Receiver Recommendations?

jp1203

Hi Folks,

This is my first post here!

I have had Monitor 70s tied to an Onkyo TX-8555 for a 2-channel setup for several years now. I also had Monitor 40s tied to an Onkyo TX-902 as a smaller desk friendly setup. I started figuring that I've already got most of the stuff, so why not build a 5.1 system out of it?

So, my plan is to use the 70s as fronts, the 40s as rears, and I bought a CS2 center (wow, that's bigger than I expected!). I'm down to needing a sub and a 5.1 receiver since I have no 5.1s laying around worthy of these speakers.

I'm leaning toward the PSW505 sub seeing as it seems that it's nearly unanimously well-liked and seems to be the exception to the complaints about Polk subs.

I'm torn on a receiver, though. I want to keep it around the $500 range. I'm a fan of Onkyo and have never met a receiver from them that I didn't like. I've had great luck with Pioneers in the past as well, but am certainly not tied to just those two brands. Any suggestions? I'm basically looking for something to drive those speakers without any trouble and that will sound good, doesn't need to have any fancy extras. I'd like a few HDMI ports (minimum of 3) and 2-3 sets of RCAs should do it. A phono input would be a plus, but it seems it's harder to come by on the 5.1 receivers so I might just have to steal a normal RCA input and put in a preamp.

I love my Monitor 70s and 40s and they've both gotten lots of use. I think they'll make a pretty decent 5.1 setup.

Thanks in advance for any input!

rpf65

Accessaries4less has a factory refurbished SR5007 that will probably work for you. Everything you want, and then some, and pre-outs. Pre-outs will allow you to add an amp, if you choose to do so, at some later point.

Welcome to Club Polk.

drummer86

Yes, welcome! I have a previous model of that receiver (sr5005) and enjoy it very much. Don't skimp on the receiver though. A good one will last a long time. At this point I wouldn't touch an Onkyo with a 10' pole. Reliability seems to be a major issue. Then again, you can't believe everything you read on the internet, right?

cnh

Welcome to Club Polk:

Pioneer ELITE SC-models

Yamaha Aventage models ONLY!

Denon, nothing below an AVR 3XXX. And AVR 4XXX even better.

I often forget about Marantz, but they are also a nice sounding AVR. Getting one "refurbed" will save you a LOT of money.

I got my Onkyo TX-SR 805 (51 pounder with pretty much the same amplification as today's big $2000+ models for a HECK of a lot LESS--those were the days!) for less than 1/2 MSRP directly from Onkyo (Refurb) with a one year warranty. It's been golden (fingers crossed) for years! But many Onkyos in that period and a few years after had HDMI board problems over time--HEAT, HEAT, HEAT!

cnh

jp1203

Thanks guys!

That Marantz looks like a good deal. Factory refurbished doesn't bug me--my TX-8555 is and it's been used pretty heavily with no trouble for quite a while now.

That's what I'm leaning towards at this point--most of the others are pushing $650+.

polkfarmboy

Anthem mrx, they are going on sale soon for the new line.

cnh

jp1203 wrote: »

Thanks guys!

That Marantz looks like a good deal. Factory refurbished doesn't bug me--my TX-8555 is and it's been used pretty heavily with no trouble for quite a while now.

That's what I'm leaning towards at this point--most of the others are pushing $650+.

That model has no HDMI input/output as it is a stereo receiver, hence no problem there. Nothing to overheat and melt your boards. The only real problem with any Onkyo has been in the HDMI section.

Otherwise, sounds like a good plan!

cnh

gmcman

If you need 3 HDMI inputs, this is a nice receiver.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-AVR-3808CI-7-1-Channel-210-Watt-Receiver-MINT-CONDITION-/190957667767?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2c75f6c5b7


If you can get by with 2 HDMI inputs:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-AVR-3806-7-1-Channel-120-Watt-Receiver-/321242291394?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item4acb885cc2

Both have the Audssey EQ and both could likely be found slightly cheaper. I have an older Onkyo and really like the SQ but the newer stuff I agree is hit or miss. I have 2 Denon receivers and for HT they are awesome.

JennyM

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver to better handle my system. Can anyone explain what this means??? I'm trying to figure out what power/watts it really will produce per channel.

I have 2 fronts, Polk Audio RTiA3 (250 watt), a Polk Audio Csi3 center (150 watt), and a Bic Venturi 1020 powered sub (150 watts). I don't plan on adding any additional speakers.

This is from the specs of a YAMAHA RX-V475 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver that I found refurbished for just under $300.

Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 115 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD)
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 80 W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) 110/130/160/180 W

Any comments on this particular receiver? Or other recommendations for my system? Thanks.

rpf65

JennyM wrote: »

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver to better handle my system. Can anyone explain what this means??? I'm trying to figure out what power/watts it really will produce per channel.

I have 2 fronts, Polk Audio RTiA3 (250 watt), a Polk Audio Csi3 center (150 watt), and a Bic Venturi 1020 powered sub (150 watts). I don't plan on adding any additional speakers.

This is from the specs of a YAMAHA RX-V475 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver that I found refurbished for just under $300.

Rated Output Power (1kHz, 1ch driven) 115 W (8 ohms, 0.9% THD)
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 80 W (8 ohms, 0.09% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) 110/130/160/180 W

Any comments on this particular receiver? Or other recommendations for my system? Thanks.

If you look at the 1st rating, you'll see it is at a specific freq, and only one channel.
The second is the complete freq range, running both fronts. Do you see the significant drop in output power?
Best guess, for 5 channels driven the max power output will be around 30-35 watt range. Your front 2 will always demand, and receive a little more power than the others. The center will receive more than the surrounds.

What these specs are saying is that this is not a very robust AVR, that's why the low end price. I'm actually running RTI A5's, CSI A4, RTI A3's, and RTI A1's of its slightly bigger brother, older version, RX-V571. Again it's an entry level AVR that I picked up at BB open box, 2 yr extended warranty, out the door for about $250 a couple years ago.

That AVR, should drive your speakers fine. Yamaha makes good products, and the dialogue should be clear.

tonyb

Jenny,

Just running your front 3 speakers with a subwoofer doing all the heavy work in the bass, your fine with practically any receiver, as long as you don't go wacky crazy on the volume dial anyway. If you plan to add more speakers, or upgrade in the future to better ones, you may want to look at a more powerful receiver with pre outs .

j1mmy

I recently purchased the Marantz 6007 rx. Two hdmi monitor outs and a phone connection too. Audio return capable and has internet radio, pandora, spotify, etc.