What receiver to buy???

thibs

The knowledge and information available on this forum is overwhelming. I've been reading posts here for the past couple of weeks but I think my issue is even more basic than a "typical" newbie. My general question is, which comes first, the speakers or the receiver? I have both but I'm not sure if they're a good fit for one another. My speakers are: fronts - Polk RTi4, center - Polk CSI A4, rear surrounds - Polk FXi A4. I also have a sony sub that I can't recall the specs on (I will follow up with this info later today). My receiver is an ONKYO TX SR501. Is this receiver a good fit for these speakers. I ask because I think the sound should much better than what I'm currently hearing. I don't have a problem investing in a better receiver if that's what I need however, I'm concerned that maybe my settings might be off or something similar. Also, although my subwoofer is on, I don't seem to be getting much of anything out of it.

I feel that regardless of how much money I might spend, without the right combination of speakers/receiver and settings I will never get my money's worth. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Knucklehead

not a bad receiver, its rated at 65wpc, I believe the Rt line speakers sound much better with more power, just dont push them too hard and youll be ok, no pre-outs is a bummer. welcome to CP!

vc69

Welcome to Club Polk! Or "club upgrade" as it has been for me

I currently have a TX-SR 606 (rated at 90wpc) and am frankly very happy with the sound for HT. My tastes for 2 channel are a bit more challenging though, and my two channel rig is quite different. So...
What kind of listening do you do? Music or HT?

Have you tried calibrating your system with a calibration disk? (Avia, DVE, AIX) All have audio calibration sections and really help in assessing your setup for mistakes and weaknesses.

Does that receiver have Audessy or assisted speaker setup routines? I doubt it does but if so, try it and be careful to follow the instructions.


My guess is you will want a better receiver. I noticed one just like mine in the For Sale section here at a very nice price. (300) and it is quite adequate for most. Drawback being no pre-out which inhibits your upgrade path.
I have no experience with the RTi's but If you are unhappy after a proper calibration, you are in for a run on your wallet.

thibs

I have not seen anyhting in the recieve manual referring to Audessy or assissted speaker set up.

I hate to show my ignorance even further but, what is a "pre-out"?

If I were to buy a new receiver what wattage should I consider given the speakers I have?

ViperZ

If you like Onkyo, TX-SR805 (not 806) or TX-SR875 will definitely fit your needs.

obieone

Preouts are RCA connections that allow an external amp to be hooked up to your avr.
They look just like the 'multi-channel pre-in' connections on the back of most avr's.

apphd

thibs wrote: »

........................
I feel that regardless of how much money I might spend, without the right combination of speakers/receiver and settings I will never get my money's worth...............

Welcome to CP. Your thoughts above are correct. Follow the advice
xcapri79 gave you. If after you verify the set up is correct (if there is something in the manual you do not understand ask, someone will be able to help), and you are still not happy with the sound, report back with some specifics. i.e. to harsh sounding, vocals not clear, dull etc. Describe in your best words what you think is lacking or needs to be improved on.

There is always lots of help here spending your money, you might as well spend it wisely.

obieone

bump