Quick Receiver Question!

[Jaren613]

Hey guys. I finally got around to getting something better than my HTIB surround sound solution. I decided on the following:

Def Tech ProMonitor 1000 (Front L/R)
Def Tech ProCenter 2000
Def Tech BP1.2X (Surround L/R)
Mirage Prestige S10

The room is about 10x18, but the problem is the whole left side opens up into the dining room and kitchen, so the actual room is much bigger, but the speakers will only be arranged in the living room section.

I was looking at either the Onkyo 707 or 807 as my receiver. I was curious as to how much a difference 100w/channel vs 135w/channel (at 8ohms) would make in my room, and if I even needed that much power.

The other thing is right now I can find the 807 for just $100 more than the 707. I don't think I will really use any of it's features though (other than the extra wattage).

So, is the extra 35w/channel worth the upgrade? Also any suggestions or improvements on my setup are welcome. If there is a more suitable amp in that price range (under $1,000), I'm open to suggestions as well.

Thanks!

[ryandubbz]

You could get a cheaper receiver, or something like that and then get an emotiva amp, like an emotiva xpa-3 or xpa-5 to run your speakers. 35 watts is not a huge difference, and plus ive found out that my onkyo 706 is supposed to put out 100watts per channel, but when all 5 speakers are hooked up to it, it only puts out 75 watts per channel. so i went ahead and bought an xpa3 and it should be here tomorrow


If you dont want to have an external amp along with your AVR, you could get a better AVR like
Marantz, or Pioneer elite

[MrFattBill]

Yamaha 665 and an XPA-3 (or 5 if you could stretch it)

Bill

[Steve]

What is your budget for the receiver?

Originally Posted by ryandubbz

You could get a cheaper receiver, or something like that and then get an emotiva amp, like an emotiva xpa-3 or xpa-5 to run your speakers. 35 watts is not a huge difference, and plus ive found out that my onkyo 706 is supposed to put out 100watts per channel, but when all 5 speakers are hooked up to it, it only puts out 75 watts per channel. so i went ahead and bought an xpa3 and it should be here tomorrow


If you dont want to have an external amp along with your AVR, you could get a better AVR like Marantz, or Pioneer elite

Excellent suggestions. These are the only two brands I ended up giving any serious consideration when I upgraded my receiver.

[progers13]

For $1,000 you should consider Marantz and Pio Elite like others have mentioned. Pre-outs are a great idea, regardless of which receiver you go with, and regardless if you have no intention of ever using them. I said the same thing 6 months ago, and am kicking myself now. I've been looking at the Pioneer Elite SC-25 (about $50 above your budget, but well worth it IMHO if you can spring it). Not too difficult to find for this price, with a little looking around.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by progers13

For $1,000 you should consider Marantz and Pio Elite like others have mentioned. Pre-outs are a great idea, regardless of which receiver you go with, and regardless if you have no intention of ever using them. I said the same thing 6 months ago, and am kicking myself now. I've been looking at the Pioneer Elite SC-25 (about $50 above your budget, but well worth it IMHO if you can spring it). Not too difficult to find for this price, with a little looking around.

That's exactly why I have an SC-25 now. I never thought I would ever use them when I bought an Onkyo 605. Eventually I wanted to add an amp and couldn't, so I had to buy a new receiver. The SC-25 is a real powerhouse, though, as far as receivers go and it's curbed my desire for a separate amp. At least for now anyway.

[blurayas11]

Originally Posted by progers13

For $1,000 you should consider Marantz and Pio Elite like others have mentioned. Pre-outs are a great idea, regardless of which receiver you go with, and regardless if you have no intention of ever using them. I said the same thing 6 months ago, and am kicking myself now. I've been looking at the Pioneer Elite SC-25 (about $50 above your budget, but well worth it IMHO if you can spring it). Not too difficult to find for this price, with a little looking around.

I agree with progers,you will not regret spending the extra amount on the Pioneer Elite because of it's features and functions.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Steve

That's exactly why I have an SC-25 now. I never thought I would ever use them when I bought an Onkyo 605. Eventually I wanted to add an amp and couldn't, so I had to buy a new receiver. The SC-25 is a real powerhouse, though, as far as receivers go and it's curbed my desire for a separate amp. At least for now anyway.

Myself and Steve have the same, exact story....I had the same AVR, felt the same way and did the same thing....went out and got me an Elite SC-05 ....however, my desire for an external amp is rather strong now and I will eventually do something about that by the end of the year as most of you guys know!

[Jaren613]

Hmm. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll be looking at the SC-25 very closely. I don't really want to buy an amp right now, I was hoping to have my receiver push all my equipment (especially since I just have satellites right now).

Looks like the SC-25 will have plenty of power for future upgrades as well. Thanks again for all the help!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Jaren613

Hmm. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll be looking at the SC-25 very closely. I don't really want to buy an amp right now, I was hoping to have my receiver push all my equipment (especially since I just have satellites right now).

Looks like the SC-25 will have plenty of power for future upgrades as well. Thanks again for all the help!

I have the SC-25 myself and I can't see you being disappointed with it. Unlike some other models out there it really pushes its rated wattage so it really is a power house.