Suggestions on Setting up my system

[skatinkamel]

I'm currently in the process of setting up a home theater in my basement. I have a Samsung Lcd which i am satisfied with but am now moving on to a stronger audio system. I have been researching receivers and am unsure whether i should make the move to 7.1 or stick with 5.1. Also i am unsure of the brand i plan on purchasing. The best looking receivers ive seen are these:

5.1:
Denon AVR591 which is about $350
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5302.asp

Yamaha RX-V367 for $230
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...&CNTYP=PRODUCT

7.1
Denon AVR890 for $520 which is obviously on a great SALE!
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4918.asp

Sony STR-DH710 for $300
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...specifications

Sony STR-DH810 for $400
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...&SQS=str-dh810

All of these interst me ,but i am unsure of which to choose. My price range is limited to about $1000 to $1400 for the whole system. My bluray player is a Sony BD-350 which doesn't decode DTS-MA. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

I'm currently in the process of setting up a home theater in my basement. I have a Samsung Lcd which i am satisfied with but am now moving on to a stronger audio system. I have been researching receivers and am unsure whether i should make the move to 7.1 or stick with 5.1. Also i am unsure of the brand i plan on purchasing. The best looking receivers ive seen are these:

5.1:
Denon AVR591 which is about $350
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/5302.asp

Yamaha RX-V367 for $230
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...&CNTYP=PRODUCT

7.1
Denon AVR890 for $520 which is obviously on a great SALE!
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/4918.asp

Sony STR-DH710 for $300
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...specifications

Sony STR-DH810 for $400
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...&SQS=str-dh810

All of these interst me ,but i am unsure of which to choose. My price range is limited to about $1000 to $1400 for the whole system. My bluray player is a Sony BD-350 which doesn't decode DTS-MA. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance

I would get a 7.1 receiver that reads the DTS-MA & all the other Codecs . Even if you do a 5.1 system , You can always add the Rear channels to it in the Future !

[HAMP]

I hate that I am picking the most expensive one on your list...

My vote is for Denon AVR890 7.1.

I have the Denon 789 for my bedroom and that is a very nice AVR.

[Massacre1]

If I went back (Knowing what I know today), I would have started by investing in a good 2.1 system and going on from there. 5.1 and 7.1 are great, but if you spend, say 1000-1400$ on a 2.1 you will be much happier going to surround sound later on.

Just my two-cents.

[skatinkamel]

Thanks! 7.1 seems like the right idea to me as well i think it will definitely benefit me more in the future too. The denon is nice and the deal is unbeatable thats why i was originally attracted to it. Im thinking its either going to be that Denon or the Sony 710.

[skatinkamel]

Massacre1 im very new to receivers and when you say 2.1 do you mean a 2.1 receiver or a 7.1 with a 2ch speaker setup?

[Massacre1]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Massacre1 im very new to receivers and when you say 2.1 do you mean a 2.1 receiver or a 7.1 with a 2ch speaker setup?

I would go with a 7.1 receiver and a 2.1 speaker setup. I would suggest this receiver.http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR608-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BIFOL8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277264285&sr =8-1. It is great for beginner H/T use, it is HDMI 1.4 (3D and Audio Return Channel) compatible, 100 watts per channel x7, supports two subwoofers (without a Y splitter), it will give you everything you need to begin your setup.

Speaker Choice #1 - Polk Audio: RTi8, around 230$ per speaker.

Speaker Choice #2 - Polk Audio RTi10, 300$ per speaker, Polks are great for budget H/T use.

Subwoofer - Elemental Designs A2-300. This sub is a beast for the price. I would rather have a room shaking subwoofer then surround sound anyday .

Total Price = 1300-1500$ or so.

[NorCo_1806]

First, please choose the Denon (or the Onkyo) over the Sony

Second, 6ave.com is doing their infamous NAME YOUR OWN PRICE sale this week. So decide, then go make an offer!!

Yes, they're a reputable dealer!

I too would recommend buying the flexibility for 7.1 ---and with the Denon, you'd have the choice for front-height!! (maybe with the Onkyo too, I don't know if it has Dolby Pro Logic IIz)

[teknipper]

I also hate to pick the most expensive receiver, but I think the Denon could server your system for YEARS to come. I have the AVR-4308CI and love it. I saw on Denon website that the AVR-890 comes with Audyssey "system". I use that on my system downstairs and it makes a noticable difference. I "LOVE" the volumn control on commercials.

With your budget in mind, you could get the 7.1 receiver and setup a 5.1 system. The additional speakers could be added later.

Thanks,
Tom

[skatinkamel]

Thanks Alot! 6Ave is great and I was wondering what you guys thought of the Denon AVR-2310CI. It is cheap and with the name your own price deal I may be able to talk them down even more.

Here it is on their site:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=DENAVR2310CI

They also have the Onkyo TX-SR707 which is much like the 608 massacre1 described. It looks awesome as well.

Here's the Onkyo:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR707

What do you think? Also it doesnt say it decodes DTS MA but im pretty certain that it does?

[HAMP]

I love both brands, Denon and Onkyo and it's hard for me to really choose between the two.

I am not an expert on Denon, but the AVR890 & AVR2310 are pretty much the same receiver and if you can get the 890 for less, I would do that.

From my understanding the difference between the three digits and four digit model is an extra remote and metal face being on the four digit models.

[Massacre1]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Thanks Alot! 6Ave is great and I was wondering what you guys thought of the Denon AVR-2310CI. It is cheap and with the name your own price deal I may be able to talk them down even more.

Here it is on their site:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=DENAVR2310CI

They also have the Onkyo TX-SR707 which is much like the 608 massacre1 described. It looks awesome as well.

Here's the Onkyo:
http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=ONKTXSR707

What do you think? Also it doesnt say it decodes DTS MA but im pretty certain that it does?

Both of those receivers are great choices. If you are planning on going '3D' in the future you will want the Onkyo 608 for its 'HDMI 1.4' support, the 707 and 2310 are 'HDMI 1.3'. No need for 3D? Get the 707 or 2310, if their what you want that is.

BTW: DTS-HD is DTS-HD Master.

[skatinkamel]

After researching and dealing with 6ave ive decided im going to go with the Onkyo 608 it is very cool. I do have one question, though. Can i run all of my video inputs out of the HDMI out? here is an example im running a wii with component HD cables through the input. For the output would i need to use component or would HDMI work? I realize this question may sound slightly stupid but i just curious and trying to plan ahead. Thank you

Also thanks massacre for clearing that up for me i have never been quite certain

I found a pair of Polk RTi A1 speakers for $240 havnt decided what i think of em yet. its a pretty good deal anyhow.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

After researching and dealing with 6ave ive decided im going to go with the Onkyo 608 it is very cool. I do have one question, though. Can i run all of my video inputs out of the HDMI out? here is an example im running a wii with component HD cables through the input. For the output would i need to use component or would HDMI work? I realize this question may sound slightly stupid but i just curious and trying to plan ahead. Thank you

Also thanks massacre for clearing that up for me i have never been quite certain

I found a pair of Polk RTi A1 speakers for $240 havnt decided what i think of em yet. its a pretty good deal anyhow.

Yes and Yes, you can use just the HDMI video ouput for all your sources independently of the video format connections you use for each of your sources, just like you said in your above quote.

* Congrats on the Onkyo 608, it's a nice receiver and I believe you will be happy with it. Denon or Onkyo are much better than Sony anyway.

And as further info, Accessories4Less (another good reputable place), has normally the 608 for $350 (refurb, but still with a full year warranty), and the 607 (HDMI 1.3) for only $280 (also refurb).
-> Also about 3D, I believe that you can buy a Blu-ray player that has two HDMI outputs and connect one to your receiver (HDMI 1.3) and connect the other one directly to your TV display, and still take advantage of 3D.

** As for speakers, it is always best that you go out there and listen to a bunch of speakers, to get familiar with your personal taste on sound from various brands. Because of one person's preference is not an indicator of your own personal preference. After all it is your own set of ears, and nobody else have that same set.

[Termdj]

I would rather go for the Denon...I've had 3 Denon models for the last 10 years and no problems with any of them..basically just upgraded each model...With the Denon you can have various ways of connecting to the amp(Composite/component/fibre etc.) and have one HDMI out to your TV/Projector if it has an HDMI connection....

[teknipper]

I don't know if you purchased yet, but Amazon sent me this today that might muddy the waters.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...6048340_pe_i04

Tom

[LordoftheRings]

Well if you like to muddy the waters , the Onkyo TX-SR607 is only $279.99 right now at Accessories4Less.

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

* And it does not have some video issues as the 608 has. Plus if you want 3D in the future, simply get a BD player with 2 HDMI outputs.

[skatinkamel]

Thanks for showing me accessories4less that place is great! termdj i think that the onkyo does the same as you are descricing with denon. Im pretty sure you can set everything up for 1 hdmi output. The question now is this. Should i get a new Onkyo 608 for $ 380.00 or a new Onkyo 607 for $ 280.00? Also, LordoftheRings, what are the video problems with the 608 that you mentioned? I had no knowledge of them. Thanks for all the help!

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Thanks for showing me accessories4less that place is great! termdj i think that the onkyo does the same as you are descricing with denon. Im pretty sure you can set everything up for 1 hdmi output. The question now is this. Should i get a new Onkyo 608 for $ 380.00 or a new Onkyo 607 for $ 280.00? Also, LordoftheRings, what are the video problems with the 608 that you mentioned? I had no knowledge of them. Thanks for all the help!

Save yourself $100 and some trouble, and get the Onkyo 607.

* Heres some info on the Onkyo 608's video issues:

1. Post: @ https://forum.blu-ray.com/3413206-post9.html

2. Post: @ https://forum.blu-ray.com/3419709-post20.html

3. Thread (read it all): @ https://forum.blu-ray.com/receivers/...o-stutter.html

[skatinkamel]

Okay goin with the 607! any naysayers? if so why? ordering tonite! i most likely will start another post about speakers now that my decision on a receiver is settled. Thanks for all of the help everyone i definitely couldnt have decided without your help!