Which Receiver? Help Please!!!

str8boostn
str8boostn Posts: 51
edited July 2009 in Electronics
Alright, I'm have been losing sleep trying to make this decision... All recommendations are greatly appreciated!!!

I finished off one of my bonus rooms to be some what of a media room... It's
22' x 13' x 9' (L x W x H)

I really didn't do anything special for sound dampening except for using a really high grade carpet pad and 5/8" sheet rock and the walls highly insulated.
I ran all Monster Cable CL2 rated stereo cable in the walls...

Here's my setup:
Projector: Sony Bravia 1080P
Blue Ray: PS3
Center: Polk CSi5
Fronts: Polk RTi10s
Surrounds: Polk FXi3s
Rears: Polk Monitor 40's (I know, I know, soon to be Polk RTi6s or RTiA3s)
Sub(s): Please Recommend, not trying to break the bank on this one, but willing to spend a decent amount.
Receiver: HELP ME!!!

I had decided at one time to buy a Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH... but now the SC-05 and SC-07's are staring me down... There is also the VSX-92TXH which also seems like a great receiver...

I'm not a huge audiophile... I want something that is great and very impressive... It's never going to be the best... but I wouldn't mind having the best in the neighborhood...
Are there drastic differences in the above listed receivers? I need at least 3 HDMI inputs (Blue Ray, Cable/Satellite, anything extra...) and at least 1 output...

Do I need more power for the speaker setup that I have? Will any one of these destroy the others in a sound off... Will my fairly novice ears notice the audio differences between any of them?
Pioneer SC-07
Polk CSi5
Polk RTi10's
Polk FXi3's
Polk RTi6's
Polk PSW505
PS3 80G
Post edited by str8boostn on
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Comments

  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited May 2009
    Whats in your wallet??? :D

    Seriously....until you give us your pain threshold - you will get recommendations all over the budget spectrum. :p

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited May 2009
    get the receiver with the best amps (not the most powerful, best designed).. unless you plan on adding an external amp.. if so.. then just get a MOR (middle of the road) receiver and blow your wad on a beefy amp.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • str8boostn
    str8boostn Posts: 51
    edited May 2009
    Erik Tracy wrote: »
    Whats in your wallet??? :D

    Seriously....until you give us your pain threshold - you will get recommendations all over the budget spectrum. :p

    Well, I assumed that with listing those receivers in particular that it would automatically lay out the price range that I am looking to stay around...

    But for to keep things simple... I'd say from $800-1800... somewhere in that ballpark...
    Pioneer SC-07
    Polk CSi5
    Polk RTi10's
    Polk FXi3's
    Polk RTi6's
    Polk PSW505
    PS3 80G
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  • renowilliams
    renowilliams Posts: 920
    edited May 2009
    +1 on what xcapri says. Pioneer makes an incredible reciever.
    "They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde


    Pre-Amp: Anthem AVM 20
    Amp: Carver TFM-35
    Amp: Rotel RB-870BX
    Fronts : SDA 1B w/ RDO-194s
    T.V.:Plasma TC-P54G25
    Bluray: Oppo BDP-93
    Speaker Cables: MIT Terminater
    Interconnect Cables:DH Labs Silver Sonic BL-1isonic
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2009
    SC-05 or the 07. Pick the one that will serve your needs best and go from there. I think you'd be happy with either.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • str8boostn
    str8boostn Posts: 51
    edited May 2009
    Alright, well now I've pretty much decided on a receiver... I'll go with either the SC-05 or the SC-07... Just have to wait for a local BB to get it in stock and have it on sale... If anyone knows of one in the VA, NC, MA are, please lmk!!!

    Now onto the Subwoofer... I need to try and keep this one under $500... please recommend the best possible sub under $500 and point me in the right direction...
    Pioneer SC-07
    Polk CSi5
    Polk RTi10's
    Polk FXi3's
    Polk RTi6's
    Polk PSW505
    PS3 80G
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited May 2009
    You can look at the Polk DSW offerings, or SVS, or maybe Outlaw Audios subs.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited May 2009
    str8boostn wrote: »
    Alright, well now I've pretty much decided on a receiver... I'll go with either the SC-05 or the SC-07... Just have to wait for a local BB to get it in stock and have it on sale... If anyone knows of one in the VA, NC, MA are, please lmk!!!

    Now onto the Subwoofer... I need to try and keep this one under $500... please recommend the best possible sub under $500 and point me in the right direction...


    As said can't go wrong with the 05 or the 07 just look at them both close to see which one fits your needs best. From the numerous comments I've seen here and other places the sound between the 2 is the same just different features. Why BB? There are many on-line sources that you could probably pick one up without the wait, and probably save some $$. BB is convenient to walk in and out with what you want, no doubt. But it adds a little cost to goods. Many Pioneer owners here that may be able to point you towards a good deal from a reputable on line dealer. The savings might allow you to go $600 on the sub which seems to open up a lot more possibilities.

    To add to cfrizz's list HSU, Elemental Designs, Epik (you would need to go used or b-stock), Velodyne may have something decent in that price as well.
    Probably a couple other suggestions will come up from others.
    You have a nice set up coming along there, buy the biggest, baddest sub you can find in your budget from the suggestions.
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  • str8boostn
    str8boostn Posts: 51
    edited May 2009
    ^^^Thanks for the suggestions... I haven't bought the Pioneer just yet... but I want to this week... If someone can point me to an authorized dealer online, I'd be glad to buy from one... I would also like to buy an extended warranty as well... My choice of Best Buy for this purchase would be mainly due to the fact that I can buy the SC-07 on sale right now for $1399, plus around $150 for the additional warranty, that they say will cover everything for 9 years... so with tax and all I'm looking at $1600 and the ability to walk in a drop off the unit if anything ever fails and if they can't fix it, they will replace it with something along the same lines...

    But if I can buy the same thing with nearly the same warranty online from an authorized dealer, I'd be glad too... Only other plus with BB is that if I choose, I can put it on a BB CC and get 18 months of no interest...

    I do have the cash to spend though, if I can find a great deal somewhere online...

    Point me in the right direction...
    Pioneer SC-07
    Polk CSi5
    Polk RTi10's
    Polk FXi3's
    Polk RTi6's
    Polk PSW505
    PS3 80G
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited May 2009
    Here is thread with one talked about. They are on the Pioneer site as a dealer.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83468

    I'm sure there are others, check out the Ice Club thread.

    Good Luck.
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  • bassfann
    bassfann Posts: 151
    edited May 2009
    i like marantz,but hard to get with that budget
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited May 2009
    Hey, I was in the same boat until yesterday (picking a newer receiver for myself), but my budget was lower than yours (500-700).

    I ended up really liking Pioneers and Onkyos, and after some searching bought TX-SR805 Onkyo. Love that 60-lb beast.

    I am sure if you'll go with SC-07, you'll love it too - ICE amps are very efficient and run cool.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited May 2009
    ICE amps are great but the 805 ain't bad in its price range and has great power reserves even if it can toast bread on its backside!

    Congrats....I have an Onkyo myself. You'll enjoy it.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • DanAckerman
    DanAckerman Posts: 70
    edited May 2009
    DSW Pro 600 is $499 on Amazon right now with coupon. (free shipping)

    http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-12-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000V1ONTW/

    Save $100 by Using the Claim Code KDL6CROK (enter it at checkout) That sale lasts til the end of the month.

    I took advantage of this deal and while I'm still getting it broke in, I'm really loving this sub.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited May 2009
    I would look at the 05 and 07 Pioneers and Denon 2809CI or 3808 myself for that price range. Oh yeah and the DSW Pro 600 is a great recomendation for a sub. I have two of them and luv 'em.
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  • GreggC
    GreggC Posts: 23
    edited May 2009
    I have had Onkyo units for several generations and really like them. They have models in your price range. You can also get refurb units from Onkyo that are a very good deal, and I have had them work well.
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited June 2009
    for the money i would go with the SC-05 allllll day long. Excellent receiver, especially when it can be found for $699
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2009
    The new Pioneer Elites are great receivers. But please 'listen' to them first.

    They are a very neutral and clean sounding amp. Not everyone likes that sound even though it's pretty accurate. Some prefer more 'warmth' less etched detail. And others...? Well there's a lot of range here.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited June 2009
    cnh wrote: »
    The new Pioneer Elites are great receivers. But please 'listen' to them first.

    They are a very neutral and clean sounding amp. Not everyone likes that sound even though it's pretty accurate. Some prefer more 'warmth' less etched detail. And others...? Well there's a lot of range here.

    cnh

    thats very true. I preferred my Marantz SR6003 to the SC-05, but everyone has different gear and different tastes.
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited June 2009
    For a subwoofer, may I recommend HSU. I had a VTF-3 MKII and was quite pleased with it. I think I got it when it was being phased out for $499, but you should find similar performance in the VTF-2 MKIII.
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  • str8boostn
    str8boostn Posts: 51
    edited July 2009
    I bought an SC-07... from Best Buy... I know, I know... I paid a little more for it than I would have online... but I also bought their 4 year protection too... so now I don't have to worry about the receiver for 6 years... and I got it all for right around $1400... I'm happy with the receiver choice...

    I just finally got it all hooked up yesterday... going to play with it a little today... I still need a good subwoofer... My old little 10" Cerwin Vega sub is struggling to be heard...
    Pioneer SC-07
    Polk CSi5
    Polk RTi10's
    Polk FXi3's
    Polk RTi6's
    Polk PSW505
    PS3 80G
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited July 2009
    SVS PB13U should last you forever in sub dept. If the price is too steep check out what Epik and Elemental Designs has to offer. Also HSU was mentioned prior, I have read good reviews on them also. I'm a big fan of SVS myself, but Epik and Ed seems to have some killer subs for very good prices.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • greymatter
    greymatter Posts: 35
    edited July 2009
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    I would look at the 05 and 07 Pioneers and Denon 2809CI or 3808 myself for that price range. Oh yeah and the DSW Pro 600 is a great recomendation for a sub. I have two of them and luv 'em.clear.gif

    Agreed!
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  • oifvet0608
    oifvet0608 Posts: 148
    edited July 2009
    I just bought an SVS 12" tube sub for about 650 euro in Germany. I expect it to beat the heck out of my livingroom. You may also want to check out Velodyne or Outlaw subs. All of them are good.
    Receiver: Marantz SR7002
    Fronts: Canton Chrono 509 DC
    Center: Canton Chrono 505 CM
    Surrounds: Canton Chrono 502 SP
    Sub: SVS PC12-NSD
    TV: 40" 1080i JVC Multisystem LCD(upgrading to 50" Samsung LED)
    Blu-Ray: PS3
    DVD: Pioneer DV-420V (HDMI)(for PAL DVD's)
    Audio/Music: MacBook Pro hooked up thru HDMI
    Gaming: PS3 (oifvet0608) XBOX 360 (JAYtheVET)
    Cables: Inakoustik Reference
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