Sony,Onkyo, Yamaha receiver - which is best for my setup?

seafan
seafan Posts: 6
edited March 2004 in Electronics
Hello,

I'm planning to buy the following speakers:

RTi10 fronts, csi3 center, RTi3 rears

and these 3 receivers are all in the $500 range:

Sony STR-DE995
Onkyo TX-SR601
Yamaha HTR-5590

would they all work with the above set of speakers? would they have enough power to drive the speakers (especially the floorstanding towers) effectively to their best performance? which one would be the best among the three? any other suggestions?

thanks,

Jason
Post edited by seafan on
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Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    I'd steer clear of the Sony, between the other two I like the Onkyo.

    You can always add another amp to those front speakers later if you want more juice, just make sure that the receiver you buy has pre outs for the amp...
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  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited February 2004
    they will all be able to power your speakers fine....id go with the onkyo, then the yamaha, and sony as a last choice.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    They are all basic AVR's. One or the other isn't going to make a difference, IMO. It will come down to features and connectivity, not power.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2004
    You can get into a Sony DA1ES (5.1)or probably a DA2ES (6.1)for under $500.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    You can definetly get the Sony STR-DA2ES for <500....good call Ken.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • seafan
    seafan Posts: 6
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    I'd steer clear of the Sony, between the other two I like the Onkyo.

    You can always add another amp to those front speakers later if you want more juice, just make sure that the receiver you buy has pre outs for the amp...

    is Sony considered worse brand in general, or are there any specific reasons to avoid them? from the specification, it actually looks like the Sony offers the most features among the three.
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  • seafan
    seafan Posts: 6
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by ken brydson
    You can get into a Sony DA1ES (5.1)or probably a DA2ES (6.1)for under $500.

    and where do you find that price?

    thanks.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by seafan
    is Sony considered worse brand in general, or are there any specific reasons to avoid them? from the specification, it actually looks like the Sony offers the most features among the three.

    You're going to find really quick that everyone has their own opinions on these things, I just personally don't like Sony.

    I don't like their sound and don't care for their build quality. It's really more of a personal tase than anything, but you won't find alot of for Sony on many HIFI forums...

    Why have you narrowed down to only those receivers? Have you checked out Denon or Marantz or any other brands? Each receiver is going to have it's own sound, you just have to decide which one you like...
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  • seafan
    seafan Posts: 6
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    Why have you narrowed down to only those receivers? Have you checked out Denon or Marantz or any other brands? Each receiver is going to have it's own sound, you just have to decide which one you like...

    the salesperson at CC recommended the Onkyo, I just happen to see the Sony and Yamaha in the same price range. I'm totally open to suggestions!
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  • seafan
    seafan Posts: 6
    edited February 2004
    also, the sony puts out 100W per channel, while Onkyo 85W - the more power always the better? or not?
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by seafan
    also, the sony puts out 100W per channel, while Onkyo 85W - the more power always the better? or not?

    I am a Sony fan but I will say that Sony is one of the worst at overstating power. That has been covered in about a million threads. As far as ES units sounding like "music from a tin can", I guess to each his own. I love mine. Drives to earpiercing levels w/o distortion or clipping, runs cool, lots of connectability and a 5 year warranty. I don't know of any other manufacturers that can make that claim at that price point.
    Best bet. Demo your **** off. Don't skimp. Save longer if you need to. Upgrading can be more expensive than waiting.
    Just my .02
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    The power ratings are subjective. you won't find any difference in 85w or 100w in this scenario.

    There are as many haters of other gear as their is Sony, its just opinion. One person's bad Sony experience 20 years ago, turns into a 20 year "I Hate Sony" diatribe, that flares up the second its mentioned. Take it all with a grain of salt.

    I don't recall the music I played today sounding like it was coming from a tin can, but alas, you get the idea.

    The key is to get out and listen as best you can to everything possible. Demo rooms suck, speaker arrangements also are less than ideal, but it's imperitive that you listen to it firsthand. CC looks like where you are shopping so you are limited on brands, but there are fine choices to had. Go big or don't go at all.

    www.etronics.com carries Sony ES. The ES line carries a 5 year warranty and is NOT authorized dealer specific.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    The power ratings are subjective. you won't find any difference in 85w or 100w in this scenario.

    There are as many haters of other gear as their is Sony, its just opinion. One person's bad Sony experience 20 years ago, turns into a 20 year "I Hate Sony" diatribe, that flares up the second its mentioned. Take it all with a grain of salt.

    I don't recall the music I played today sounding like it was coming from a tin can, but alas, you get the idea.

    The key is to get out and listen as best you can to everything possible. Demo rooms suck, speaker arrangements also are less than ideal, but it's imperitive that you listen to it firsthand. CC looks like where you are shopping so you are limited on brands, but there are fine choices to had. Go big or don't go at all.

    www.etronics.com carries Sony ES. The ES line carries a 5 year warranty and is NOT authorized dealer specific.

    I should have shut up. You said it better Doro :D
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    I think you hit it also, we must have been typing at the same time :D
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    I think you hit it also, we must have been typing at the same time :D

    Repeat after me, Sony sucks, Sony sucks, Sony sucks..............:rolleyes:
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    I'd at least give the Denon and Marantz a listen before you decide, maybe even the Pioneer Elite. CC is a fine store, but it's not the only place I'd go to test out gear. If you have an Ultimate Electronics near you, you may give them a try. I've found that the ones out here have a good variety of amps and receivers.

    As for my experience with the Sony, that is MY experience, and will not necessarily be yours. Like I said before, I only listened in a store, so it's difficult for me to base a valid opinion off that. I just don't like them personally....

    To be honest, I'm just not really big on companies who manufacture hundreds of different items across dozens of different categories (what if Polk started making telephones and can openers?). I'm kinda old school that way, and that is TOTALLY my subjective opinion...I just like sticking to companies who concentrate efforts on only a small group of products, seems that their end product tends to be a little better, again only my $.02
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2004
    Polkmaniac - None of that was meant to be directed at you, they were just generalized comments, sorry if it was direct. You state some valid points about big business, but then again it's all supply and demand. All we can do is be educated and know better....hopefully :D

    Ken - The anti-Sony mantra eh? ;)
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited February 2004
    How about a NAD T752 refurbished w/ warranty for $599?

    http://www.yawaonline.com/nadt7re.html

    Its going to have more current available than the other receivers listed and can handle low impedence loads for possible future applications. Also, when NAD says all 5 channels driven at 80 watts they mean it. Not some jive stuff only at 2 khz or whatever. We're talking 20 to 20k here.

    Sony ES is nice gear. Not like regular Sony stuff. Takes a while to program (set-up my neighbors ES..lots of menus but SQ was good).

    If you're thinking Yamaha, look at the RX-V1XXX line as that line has preouts for all channels and is built slightly better.

    Paul
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2004
    The best receivers that CC has are the Onkyo's. However, for RTi10's, I would recommend the 700/701. There are some great deals out there to be had on the 700's. I got mine for $525 from onecall.com about 6-7 months ago.

    Regards,
    PolkThug
    Never Forget
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by pjdami
    How about a NAD T752 refurbished w/ warranty for $599?

    http://www.yawaonline.com/nadt7re.html

    Its going to have more current available than the other receivers listed and can handle low impedence loads for possible future applications. Also, when NAD says all 5 channels driven at 80 watts they mean it. Not some jive stuff only at 2 khz or whatever. We're talking 20 to 20k here.

    Sony ES is nice gear. Not like regular Sony stuff. Takes a while to program (set-up my neighbors ES..lots of menus but SQ was good).

    If you're thinking Yamaha, look at the RX-V1XXX line as that line has preouts for all channels and is built slightly better.

    Paul

    I would jump all over that NAD or this Marantz.

    I listened to the 6300 in a store out here and I absolutely loved it. I like the Denons also, but just can't get past their looks...
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    Polkmaniac - None of that was meant to be directed at you, they were just generalized comments, sorry if it was direct. You state some valid points about big business, but then again it's all supply and demand. All we can do is be educated and know better....hopefully :D

    Ken - The anti-Sony mantra eh? ;)

    No offense taken...I just wanted to make it clear that my post was only one opinion...we all have our own thoughts.

    I've found that too many people get way to personal about this stuff and start bashin each each becuase of differences in opinions, don't want to be in on any of that...I agree with you, everyone decides for themselves what is best...
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  • seafan
    seafan Posts: 6
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    I would jump all over that NAD or this Marantz.
    ...

    that Marantz looks nice, but it doesn't have component input/output (for connecting DVD player). Is there something generally considered better than the three I was looking, with similar features and price range?

    thanks.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by seafan
    that Marantz looks nice, but it doesn't have component input/output (for connecting DVD player). Is there something generally considered better than the three I was looking, with similar features and price range?

    thanks.

    Again, better is pretty subjective. I really think you'd be happy with the Onkyo out of those three. If you like the Marantz, the 6400 (this years version of the 6300) does have component inputs.

    Have you checked out the Denons, they also have the component inputs on most of their reeivers...

    Alot of people on here like the yamahas, a few like to Sonys...I just really don't like either one much...I'd say the Onkyo is the best of the three you're looking at.

    I believe that Onkyo 601 is $500 at CC (I think)...you could get a 701 for close to that same price online, I'd go for the 701 if you can spring for the extra 50 bucks. That 601 is pretty close to what I have now in the 595 (only upgraded features), and it's nice, especially since you're only powering those 70s...but if you wanted to move up to a larger front, you might run into issues (as I have), the 701 just gives you a little more headroom for future upgrades...my $.02
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2004
    Originally posted by seafan
    that Marantz looks nice, but it doesn't have component input/output (for connecting DVD player). Is there something generally considered better than the three I was looking, with similar features and price range?

    thanks.

    I wouldn't let lack of component video sway you. A lot of people (including myself) don't use them and they are on my ES. Just means the expense of more cables and an additional switch which "may" degrade video quality.
    It all boils down to what you like. We can all tell you all day long what WE like and why but everyone has different tastes.
    Time to get your demo on.
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  • kberg
    kberg Posts: 974
    edited February 2004
    seafan, I like my Onkyo a lot for the price I paid, but be aware that the 601 doesn't have pre-outs, which is really the ONLY thing I dislike about it. If you really want pre-outs, then consider something else.
    Mains: polkaudio RTi70's (bi-wired)
    Center: polkaudio CSi40 (bi-wired)
    Surrounds: polkaudio FXi30's
    Rear Center: polkaudio CSi30
    Sub: SVS 20-39 PC+
    Receiver: ONKYO TX-SR600
    Display: JVC HD-56G786
    DVD Player: SONY DVP-CX985V
    DVD Player: OPPO DV-981HD 1080p High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI
    Remote: Logitech Harmony H688
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  • Sonata1957
    Sonata1957 Posts: 1
    edited March 2004
    Hello to all Polk Fans,

    I am a new member of this forum and wanted to impart my experiences with Sony ,Pioneer,as well as pose a few questions.I jumped into Home theater early and am now regretting I didn't wait a few years.
    I have a Sony STR-DE715,with a Yamaha DDP-1 Processor( I know I know).I think it's time for an upgrade to 7.1,and am considering a Denon 2803.Any suggestions?

    My speakers are a hodge podge bought over the years,my latest and greatest was the CSi3 from Polk.Eventually I plan on upgrading,(more details to follow).

    The Sony experience has left me uninspired,and the Pioneer unit I had before was even less invigorating.I think that most folks buy Sony recievers for the price vs. features.I now know better and am saving,and selling my things to purchase a Denon.Onkyo's are great too but they don't have a phono hook-up until a much steeper price range.$500.00 is about where I draw the line,I will spend more on my speakers in the final purchase.I was thinking Polk towers,but I am unsure what matches up.Any help?

    Hey I'm geezin' I know but I still enjoy a good LP over a CD now and then.

    Thanks for the ear bending:D


    Sonata Out
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by Sonata1957

    The Sony experience has left me uninspired,and the Pioneer unit I had before was even less invigorating.I think that most folks buy Sony recievers for the price vs. features.I now know better and am saving,and selling my things to purchase a Denon.Onkyo's are great too but they don't have a phono hook-up until a much steeper price range.$500.00 is about where I draw the line,I will spend more on my speakers in the final purchase.I was thinking Polk towers,but I am unsure what matches up.Any help?

    Sonata Out

    I'm a little confused what you're asking, but will give it a shot. So if you're looking for advice on the a receiver, I'd say check out the Sony ES stuff...

    I've been an avid hater of Sony until about two days ago, at which time I was seriously impressed. Check out the thread I started about the Sony stuff for all my thoughts, in this same forum. I saw that you aren't really thrilled with what you have now, but check out the ES stuff in addition to the others you've mentioned.
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,785
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac

    I've been an avid hater of Sony until about two days ago, at which time I was seriously impressed. Check out the thread I started about the Sony stuff for all my thoughts, in this same forum. I saw that you aren't really thrilled with what you have now, but check out the ES stuff in addition to the others you've mentioned.

    You've done a complete 180 since this thread started a month ago. You have seen the light my son :D
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2004
    Originally posted by ken brydson
    You've done a complete 180 since this thread started a month ago. You have seen the light my son :D

    Yep, I know. I was going back and reading some of my earlier posts, and think alot of my issue was mental block...

    I really do love the sound...
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,757
    edited March 2004
    My .02, Sony does kinda suck, but Sony ES is very nice gear.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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