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A/V Amp

U

UnknownSouljer

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
9,041
I'm looking for an receiver that will do 7.1 audio, have all the wonderful great decoding etc.

Since this IS in the Computer Audio thread I think it's granted that it should have full connectivity to a computer. Analogy is probably what I will be using, but for 7.1 that does require it to have optical in as well. However it is noted that 5.1 is much more important, as I probably will be starting off with a 5.1 system, and then moving up from there (possibly).

My budget is $300. I'm buying all the speakers/sub seperately so I think that $300 for just the receiver is pretty generous (less is good though, I'm not made of money or anything). I have looked at some stuff from Pioneer, I guess I might browse arround harmon/karmon. However those aren't the only manufacturers that can be sugjested, I'll take a good hard look at anything.
 
amps don't decode...

You are looking for a receiver. And no reasonable receiver powers a sub for you (and especially not at the same time as the other 7 channels).

And g/l finding a 7.1 receiver for under $300. Look at the cheap pioneers I guess, you might be able to get close to that price..
 
I shoulda said Receiver you're right. I edited the post slightly to reflect that.

However I think that $300 is a decent amount to hunk into this project. As for the sub, I will research that later, and maybe find something that powers itself (as in has a seperate power cable)

Anyway at any rate from looking arorund I have found a few things that interest me in my price category.

Harmon/Karmon AVR 235
http://www.harmankardon.com/product...=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR 235&sType=C
Their webpage has listed it for $549, however doing a quick online search showed that it could be had for as low as $340 which is reasonably with'n the mark. I like the one the most, but it is also the most expensive I've seen as far as offerings.

Yamaya HTR-5840
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HTIB/HTR5840.htm
Doesn't support 7.1, but does have 6.1. Probably the most practical selection $365 MSRP, found for less from online retailers.

Pioneer VSX-815-K
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695979,00.html
$365 MSRP also found online for significantly less... As low as $260 from "questionable" dealers...

Sony STR-DE698/B
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...me=hav_HiFiComponents_Receivers_HiFiReceivers
This is the one I like the least, doing a little online reading I've found that most complain about Sony's poor power output in general (not necessarily this particular model). However it is the least expensive with an MSRP of $299.

So anyway, in short I don't know what you're talking about. I know $300 doesn't compete with a $500 receiver, but it should be capeable of doing the things I want it to do while providing me much richer sound certainly than theater in a box systems and and set of speakers that can be bought from a box for computers.

However I know that more people on this forum know way more than me about receivers, so putting forth any info from this point on would be useful.
 
UnknownSouljer said:
Anyone? Any recommend amp for under $300?
Click to expand...

for that price.. your only option is factory refurb for a 7 channel reciever... that might be 6.1 tho..

Here you go... $281.94 .. should be close to $300 after shipping. It even does component video switching for 3 devices.

Denon - AVR785S/ Dolby Digital Surround EX/ 7 Channels/ 110 Watts Per Channel @ 6 Ohms/ Digitally Regulated Volume Control/ Personal Memory Plus/ 8 Analog
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail~dpno~757311.asp

here's a true 7.1 but it's $499. but dayum that's a nice reciever.
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail~dpno~192710.asp

another one for cheaper
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsplash/shop/detail~dpno~456110.asp
 
I haven't looked into Denon yet, so thank for the links.
I just wish it was ultra easy to just use the same speakers, go to some audio department and test all their receivers... but not that easy.
 
I havent used that particular Reciever, but Denons are known to be very good recievers. I have two, and I quite like them.
 
I vote for the Denon AVR785S from ecost.com. Multiroom, component video switching, conversion of composite to component. These are all things that I find myself desiring from my Marantz SR5200.

What size is your room? 7.1 is pretty silly in a small/medium space. If you can see your way to 5.1 or 6.1, then the quality and features could get better. The Denon 2802 is interesting, although you'd need to call about availibility.
 
Awesome, feedback on Denons.
Looking arround the web, I am hearing good feedback on them. So I will continue to investigate more throughly. Hearing from anybody about this is good.
 
Denon makes exceptionally clean recievers. I have only owned some of their higher end stuff (AVR 3300, AVR 3802) but I am assuminig the lower end ones have the same type of sound.
 
Well if you actually don't care about 7.1, and your budget is flexible, you should have said that :)

Go see if you can find a denon 1905 or something.

UnknownSouljer said:
I shoulda said Receiver you're right. I edited the post slightly to reflect that.

However I think that $300 is a decent amount to hunk into this project. As for the sub, I will research that later, and maybe find something that powers itself (as in has a seperate power cable)

Anyway at any rate from looking arorund I have found a few things that interest me in my price category.

Harmon/Karmon AVR 235
http://www.harmankardon.com/product...=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=AVR 235&sType=C
Their webpage has listed it for $549, however doing a quick online search showed that it could be had for as low as $340 which is reasonably with'n the mark. I like the one the most, but it is also the most expensive I've seen as far as offerings.

Yamaya HTR-5840
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HTIB/HTR5840.htm
Doesn't support 7.1, but does have 6.1. Probably the most practical selection $365 MSRP, found for less from online retailers.

Pioneer VSX-815-K
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209695979,00.html
$365 MSRP also found online for significantly less... As low as $260 from "questionable" dealers...

Sony STR-DE698/B
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...me=hav_HiFiComponents_Receivers_HiFiReceivers
This is the one I like the least, doing a little online reading I've found that most complain about Sony's poor power output in general (not necessarily this particular model). However it is the least expensive with an MSRP of $299.

So anyway, in short I don't know what you're talking about. I know $300 doesn't compete with a $500 receiver, but it should be capeable of doing the things I want it to do while providing me much richer sound certainly than theater in a box systems and and set of speakers that can be bought from a box for computers.

However I know that more people on this forum know way more than me about receivers, so putting forth any info from this point on would be useful.
Click to expand...
 
Fryguy8 said:
Well if you actually don't care about 7.1, and your budget is flexible, you should have said that :)

Go see if you can find a denon 1905 or something.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=506000

AVR1905 DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and Dolby Digital EX with Power Amps for 7 Channels - Reconditioned by Denon
Component video conversion provides easier TV hookup and video switching. All video signals can be passed from the AVR1905 to your TV via a single component video connection

Qty Left : 7


Special Price: $279.95
 
GodsMadClown said:
Agreed.

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=506000

AVR1905 DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 and Dolby Digital EX with Power Amps for 7 Channels - Reconditioned by Denon
Component video conversion provides easier TV hookup and video switching. All video signals can be passed from the AVR1905 to your TV via a single component video connection

Qty Left : 7


Special Price: $279.95
Click to expand...

Wow nice, too bad I'm doing research in advance... I'll probably buy in about 2 weeks. Ugh, that is semi-disapointing.
 
oh snap, the ecost deal is still up? When I was getting it, it said only 1 day left.

I got one of these and I love it.
 
I would go with either the Denon 2803, or to save money the Pioneer 815. These are the only 2 models recommended here with preamp outputs for all channels, allowing you to bypass the receivers amplifier section, if you decide to add separate amps later, and use the receiver as a pre-amp/processor/tuner. Great way to get into separates as your budget allows.
 
What's your total budget, or do you already have speakers picked out?

Here's another good receiver that is in your budget:

http://www.ac4l.com/Amazing/itemdesc.asp?CartId=7583159ZEDDT41-EVEREST-3&ic=MAR+SR4400&tpc=

I've got a Marantz myself, and it's pretty nice. This one is a lower-end one, but from a newer family. I'd say the main competition would be between this one and the Denon one posted earlier. Both are refurbed, but that's the best way to save some cash =]


If you need speakers, AV123 is having some great deals on various sets, such as these ELTs:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=60.1
 
BO(V)BZ has a point. Have you picked your speakers yet? They should take up the vast majority of your total budget.
 
GodsMadClown said:
BO(V)BZ has a point. Have you picked your speakers yet? They should take up the vast majority of your total budget.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm getting a set of 4 Polk Audio r30's right now. It was in the deals and steals section which normally msrp for $400.
It is a loudspeaker, and not a monitor, so it isn't perfect and true audiophile gear, but the price is too good to pass up.

Later I'll look into center channel and powered sub.

Edit: My budget isn't set, and I'm buying things as I am making money slowly. Part time job etc.
 
Make sure that you get a good center. It would be wise to save up and spend at least as much as you did on your front 2 speakers for your center, considering it is by far the most important speaker for movies. If you are going to be playing games, then I wouldn't worry so much about it, but a strong center makes a world of difference for films.

For subs, it really depends on how much overkill you want. Some people are happy with a little 8" guy that hits down to 40hz. I myself wouldn't even consider that a sub. There's a good number of subs these days that hit down to ~20hz for under 400$, so if you really enjoy good, deep bass, you can always save up for a nice SVS or Hsu sub.

Anyways, when you get all your stuff, make sure you post your impressions, and if you need any other advice, feel free to ask =]
 
GodsMadClown said:
Spend less on the reciever and more on the speakers.
You can get a refurb Okyo SR302 for $120 after creating a Clubonkyo.com account.

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR302&modelid=36&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1

Spend the rest on a decent pair of front speakers, and work your way up slowly from there, buying a subwoofer to supplement, and then the surrounds. I firmly believe that a phantom center is good enough for single listerer computer use.
Click to expand...

The for speakers have already been purchased...
If you think that the speakers are worth $800 for the two pairs, I think that I am spending more on the speakers than on the receiver.

As far as center, I'm probably going to go with the Polk Audio csi3 or csi20.

As for sub, that will wait and definately be my last purchase. I'm probably going to go for something in the 10" range, and only buy it when I have the time and money. PSW202 is on the list right now... we'll see about that later.

Right now though the concern is the receiver. And I think I will go with others advice that have preamp outputs... I dunno when I will have money for a seperate amp though.
 
Don't bother with that Polk sub, it's overpriced and underpowered. If you need a low-cost sub, then there's two good options in my book: The 130$ Dayton 10" from PartsExpress, or the 430$ PB10ISD from www.svsubwoofers.com . I'd say save up for the PB10 if you want something that can really make the room shake.
 
BO(V)BZ said:
Don't bother with that Polk sub, it's overpriced and underpowered. If you need a low-cost sub, then there's two good options in my book: The 130$ Dayton 10" from PartsExpress, or the 430$ PB10ISD from www.svsubwoofers.com . I'd say save up for the PB10 if you want something that can really make the room shake.
Click to expand...

Underpowered might just be right up my alley. I know it sounds odd, but I really don't want boomy bass. I much prefer something that is tight and that accents the music, not dominates it.

I know a friend that has a polk sub, and it seems to be more than powerful enough (he leaves it on 1/4 or 1/2 all of the time).
 
Power /= boom. Crappy subwoofer = boom. My UFW-10 from av123.com is no SPL monster, but it can do a mean Mingus bass line. The quality of bass should never be sacrificed for the quantity.

Anyhow, when a sub is properly integrated, it shoudn't stick out at all. It should just kinda be there barely noticed, until you turn it off, and then it the whole thing sounds flat.
 
GMC has it right. I've got a dual 12" SVS that can hit about 120dB, but it is by no means overwhelming or boomy when I'm listening to music. A good subwoofer can 'swing both ways,' producing both quality bass for music, and high SPL transients for HT usage. The sub that GMC has is certainly a great little guy, especially in the music dept, while mine focuses a bit more on HT. I've not heard the UFW-10 myself, but I have a pair of UFW-12's, their soon-to-be-finished bigger brothers heading my way in July.

Believe us, those Polk subs don't hold a candle in ANY way to what you can get online. SVS, Hsu and AV123 all make very high-quality, bang-for-the-buck products that can blow most anything out of the water in their price range, and sometimes that of a product much more expensive.

Lastly, the gain on the sub doesn't necessarily tell you much. I've got the gain on my sub at a little less than half right now, but before with a different sound card it was around 1/4. What matters is that the system is correctly calibrated with an SPL meter to make sure that all levels are properly matched. Any sub will sound ugly if it's boosted a good 10dB above the level that it is supposed to be playing.
 
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