Want to upgrade from older HTiB - Need some help. - Blu-ray Forum

Dark Horse · 09-30-2009, 02:28 AM

I currently have the Onkyo HT-SR800 and would really like to upgrade my system. I've decided to go with separate receiver/speakers, and need some help with figuring things out.

The SR800 doesn't do audio over the HDMI cable, and my Panny BD-35 doesn't have the analog outs. (Yes, I've learned a valuable lesson about doing proper research before buying electronics now.

) I really want to jump into HD audio to match my HD picture experience - and hey, cleaning up some of those extra cables would be nice! Also, my slight hearing loss combined with muddy dialogue from my current system are combining into one monster headache.

I've been debating over what to do first - speakers or receiver. Due to budget constraints, I'll probably have to wait at least 6 months between purchases. I've been leaning towards upgrading speakers first, because receiver technology changes so quickly, but I'm not sure my current receiver could handle the speakers I've been looking at.

I've been considering the PSB Alpha series, which I'll hopefully get to audition in the near future. However, I just noticed that the PSBs are 6 ohm speakers, and it doesn't look like the SR800 receiver is switchable to do less than 8 ohms. Then again, I could be reading that information totally wrong. If I were to hook up 6 ohm speakers to this receiver, would I be smelling burnt circuits in the near future?

If that's the case, would it be worth considering an 8 ohm speaker like the Infinity Primus series or The Speaker Company's TSB line? I'm only looking at bookshelf/center speakers because my living room is relatively small - just like my budget (mains and center ~$400.)

Or, should I consider upgrading to a new receiver now (been eyeing the Onkyo 607 and Pioneer 1019) and do speakers later? I guess I'm trying to figure out which option is going to give me a better increase in sound for the money until I can upgrade the whole thing.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Rick

rded · 09-30-2009, 02:42 AM

Normally, I would always recommend getting the main speakers then build around them. But by you having a glorified HTIB..... My advice is this: Wait until you have adequate funds to at least buy a good receiver that has good current and power that can drive 4 ohm loads and preferably with pre-outs so you may add an amp down the road. And get the main speakers of your choice as well.

As of the moment, go out and audition as many speaker brands and receivers and try to mix and match them to your budget and listening and aesthethic preferences.

jomari · 09-30-2009, 04:47 PM

as Rded has mentioned, id consider saving up big time, research, figure out what speakers may appeal to you, and then audition as much as possible. take notes, find out which speakers sound better towards your listening preferences.

you'd find out that there are a number of ways to skin this cat, but my priorities when building a home theater system would be

-Speakers
a. front soundstage (if possible get the LCR first, and drop a massive amount on these three components)
b. surrounds (not necessarily identical to the frontstage, but at least within the same company and/or drivers are identical)
c. subwoofer(s) - you can never have too many of em.
-Separates
a. pre/pro
b. amplifiers that are suited for your speakers (can they drive 4ohms? RMS rating? - important parts of course to 'pair' with your speakers)
-Room acoustics
a. there is a plethora of ways to maximize your listening experience. i can go from a to z with this one.

your home theater is your investment. it should be something that should work and keep you content for the next 3-5 years and longer. you certainly dont rush things when buying a house or a car, why do such with your home theater components right?

just my two cents.

Dark Horse · 09-30-2009, 09:15 PM

Thanks for the advice, rded and jomari. I think I'll stick with what I have for now, and lay a hundred bucks or so aside every pay check until I can get what I want all at once. It'll take me a lot longer to upgrade that way - but the payoff will be better.

I've been looking at home theater/audio stores in Salt Lake City (about a 3 hour drive from me) to audition gear at. I found a few that offer the speakers I'm interested in, so I'll hopefully do some auditioning in the near future.

Thanks again for the advice. Looks like I've got some receiver research to do.

Rick

jomari · 09-30-2009, 09:30 PM

your welcome rick,

id suggest to do a lot of research, print out stuff you'd like about certain speakers/avr et al, and work from that list constantly.

until you have the approriate budget, keep up the research, auditioning and studying how it may appeal to your current taste.

when you have enough dough for the LCR, consider it as a treat to get, and then keep saving on. you can always use the pre-existing speakers you have (as long as they can work with your new speakers), and then some.

Best of luck rick, you know where to find us.

rded · 09-30-2009, 10:08 PM

Great! Let us know if we could further assist you!

RBBrittain · 09-30-2009, 10:55 PM

If you want HD audio while keeping your current AVR, you might want to get the Atlona Tech AT-HD570 (Audioholics review) or the Ambery AU-HDMICP (both mentioned in the Audio and the PS3 thread). Both boxes will take the HDMI output from your Panny and extract from it 8-channel analog HD audio for your AVR. (Be sure to set your Panny to decode to multichannel LPCM over HDMI, *not* bitstreaming.) They're cheaper than a new AVR, and will buy you some more time for the speaker and AVR upgrades.

Dark Horse · 10-01-2009, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RBBrittain

If you want HD audio while keeping your current AVR, you might want to get the Atlona Tech AT-HD570 (Audioholics review) or the Ambery AU-HDMICP (both mentioned in the Audio and the PS3 thread). Both boxes will take the HDMI output from your Panny and extract from it 8-channel analog HD audio for your AVR. (Be sure to set your Panny to decode to multichannel LPCM over HDMI, *not* bitstreaming.) They're cheaper than a new AVR, and will buy you some more time for the speaker and AVR upgrades.

Thanks for the update on those converter boxes. I don't have a PS3, so I never would have read that thread if you hadn't alerted me to it.

Those could be just the thing to tide me over for a year while I save enough money for a decent system. Thanks!

joseph8151 · 02-18-2012, 03:43 PM

Found this old thread.... I have the Sr800 and am way over due to upgrade. I'm considering keeping all the speakers and just replacing the receiver due to baby on the way. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

HAMP · 02-18-2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph8151

Found this old thread.... I have the Sr800 and am way over due to upgrade. I'm considering keeping all the speakers and just replacing the receiver due to baby on the way. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

What's wrong with your current receiver? What is the budget for this upgrade?

joseph8151 · 02-19-2012, 01:24 AM

I want to get more current w tech like 3D and THX. looking for 7.1 THX preferably... I like the Onkyo a lot. Budget is up to $750. Thanks

HAMP · 02-19-2012, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph8151

I want to get more current w tech like 3D and THX. looking for 7.1 THX preferably... I like the Onkyo a lot. Budget is up to $750. Thanks

If that is your max, and you want to go that far for $750, then I would say get the Onkyo 1008, and that is one hell of a receiver for that price. It is a refurb.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

But, if I were you, I would get the refrub Onkyo 808 for $499.99, and I would put the rest towards the start of upgrading your speakers.

sonic_debauchery · 02-19-2012, 04:17 AM

You could get an onkyo 809 from vanns.com I got one for my dad for 699 brand new. Amazing receiver.

callas01 · 02-19-2012, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph8151

I want to get more current w tech like 3D and THX. looking for 7.1 THX preferably... I like the Onkyo a lot. Budget is up to $750. Thanks

If I could suggest, look here
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picture...psb_bstock.htm

and look up the PSB B5 speakers for $359

and then get this Onkyo 708 $389
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Puts you just under budget. The upgrade will get you the maximum you can for your budget. Later you can always swing the B5 to the rear and pick up some T5 and a C5 center(probably the center first), and then grab a decent sub, say the Hsu Research STF-2, and you'll have a great setup.

joseph8151 · 02-19-2012, 05:36 PM

Great stuff guys! Thanx..... If I go with just receiver for now and with my budget, which receiver should I go with that will work with my current speakers aswell as better ones down the road? So much thanks for all info so far!!!!!

callas01 · 02-19-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph8151

Great stuff guys! Thanx..... If I go with just receiver for now and with my budget, which receiver should I go with that will work with my current speakers aswell as better ones down the road? So much thanks for all info so far!!!!!

well any of the Onkyos from the 700 series and up. Pioneer Elite 52 and up, Marantz 6006 and up, Sherwood Newcastle 972(found on accessories4less.com), Denon 3311 and up; are all good receivers.

HAMP · 02-19-2012, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

If I could suggest, look here
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picture...psb_bstock.htm

and look up the PSB B5 speakers for $359

and then get this Onkyo 708 $389
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

Puts you just under budget. The upgrade will get you the maximum you can for your budget. Later you can always swing the B5 to the rear and pick up some T5 and a C5 center(probably the center first), and then grab a decent sub, say the Hsu Research STF-2, and you'll have a great setup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseph8151

Great stuff guys! Thanx..... If I go with just receiver for now and with my budget, which receiver should I go with that will work with my current speakers aswell as better ones down the road? So much thanks for all info so far!!!!!

Reason I suggested the Onkyo 1008 or the Onkyo 808, either one will provided more power over your current receiver and the add features you requested. I believe staying with the same level AVR(700 series) and paying that much money for a few extra features alone, is just a waste of money.

Like I said in the prior post, if you want to upgrade the AVR alone with the budget amount, I would get the Onkyo 1008. Getting the 808 is a great receiver also, but it gives you room to start upgrading your speakers, which I believe and it seems other also think you would want.

callas01 · 02-19-2012, 08:38 PM

Hamp, I had to read this like 4 times to understand what you were talking about. OK, I thought that he had a HTiB (LIKE THE TITLE SUGGESTED)and wanted to upgrade to a better setup.

Joseph, You can find on http://www.accessories4less.com the Sherwood Newcastle 972, Onkyo 1008, Marantz 6006 or Denon 3312 within your budget.

HAMP · 02-19-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

Hamp, I had to read this like 4 times to understand what you were talking about. OK, I thought that he had a HTiB (LIKE THE TITLE SUGGESTED)and wanted to upgrade to a better setup.

Joseph, You can find on http://www.accessories4less.com the Sherwood Newcastle 972, Onkyo 1008, Marantz 6006 or Denon 3312 within your budget.

It is a HTiB, lately Onkyo uses their lower end AVR as a combo with speakers and it's not really a HTiB. Most HTiB would include a bluray player.

His combo or HTiB receiver is equivalent to the 700 AVR of when he bought it. I’m not sure if it’s 705 or 706, but it is in the 700 series.

Some of the combo's are with the 600 series or lower from Onkyo. This is why I suggested the next two levels up, because they are within his stated budget.

****EDIT****

I believe it's closer to the 704, which wasn't made.

joseph8151 · 02-19-2012, 09:43 PM

My receiver model that came w the package is the HT-R550 guys.

09-30-2009, 02:28 AM	#1
Dark Horse Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Idaho Blu-ray collection:252	Want to upgrade from older HTiB - Need some help. I currently have the Onkyo HT-SR800 and would really like to upgrade my system. I've decided to go with separate receiver/speakers, and need some help with figuring things out. The SR800 doesn't do audio over the HDMI cable, and my Panny BD-35 doesn't have the analog outs. (Yes, I've learned a valuable lesson about doing proper research before buying electronics now. ) I really want to jump into HD audio to match my HD picture experience - and hey, cleaning up some of those extra cables would be nice! Also, my slight hearing loss combined with muddy dialogue from my current system are combining into one monster headache. I've been debating over what to do first - speakers or receiver. Due to budget constraints, I'll probably have to wait at least 6 months between purchases. I've been leaning towards upgrading speakers first, because receiver technology changes so quickly, but I'm not sure my current receiver could handle the speakers I've been looking at. I've been considering the PSB Alpha series, which I'll hopefully get to audition in the near future. However, I just noticed that the PSBs are 6 ohm speakers, and it doesn't look like the SR800 receiver is switchable to do less than 8 ohms. Then again, I could be reading that information totally wrong. If I were to hook up 6 ohm speakers to this receiver, would I be smelling burnt circuits in the near future? If that's the case, would it be worth considering an 8 ohm speaker like the Infinity Primus series or The Speaker Company's TSB line? I'm only looking at bookshelf/center speakers because my living room is relatively small - just like my budget (mains and center ~$400.) Or, should I consider upgrading to a new receiver now (been eyeing the Onkyo 607 and Pioneer 1019) and do speakers later? I guess I'm trying to figure out which option is going to give me a better increase in sound for the money until I can upgrade the whole thing. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Rick

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09-30-2009, 02:42 AM	#2
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	Normally, I would always recommend getting the main speakers then build around them. But by you having a glorified HTIB..... My advice is this: Wait until you have adequate funds to at least buy a good receiver that has good current and power that can drive 4 ohm loads and preferably with pre-outs so you may add an amp down the road. And get the main speakers of your choice as well. As of the moment, go out and audition as many speaker brands and receivers and try to mix and match them to your budget and listening and aesthethic preferences.

09-30-2009, 04:47 PM	#3
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	as Rded has mentioned, id consider saving up big time, research, figure out what speakers may appeal to you, and then audition as much as possible. take notes, find out which speakers sound better towards your listening preferences. you'd find out that there are a number of ways to skin this cat, but my priorities when building a home theater system would be -Speakers a. front soundstage (if possible get the LCR first, and drop a massive amount on these three components) b. surrounds (not necessarily identical to the frontstage, but at least within the same company and/or drivers are identical) c. subwoofer(s) - you can never have too many of em. -Separates a. pre/pro b. amplifiers that are suited for your speakers (can they drive 4ohms? RMS rating? - important parts of course to 'pair' with your speakers) -Room acoustics a. there is a plethora of ways to maximize your listening experience. i can go from a to z with this one. your home theater is your investment. it should be something that should work and keep you content for the next 3-5 years and longer. you certainly dont rush things when buying a house or a car, why do such with your home theater components right? just my two cents.

09-30-2009, 09:15 PM	#4
Dark Horse Member Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Idaho Blu-ray collection:252	Thanks for the advice, rded and jomari. I think I'll stick with what I have for now, and lay a hundred bucks or so aside every pay check until I can get what I want all at once. It'll take me a lot longer to upgrade that way - but the payoff will be better. I've been looking at home theater/audio stores in Salt Lake City (about a 3 hour drive from me) to audition gear at. I found a few that offer the speakers I'm interested in, so I'll hopefully do some auditioning in the near future. Thanks again for the advice. Looks like I've got some receiver research to do. Rick

09-30-2009, 09:30 PM	#5
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	your welcome rick, id suggest to do a lot of research, print out stuff you'd like about certain speakers/avr et al, and work from that list constantly. until you have the approriate budget, keep up the research, auditioning and studying how it may appeal to your current taste. when you have enough dough for the LCR, consider it as a treat to get, and then keep saving on. you can always use the pre-existing speakers you have (as long as they can work with your new speakers), and then some. Best of luck rick, you know where to find us.

09-30-2009, 10:08 PM	#6
rded Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2008 Location:555 Naim Street Blu-ray collection:254 Trading Score:1	Great! Let us know if we could further assist you!

09-30-2009, 10:55 PM	#7
RBBrittain Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Little Rock, AR 4K collection:752 Blu-ray collection:1843 DVD collection:91 MA collection:989 Digital collection:349 iTunes collection:56 Prime collection:5 Trading Score:6	If you want HD audio while keeping your current AVR, you might want to get the Atlona Tech AT-HD570 (Audioholics review) or the Ambery AU-HDMICP (both mentioned in the Audio and the PS3 thread). Both boxes will take the HDMI output from your Panny and extract from it 8-channel analog HD audio for your AVR. (Be sure to set your Panny to decode to multichannel LPCM over HDMI, not bitstreaming.) They're cheaper than a new AVR, and will buy you some more time for the speaker and AVR upgrades.

02-18-2012, 03:43 PM	#9
joseph8151 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:170 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:77 iTunes collection:36 Blu-ray reviews:50	Found this old thread.... I have the Sr800 and am way over due to upgrade. I'm considering keeping all the speakers and just replacing the receiver due to baby on the way. Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

02-19-2012, 01:24 AM	#11
joseph8151 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:170 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:77 iTunes collection:36 Blu-ray reviews:50	I want to get more current w tech like 3D and THX. looking for 7.1 THX preferably... I like the Onkyo a lot. Budget is up to $750. Thanks

02-19-2012, 04:17 AM	#13
sonic_debauchery Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:May 2011 Location:Earth Home Theater Gallery:473 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:416 DVD collection:221	You could get an onkyo 809 from vanns.com I got one for my dad for 699 brand new. Amazing receiver.

02-19-2012, 05:36 PM	#15
joseph8151 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:170 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:77 iTunes collection:36 Blu-ray reviews:50	Great stuff guys! Thanx..... If I go with just receiver for now and with my budget, which receiver should I go with that will work with my current speakers aswell as better ones down the road? So much thanks for all info so far!!!!!

02-19-2012, 08:38 PM	#18
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	Hamp, I had to read this like 4 times to understand what you were talking about. OK, I thought that he had a HTiB (LIKE THE TITLE SUGGESTED)and wanted to upgrade to a better setup. Joseph, You can find on http://www.accessories4less.com the Sherwood Newcastle 972, Onkyo 1008, Marantz 6006 or Denon 3312 within your budget.

02-19-2012, 09:43 PM	#20
joseph8151 Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:170 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:77 iTunes collection:36 Blu-ray reviews:50	My receiver model that came w the package is the HT-R550 guys.

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