Which receiver to get?

1-anh

Hi I just pulled the trigger this last weekend and picked up a pair of monitor 70 speakers, a cs20 center channel (they no longer carried the cs2) and a dsw micropro 1000 subwoofer. My question is which receiver would be better for my current 3.1 setup? I was considering the onkyo tx-sr707 my local london drugs has it on clearance for $700 which is not a bad price. There is also a place that has the pioneer vsx-1020-k receiver for $600. I don't care too much about the hdmi 1.4a ports since I won't be using a 3D tv. I do like the thought of having pre outs on the onkyo, so down the road if I feel like hooking up an amp to it I still can without having to upgrade the receiver. If anyone owns either receiver or has any knowledge that they would like to share it would be greatly appreciated, I am also curious which one performs better for home theatre, 2 channel audio and gaming.

Thanks,

Andrew

nedh84

You know what? I am almost exactly in your same boat. I bought the CS2 and Monitor 70's. I have some crappy Yamahas in back and I want to upgrade my Receiver to buy a good quality AMP to power my front speakers.

Only thing I can tell you is that I'm sure you should buy a receiver with Pre-Outs. It would definitely be a plus to power those speakers with a dedicated AMP that way you could be sure they get clean power. They might even sound better with a power power source. What I'm beginning to find out is the options are limitless. Pretty exciting. Congrats on the products you bought. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I think I will be for years to come.

If anyone has any thoughts both me and 1-anh will benefit from your expertise.

renowilliams

1-anh wrote: »

Hi I just pulled the trigger this last weekend and picked up a pair of monitor 70 speakers, a cs20 center channel (they no longer carried the cs2) and a dsw micropro 1000 subwoofer. My question is which receiver would be better for my current 3.1 setup? I was considering the onkyo tx-sr707 my local london drugs has it on clearance for $700 which is not a bad price. There is also a place that has the pioneer vsx-1020-k receiver for $600. I don't care too much about the hdmi 1.4a ports since I won't be using a 3D tv. I do like the thought of having pre outs on the onkyo, so down the road if I feel like hooking up an amp to it I still can without having to upgrade the receiver. If anyone owns either receiver or has any knowledge that they would like to share it would be greatly appreciated, I am also curious which one performs better for home theatre, 2 channel audio and gaming.

Thanks,



Andrew

I would suggest listening to both recievers prior to purchase as they will have a different sound. Personaly, I like Pioneer recievers, they have a very dynamic yet neutral sound. I would also advise you to check out the used market as some great bargins can be had. I bought my reciever used and its a fantastik unit.


Good Luck

dane_peterson

I love Pioneers, but I'd avoid the 1020 simply for the preouts factor. Look at the 1120 (or the older 1018), or give the 707 a shot. Seems like a fair price, and a capable receiver. Enjoy!

nedh84

Thanks for the advice. Yeah wow I just checked out the 1020 doesn't have pre-outs like you said. Kinda surprised me. The 1120 looks cool (lots of advanced features). Should I consider an amp with one of those receivers? I really want to bi-amp my front two speakers to get a richer sound.

I'm open to both SS and Tube. Both seem to have their pros and cons. Would love to learn more about both types. I've read some of the threads here and some people have built their own amps(sounds like an exciting project). I'm considering doing a lot of research and building my own amp so I can get some of the best quality for my buck. I have electrical engineer friends at work that I'm sure would lend me a hand with the circuits. Any thoughts?

nedh84

I think I'll start a new thread for that in the electronics section.