Which to upgrade first, speakers or receiver? - Blu-ray Forum

fireNYRgm · 08-22-2008, 04:41 AM

Alright i think its about time to start doing some upgrading, but im confused as to what i should upgrade first.

I have the Onkyo HT-SR600 HTIB->http://http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-H.../dp/B000NZ6JE8 and i was wondering where i should start? At the moment i am obviously using the player to decode the hd audio but it can only do pcm and dolby truehd and its annoying to know im missing out on all the dtshd-ma tracks.

So my question is, should i upgrade the speakers first and upgrade the receiver later, or upgrade the receiver now and save up for decent speakers? I am just afraid of getting better speakers and not being able to enjoy them with my current receiver, or would getting a new receiver not be worth it considering the speakers that came with the HTIB?

I want to make sure i do this right so any advice will be much appreciated!

Warjack Prime · 08-22-2008, 01:11 PM

I didn't see any HDMI inputs on your receiver. I was under the impression that the new HD audio formats couldn't be transferred via optical. If that's the case I'd start with a new receiver.

However, I'm sure there are others on this board who could look at the specs of your speakers (the link didn't work for me so I had to google the model number) and know if you'd get more out of replacing them first.

drago3451 · 08-22-2008, 01:14 PM

I would say receiver. Your speakers will sound like new with the audio. especially since you think you are getting HD audio from an opt cable. Make sure you get HDMI inputs for that is the only way you will get HD audio.

aramis109 · 08-22-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warjack Prime

I didn't see any HDMI inputs on your receiver. I was under the impression that the new HD audio formats couldn't be transferred via optical. If that's the case I'd start with a new receiver.

However, I'm sure there are others on this board who could look at the specs of your speakers (the link didn't work for me so I had to google the model number) and know if you'd get more out of replacing them first.

You can, but it's only 2.0- left and right channel. To me, lossy 5.1 is better than that.

Johk · 08-22-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drago3451

I would say receiver. Your speakers will sound like new with the audio. especially since you think you are getting HD audio from an opt cable. Make sure you get HDMI inputs for that is the only way you will get HD audio.

He didn't say he was getting HD audio from an optical cable... His player and receiver have 5.1 analog ins/outs so I guess he's using that.

For my part I would upgrade the speakers first.

mx2004 · 08-22-2008, 02:22 PM

I don't believe that fireNYRgm said he was using optical? The receiver on his Onkyo has 5.1 channel analogue inputs which are well capable of receiving HD audio. My guess would be his player is not Master Audio ready (bitstream and not convert?) - hence he is only missing out on that one codec.

However, using an optical or coax digital cable (or the 5.1 analog outs) he should be enjoying the 1.5Mbps lossy DTS core from DTS-HDMA soundtracks. Lossy it may be, but 1.5meg DTS is about as good as lossy gets and it will sound great through a good system - even a relatively high end one.

So, if my assumptions are correct and you are using the 5.1 analogue cables from your blu-ray to the receiver, my advice would be to go speakers first: you are getting two-out-of-three HD audio formats already (PCM and True HD) and you're getting the very best lossy DTS extracted from the Master Audio but those speakers will not be able to resolve the quality of any of those soundtracks. A new set of speakers will give the biggest upgrade right now, IMO.

If you decide to play it the other way and go for the receiver first, I think you will still enjoy an improvement and you'll know that you're hearing all the HD audio formats.

Enjoy!

mx2004 · 08-22-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johk

He didn't say he was getting HD audio from an optical cable... His player and receiver have 5.1 analog ins/outs so I guess he's using that.

For my part I would upgrade the speakers first.

oops - didn't see this before I posted

you kind of got to the point better than I did!

Bean79 · 08-22-2008, 02:48 PM

Receiver first then save for the quality speakers.

bkbluray · 08-22-2008, 02:53 PM

^ What they all said. With a new receiver, it's like you're hearing your speakers for the first time. And it makes a HUGE difference in sound quality! And there will be just as big of a difference when you can save up and get some nice speakers too.

Beta Man · 08-22-2008, 02:58 PM

Depends.....

What is your "upgrade budget" if you were to do it right now??? How much are you willing to spend for L/R/C speakers? or would you insist on upgrading the entire 5.1 right now?

Better speakers on DD 5.1 tracks can sound better than a new receiver with HD-MA audio on your current speakers..... depends what you can do, or are willing to do.

The jump in AQ with a new receiver will be pretty big though, no doubt about it, but I'm not sure it's your best option.

musicman1999 · 08-23-2008, 12:14 AM

Strictly speaking, speakers have the biggest effect on sound, so the best way to upgrade is to get new speakers first.Having said that a lot depends on how much you want to upgrade and how much you want to spend and what kind of time frame you are willing to use. If you will take your time and go slow, the best way is to buy as good a set of main speakers as you can afford, then as you can afford it add the center, rears and sub. In the meantime use what you have to fill in the holes, this meathod will, over time, give you a much better system. I used this method over the last 5 years and have built a very serious high performance system and i am not just done yet, but close.

bill

Bluray_ne1 · 08-23-2008, 12:41 AM

This is only my opinion of course, but since your speakers are most likely going to be the most expensive part of your system, I would consider buying them first.

I believe in the saying, "Your system is only as good as your speakers". If it were me, I would take the money I've got saved up and add to it what I needed to get the speakers I really want, then buy a receiver later. Even the affordable ones (Onkyo 606, Pioneer VSX-1018AH) have most or all of the features you'll want and enough power to enjoy those new speakers.

If you're already able to enjoy PCM and Dolby TrueHD with your current receiver, DTS-HD MA is the only thing you'll be missing (I know, only thing) until you upgrade it. In the mean time, those new speakers will sound great with your current receiver.

Stephan.klose · 08-26-2008, 09:31 AM

No, go with the receiver first. Get the Onkyo 606 or the Yamaha 663. Then you can enjoy HD Sound on your old speakers. And save up for really good ones. Or buy them now and pay in installments..

bluseminole · 08-26-2008, 11:26 AM

Speakers.

Check out this thread, it offers great insight.

Lossless Audio, Speakers, and Psychoacousitcs

derelicte · 08-26-2008, 01:17 PM

Great to hear the good advice flying around! So, here's a related question for y'all (hope you don't mind). I have an older receiver (Denon AVR1602) and speakers that I'm pretty happy with (Paradigm Titans & CC170 for F&C and Micros for rear). I'm getting sound from the PS3 via optical at the moment - no HD formats though. The receiver can only DD or DTS. It's not mind-blowing by any means, but still quite satisfying.

Do you think I'd get more enjoyment out of a sub or upgrading the receiver at this time? The Titans pump out a surprising amount of bass for "bookshelf" speakers, but I miss having the thump-in-the-gut bass. On the other hand, the improved fidelity of a better, HD receiver could be nice too. The upgrade budget at the moment limits me to $500-600, so both is not an option.

Any advice & opinions would be appreciated.

bluseminole · 08-26-2008, 01:30 PM

Tough call. If your current receiver was crap, I'd tell you to replace that first. But while your Denon is by no means high end, it is a very solid quality receiver.

If you don't currently have a subwoofer, I would say get the subwoofer. I recently got my SVS PB-12 NSD for about $550, and now the rest of my system needs to "grow into" my new subwoofer. If you can save an extra $100, the MFW-15 would be a great choice as well. What's nice about the subwoofer is that it will last you for as long as you want it to, whereas receiver technology is constantly changing.

Just my .02.

fireNYRgm · 08-27-2008, 11:01 PM

Johk is right i am using the 5.1 analog outs from my player to my receiver. The player is a sharp bd-hp20u which decodes the dolby truehd and pcm, and i am looking to spend maybe up to 1000 on speakers. I was just wondering if my receiver was capable of allowing new speakers to sound their best, or if i should get the new receiver first and buy speakers as i could afford them?

So far i think im leaning towards getting a new receiver first because the speakers from the HTIB arent too shabby for the size room i am currently using it in(a bedroom). Only complaint is the unpowered sub, which i might upgrade along with the receiver.

Thanks for all the advice!

derelicte · 08-28-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluseminole

Just my .02.

Thanks for the thoughts, bluseminole. And given the exchange rate, I actually got more out of it than you intended! (okay, only 2.09c - but still in my favor

)

Methinks I'll push the wife to approve the best sub within our budget. Then, as you said, the rest of the system will have room to grow into it.
Ye olde Denon will do for now. And when it gives up the ghost, it'll be easier to justify an upgrade at that time. There's just something in the female psyche that can't fathom the idea of upgrading something that's perfectly functional. "Yes dear, the receiver works ... but a new one would work BETTER!!"

08-22-2008, 04:41 AM	#1
fireNYRgm Junior Member Member since:Apr 2008	Which to upgrade first, speakers or receiver? Alright i think its about time to start doing some upgrading, but im confused as to what i should upgrade first. I have the Onkyo HT-SR600 HTIB->http://http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-H.../dp/B000NZ6JE8 and i was wondering where i should start? At the moment i am obviously using the player to decode the hd audio but it can only do pcm and dolby truehd and its annoying to know im missing out on all the dtshd-ma tracks. So my question is, should i upgrade the speakers first and upgrade the receiver later, or upgrade the receiver now and save up for decent speakers? I am just afraid of getting better speakers and not being able to enjoy them with my current receiver, or would getting a new receiver not be worth it considering the speakers that came with the HTIB? I want to make sure i do this right so any advice will be much appreciated!

08-22-2008, 02:22 PM	#6
mx2004 Active Member Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Home Theater Gallery:7 Blu-ray collection:519 Blu-ray reviews: 9	I don't believe that fireNYRgm said he was using optical? The receiver on his Onkyo has 5.1 channel analogue inputs which are well capable of receiving HD audio. My guess would be his player is not Master Audio ready (bitstream and not convert?) - hence he is only missing out on that one codec. However, using an optical or coax digital cable (or the 5.1 analog outs) he should be enjoying the 1.5Mbps lossy DTS core from DTS-HDMA soundtracks. Lossy it may be, but 1.5meg DTS is about as good as lossy gets and it will sound great through a good system - even a relatively high end one. So, if my assumptions are correct and you are using the 5.1 analogue cables from your blu-ray to the receiver, my advice would be to go speakers first: you are getting two-out-of-three HD audio formats already (PCM and True HD) and you're getting the very best lossy DTS extracted from the Master Audio but those speakers will not be able to resolve the quality of any of those soundtracks. A new set of speakers will give the biggest upgrade right now, IMO. If you decide to play it the other way and go for the receiver first, I think you will still enjoy an improvement and you'll know that you're hearing all the HD audio formats. Enjoy! Last edited by mx2004; 08-22-2008 at 02:24 PM.

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08-22-2008, 01:11 PM	#2
Warjack Prime Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:*Omaha, NE USA PSN Network: WarjackPrime Blu-ray collection:172 Trading Score:2	I didn't see any HDMI inputs on your receiver. I was under the impression that the new HD audio formats couldn't be transferred via optical. If that's the case I'd start with a new receiver. However, I'm sure there are others on this board who could look at the specs of your speakers (the link didn't work for me so I had to google the model number) and know if you'd get more out of replacing them first.

08-22-2008, 01:14 PM	#3
drago3451 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:426 Blu-ray reviews:1	I would say receiver. Your speakers will sound like new with the audio. especially since you think you are getting HD audio from an opt cable. Make sure you get HDMI inputs for that is the only way you will get HD audio.

08-22-2008, 02:48 PM	#8
Bean79 Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Orlando, FL Blu-ray collection:23	Receiver first then save for the quality speakers.

08-22-2008, 02:53 PM	#9
bkbluray Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jun 2007 Location:MN Home Theater Gallery:57 Blu-ray collection:185 Blu-ray reviews:25	^ What they all said. With a new receiver, it's like you're hearing your speakers for the first time. And it makes a HUGE difference in sound quality! And there will be just as big of a difference when you can save up and get some nice speakers too.

08-22-2008, 02:58 PM	#10
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Depends..... What is your "upgrade budget" if you were to do it right now??? How much are you willing to spend for L/R/C speakers? or would you insist on upgrading the entire 5.1 right now? Better speakers on DD 5.1 tracks can sound better than a new receiver with HD-MA audio on your current speakers..... depends what you can do, or are willing to do. The jump in AQ with a new receiver will be pretty big though, no doubt about it, but I'm not sure it's your best option.

08-23-2008, 12:14 AM	#11
musicman1999 Active Member Member since:Nov 2007	Strictly speaking, speakers have the biggest effect on sound, so the best way to upgrade is to get new speakers first.Having said that a lot depends on how much you want to upgrade and how much you want to spend and what kind of time frame you are willing to use. If you will take your time and go slow, the best way is to buy as good a set of main speakers as you can afford, then as you can afford it add the center, rears and sub. In the meantime use what you have to fill in the holes, this meathod will, over time, give you a much better system. I used this method over the last 5 years and have built a very serious high performance system and i am not just done yet, but close. bill

08-23-2008, 12:41 AM	#12
Bluray_ne1 Special Member Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Near Seattle Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:114 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:28	This is only my opinion of course, but since your speakers are most likely going to be the most expensive part of your system, I would consider buying them first. I believe in the saying, "Your system is only as good as your speakers". If it were me, I would take the money I've got saved up and add to it what I needed to get the speakers I really want, then buy a receiver later. Even the affordable ones (Onkyo 606, Pioneer VSX-1018AH) have most or all of the features you'll want and enough power to enjoy those new speakers. If you're already able to enjoy PCM and Dolby TrueHD with your current receiver, DTS-HD MA is the only thing you'll be missing (I know, only thing) until you upgrade it. In the mean time, those new speakers will sound great with your current receiver.

08-26-2008, 09:31 AM	#13
Stephan.klose Senior Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Vienna Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:1567 Blu-ray reviews: 79	No, go with the receiver first. Get the Onkyo 606 or the Yamaha 663. Then you can enjoy HD Sound on your old speakers. And save up for really good ones. Or buy them now and pay in installments..

08-26-2008, 11:26 AM	#14
bluseminole Senior Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Lynchburg, VA Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:177 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:6	Speakers. Check out this thread, it offers great insight. Lossless Audio, Speakers, and Psychoacousitcs

08-26-2008, 01:17 PM	#15
derelicte Active Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Toronto Home Theater Gallery:8 Blu-ray collection:113 Blu-ray reviews:1	Great to hear the good advice flying around! So, here's a related question for y'all (hope you don't mind). I have an older receiver (Denon AVR1602) and speakers that I'm pretty happy with (Paradigm Titans & CC170 for F&C and Micros for rear). I'm getting sound from the PS3 via optical at the moment - no HD formats though. The receiver can only DD or DTS. It's not mind-blowing by any means, but still quite satisfying. Do you think I'd get more enjoyment out of a sub or upgrading the receiver at this time? The Titans pump out a surprising amount of bass for "bookshelf" speakers, but I miss having the thump-in-the-gut bass. On the other hand, the improved fidelity of a better, HD receiver could be nice too. The upgrade budget at the moment limits me to $500-600, so both is not an option. Any advice & opinions would be appreciated.

08-26-2008, 01:30 PM	#16
bluseminole Senior Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Lynchburg, VA Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:177 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:6	Tough call. If your current receiver was crap, I'd tell you to replace that first. But while your Denon is by no means high end, it is a very solid quality receiver. If you don't currently have a subwoofer, I would say get the subwoofer. I recently got my SVS PB-12 NSD for about $550, and now the rest of my system needs to "grow into" my new subwoofer. If you can save an extra $100, the MFW-15 would be a great choice as well. What's nice about the subwoofer is that it will last you for as long as you want it to, whereas receiver technology is constantly changing. Just my .02.

08-27-2008, 11:01 PM	#17
fireNYRgm Junior Member Member since:Apr 2008	Johk is right i am using the 5.1 analog outs from my player to my receiver. The player is a sharp bd-hp20u which decodes the dolby truehd and pcm, and i am looking to spend maybe up to 1000 on speakers. I was just wondering if my receiver was capable of allowing new speakers to sound their best, or if i should get the new receiver first and buy speakers as i could afford them? So far i think im leaning towards getting a new receiver first because the speakers from the HTIB arent too shabby for the size room i am currently using it in(a bedroom). Only complaint is the unpowered sub, which i might upgrade along with the receiver. Thanks for all the advice!

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