a Step down transformer as US voltage is 110V.

 

[GeorgeO]

What Santhosh says is true, but on the other hand,most of the leading AV receiver mfrs have a strong presence here, so warranty may not be that much of an issue. I bought an Onkyo unit from the US, and found that Onkyo India provides very good quality ASS. A good site to check for AV gear is Accessories for less(ac4l.com)

 

[mgdelhi]

Thanks Santhol2 & GeorgeO,

Actually uncle will not accept even if I want to pay back shipping charges because he feels I have done enough favor for him in recent past.

So, effectively, I will just need to pay just the cost of AVR and custom duty, if any.

So guys, please suggest me some cost effective AVR with atleast 3-4 HDMI inputs, and supporting HD audio formats. My ears are not too sensitive and I am quite happy with output of my Onkyo HT-S590, so you can imagine.

I do not want to bother him with the buying process, so I would prefer an online store where I can pay by my Indian credit card and deliver it at his address.

George, did Onkyo provide free service for products bought in US, if yes, then it is excellent.

Regards,
MG.

 

[GeorgeO]

I didnt want free service-in one case I wanted a 220V transformer for my CD changer-they got it and charged me for it, which I was okay with. In another case an AVR had apart out of warranty to be replaced, which they did and charged me for it. They will get original parts and take responsibility for repairing their own products.

George

 

[alokbharti]

Hi mgdelhi,

you can purchase from amazon with your credit card and get it shipped to your uncle's place..when I was in US I had purchased many electronic items from amazon..have good experience with amazon..they offer free shipping in US for most of the products..

I recommend Denon-1910 or Denon-1610 in $500 range..
both support HD-audio and you do not need step down transformer for these models..

quickly searched few amazon links for you-

1910 for $377:-
Amazon.com: Denon AVR1910 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with

1610 for $277:
Amazon.com: Denon AVR1610 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity: Electronics

If you will explore further you may get a better online deal.
You may look for Onkyo as well.. wait for input from other members..

 

[mgdelhi]

Thank you Alok,

After reading your post, desperate to order Denon 1910.

I exactly need something like this.

Somehow controlled myself to wait for other members to suggest. An Onkyo with a similar price/specifications will also be a good option.

How is Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2 @398 USD in comparison with Denon 1910

It has got 5 rear/1 front HDMI input and probably all HD audio formats.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR60...01VEI2KO/ref=pd_ts_e_24?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

or

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2 @408 USD

It also has got 5 rear/1 front HDMI input and probably all HD audio formats.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-RC26...03FSTAVY/ref=pd_ts_e_60?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

 

[thekinge]

If you are not too worried about the latest HDMI 1.4 / 3D mania, then the Onkyo 607 should do fine. If your budget is up to $500, you can also consider Onkyo TX-SR608, which is a 2010 model from Onkyo and is a decent receiver. It supports HDMI 1.4, 3D etc but it also has Burr Brown DACs for all channels, which is something you would not find in comparable receivers from other manufacturers. I used the 608 for a short while and it is a fine receiver (now upgraded to Onkyo TX-SR876). It is selling for $466 in Amazon.com:

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver

 

[thekinge]

If you are not too worried about the latest HDMI 1.4 / 3D mania, then the Onkyo 607 should do fine. If your budget is up to $500, you can also consider Onkyo TX-SR608, which is a 2010 model from Onkyo and is a decent receiver. It supports HDMI 1.4, 3D etc but it also has Burr Brown DACs for all channels, which is something you would not find in comparable receivers from other manufacturers. I used the 608 for a short while and it is a fine receiver (now upgraded to Onkyo TX-SR876). It is selling for $466 in Amazon.com:

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver

Also, you can consider abt, who seems to package the receiver in an extra box lined with air filled plastic bags. Your uncle will just need to ship the box as is to you:

Onkyo 7.2 Channel Home Theater Black Receiver - TXSR608

The only thing with abt is that the receiver sells for $499, but you may be able to call their customer service number and get additional discounts, which they seem to give from time to time.

 

[mgdelhi]

Thank you guys!

So far I have made up my mind for "Onkyo 7.1 Channel Black AV Home Theater Receiver - TX-SR508" @US$349.

Onkyo 7.1 Channel Black AV Home Theater Receiver - TXSR508B

After comparison, this turns out to be good value for money at this price.

Hope I am correct.

 

[GeorgeO]

MG, please tell your uncle in advance not to get flustered or bullied by any customs guy when he comes in. He should keep a copy of the invoice and stand his ground firmly in case someone tries to bully him.

 

[iaudio]

Mg, are you sure the onkyo 508 can decode HD audio, go for higher 577/578 or 607/608.

 

[mgdelhi]

I think yes according to this:

Onkyo TX-SR508 - 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

Please tell me if it is not.

It is for US$349 on ABT.com. Before placing the order, thought of using their live chat and operator offered me the same at US$298. Great price, I guess

But, at the last moment, she told me that they accept credit cards only issued in US. So, back to square one.

At amazon, it is US$ 327.

 

[thekinge]

Mg, are you sure the onkyo 508 can decode HD audio, go for higher 577/578 or 607/608.

Yes it does Titus. This year all Onkyo 308 / 508 / 608 models decode HD audio and support HDMI 1.4a.

I think yes according to this:

Onkyo TX-SR508 - 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

Please tell me if it is not.

It is for US$349 on ABT.com. Before placing the order, thought of using their live chat and operator offered me the same at US$298. Great price, I guess

But, at the last moment, she told me that they accept credit cards only issued in US. So, back to square one.

At amazon, it is US$ 327.

If you are ok to spend up to 500, do find out if abt has any discounts on 608. It is a better receiver than 508 at least in the amplifier section. For payments, can't you ask your uncle to pay using his credit card while you transfer the fund to him through telegraphic transfer?