Advice on Home Theater (Receiver) - Blu-ray Forum

sd_semro · 07-19-2009, 05:18 AM

Hi everyone,

This is my first post.

First off I want to say I visit this site daily for various reasons.

A little information about me. I'm 20 years old. I will be a Junior this upcoming fall in college (double major Sports Management / Marketing).

Information on my current home theater -

Vizio VX37L

Onkyo HTiB (HT-SR800)

Panasonic BD-35K

Xbox 360

I'm looking to upgrade my setup slowly. The first major item I was looking to upgrade was my receiver because it is pass through only for the HDMI input. I wasn't sure which receiver I should be looking for in the range of $400 - $600. Any suggestions ?

I also haven't upgraded my speaker wire which is like floss (24 gauge possibly). I was wondering what kind of difference replacing these would make ??

My last question is how big is the difference between lossy and lossless (HD) audio ? Is it noticeable when listening ? Hopefully I'll be able to find out soon.

Thanks for your time and any advice you guys give. Much Appreciated !!

Ron -

Sorry if this isn't in the right forum

callas01 · 07-19-2009, 06:45 AM

welcome to the site,

I would probably upgrade to say something like a Denon 1910, Onkyo 607, a Marantz 5003 or a Pioneer Elite VSX-21(these last 2 over the 1st 2). I would check the rating on the speakers to see what ohm they are 3, 4, 6, 8 ohm speakers... Hopefully not 3 ohm. you don't want to damage the receiver. otherwise most receivers will let you select or what ohm speakers you are pushing. For speaker wire look at 12, 14 or 16 AWG. You can buy it at Monoprice.com or bluejeancables.com. Lossy v lossless audio is kinda like looking at your computer monitor and you see the middle of the screen where most of what you are doing is located, but around the edges its blurry and kinda grey and washed out... then you get a fix for it and the bluryness goes away and you get the full detail of the monitor, so its kinda like that. You will get more detail and it will sound fuller and more complete.

hope that helps you.

Irrob · 07-19-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

welcome to the site,

I would probably upgrade to say something like a Denon 1910, Onkyo 607, a Marantz 5003 or a Pioneer Elite VSX-21(these last 2 over the 1st 2). I would check the rating on the speakers to see what ohm they are 3, 4, 6, 8 ohm speakers... Hopefully not 3 ohm. you don't want to damage the receiver. otherwise most receivers will let you select or what ohm speakers you are pushing. For speaker wire look at 12, 14 or 16 AWG. You can buy it at Monoprice.com or bluejeancables.com. Lossy v lossless audio is kinda like looking at your computer monitor and you see the middle of the screen where most of what you are doing is located, but around the edges its blurry and kinda grey and washed out... then you get a fix for it and the bluryness goes away and you get the full detail of the monitor, so its kinda like that. You will get more detail and it will sound fuller and more complete.

hope that helps you.

Pioneer Elite VSX-21??? That's an old fossil!

I agree with the other choices.

Badboyztn · 07-19-2009, 03:07 PM

Harman Kardon AVR-254 would be my suggestion...

Beta Man · 07-19-2009, 04:49 PM

There are many receivers in that price range, and everyone has their own preference, so if you don't want to go out and listen to a handful of them, many will have recommendations to steer you in the right direction.

As far as the difference in Lossy/Lossless, it depends a lot on the equipment, and your ears.... I find the difference quite noticeable.... and it takes only a couple of minutes to realize it if I forget to check the setup at startup, when I'm playing a DD 5.1 vs. HD-MA etc....

The wire does make a difference, not as much as other factors, but for the small price, it's a no-brainer to get a better 12 or 14 gauge wire... Go to Monoprice.com for a good wire at a good price.

Welcome!

crackinhedz · 07-19-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irrob

Pioneer Elite VSX-21??? That's an old fossil!

Actually its new.

New Pioneer Elite Receiver Lineup

crackinhedz · 07-19-2009, 05:10 PM

Another option:

Denon AVR-1910

coupon code: couponcabin

Phil Taylor · 07-19-2009, 09:23 PM

The 607 would be a nice upgrade from what you have and since you are used to the Onkyo the learning curve would be little - as far as controls and remote and such as it is pretty similar - except it has better features than what you currently have.

Steve · 07-19-2009, 10:06 PM

Just to address an issue brought up by callas01, the Onkyo speakers are rated at 8 Ohms, so the OP is OK to pick any receiver he wants. I currently have an Onkyo 605, and when I upgrade I'll be looking hard at Marantz and Pioneer Elite. It's up to you though. HK, Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon all also make excellent receivers to pick from.

sd_semro · 07-20-2009, 02:05 AM

Thanks for the speedy replies / suggestions

I looked into the Onkyo 605 since it looks like to be the best bargain out of the group. Since I'm in college, I'm looking for the best value. In the future this system may (probably) will be used for the bedroom (not the focal point of my HT).

I noticed it's a 7.2 setup (an extra sub). I was wondering how useful an extra sub would be / what circumstances call for a second sub.

I also noticed that the 605 doesn't decode DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. I want to be future proof in my next purchase. I was wondering if this is something I should keep an eye on.

Kryptonic · 07-20-2009, 09:39 AM

Speakers, more than anything, will make the biggest difference. Yes, a more capable receiver is important, but if you're listening to them through HTiB speakers, what's the point? Certainly the Onyko package is a very good one, but you may consider new speakers instead of a new receiver since I believe they will make the biggest difference.

Drew664 · 07-20-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd_semro

I also haven't upgraded my speaker wire which is like floss (24 gauge possibly). I was wondering what kind of difference replacing these would make ??

I can vouch for the upgraded/thicker speaker wire making a very noticeable difference. I had 22 gauge wire ran throughout and I put off that low cost upgrade for far too long. I actually took a pic of my old wire next to floss...

Yes, upgrade your wire for under $20 and hear the improvement for yourself.

sd_semro · 07-20-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kryptonic

Speakers, more than anything, will make the biggest difference. Yes, a more capable receiver is important, but if you're listening to them through HTiB speakers, what's the point? Certainly the Onyko package is a very good one, but you may consider new speakers instead of a new receiver since I believe they will make the biggest difference.

I understand your system is as good as your speakers are. I understand my speakers are nothing to exciting, but for the next year or two I'll be in a dorm. Which means I'll be paying tuition (private college) for awhile. I don't have the funds currently to go out and upgrade my speakers (I don't think I will). The reason I want to upgrade my receiver is to take full advantage of my BD player.

I understand where your coming from and I hope you see my reasoning. If it's flawed in your opinion, I would like to hear your opinion.

Thanks

Fors* · 07-20-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd_semro

I understand your system is as good as your speakers are. I understand my speakers are nothing to exciting, but for the next year or two I'll be in a dorm. Which means I'll be paying tuition (private college) for awhile. I don't have the funds currently to go out and upgrade my speakers (I don't think I will). The reason I want to upgrade my receiver is to take full advantage of my BD player.

I understand where your coming from and I hope you see my reasoning. If it's flawed in your opinion, I would like to hear your opinion.

Thanks

For your needs, the 605 will do everything. It does decode DTS-HD audio if it is bitstreamed from your blu-ray player. It is a very solid entry level receiver, and pefect for your scenario. If all you want to do is take advantage of the higher end codecs, then the 605 will get the job done, and at a reasonable price.

Kryptonic is right about the speakers, usually most will want to start with speakers and then a receiver (if you already have some kind of receiver). But if all you want right now is Dolby True-HD and DTS-HD, and you have some speakers, the 605 will do it for you.

sd_semro · 07-20-2009, 04:46 PM

Currently all I want is to be able to take advantage of those high end codecs. The problem I have with getting speakers is funding, lol. I play soccer in college so I don't have much if any time to pick up a job.

I also believe in the long run (once I have a career), I can start a nice theater from scratch and I plan on having a dedicated room for it. This current system will go in the bedroom or loft.

As of now, if I were to get speakers I probably wouldn't be able to move around my tiny dorm. I wouldn't be able to turn them up loud enough to enjoy them as I normally would either.

markob50 · 07-20-2009, 05:01 PM

Check this out:

http://www.shoponkyo.com/products.cf...ubcat=Receiver

sd_semro · 07-20-2009, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the link. Now I'm looking into the 706 and seeing how much of a step up it is / if it's worth the extra money. I have to get off here and start getting ready for work (summer job). Thanks for the advice

Audiophile_At_Birth · 07-20-2009, 05:17 PM

For a $400-$600 budget that you have. You can pick up a new front soundstage by shopping around for some polk audio speakers off newegg. That site and that speaker together are very popular on this site. You can pick up a pair of Monitor 40s and center for less than $300 on some occasions that Newegg runs a deal.

I'm NOT partial to polks, even though some of you would assume otherwise by looking at my sig. They're great speakers for the price and a major upgrade over any HTiB speaker array. That being said, they will serve you well for the years that you can't have a full on HT. And most importantly, you will benefit more, audibly, from having newer/better speakers over a reciever that can process the new codecs. Having that new reciever that decodes the new codecs won't do much justice if you're still using HTiB speakers anyway. That's pretty much all I'm saying.

A good way to think of it when dealing with what you want (new reciever over new speakers) would be to have a nice, new 400hp V8 engine without a chassis/wheels to be driven by it.

sd_semro · 07-20-2009, 05:40 PM

So the majority of you would vote for new speakers instead of replacing my current, out dated (codecs), receiver.

I'll start taking a look into some speakers. I understand what your saying. I see it as if I don't upgrade my speakers, the new codecs aren't going to do much on my current HTiB speakers.

The most important speakers would be the fronts correct ?

I noticed on Newegg some Polk Floorstanding speakers. Not sure if that's a good deal or not. I don't know my speakers well at all.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290014

Fors* · 07-20-2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sd_semro

So the majority of you would vote for new speakers instead of replacing my current, out dated (codecs), receiver.

I'll start taking a look into some speakers. I understand what your saying. I see it as if I don't upgrade my speakers, the new codecs aren't going to do much on my current HTiB speakers.

The most important speakers would be the fronts correct ?

I noticed on Newegg some Polk Floorstanding speakers. Not sure if that's a good deal or not. I don't know my speakers well at all.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290014

Try this....

Fronts would be where to start, and if you can afford a center channel, then add that too, followed by a sub and then surrounds. NewEgg is thee place for Polk speakers. They have amazing deals. If you want Polks and you are looking to spend the entire $500 on an entire 5.1 set-up, the following you could get for $590 (a little over budget) with free shipping and no tax either:

Center - Polk CS1 Center Channel - $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290022

Fronts - Polk Monitor 50's - $119.99 (each) = $239.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290013

Surrounds - Polk Monitor 30's - $99.99 (pair)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290094

Sub - AA HD12 - $169.99
http://www.thedeepdiscount.com/p-208...-watt-sub.aspx

Total = $590.00

If you want to hold off on the surrounds for a 3.1 set-up, your total would then be in budget, $490.00.

Polks make very good entry level speakers and that is what these are. At those prices, it is a great deal. Throw in the AA sub stated above, and that is an even better deal for that kind of sub at that price. You could also look here, as this is the AA sub thread that has links for other deals for the AA subs: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=85212

Good luck

07-19-2009, 05:18 AM	#1
sd_semro Junior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:17	Advice on Home Theater (Receiver) Hi everyone, This is my first post. First off I want to say I visit this site daily for various reasons. A little information about me. I'm 20 years old. I will be a Junior this upcoming fall in college (double major Sports Management / Marketing). Information on my current home theater - Vizio VX37L Onkyo HTiB (HT-SR800) Panasonic BD-35K Xbox 360 I'm looking to upgrade my setup slowly. The first major item I was looking to upgrade was my receiver because it is pass through only for the HDMI input. I wasn't sure which receiver I should be looking for in the range of $400 - $600. Any suggestions ? I also haven't upgraded my speaker wire which is like floss (24 gauge possibly). I was wondering what kind of difference replacing these would make ?? My last question is how big is the difference between lossy and lossless (HD) audio ? Is it noticeable when listening ? Hopefully I'll be able to find out soon. Thanks for your time and any advice you guys give. Much Appreciated !! Ron - Sorry if this isn't in the right forum

07-20-2009, 05:01 PM	#16
markob50 Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Southern California Blu-ray collection:64	Shop Onkyo Check this out: http://www.shoponkyo.com/products.cf...ubcat=Receiver

07-20-2009, 05:40 PM	#19
sd_semro Junior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:17	So the majority of you would vote for new speakers instead of replacing my current, out dated (codecs), receiver. I'll start taking a look into some speakers. I understand what your saying. I see it as if I don't upgrade my speakers, the new codecs aren't going to do much on my current HTiB speakers. The most important speakers would be the fronts correct ? I noticed on Newegg some Polk Floorstanding speakers. Not sure if that's a good deal or not. I don't know my speakers well at all. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290014 Last edited by sd_semro; 07-20-2009 at 05:46 PM.

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07-19-2009, 06:45 AM	#2
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	welcome to the site, I would probably upgrade to say something like a Denon 1910, Onkyo 607, a Marantz 5003 or a Pioneer Elite VSX-21(these last 2 over the 1st 2). I would check the rating on the speakers to see what ohm they are 3, 4, 6, 8 ohm speakers... Hopefully not 3 ohm. you don't want to damage the receiver. otherwise most receivers will let you select or what ohm speakers you are pushing. For speaker wire look at 12, 14 or 16 AWG. You can buy it at Monoprice.com or bluejeancables.com. Lossy v lossless audio is kinda like looking at your computer monitor and you see the middle of the screen where most of what you are doing is located, but around the edges its blurry and kinda grey and washed out... then you get a fix for it and the bluryness goes away and you get the full detail of the monitor, so its kinda like that. You will get more detail and it will sound fuller and more complete. hope that helps you.

07-19-2009, 03:07 PM	#4
Badboyztn Active Member Member since:May 2009 Location:Memphis, TN. Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:111	Harman Kardon AVR-254 would be my suggestion...

07-19-2009, 04:49 PM	#5
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	There are many receivers in that price range, and everyone has their own preference, so if you don't want to go out and listen to a handful of them, many will have recommendations to steer you in the right direction. As far as the difference in Lossy/Lossless, it depends a lot on the equipment, and your ears.... I find the difference quite noticeable.... and it takes only a couple of minutes to realize it if I forget to check the setup at startup, when I'm playing a DD 5.1 vs. HD-MA etc.... The wire does make a difference, not as much as other factors, but for the small price, it's a no-brainer to get a better 12 or 14 gauge wire... Go to Monoprice.com for a good wire at a good price. Welcome!

07-19-2009, 05:10 PM	#7
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	Another option: Denon AVR-1910 coupon code: couponcabin

07-19-2009, 09:23 PM	#8
Phil Taylor Member Member since:Feb 2009 Location:OKC, OK	The 607 would be a nice upgrade from what you have and since you are used to the Onkyo the learning curve would be little - as far as controls and remote and such as it is pretty similar - except it has better features than what you currently have.

07-19-2009, 10:06 PM	#9
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	Just to address an issue brought up by callas01, the Onkyo speakers are rated at 8 Ohms, so the OP is OK to pick any receiver he wants. I currently have an Onkyo 605, and when I upgrade I'll be looking hard at Marantz and Pioneer Elite. It's up to you though. HK, Onkyo, Yamaha, and Denon all also make excellent receivers to pick from.

07-20-2009, 02:05 AM	#10
sd_semro Junior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:17	Thanks for the speedy replies / suggestions I looked into the Onkyo 605 since it looks like to be the best bargain out of the group. Since I'm in college, I'm looking for the best value. In the future this system may (probably) will be used for the bedroom (not the focal point of my HT). I noticed it's a 7.2 setup (an extra sub). I was wondering how useful an extra sub would be / what circumstances call for a second sub. I also noticed that the 605 doesn't decode DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. I want to be future proof in my next purchase. I was wondering if this is something I should keep an eye on.

07-20-2009, 09:39 AM	#11
Kryptonic Suspended Member since:Jul 2009 Trading Score:45	Speakers, more than anything, will make the biggest difference. Yes, a more capable receiver is important, but if you're listening to them through HTiB speakers, what's the point? Certainly the Onyko package is a very good one, but you may consider new speakers instead of a new receiver since I believe they will make the biggest difference.

07-20-2009, 04:46 PM	#15
sd_semro Junior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:17	Currently all I want is to be able to take advantage of those high end codecs. The problem I have with getting speakers is funding, lol. I play soccer in college so I don't have much if any time to pick up a job. I also believe in the long run (once I have a career), I can start a nice theater from scratch and I plan on having a dedicated room for it. This current system will go in the bedroom or loft. As of now, if I were to get speakers I probably wouldn't be able to move around my tiny dorm. I wouldn't be able to turn them up loud enough to enjoy them as I normally would either.

07-20-2009, 05:13 PM	#17
sd_semro Junior Member Member since:Jul 2009 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:17	Thanks for the link. Now I'm looking into the 706 and seeing how much of a step up it is / if it's worth the extra money. I have to get off here and start getting ready for work (summer job). Thanks for the advice

07-20-2009, 05:17 PM	#18
Audiophile_At_Birth Special Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:El Paso, TX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:8 Blu-ray collection:235 Blu-ray reviews:1	For a $400-$600 budget that you have. You can pick up a new front soundstage by shopping around for some polk audio speakers off newegg. That site and that speaker together are very popular on this site. You can pick up a pair of Monitor 40s and center for less than $300 on some occasions that Newegg runs a deal. I'm NOT partial to polks, even though some of you would assume otherwise by looking at my sig. They're great speakers for the price and a major upgrade over any HTiB speaker array. That being said, they will serve you well for the years that you can't have a full on HT. And most importantly, you will benefit more, audibly, from having newer/better speakers over a reciever that can process the new codecs. Having that new reciever that decodes the new codecs won't do much justice if you're still using HTiB speakers anyway. That's pretty much all I'm saying. A good way to think of it when dealing with what you want (new reciever over new speakers) would be to have a nice, new 400hp V8 engine without a chassis/wheels to be driven by it.

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