Do I need a new receiver?

cowboydude99

Hi all,

I was recently thinking about using in-wall speakers, but I don't think I'll be able to get that setup. It was suggested to me by a sales person with Polk that I should probably get a better receiver.

My current setup:
Fronts: 2 x Monitor 50
Center: CS1
Rear: Monitor 30
Sub: Polk 505

Receiver: Sony STR-DH520.

I'm not sure how much power that Sony can output, but it was suggested that by upgrading my receiver, I might get a better sound out of my setup.

Do you guys have any advise? I don't mind buying refurbished.

I've been looking for Pioneer 1222-k, but can't find one available anywhere.

I'm also looking at a Denon E400, Denon AVR-X2000, Yamaha RX-V675, and Yamaha RX-A720.

Which will provide the most power for 5.1? Do you think a new receiver will provide clearer/better sound?

I don't always listen loudly. Usually just normal levels for TV with the wife.


Thanks in advance.

AsSiMiLaTeD

A new receiver will definitely help. My advice would be to get one of the Pioneer models with the ICE amps and preamp outputs and call it a day if you can afford it.

cowboydude99

Thanks, but that is where I'm confused. I don't know what power rating to look for. Why specifically the ICE amp?

pitdogg2

Class D amp... Power rating get all you can afford. If your speakers say 200watts max ignore it your much more likely to kill drivers with too little power than too much power...that is unless you're my brother who thinks well it goes to 11 so it should play all day at 11 or else they would not of put that there

cowboydude99

HA! I like that last bit about your brother.

Yes, the speakers say 200w max. I don't want to get separate amp/preamp/decoder. I'm looking for a single unit.

I like the Pioneer 1222-k. The Elites are too much for me to spend on my 19x10 room. I literally sit 10' from my center channel, so I'm not looking for LOUD. I'm looking for an amp for better overall sound.

My Monitor 50 seem harsh...

tonyb

While a different receiver may help some with that harsh sound, cables can also play a role in adding or subtracting to that. Most receivers do have different audio setting to help, Dolby prologic will help smooth it out a bit.

cowboydude99

Hi Tony,
I'm using 12awg cable for all speakers. I will be replacing these cables with inwall CL2 rated cables. This cable: http://www.amazon.com/12AWG-2-Conductor-Speaker-In-Wall-Installation/dp/B009EA7YD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392152388&sr=8-1&keywords=C%26E+12awg


It has been difficult to get a yes/no answer for my question regarding a new receiver. I know it is subjective, and that may be the reason, but before spending $700 on a receiver, it would be nice to have some idea...

pitdogg2

Tony is almost certainly talking about interconnect cables. That is rated at 100wpc really it is a lower tier receiver. I'd recommend a better one with pre-outs for all channels that way at least you could add a amp in the future. In reality while a movie with demanding scenes and explosions you maybe are only putting out 35-40wpc. All that from one small power section transformer it would be hard for it to keep up in some circumstances. The pioneer's SC models really do keep up so look for a baby elite pioneer with pre-outs. It will help in the long run.

cowboydude99

Pitdogg2, which receiver is lower tier?

I also just checked out the Marantz 6007 and Denon x3000.

Would you just go for the Elite and be done with it?

cowboydude99

Maybe an Elite SC-63?

pitdogg2

Marantz 6007 or Pioneer SC-63 those two have pre-outs the Denon does not. I'd lean more towards the Pioneer that D3 technology has many here very happy. I myself have an ole Denon 3805 trust me when I say you really do not want to talk to Denon/Marantz Customer service it is a bear literately. you really have a better chance with 12 monkey's in a room.

cowboydude99

I'd be buying a refurbished unit, no matter which company. I don't think Pioneer has a warranty for unauthorized/refurbished units.

Actually Amazon.com is listed as an authorized dealer. But Amazon shows 'Ships from and sold by always bargain.'

So I'm not 100% sure.

pitdogg2

all you can do is your best I completely understand..

cowboydude99

It was my mistake, the unit is new. But Pioneer's website:

*Pioneer does NOT authorize any dealers to sell Elite-branded products on the Internet (only in-store sales are permitted). Therefore, any Elite-branded product purchased on the Internet is NOT authorized, which means that it does NOT carry the manufacturer's limited warranty and does not qualify for any manufacturer's rebate.

Square Trade offers a 3-yr warranty for $53.

3-year coverage from date of purchase: electrical & mechanical failures
Fixed or receive full replacement cost in 5 days or less - guaranteed
Free 2-way shipping for repairs
100% parts and labor covered with no deductibles
Fully transferable with gifts. Cancel anytime, full refund in first 30 days.

Hermitism

Cowboy, do you live near a large city? You can find great deals on Craigslist when looking for an AVR. I bought my SC-05 for $300 but had to spend an entire afternoon driving. I'm so happy that I decided to buy a used SC model rather than buying a new lower level receiver. It all depends on if you are comfortable buying something that has no warranty. I can tell you from experience, those ICE amps are really something to brag about.

cowboydude99

Is the SC-71 a lower level model? I thought since it was an Elite model, it would be good.

drummer86

I used to have the Monitor 60 speakers and a SONY receiver. When I purchased my Marantz SR5005 I noticed a HUGE difference in the sound quality. It was suddenly a pleasure to just sit and listen to music. The harshness of the tweeter did not go away however, and the speakers because tiring to the ears during listening sessions. For movies everything was great. The Marantz was a refurb from the site mentioned above and has worked flawlessly for two years.

cowboydude99

Hi Drummer86, thanks. That is what I was looking for. I'm thinking of going with the Pioneer Elite SC-71, with a Square Trade warranty.

The Marantz looks great too.

Hermitism

The SC-71 is rated at 120watts, 2 channels driven, 8 ohms.
560watts multi channels driven.

I'll let someone else comment if that is strong enough to drive your speakers well.

cowboydude99

Thanks. Yes, I see 120wpc listed.

Hermitism

The reason I wanted someone else to comment on if that was sufficient power is because I don't think that model has pre outs, but I might be wrong about that. That 120 watts is for only 2 channels driven.

tonyb

pitdogg2 wrote: »

Tony is almost certainly talking about interconnect cables.

Speaker cables too, those he listed aren't exactly quality cables.

Receiver question....yes, anything will be better than that Sony. Marantz has a slightly warmer side of neutral sound but the Pioneer SC or Marantz will work out for you. After that, see how it sounds and we can address some other issues if you like. When getting the new receiver, just make sure you read the manual, twice, so you know what everything does and set it up properly.

Let me also add, the monitor line is an easy speaker to drive with just about any receiver, you don't need gobbs of power, but when getting a receiver, make sure you have pre-outs to be able to add power down the road should you need to.

cowboydude99

It only has pew outs for f/l/sub

cowboydude99

Is there a specific brand of speaker cable I should use instead of what I listed? They will run in my walls.

boston1450

cowboydude99 wrote: »

HA! I like that last bit about your brother.

Yes, the speakers say 200w max. I don't want to get separate amp/preamp/decoder. I'm looking for a single unit.

I like the Pioneer 1222-k. The Elites are too much for me to spend on my 19x10 room. I literally sit 10' from my center channel, so I'm not looking for LOUD. I'm looking for an amp for better overall sound.

My Monitor 50 seem harsh...

i see you say you dont want to add a amp BUT when the dust settles & time goes on & ya want more from your AVR. Its easy to add a amp to the mix & make those speakers sing. I would def go with a receiver able to add a amp LATER down the road. As others have stated. Spend some time & get some read on,b4 you buy

AsSiMiLaTeD

Don't worry about the power ratings on a receiver, at this point the more important thing is to get something with a good amp section and preamp outputs. The way they're making AVRs these days, you can almost use the existence of preamp outputs as a proxy for at least getting a good receiver, chances are they're not going to make a crappy AVR and bother to put preamp outputs on it.

Once you get in the ballpark of those models it's just a matter of which house sound you prefer and the features you need. I'm a Pioneer guy myself as I find they match better with a wider variety of speakers. If I had really laid back speakers maybe I'd go Yamaha, if I had really bright speakers maybe Marantz.

Given the speakers you have, I'd go either Pioneer or Marantz knowing that the more neutral Pioneer would potentially mate better with a speaker upgrade downy he road.

Cables are important, but get your AVR worked out first so that when you make changes in cables you actually have gear in place to hear those. Generally, the higher end your system is the more you're going to hear differences in cables and the more important they become.

cowboydude99

The sc-63 has full preamp outs. The sc-71 has on front/subs

cowboydude99

I would prefer to get the right type of wire now, since I will be running my rear spreader in wall.

The sc-63 doesn't have 4k pass through so I want to avoid that one.

I can do the sc-71 or sc-72.

Do you think the 72 is overkill?

I'm only 10' away from center and around 12' from left/right.

The sc71 allows front l/r pre-outs

The 72 has all channels pre-out.

Is blue jeans cable good speaker wire?

BJC Twelve White (5000UE) (White jacket, 12 AWG)

Upstatemax

I'm a big fan of the Canare 4S series speaker wire.

Probably the best bang for your buck wire on the market.

http://www.performanceaudio.com/shop/Canare/

The 4S11 or 4S8 would give you some great results.

The 4S11 I would think is only going to be useful for longer runs or if you start running a high power separate amp.

I use the 4S8 in my HT and I'm VERY happy with the stuff.

As for the receiver, added features and benefits are almost never "overkill"...

Never know when they will come in handy during system changes and it could be the difference in needing to buy another receiver or being able to keep your current one.

F1nut

The Elites are too much for me to spend on my 19x10 room. I literally sit 10' from my center channel, so I'm not looking for LOUD. I'm looking for an amp for better overall sound.

Right, good power isn't all about loud, it's about sounding great at normal levels.

txcoastal1

If its not a budget killer going w/72 is more versatile to resell, or any upgrades if you choose.