College Kid Needs Advise

ajsankot
ajsankot Posts: 141
edited July 2008 in Speakers
hey guys, I am the recient pruchaser of some R300's and am really looking to get a good receiver as mine from a box pooped out. I live in the mid-west and love speakers and listening to music. I probably only have $300+ dollars to spend to help complete my system. I am really mad because I work 2 jobs and wanted to buy another pair of R300's from fry;s for $99 but they sold out by the time I got home. If any of you guys can help me complete my system for maninly music but also for some movies on the side under my budget you all would be way awsome. My school room is 17 by 17 and I have a pair of R300's and a crappy pair of Insignia book shelves from Best Buy. If you know of a anything (especially a receiver) for less than $350 please let me know because I am really trying to complete my system for an extreme budget.

thanks polkies

From the rookie
Adam
Post edited by ajsankot on
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Any leads ideas or encouragement welcome.

    Thanks brothers
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2008
    another member is selling a used Denon 3803 that would fit your budget and would sound much better than any other receiver in your price range new.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69806
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Thanks man I appreciate the lead. I found this forum the other day at work and man is it awsome
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2008
    no problem.. that's why this place is so awesome.. good luck.. that Denon 3803 would be a killer receiver for your R300's. :)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited July 2008
    +1 to the denon
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    I hope I hear back from the guy this stuff is way sweet. I have a classic mustang and am apart of some forums for that but this one is way sweeter and the people are way more dedicated its awsome I am excited to get into this group.
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Eastern IA
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Is there a huge difference between the denon 3803 and the donon 1508? I know the 03 is better but sound wise for music any big change?
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    thanks
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Is a Marantz brand receiver any good?
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    If the Insignia speakers are NS-B2111 (with the curved cabinets) there's a good chance they are nicer speakers than the R300s.

    If you decide to get a Harman/Kardon (which you should) shop through their eBay store, HarmanAudio. You can get an AVR247 ~ $210 with a 2 year no hassle replacement warranty.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-247-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI_W0QQitemZ150268170940QQihZ005QQcategoryZ14981QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    Here's one, but don't bid more than $190 or so as that seems to be what they've been going for. Their auctions closing after 9:00 PM tend to sell for much less.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Man some of the stuff on that ebay site is way cheap thats awsome. I do have the NS-B2111 (with the curved cabinets) those are good. They sound almost hollow or somthing. I heard there is some tricks to make them sound really nice though. Is a good reciever one of them?
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    A good receiver will drive them better (Insignias and Polks both) and potentially produce a fuller midbass and midrange. If they still sound thin/hollow after you upgrade the receiver, experiment with different speaker placements in the room.

    (As an aside, there are many tweaks to "improve" those Insignias involving everything to water putty to new crossover networks, but I'm skeptical. Changing the way a speaker sounds is not always a good thing, even an ultra budget set like those.)
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    The only receiver I ever play them on was one from a $120 sony box set
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Does the HK 247 have enough power to jam out I saw it was only rated at 50watts per channel
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    It's a very powerful receiver. I replaced an Onkyo 605 that had popping issues and was rated at 90wpc... once the AVR247 was hooked up everything sounded more muscular. Harman is more honest with their power ratings than many AVR manufacturers, Onkyo and especially non-ES Sony included.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2008
    ajsankot wrote: »
    Does the HK 247 have enough power to jam out I saw it was only rated at 50watts per channel

    Are you in a dorm room? Those 50 watts will kick your ****...
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,844
    edited July 2008
    Don't forget. Polk Audio has an eBay store too.

    http://stores.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    Jstas wrote: »
    Don't forget. Polk Audio has an eBay store too.

    http://stores.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct
    There're sets of RTi4 and 6 on there now I'm watching, but everyone is driving up the bidding too early. The dude in FS with RTi4s for $125 + sh is probably a better buy. H/K + RTi = sweet sounds.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited July 2008
    RutgersFTW wrote: »
    It's a very powerful receiver. I replaced an Onkyo 605 that had popping issues and was rated at 90wpc... once the AVR247 was hooked up everything sounded more muscular. Harman is more honest with their power ratings than many AVR manufacturers, Onkyo and especially non-ES Sony included.
    I second that. I used to run my R50s with the Onkyo 605 then stepped up to the AVR247 to power up a 5.1 RTi rig. HK's 50 wpc will be more than enough for your needs, trust me
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    what about the 146 its only a 5.1 @30 watts good enough for a dorm room and some insignias and some r300's
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    man winning those things on ebay is tough
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    ajsankot wrote: »
    what about the 146 its only a 5.1 @30 watts good enough for a dorm room and some insignias and some r300's

    The 247 is a big upgrade as it pulls audio off HDMI too. Hold out hope and bid away - she'll be yours!

    Or just buy it for $249 with free iPod dock and free shipping from NewEgg -
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882121048

    That's every bit the deal you'll get from Harman. Do that, no 146.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited July 2008
    That's a no brainer.
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    what is the difference between the AVR 340 and the AVR 347? Thanks for the advice on the 146. What is this on screen dispaly thing people talk about with the hk's?
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    and between the AVR 340 and 247 which would you choose the 347 seems to get too expensive
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited July 2008
    Just get the 247 from Newegg. It's in your budget and will be in your loving arms by Friday if you order now. The 347 offers no essential upgrades over the 247 and only a modest power bump. If you want more power, buy the 247 and an external power amp years down the road.

    The 340 is an older model with no real advantage over the 247. Unless you're jumping up to a 6 or 7 series, stay with the 247.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    I am going to try 1 more day or so on the ebay if not I will be going newegg Friday
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    Is there a good way to set stuff up with only 4 speakers and no sub? With a 247 when ever I get it but I have decided to with that for sure
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited July 2008
    well I have some good and bad news. Good new is got my R300's and ran them over to a friends house to see how they sound and they sound very nice. The other good news durring that same time I become the winning bidder for a HK receiver. The bad news is I had to go back to work and left my younger brother in charge of my ebay and after I lost the race for a 247 he thought they were all the same and won me a 146. I was pretty bumbed but he won it for only $118 and it $20 shipping so I am not out too much. Will the 146 still be enought or should I start looking to try and sell it?
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