Upgrading system - need help

[Eagle_23]

I'm going to be upgrading my current surround sound system shortly and was wondering what you guys would recommend. I will be running the system for my PS3 so obviously would like a system that supports all the audio encodes. As well I need to be able to hook it up to my Xbox 360 & PVR. I'm looking for something under $400 dollars. I've read a lot about the Onkyo and they seem to be the best bet, if that's the case which model would be best.

Thanks a lot.

[crackinhedz]

Receiver and speakers? or just receiver?


...Onkyo 605/606

[Slec]

How many HDMI inputs are you looking for? after all not all PVR's or Xbox's require HDMI.

[Eagle_23]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Receiver and speakers? or just receiver?


...Onkyo 605/606

Not sure here, I currently have a Sony STR-K740P system w/ the 5 small basic speakers that came w/ it. Now I don't know if it's going to make a difference upgrading them. I mean if I could get a package under $400 that came w/ GOOD speakers as well that would be great. But the thing is I don't know if I'm better off just using the speakers I have now and spending all the money on a good receiver. I guess I should get a 7.1 system, meaning I'll have to buy 2 speakers anyways as I only have the 5 I mentioned. I don't know...

Originally Posted by Slec

How many HDMI inputs are you looking for? after all not all PVR's or Xbox's require HDMI.

I just need 2 HDMI inputs for the PS3 and PVR. My Xbox is an older model which I'll need an optical cable input to use it.

Thanks.

[JasonR]

IMO, I would upgrade speakers first and then worry about a new receiver.

Your receiver is rated at 8 ohms, so adding some different speakers should not be a problem.

[Eagle_23]

Originally Posted by JasonR

IMO, I would upgrade speakers first and then worry about a new receiver.

What designates a good speaker. Like does size make a difference. My Dad has these two old large floor-type Yamaha speakers I could take that he got along time ago w/ a stereo system that seem good. Also I read you shouldn't mix and match speakers and should just buy one brand/model, is this true?

Thanks.

NEVER MIND JUST THIS: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=35062


The Onkyo 606 looks good.

[crackinhedz]

Polk Audio Monitor 50 (x2)

Polk Audio Monitor CS1 Center Channel

...use your current speakers as surrounds.


Sony Str-DG720 or Onkyo TX-SR606

-------------------------------------------

~$630

[Eagle_23]

^^^ Is there much difference in the sound quality of the Sony & Onkyo? What are the MAIN benifits of the Onkyo over the Sony.

Thanks a lot.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Eagle_23

What designates a good speaker. Like does size make a difference. My Dad has these two old large floor-type Yamaha speakers I could take that he got along time ago w/ a stereo system that seem good. Also I read you shouldn't mix and match speakers and should just buy one brand/model, is this true?

Thanks.

NEVER MIND JUST THIS: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=35062


The Onkyo 606 looks good.

Just by chance - if those Yamaha speakers are NS-1000's or 2000's grab them and don't look back!!!!!

[callas01]

The difference is that the Onkyo is giving you a full-bandwidth receiver with 90 watts per channel and will decode all the audio codecs and LPCM, there will be less distortion at high volumes. This would defintly be the better reciever. He is giving you these options I believe due to your aforementioned $400 price range.

On the other hand, the 720(never thought I would see someone recommend this unit) is not a full band width receiver, so you will get 105 watts per channel in stereo mode but about 65 watts per in full surround sound. That could be plenty if you have smaller speakers like the ones you currently own. The 720 will handle LPCM which is all you really need due to the fact that your PS3 can handle all the decoding priorities for DD True HD and DTS-HD MA. This is prolly the least expensive way to have HDMI inputs and get lossless audio, trust me I have last years model, the 710. And for my living space and Sony Speakers, it is very good. Hell even my dad who has a sony 5200 and B&W speakers thinks my set up sounds good.

Crackin give you good speakers to start a system with, Perhaps you could add Monitor 30's bookshelfs as surround speakers later on. (Crackin, you can correct me if I am off here)

[Eagle_23]

Thanks guys, I'm going to be going to Buffalo on Wednesday so I think I'll pick up the Sony Str-DG720. Then for Christmas I'll get those speakers to further compliment it (Polk Audio Monitor 50 (x2), Polk Audio Monitor CS1 Center Channel as well as maybe the Monitor 30's).

Do you think the price difference is worth it though to go w/ the Onkyo ($379) over the Sony ($249)?

Thanks again.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Eagle_23

Do you think the price difference is worth it though to go w/ the Onkyo ($379) over the Sony ($249)?

Thanks again.

Yes.

[Driver_King]

You can get the 605 here for much less.

[Eagle_23]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

You can get the 605 here for much less.

I live in Toronto Canada so I'd have to pay $103.49 to get it shipped. Plus I think I should have something w/ more than 2 HDMI inputs for in the future even though I only need 2 now.

[Driver_King]

Maybe this could help?

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by Eagle_23

Do you think the price difference is worth it though to go w/ the Onkyo ($379) over the Sony ($249)?

Yes. Do it right the first time...

[Eagle_23]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Maybe this could help?

Ok you have me there. Didn't know I could do that so I guess the 605 is an option. Now my question is do stores in the US (Buffalo) still sell the 605?

The cheapest I can get it in Canada at a store is $549
http://www.2001audiovideo.com/produc...=TXSR605B&clr=

[callas01]

Seriously, if I were you I would just buy the 606 and forget about everything else. Buy it online from amazon, have it shipped to your house and set it up when you get back from Buffalo, you will be happy.

You really don't want the 720 cause that will put you in my position.... having regrets with the AVR and wanting to upgrade right away. Looks like I will have a nice one for the bedroom. Surround sound Porn??? Im sure the wife will be happy LOL.

Yes for $150, I would get the 606. prolly get free shipping from amazon anyways.

[Driver_King]

So you want to pick up the receiver in Buffalo and then take it back to Canada? Or have it shipped? If you have relatives or family or someone living in Buffalo, have the 605 shipped to them and then take it back to Canada, if possible (if that's what you're doing.)

[Eagle_23]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

So you want to pick up the receiver in Buffalo and then take it back to Canada? Or have it shipped? If you have relatives or family or someone living in Buffalo, have the 605 shipped to them and then take it back to Canada, if possible (if that's what you're doing.)

My family and I frequently just go to Buffalo to go shopping and stuff as things are simply cheaper to buy down there. So I want to pick it up at a store. I wouldn't mind having it shipped but the problem is in order to do that it'll cost me an additional $100 or so.

You guys have convinced me to go w/ the 605 (if I can buy it at a store or get it shipped for a cheap price) and if I can't get it I'll just get the 606. Now I just have to figure out what's the cheapest way.

Thanks again everyone.