Sub & Receiver help needed

Fig19608

Hello everyone,

As you all can see this is my first post here, Ive been lurking for awhile and decided to finally post.

I am in the process of putting together my first home theater system and need some advice. Here is what I have so far:

• TV - Panasonic 50" Plasma TC-P50G10
• Front Speakers - Monitor 50
• Center - CS1
• Surrounds - RC60i
• Dish Network HD Satellite Box
• PS3
• Wii

I am looking for recommendations on which sub & receiver to purchase. I would also like to add outside speakers for the deck sometime in the future. My budget for the sub and receiver is $1,000 for both.

Info on Sub
The size of the room is 12' x 18' x 8' but is open to the rest of the basement on one side.
Im not looking for a sub that will shake the house as I have 8 month old who will be sleeping most of the time im watching tv at night. However after doing some research it appears it is smarter to buy a "good" sub from the start instead of buying a "starter" sub and upgrade in a few years. Based on that I am considering the following subs:

PSW10
PSW110
Velodyne Impact-10
Velodyne Impact-12
SVS PB10-NSD
HSU STF-2

Then I saw that J&R.com has the PSW505 for $250 is this a deal that I shouldn't pass up? How does this sub compare to the others?

As for receivers I am considering the following, but am open to suggestions.
Onkyo TX-SR507
Onkyo TX-SR606
Yamaha RX-V565
Yamaha RX-V665
Denon AVR-1610

Thanks in advance for all advice given

thuffman03

As for AVR's I don't use them so I cannot recomend one. I use a separates for my HT and 2 channel systems.

For sub I can help. What you have listed are all fine subs but if you want a big bang I would suggest looking into getting a Sunfire True Sub. You won't be able to buy new on your budget but you can pick one up on Craigs List or Ebay from $400 to $500. On another thread here someone just missed picking up one for $350 off of Craigs list.

If you don't want to go with Sunfire and do want to buy new then you should also add Definitive Technology Pro Sub's to your list.

cnh

Welcome to CP....from a former Pennsylvanian now in Maine.

The Polk PSW505 is better than everything on your list but the SVS and HSU. I'd say the SVS is the best...but the PB12-NSD is even better at less than 600?

If you're considering a Velodyne...move up their chain to at LEAST the DLS4000R. They are good subs for the price!

You want to buy an AVR that has Pre-outs that means an Onkyo 706, Denon 2808, Harman Kardon 254, Pioneer 1018, Yamaha 663/5. Listen to some of those 'before' you buy. See what sound you like best.

Good advice from Thuffman above but his gear is out of your current 'league'.

cnh

mshan242700

If you can driver over to Delaware, this guy has a very nice Hsu sub and Onkyo AVR at good pick up only prices: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=45&threadid=2303044&highlight_key=y&keyword1=hsu
($899 for both a Hsu VTF3 mk. 2 and Onkyo 805 seems like real nice price; also has some Polk speaker for sale)

edit: think you can also get a real nice Pioneer Elite AVR (VSX 01 or VSX 03) for around that $500 level from Hi-Fi Heaven in Wisconsin: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83468

apphd

Lots of good advice already. The deal mshan gave looks good, worth the drive if you have the time and knew it to be in good shape. I would hate to make that drive to find out it wasn't what I wanted to drop $900 on.

As cnh has said I would drop the first 4 subs of the list and maybe add the 505(x2) and eD A2-300.

And change the AVR list to the ones he has listed except take the Yamaha 665 off the list and just look for the 663, and keep the Onk 606 on the list as it is a pretty good unit for the price with no pre outs its only short coming.

The Yamaha 663 only has 2 HDMI in but from your source list should have you covered. If your source list grows a HDMI switcher can be added and I think it is just a much better unit than the 665 for the same price.

All the gear listed is good entry level stuff (maybe the SVS and HSU could be considered a little above entry level) so you would not go wrong with any. Pitt should have good number of electronics dealers so try and get your ears on as many on your list as possible (with Mon 50s when possible), then choose the one that has a sound you like.

Welcome to CP

Fig19608

Thanks for the advice. Im going to go with the PSW505 Sub as right now I can't justify the extra $$$ for a SVS sub.

As for receivers, forgive my ignorance, but why do I want a receiver with pre-outs?

cnh

Pre-outs are a kind of future proofing, in case you want to add more powerful amplification in the future...or more difficult load (impedance--4 ohm) speakers later on, etc. That way you don't have to buy another AVR you just use the old AVR as a pre-amp/sound processor and the external power amps to drive the speakers to more astounding heights.

You can't do that if you have no pre-outs. Example I have a Denon AVR 2807 and some M70 fronts....currently I'm using an Adcom GFA 555 power amp to run the M70s--they sound better with the Adcom than with the weaker amps in the Denon. I run everything else off the Denon. But the M70s are wired directly to the Adcom and the Denon L/R pre-outs have RCA connectors to the Adcoms L/R inputs.

cnh

cnh

apphd

The pre outs keep the door open for you in the future to add external amps.
At some point you may upgrade your speakers to something that would really benefit from additional power, or end up in a larger room or just want to try more power. The pre outs add little to the cost now. But if you get to where you need more power for any of the above reasons, you would also need to buy a new receiver. For your size room and current speakers it is not a necessity, but adds such little cost for some pretty good benefits.
.......or what cnh said.

Hawking821

yeagetting the pre-outs now will def benifit you in the long run. You will def be happy

Fig19608

Thanks for explaining why I want a receiver with pre-outs

bms

Where are you in PA? I have an svs pb10-isd that you're more than welcome to come & hear - you'll be impressed.

An yes, don't make the same mistake I did-get a receiver with pre-outs! I didn't think I'd need them, but now I wish I had spent a few extra $$$. The Harman Kardon avr-354 is also a good deal right now.

RandyBox

Good move on the 505... I just got mine Friday and it is so sweet! Watch Ebay Harmon Audio and you can catch awesome prices on refurb HK's...

Link:
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Fig19608

I just wanted to thank everyone for all their input. I am currently out of the country for business, so my receiver seach is on hold till I get back in 2 weeks.

mdk5068

In terms of the receivers, I have the yamaha rx-v659. Some say yamaha's are bright, but I havent found them terribly so. Your debated 665 adds 4 hdmi inputs, and can analog video input signals to HDMI and also provides video upscaling up to 1080p which is nice. It can also be had for cheap, i believe in some cases 350. Not saying it is the best of the receivers, but it will definitely be able to handle your setup, as well as your sub, and has the amp option for future looks. HDMI will complement your tv of course.

my .02$

NewHTguy

bms wrote: »

An yes, don't make the same mistake I did-get a receiver with pre-outs! I didn't think I'd need them, but now I wish I had spent a few extra $$$.

+1. made that mistake myself with an onk 605. It will also help to have pre-outs if you ever want to sell it.