The Official Energy Speakers Thread

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Blu Balls

I was considering getting an Emotiva upa2 to power my energy cf50's and just let the receiver power the center (cc10) I have a pioneer vsx 1120-k. Do you think I will hear a considerable improvement in sound quality? I really want the xpa3 but, it won't fit in my current set up or budget. Do you think the upa2 would be worth the $400?

it should add some added dynamics that perhaps your pioneer cannot get out of the speakers, later on you can use the UPA-2 for the surrounds when you add the XPA-3 to the front speakers.

[Miker107]

After doing a little reading of reviews and comments from owners of the Onkyo 808 it sounds like a winner, however I'm only slightly concerned about how this receiver will affect video quality having the video signal run through it. But I'm sure this would be the case with almost any receiver in that price range.
BTW, I start my job Monday AM.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

After doing a little reading of reviews and comments from owners of the Onkyo 808 it sounds like a winner, however I'm only slightly concerned about how this receiver will affect video quality having the video signal run through it. But I'm sure this would be the case with almost any receiver in that price range.
BTW, I start my job Monday AM.

That good news for the job

It will improve the signal if anything, what is your concern? Unlike the old dayns of Anlog which i still prefer over digital for music the digital signal sent to your receiver will be upscled by the receiver and not by your TV, therefor upgrading the video quality, I believe the 808 has a DCDI Cinema chip from Faroudja, you can ask Steve how great it does on his Integra.

Of course if you step it up another notch you video processor becomes the cream of the crop processor with HQV chips.

First generation of Samsung BDP were using HQV but the BDP was like 800$ and it was well built unlike the newest entry level BDP.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

It will improve the signal if anything, what is your concern?

Well, I was reading both here and on other forums that owners of this unit were experiencing slight video degradation. Others had chimed in and said that is why they wished BD players had 2 HDMI outs so that one could be connected to the tv and the other to the receiver. So you've never heard of this problem before? Maybe I'm misunderstanding.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Well, I was reading both here and on other forums that owners of this unit were experiencing slight video degradation. Others had chimed in and said that is why they wished BD players had 2 HDMI outs so that one could be connected to the tv and the other to the receiver. So you've never heard of this problem before? Maybe I'm misunderstanding.

Could be a issue with the 808 unit in this case. Technically speaking it should not degrade it.

What are they runnig as their BDP?

Many thing things come into play in this case, their Audio chip is state of the art Burrbrown.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

After doing a little reading of reviews and comments from owners of the Onkyo 808 it sounds like a winner, however I'm only slightly concerned about how this receiver will affect video quality having the video signal run through it. But I'm sure this would be the case with almost any receiver in that price range.
BTW, I start my job Monday AM.

Miker, most receivers will not touch HDMI video, they simply pull out the audio track and then pass the video signal thru. The video signal is usually only being touched if the video is coming via RCAs or S-video or something legacy like that, then being output thru HDMI.

Honestly if I were you, Id find an Integra dealer, the Integras have some added audio features to help put out a cleaner sound. However, the 808 is a nice receiver in its own right. the Integra 50.2 is the 808s cousin, but it lists for about $400 more. My receiver is the equivalent of the 708, but lists for $300 more. IMO, when you are putting together a nice system like you have, get the best you can. If you can't find a dealer, I can probably find one for you.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

That good news for the job

It will improve the signal if anything, what is your concern? Unlike the old dayns of Anlog which i still prefer over digital for music the digital signal sent to your receiver will be upscled by the receiver and not by your TV, therefor upgrading the video quality, I believe the 808 has a DCDI Cinema chip from Faroudja, you can ask Steve how great it does on his Integra.

Of course if you step it up another notch you video processor becomes the cream of the crop processor with HQV chips.

First generation of Samsung BDP were using HQV but the BDP was like 800$ and it was well built unlike the newest entry level BDP.

Yes, that it correct, it has the Faroudja chip, and that is what some people were complaining about. They say it is not as good as higher end processors, at least from what I read anyway.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

Miker, most receivers will not touch HDMI video, they simply pull out the audio track and then pass the video signal thru. The video signal is usually only being touched if the video is coming via RCAs or S-video or something legacy like that, then being output thru HDMI.

Honestly if I were you, Id find an Integra dealer, the Integras have some added audio features to help put out a cleaner sound. However, the 808 is a nice receiver in its own right. the Integra 50.2 is the 808s cousin, but it lists for about $400 more. My receiver is the equivalent of the 708, but lists for $300 more. IMO, when you are putting together a nice system like you have, get the best you can. If you can't find a dealer, I can probably find one for you.

One guy was complaining because he noticed that when he connected the HDMI from the BD to the receiver, then from the receiver to the tv, he noticed the picture was not as sharp.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

Miker, most receivers will not touch HDMI video, they simply pull out the audio track and then pass the video signal thru. The video signal is usually only being touched if the video is coming via RCAs or S-video or something legacy like that, then being output thru HDMI.

Honestly if I were you, Id find an Integra dealer, the Integras have some added audio features to help put out a cleaner sound. However, the 808 is a nice receiver in its own right. the Integra 50.2 is the 808s cousin, but it lists for about $400 more. My receiver is the equivalent of the 708, but lists for $300 more. IMO, when you are putting together a nice system like you have, get the best you can. If you can't find a dealer, I can probably find one for you.

I believe it's your 40.2 the cousin of the 808

Actually I just double checked and you are right someone in the 808 thread fooled me.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

One guy was complaining because he noticed that when he connected the HDMI from the BD to the receiver, then from the receiver to the tv, he noticed the picture was not as sharp.

I would ask LORDOFTHERINGS he his the man when it comes to Onkyo, Onkyo higher end model uses the high end HQV, but the DCDI cinema chip is not to shabby. It could be alot worse. When you watch BD trust me it all comes down to the qulity of your TV and calibration.

I have a DCDI on my HK and it's ok. You can't do miracles with an already bad picture.


A lot of people want to have the absoolute best

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

I would ask LORDOFTHERINGS he his the man when it comes to Onkyo, Onkyo higher end model uses the high end HQV, but the DCDI cinema chip is not to shabby. It could be alot worse. When you watch BD trust me it all comes down to the qulity of your TV and calibration.


A lot of people want to have the absoolute best

Yes, I read a lot of his posts on the 808 in particular and all was favorable for the most part. I have to say though, that I understand it also depends upon setting up correctly, because I noted that the proper video setting in the receiver means everything. One person posted a response that said to make sure to set the video setting to "through." This makes sure that the video signal passes through the receiver unchanged, but they still say that there is some signal loss as it passes through the receiver. It could also be the cables they are using maybe. I'm using high speed cables so that may make a difference.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Yes, I read a lot of his posts on the 808 in particular and all was favorable for the most part. I have to say though, that I understand it also depends upon setting up correctly, because I noted that the proper video setting in the receiver means everything. One person posted a response that said to make sure to set the video setting to "through." This makes sure that the video signal passes through the receiver unchanged, but they still say that there is some signal loss as it passes through the receiver. It could also be the cables they are using maybe. I'm using high speed cables so that may make a difference.

for BD you don't want your signal to be touched.

I dunno what happened with him but it says banned
oh well.

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

for BD you don't want your signal to be touched.

I dunno what happened with him but it says banned
oh well.

Bottom line though, I don't think I'm going to let any of this stop me. At this point I'm anticipating getting an 808 at some point this year hopefully. I liked the specs on it.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

for BD you don't want your signal to be touched.

I dunno what happened with him but it says banned
oh well.

I was about to say that he was banned... idk why either.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Bottom line though, I don't think I'm going to let any of this stop me. At this point I'm anticipating getting an 808 at some point this year hopefully. I liked the specs on it.

Sony and Yamaha have great specs too, but only some of their receivers are worth buying.

honestly if you could get an Integra, buy that instead. They are designed with a little better audio processing which helps in music and HT sound tracks. The dual power supplies help to keep the audio and video seperate as well. There is a reason why my Integra costs as much as the Onkyo 808, And the difference of the 25 watts will only translate to about 1 db of sound.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

Sony and Yamaha have great specs too, but only some of their receivers are worth buying.

honestly if you could get an Integra, buy that instead. They are designed with a little better audio processing which helps in music and HT sound tracks. The dual power supplies help to keep the audio and video seperate as well. There is a reason why my Integra costs as much as the Onkyo 808, And the difference of the 25 watts will only translate to about 1 db of sound.

Mybe not even 1 db, I like Integras too but he has to find a dealer in Louisiana that sells them on clearance price.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Mybe not even 1 db, I like Integras too but he has to find a dealer in Louisiana that sells them on clearance price.

true.... im sure i could help him w a dealer

[Miker107]

Originally Posted by callas01

true.... im sure i could help him w a dealer

Good morning guys. I went back to the Intregra web site and found the "dealers" link at the bottom of the page and did a quick search for a dealer. Low and behold there is one here in town, so I'll be looking into the Integra real soon. Thank you guys for all your helpful advice.

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by Miker107

Good morning guys. I went back to the Intregra web site and found the "dealers" link at the bottom of the page and did a quick search for a dealer. Low and behold there is one here in town, so I'll be looking into the Integra real soon. Thank you guys for all your helpful advice.

+1 on either the onkyo or integra...just for audyssey...i love what audyssey on my denon has done for my system. would really like to upgrade my yamaha rx v765 powering my rc-10s to an onkyo 707 or 708...

[callas01]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

+1 on either the onkyo or integra...just for audyssey...i love what audyssey on my denon has done for my system. would really like to upgrade my yamaha rx v765 powering my rc-10s to an onkyo 707 or 708...

Hey Arrt,

I don't remember if it was you or not that I was talking about Sunny Day Real Estate about, but if it was, I now have the Diary album on vinyl, and it sounds so good, just got done listening to it a little while ago.

Audyssey is a pretty cool calibration tool. Go for the 708, their warmer sound is better then the 707s slightly more aggressive sound. IMO