How do I choose an AVR?

msg
msg Posts: 10,027
edited January 2014 in Electronics
Hey guys,
I'm still struggling to sift through the options in selecting an AVR. How can I narrow down my choices?

Here's some background:

1. I have some RTi10s on the way, and plan to add a nice center and some smaller surrounds. 5.1 is probably all I'll go with.

2. I have a preference for warm, rich and full music over home theater performance, but would still like decent HT.

3. Trying to determine whether I can power the speakers with just an AVR, or whether I'll need an amplifier.
If I get an amplifier (at least 3ch), is it correct to presume that the power output of the receiver doesn't matter as much anymore?

4. I'm considering receivers by Pioneer, Denon, and Yamaha, mostly.

5. I currently use a Squeezebox Touch, but would like the streaming audio services to be built in on this next unit.

6. Probably something I can connect an amplifier to down the road, should I choose.

7. I think I will be using a subwoofer as well. Right now I'm leaning toward HSU, either a VTF-2 or VTF-15, possibly; the listening space is an open floor plan.


I've picked up that Yamaha paired with RTi/A speakers makes for a bright combination, and may not produce the sound I'm looking for. I've not been able to ascertain whether this can be tuned/adjusted.

Are there any there any amplifiers known to produce relatively warm and full sound out of the box?

How do I properly determine how much power is enough, or whether a receiver is indeed a high power/high current unit?

Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2013
    Hello msg and Happy New Year to you. Welcome to Club Polk if you haven't been welcomed before.

    Now I will be the first to tell you that I am NOT an HT guru and I will be honest with you in that I can not answer all of your questions, as I am primarily a 2-channel guy. With that said, years ago I did happen to have some RTi10's in the rig and I did try it with one of Yamaha's flagship receivers. I do feel that I can answer at least one of your inquiries from experience and that would be if a Yamaha paired with RTi/A speakers makes for a bright combination, and may not produce the sound you are looking for.

    I wouldn't necessarily consider the combo a "bright" one, as the Yamaha was a tad relaxed on the top end when compared to other amplifiers/AVR's. After trying two or three Yamaha's in the rig with the final one being the flagship, they could not sound the way I wanted them too. Regardless of what settings were used. The sound was simply unnatural, not detailed, muffled and overall not a pleasure to these ears to listen too. In fact, the flagship Yamaha AVR only lasted about 3 or 4 hours before I boxed it back up and returned it. The sound was simply too far off from what I was looking to achieve. So, to answer just that question based solely on my own experience and observations, I personally do not think that they will give you the sound you are looking for. [No offense to anybody currently using this combination of gear meant, just stating my own personal observations]

    I'll let the other guys chime in on your other inquiries.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,027
    edited December 2013
    Hey treitz, thanks for the feedback. I'm primarily from a 2-channel system background, and having stereo output from my tv through my speakers was always good enough and "pretty cool" :) curious - how would you describe the type of sound you seek, and what equipment provides it?
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2013
    You are welcome. BTW, you can call me Tom. The sound I seek is written in the first part of my signature and this includes all aspects of reproduction. As far as my gear that achieves where I want to be [at least at my current stage along my audio journey], feel free to take a look at my profile and click on the tab "about me". While unfortunately it isn't up to date with the most current information/gear, most of it has been unchanged for some time now. Thanks for asking.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,027
    edited December 2013
    treitz3 wrote: »
    You are welcome. BTW, you can call me Tom. The sound I seek is written in the first part of my signature and this includes all aspects of reproduction. As far as my gear that achieves where I want to be [at least at my current stage along my audio journey], feel free to take a look at my profile and click on the tab "about me". While unfortunately it isn't up to date with the most current information/gear, most of it has been unchanged for some time now. Thanks for asking.

    Tom
    haha, dehr. dude, totally missed the signature, hehe

    holy cow, man, I've never even heard of half the stuff in your profile! I thought I was a bit particular about audio and have been accused of being an audiophile (I deny it) but I'm finding that I'm a bit of a neanderthal now compared to a lot of the guys here! haha :)

    just looked up your Tyler Acoustics speakers. wow - those are AB-SO-LUTELY GORgeous! I can only imagine how good those must sound. they even *look* warm and rich! these, right?

    onepc_rw_sm.jpg
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  • rpf65
    rpf65 Posts: 2,127
    edited December 2013
    I would suggest you go to a local Best Buy and audition the AVR's you're interested in. Although they won't have those speakers in stock, so the sound will be quite different, try them with some Klipsch speakers. I really can't think of a brighter speaker off the top of my head, and it will give you a little guidance.
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,027
    edited December 2013
    Cool, thanks. I knew a guy who used to work in their Home Theater/Magnolia dept or whatever it's called. Not sure he's still there, but good idea.
    rpf65 wrote: »
    I would suggest you go to a local Best Buy and audition the AVR's you're interested in. Although they won't have those speakers in stock, so the sound will be quite different, try them with some Klipsch speakers. I really can't think of a brighter speaker off the top of my head, and it will give you a little guidance.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited December 2013
    Good suggestion, rpf65. Yes msg, those are the speakers. Currently gutted, reconditioned and being modded from the ground up with a massive external crossover upgrade project being done to them. Thanks for the kind words on the speakers. They are a true pleasure to listen too with the right upstream gear.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2013
    Partially biased for the Yammie...the flagship AVENTAGE that is. A whole new ball game compared to previous models. BestBuy Magnolia is a great place to start because I believe they carry all 3 manuf lines you're interested in. Give them all a listen & you be the final judge. Don't forget the RT line does have a bit of sizzle to them, after all they're Polk's Reference Theater line hence the RT in the name. Take your time don't rush & you'll find the perfect match that suits your listening preference.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2014
    I really like the Yamaha Aventage line. I also like the Marantz SR line.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited January 2014
    With RTIA series speakers, I have found that the Pioneer Elite SC models work best. They tame some of the extra brightness some claim they have. I find them to really go together very well. Incredible dynamics and clear musical tone.

    I don't think there is anything better in the AVR world at the SC prices that even comes close. It's the only choice IMO for what you are looking for.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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