Energy Take Classic 5.1

[AJL3167]

First of all i am an audio noob. I am ready to buy the energy take classic 5.1 bundle but am confused on what kind of receiver i should buy. I dont want to spend more than 350 on a receiver. I was leaning towards one of the entry level yamaha's or pioneers. What do you guys suggest? Thanks!

[DavidAg02]

Can't go wrong with anything Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon or Pioneer.

[CdnBlu]

I have these speakers and for the money I can tell you they are a very good entry level speaker!

I'm currently running them with a Harman Kardon AVR-154 and they sound very crisp and clear. They could probably use a little more juice so I would recommend a Receiver with a little more 'umph' but other than that I have no complaints about them

[AJL3167]

what about the Pioneer VSX-819H-K? Is this compatible with the speakers?

[Steve]

That receiver would be just fine with those speakers. When you're looking at receivers to be paired with speakers, you want to make sure the impedance ratings are the same. I think every receiver out there can handle 8 Ohm speakers fine, which the Energy speakers are. It's when you start looking at 4 Ohm speakers that you have to be more careful with a receiver. If you're going with 4 Ohm speakers, it would usually be best to go with either separates or an AV receiver and an amp. Just be aware this a 5.1 channel receiver. It only has pre-outs for a sub and surround back channels. You would have to add a separate amp if you wanted to expand your system to 7.1. Also, since it doesn't have a full set of preouts (mains, center, surrounds) you can't add an amp for anything other than the surround backs.

[Adam.C]

There is some good deals on Yamaha also I would recommend.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by DavidAg02

Can't go wrong with anything Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon or Pioneer.

In addition to these, you could also look at receivers from Marantz.

[kpkelley]

Do you have a blu-ray player? If so, which?

That pioneer accepts audio over hdmi and decodes TrueHD and DTS-HD MA, so it appears to be a good choice.

If you are not adverse to reconditioned products, check out accessories4less.com

[AJL3167]

Originally Posted by fireman325

That receiver would be just fine with those speakers. When you're looking at receivers to be paired with speakers, you want to make sure the impedance ratings are the same. I think every receiver out there can handle 8 Ohm speakers fine, which the Energy speakers are. It's when you start looking at 4 Ohm speakers that you have to be more careful with a receiver. If you're going with 4 Ohm speakers, it would usually be best to go with either separates or an AV receiver and an amp. Just be aware this a 5.1 channel receiver. It only has pre-outs for a sub and surround back channels. You would have to add a separate amp if you wanted to expand your system to 7.1. Also, since it doesn't have a full set of preouts (mains, center, surrounds) you can't add an amp for anything other than the surround backs.

I am kind of confused about your last sentence. If i wanted to keep this a 5.1 system, would i have to buy an separate amp if i got the pioneer receiver?

from what i hear, not many blu rays support 7.1 and i dont know if i have enough room for more speakers! thanks for info guys i really appreciate it.

oh and i am using a ps3 for a blu ray. I got a Samsung 52' 750 about 4-5 months ago and i need to pair it with some good sounding speakers

[AJL3167]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

There is some good deals on Yamaha also I would recommend.

which ones? what about the Yamaha RX-V663BL or Denon AVR-1609? I can get the energy take classic 5.1 system with the Denon AVR-1609 for 499 at Vann's - good deal??

[Steve]

Originally Posted by AJL3167

I am kind of confused about your last sentence. If i wanted to keep this a 5.1 system, would i have to buy an separate amp if i got the pioneer receiver?

from what i hear, not many blu rays support 7.1 and i dont know if i have enough room for more speakers! thanks for info guys i really appreciate it.

oh and i am using a ps3 for a blu ray. I got a Samsung 52' 750 about 4-5 months ago and i need to pair it with some good sounding speakers

No you would not have to buy anything else for just a 5.1 system. You would need a separate amp for a 7.1 system. This receiver doesn't have connections for the extra 2 speakers, but it does have pre-outs for them. You would need to add a 2 channel amp if you ever wanted to expand from 5.1 to 7.1.

[stickb5]

go with the Pioneer, it s a better value for the money, and dont worry the pioneer would rock those speakers.

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by AJL3167

which ones? what about the Yamaha RX-V663BL or Denon AVR-1609? I can get the energy take classic 5.1 system with the Denon AVR-1609 for 499 at Vann's - good deal??

The 1609 does not do audio over hdmi if that concerns you. I love my yammy 663, has good audio quality, all connections you will need, good amps, does audio over hdmi. Only downside is that it only has 2 hdmi inputs. The new models have 4

[AJL3167]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

The 1609 does not do audio over hdmi if that concerns you. I love my yammy 663, has good audio quality, all connections you will need, good amps, does audio over hdmi. Only downside is that it only has 2 hdmi inputs. The new models have 4

Ya i just realized that hdmi problem with the denon. I think i will stick with the pioneer listed above. Now on to speaker wire - what would suit this system best. I usually would this kind of research myself but it seems you guys are just too good to pass up!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by AJL3167

Ya i just realized that hdmi problem with the denon. I think i will stick with the pioneer listed above. Now on to speaker wire - what would suit this system best. I usually would this kind of research myself but it seems you guys are just too good to pass up!

At least 16 gauge. Maybe 14 depending on the lengths you need. Check out monoprice for the best prices on all HDMI cables, speaker wire, etc.

[AJL3167]

Final question - energy take classic with Pioneer VSX-819H-K or this: Yamaha RXV665BL Home Theater Receiver Bundle - 7.1 Channel, HDMI, 630 Watts, Klipsch HD500 Home Theater Speaker System? They would both cost me 700 for speakers and receiver. Thanks!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by AJL3167

Final question - energy take classic with Pioneer VSX-819H-K or this: Yamaha RXV665BL Home Theater Receiver Bundle - 7.1 Channel, HDMI, 630 Watts, Klipsch HD500 Home Theater Speaker System? They would both cost me 700 for speakers and receiver. Thanks!

IMO stick with the Energy speakers and Pioneer receiver. The Yamaha and Onkyo systems may both come with solid receivers, but the Energy speakers are regarded to be considerably better than the Yammy and Onkyo speakers.

[AJL3167]

Originally Posted by fireman325

At least 16 gauge. Maybe 14 depending on the lengths you need. Check out monoprice for the best prices on all HDMI cables, speaker wire, etc.

No 1.3b HDMI cables at monoprice?

[Steve]

I guess not. You don't hear a lot about 1.3b like you do 1.3a. I think the only difference was a stricter testing criteria, but I'm not sure. I use the regular Monoprice 1.3a cables for all my stuff. I'm not sure if BJC offers 1.3b cables or not, but you can check. They have great prices as well.

[AJL3167]

Bought the energys with the pioneer from vanns. Very excited about all this - will post pics when everything is setup. Thanks for all the help guys!