major overhaul of current sound system...looking for some advice

miggy
miggy Posts: 7
Hey all,
1st post here in the forum...have done some reading thru other post but rather than hijack someone elses thread thought I would start my own :)
a little background....
recently received my new set of RTiA7's (main left & right) and I am using some wall mount JBL's for the surround. I am currently looking for a new AVR. Would like to be able to run 2 channel (is that the right term?) for my LP's and 5.1 for blu ray dvd's/gaming.
Do they make an AVR that has a phono input that is amplified? dont like the phono pre-amps...
My current AVR is a POS and doesnt seem to push the speakers very well. So I am looking for some power. something close to 100 (true) Watts per channel. I will most likely be upgrading my turntable and surround speakers at a later date. not sure what other info I should include. The room is quite large, the main part of the room is approx 650 sqft. any help what be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Post edited by miggy on

Comments

  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,983
    edited January 2012
    Have a budget in mind ?

    Most receivers these days don't have phono inputs, and if they did, a seperate phono pre would be much better. Not like years ago when they threw decent phono pre's in receivers. Look at the Pioneer elites, SC versions and the newer elite models use ice amps that hold power better for all channels driven in a surround sound setup.

    They do have some decent phono sections in some integrateds though, but we don't know if you need something for HT or just 2 channel.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • miggy
    miggy Posts: 7
    edited January 2012
    I was thinking around 1k, which the elites are in as far as range.
    Not sure what you meant by "something for HT or just 2 channel. "
    I am very new at this. I definately like the power aspect of the pioneers.
    Any idea who would be the top 3 manufactuers for AVR's? as far as customer ratings?
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,983
    edited January 2012
    Is your system used for Home theater, surround sound.....or just 2 channel stereo listening ?

    There's a nice Denon in our FM for 420, you should snag it.

    Top avr makers- Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, HK.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • miggy
    miggy Posts: 7
    edited January 2012
    about 50% for each between 2 channel and home theater.
    Thanks for the help btw.
  • miggy
    miggy Posts: 7
    edited January 2012
    ok, I have a couple AVR's in mind. But I have a question about channels. so as far as I can tell, 5.1 is 5 surround and 1 bass or sub.
    I would imagine 7.1 is the same. But what is 7.2? Is that just mean able to hook up 2 subs?
    Also, is it a waste to run only 5.1 channels (speakers) on a 7.2 AVR? Will it harm anything?
    I am looking at a Denon-3312CI ? is this a solid box? it comes with a 3 year warranty. 125 watts per channel. It supports airplay and flac. Does anyone have this box?

    also I am looking at a Onkyo NR1009. Kind of going back and forth....any input would be great!
  • tommyt21
    tommyt21 Posts: 685
    edited January 2012
    miggy wrote: »
    ok, I have a couple AVR's in mind. But I have a question about channels. so as far as I can tell, 5.1 is 5 surround and 1 bass or sub.
    I would imagine 7.1 is the same. But what is 7.2? Is that just mean able to hook up 2 subs?
    Also, is it a waste to run only 5.1 channels (speakers) on a 7.2 AVR? Will it harm anything?
    I am looking at a Denon-3312CI ? is this a solid box? it comes with a 3 year warranty. 125 watts per channel. It supports airplay and flac. Does anyone have this box?

    also I am looking at a Onkyo NR1009. Kind of going back and forth....any input would be great!

    I have the A7's and the Pio Elite SC-35 7 X140 wts they are a great combo, the Pio has plenty of power for the A7 and it helps balance the brightness of the A7's. Check 6th Ave they sometimes have the Pio elites at a steal of a price. I however got mine from Costco for the measley sum of $750:eek:
    Living Room
    Fronts: RTi A7's
    Center: Csi A6 VR3 "Fortress Plus"
    Front Heights: Rti A1
    Surrounds: Rti A3
    Sub: HSU VTF-2 MK4 Damn this is a good SUB
    Pioneer Pioneer Elite: SC-35-> Emotiva XPA-3
    TV: Lg LW6500 55" Passive 3D
    Blu-Ray Panasonic BD 210
    XboX 360 Slim/Kinect

    Acoustimac red suede panels
  • miggy
    miggy Posts: 7
    edited January 2012
    Are the SC-35 still being produced? I dont see them on Pioneers website.
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited January 2012
    miggy wrote: »
    ok, I have a couple AVR's in mind. But I have a question about channels. so as far as I can tell, 5.1 is 5 surround and 1 bass or sub.
    I would imagine 7.1 is the same. But what is 7.2? Is that just mean able to hook up 2 subs?
    Also, is it a waste to run only 5.1 channels (speakers) on a 7.2 AVR? Will it harm anything?
    I am looking at a Denon-3312CI ? is this a solid box? it comes with a 3 year warranty. 125 watts per channel. It supports airplay and flac. Does anyone have this box?

    also I am looking at a Onkyo NR1009. Kind of going back and forth....any input would be great!
    Welcome to the Club...

    As you surmised, 7.2 = two subs.

    If you run 5.1 on a 7.2 AVR, yes, you are under utilizing it. But if you plan to add to it later, who cares. Using only 5 of a 7-ch AVR's channels won't hurt a thing. Nearly all AVR's will allow you to utilize the spare ch's to bi-amp your main speakers.

    As tony indicated earlier, Denon has a solid AVR reputation... as does Onkyo. Audition them on your A7's, if at all possible, to make your choice.

    The size of your room, around 5000 cu ft, dictates that for a great HT experience you are going to have to really do your homework and probably lay out significant coin for your sub(s).
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner

    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
  • nwohlford
    nwohlford Posts: 700
    edited January 2012
    miggy wrote: »
    Are the SC-35 still being produced? I dont see them on Pioneers website.

    No, they have been replaced by the SC-55. You can look for a used SC-35. You should be able to find some refurbs as well. (I know people on this forum have bought from United Online Shopping: http://www.unitedonlineshopping.com/receiver.html).
  • miggy
    miggy Posts: 7
    edited January 2012
    Tour2ma wrote: »
    Welcome to the Club...

    As you surmised, 7.2 = two subs.

    If you run 5.1 on a 7.2 AVR, yes, you are under utilizing it. But if you plan to add to it later, who cares. Using only 5 of a 7-ch AVR's channels won't hurt a thing. Nearly all AVR's will allow you to utilize the spare ch's to bi-amp your main speakers.

    As tony indicated earlier, Denon has a solid AVR reputation... as does Onkyo. Audition them on your A7's, if at all possible, to make your choice.

    The size of your room, around 5000 cu ft, dictates that for a great HT experience you are going to have to really do your homework and probably lay out significant coin for your sub(s).

    Thanks for the welcome :)
    I think I'm going to run down to Huppins for a sound check for sure. I didnt even think about bi-amping with the 2 available channels. From what I read, some say it doesnt do much....?
  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,132
    edited January 2012
    If you settle for a AVR and want a turntable but dont want to use a phono pre get a denon Dp300f it has a phono pre built in and you can use it with our without the pre should you later on down the road get a integrated amp that has one, just upgrade the cartridge that comes with it with a Grado red or a ortofon cartridge and your ready to spin that vinyl.
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2012
    miggy wrote: »
    Thanks for the welcome :)
    I didnt even think about bi-amping with the 2 available channels. From what I read, some say it doesnt do much....?
    You're welcome... for the welcome...

    Cool thing is about having bi-amp capability is you don't have to worry about what anyone else says.... you can listen for yourself.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner

    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD