Receiver recommendations

[Raikirik]

Hey guys,

I've just recently stumbled upon the realization that my current receiver is not powering my speakers to their full potential and thus not giving me the sound I so desire. I have a Sony STR DG820.

My speakers are Polk RTi4 speakers for both fronts and surrounds. My center is a Polk CSiA4. I'm also looking to upgrade my sub and I'm looking at the SVS subs PB10 NSD or PB12 NSD.

What receiver would you guys recommend for my speakers and for those of you who know better, do you think the subs I've been looking at work well with my speakers?

[Steve]

IMO those subs will be fine, but personally I would go with the 12 over the 10. You can also consider the PC12 NSD if you're tight on space.

As far as the receiver goes, what is your budget and what features are you looking for?

Your current model has decent power according to its specs (I have no idea what it puts out in the real world though) and it accepts LPCM so if your blu-ray player decodes TrueHD and Master Audio then you're pretty much good to go as is. I do understand how it is once the upgrade bug gets ahold of you though.

[Raikirik]

You said it, it's the upgrade bug, it's definitely something I've contracted!

Last summer I went from HTiB to the DG820. I carried over the speakers to the new receiver which was sort of a bad move considering the speakers were 6ohm and the receiver is 8. I got the RTi4s in December and I just picked up the center last week. You can see that I'm slowly but surely putting all the pieces together but now I've come back to the receiver and realized that it needs to be upgraded again. Being new to the whole home theater game, I didn't know that the receiver could have an impact on the sound as well aside from volume.

I don't believe the power rating works out to be what it is. I've read that Sony tends to exaggerate their numbers. Also, explosions don't tend to be dynamic when I'm watching movies. At the peak of an explosion it tends to fall flat, crushed even like there was some sort of compression. The THD on this receiver is 0.09 to 0.1%.

What I'm pretty much looking for is something that will run my speakers at and beyond the level they're rated and I guess be high current. Polk says they can be run at levels beyond their rating and that they can be played loudly. They make use of a car analogy and it made sense to me. It should also ensure that everything will be able to keep up with the new sub. It should also have the same features if not more than my current one has, basically True HD and DTS MA format decoding. I've been looking at Pioneer and Harman Kardon so far.

[callas01]

The 820 has a small power supply and cannot amplify the speaker you have as they should be. The 920 would have been a better investment, however, when I heard the RTi A9s with a Denon receiver I realized the only real way to hear these big a$$ speakers, they need an external amp.

Likewise, Pioneer recievers that are not the Pioneer Elite receivers will not give you any added power over your 820. So that takes the Pioneer 1019, 919, and 819 out of the picture. With the Harman you will get accurate numbers but they usually don't have much watts per channel, and the RTi's are power hungry. If you are looking at the 254 or equivalent you only get 50 watts/ch, which may be a little gain, but probably not a ton.

I would say a receiver to properly power these speakers, you should get the Yamaha 1900, however I don't what you expect to spend, as it costs $1300.

For a good decent reciever to power those speaker, I would suggest the Marantz 5003 or 5004 from accessories4less.com, you can get it greatly reduced, and its warm sound will even out the sound of those speakers and I think you would find it nice. This receiver will get you about 88 watts/ch, as its power ratings are accurate. Otherwise the Pioneer Elite VSX-21 or 23 would be nice, and so would the Denon 2310

[Steve]

I've seen reports in the last few days of the Pioneer elite SC-25 at BB Magnolia for $999. I have no idea if that's accurate or not, but it's definitely worth looking into IMO. The previous model with the same power supply was bench tested at 138 watts per channel. It's spec sheet claims 140 so it's pretty accurate as well. However, we're all shooting in the dark here when we make recommendations until we know what you plan to spend.

[gtmorgan23]

Pioneer Elite reciever all the way

[Raikirik]

Thanks for the suggestions so far you guys. Sorry I overlooked stating my budget. I also forgot stating when I plan to get it. I should also mention that I live in Canada and there seems to be some difference in model numbers when it comes to the Pioneers. I'm looking to spend anywhere around $800-$1200, maybe a little more. I've been looking at the Elites with the Ice Amps and might possibly dip into one of those as well. I'm looking to purchase it closer to summer.

Are the models you guys suggested current or are they older models? I'm a bit confused between the Pioneer SC-25 and SC-05. How frequent do these models update? Is there a new model like, every year? I also think it would be worth it to have a good EQ and connections for a pre-amp? I'm not very knowledgeable on what pre and pro amps are but I've heard they can be advantageous.

One other thing I was looking into was a good receiver for a medium sized bedroom purely for music listening. Tower speakers are the aim for this one. I'm asking too much now aren't I? \

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks for the suggestions so far you guys. Sorry I overlooked stating my budget. I also forgot stating when I plan to get it. I should also mention that I live in Canada and there seems to be some difference in model numbers when it comes to the Pioneers. I'm looking to spend anywhere around $800-$1200, maybe a little more. I've been looking at the Elites with the Ice Amps and might possibly dip into one of those as well. I'm looking to purchase it closer to summer.

Are the models you guys suggested current or are they older models? I'm a bit confused between the Pioneer SC-25 and SC-05. How frequent do these models update? Is there a new model like, every year? I also think it would be worth it to have a good EQ and connections for a pre-amp? I'm not very knowledgeable on what pre and pro amps are but I've heard they can be advantageous.

One other thing I was looking into was a good receiver for a medium sized bedroom purely for music listening. Tower speakers are the aim for this one. I'm asking too much now aren't I? \

I have an Elite SC-25 and it's an awesome receiver. The differences between the SC-05 and SC-25 are pretty slight. The 25 is the current model and the 05 is last year's model. The 25 has a detachable power cord and is certified to work with the iPhone. There's not much difference other than that, and AFAIK the models do update pretty much every year.

It would definitely be a good idea to have pre-outs in case you ever decide you want an amp. You can't add an amp if your receiver doesn't have pre-outs. The 05 and 25 have them, as do most mid and upper range receivers.

I think what you're asking about above is a pre-pro and an amp. These are referred to as separate components. The pre-pro (short for pre-processor) only does decoding and sound processing, and must be used in conjunction with a separate amp. A standard receiver has an amp built in. There are pros and cons to each setup. The receiver is the most convenient, but separates can yield more power and are sometimes the only way to go when you start dealing with high-end speakers. Also be aware that if you use a receiver in conjunction with a separate amp the receiver is basically serving the function of a pre-processor. There are some other options available when you take this route though. Sometimes people will buy a less expensive two or three channel amp to power their main speakers and power their surrounds with the receiver. This saves from having to buy a more expensive 5 or 7 channel amp to power everything.

As far as your bedroom setup goes, I would look at Marantz or maybe HK. They're known for having a warm sound and might be preferable for music listening.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Steve

I have an Elite SC-25 and it's an awesome receiver. The differences between the SC-05 and SC-25 are pretty slight. The 25 is the current model and the 05 is last year's model. The 25 has a detachable power cord and is certified to work with the iPhone. There's not much difference other than that, and AFAIK the models do update pretty much every year.

It would definitely be a good idea to have pre-outs in case you ever decide you want an amp. You can't add an amp if your receiver doesn't have pre-outs. The 05 and 25 have them, as do most mid and upper range receivers.

I think what you're asking about above is a pre-pro and an amp. These are referred to as separate components. The pre-pro (short for pre-processor) only does decoding and sound processing, and must be used in conjunction with a separate amp. A standard receiver has an amp built in. There are pros and cons to each setup. The receiver is the most convenient, but separates can yield more power and are sometimes the only way to go when you start dealing with high-end speakers. Also be aware that if you use a receiver in conjunction with a separate amp the receiver is basically serving the function of a pre-processor. There are some other options available when you take this route though. Sometimes people will buy a less expensive two or three channel amp to power their main speakers and power their surrounds with the receiver. This saves from having to buy a more expensive 5 or 7 channel amp to power everything.

As far as your bedroom setup goes, I would look at Marantz or maybe HK. They're known for having a warm sound and might be preferable for music listening.

Steve pretty much nailed it on the head here....this is excellent advice.

[callas01]

If your looking to spend $1200 I would look at the Yamaha 1900. It has a fairly neutral to slight warm sound and would be a great match to the Polks you have. It is rated to 130 watts, and should be pretty close to that.

The other receiver I would suggest is the Marantz 6004 or 5004.

for your bedroom, straight music, Harman or Marantz. Perhaps even the Denon 1910.

[Raikirik]

Thanks again for your advice Steve and callas. I've been able to gain more confidence in my selections.

I believe I will now aim to get the Elite SC-25 and go for an HK or Marantz for the bedroom listening. I figure I should try to go pretty high so I don't catch the upgrade bug sooner than necessary. Once again guys, thank you for your advice and recommendations. The world of home audio is a vast one for me to explore, I have a LOT to learn. You guys have been great.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Thanks again for your advice Steve and callas. I've been able to gain more confidence in my selections.

I believe I will now aim to get the Elite SC-25 and go for an HK or Marantz for the bedroom listening. I figure I should try to go pretty high so I don't catch the upgrade bug sooner than necessary. Once again guys, thank you for your advice and recommendations. The world of home audio is a vast one for me to explore, I have a LOT to learn. You guys have been great.

Very cool.....just make sure to read and learn as much as you can here. The stickys at the top of each Audio forums (Audio Theory, Receiver/Amplifier, Speakers, Subwoofers and Pre/Pro) are excellent reference materials as you indulge yourself into HT. You will pick this stuff up quicker than you think!

[Raikirik]

Originally Posted by Fors*

Very cool.....just make sure to read and learn as much as you can here. The stickys at the top of each Audio forums (Audio Theory, Receiver/Amplifier, Speakers, Subwoofers and Pre/Pro) are excellent reference materials as you indulge yourself into HT. You will pick this stuff up quicker than you think!

Thanks Fors. Hopefully I do pick it up quick. I want to be able to pick out my equipment and set everything up knowing everything I need to know beforehand. There's nothing worse for me than picking up the wrong equipment, realizing I need to get something better or different, as well as not having the adequate knowledge to set up everything I need. Some examples of this is how I have the 820 which I picked up only because it decoded True HD and DTS MA but did not take into account power handling and other factors. The speakers I carried over to it didn't even have the proper impedance! Another one is speaker calibration. I had no idea what a SPL meter was and how much it could affect the sound field by getting the proper measurements. I think I know what I need to know but then I don't. There are so many things to consider. Room size, shape, treatments, the material composition of the room, null spots, standing waves, all of this I am so in the dark about! Time to hit the stickies!

[kurtis21]

Everyone has their own opinion and the receivers mentioned above are great....but I have always LOVED the way Dennon Receivers sound! This is my second and i Love it! They are very powerful and VERY user friendly To each his own...i'm just giving you another opinion

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by kurtis21

Everyone has their own opinion and the receivers mentioned above are great....but I have always LOVED the way Dennon Receivers sound! This is my second and i Love it! They are very powerful and VERY user friendly To each his own...i'm just giving you another opinion

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Denon, I just never owned one to give an opinion on it. However, I have read and heard nothing but positive things about them.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by kurtis21

Everyone has their own opinion and the receivers mentioned above are great....but I have always LOVED the way Dennon Receivers sound! This is my second and i Love it! They are very powerful and VERY user friendly To each his own...i'm just giving you another opinion

I'm in the same boat as Fors*. Nothing at all wrong with Denon, or with the Yamaha callas01 mentioned above. I just don't have any experience at all with them so I don't have anything to say for or against them.

[Raikirik]

Originally Posted by kurtis21

Everyone has their own opinion and the receivers mentioned above are great....but I have always LOVED the way Dennon Receivers sound! This is my second and i Love it! They are very powerful and VERY user friendly To each his own...i'm just giving you another opinion

Which Denon receivers would you recommend then, friend?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Raikirik

Which Denon receivers would you recommend then, friend?

Just from looking quickly at pricing/specs I would say the AVR-3310CI is going to be the most comparable with the Pioneer Elite SC-25.

[callas01]

I would recommend that you listen to these receivers before buying them. they all sound different and you will like one over the other I am sure.

And check out the Yamaha 1900, great receiver right there with the others

[Raikirik]

Do you guys suggest I bring the speakers I intend to use with the receiver to the store? I think it would be a more accurate way of knowing what sort of sound I will get from each receiver. The store does not sell Polk speakers to so that's another reason.