receiver upgrade - please comment

holt

Hi, I've recently posted in the Speakers section about my current upgrade in progress. I am moving to all Polk speakers from a Onkyo SKS-HT240 6.1 set. Currently, I've moved to cherry Monitor 70's for the fronts with a cs2 center (originally bought a cs10 but found like was suggested here that the cs2 is a better match). I have a psw505 sub coming in tomorrow with 4 cherry monitor 30's to complete the surround (going ahead with a 7.1 over 6.1 arrangement). My other equipment is as follows: Samsung ln52a650 tv (I color calibrated it with hcfr software and a spyder tv meter), ps3 with a 500 gig hard drive, and an Onkyo 605 receiver. This is all in a living room that is 20 x 20' with a 12' vaulted ceiling and open spaces leading into the dinning room.

The Onkyo is what I'm itching to upgrade next, but money is a factor. I do about 80% movies to 20% music, but i might want to increase the music listening if I increase the sound quality (the old Onkyo speakers weren't too hot in this department). So far, this is what I've considered: Pioneer vsx-21txh (http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr71ch&1264968206&class&3&4&),
Onkyo 707 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR707/Onkyo/Tx-sr707-Thx-Select2-Plus-Certified-Hdmi-V1.3a-7.2-channel-A/v-Receiver/1.html), Onkyo 706 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR706BLK/Onkyo/Tx-sr706-Thx-100w-X-7ch-Theater-Receiver-Black/1.html), and Onkyo 806 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR806B/Onkyo/Tx-sr806-Thx-Ultra2-130w-X-7ch-Hdmi-806-Receiver-Black/1.html).

Notice that I've gone to Videogon and Accessories4less, as has been mentioned here in the forums, so I obviously don't mind going used or refurbished - if you seasoned veterans think I will be okay going that route!
Do you think an Onkyo 806 is overkill as oppose to the 706 or 707? Will the Pioneer give a better sound with the Polk Monitors? Also, I've read that if you buy any of the Pioneer Elite series online and not out of a brick and mortor, Pioneer will not honor any warranty with them. Is that correct?
Thanks!

cnh

Some dealers on line are authorized dealers check with Pioneers site...

No the 806 is NOT overkill, the M70s love POWER.....

I run them with an 805 which is actually more powerful than the 806.

I'd go with the Pioneer...or the 806...see if you can listen to both and see what you like.

I run a similar HT set up....M70s/CS2/M30s and some Boston subs that are equal to or even a bit better than the PSW505.

cnh

nooshinjohn

I would strongly recommend that whatever receiver you get must have pre-outs so that you can run an external amp for at least your front speakers. Running separate, dedicated power to the fronts will be the most noticeable improvement in your setup.

Enjoy upgradeitis, as there is no known cure...

holt

Enjoy upgradeitis, as there is no known cure...

I know one thing that would help..... Possibly staying away from this forum until the fever subsides!
But, if I did that, I would be totally in the dark on knowledgeable recommendations.
I passed on a Marantz yesterday I guess (listed as sold now) and I'm kind of stuck on the Elite Pioneer series. but the problem is they don't exist locally and comparison listening is out in this town where people think HT is a Sonny HTIB, and the only Polk listings in Craig's List are car subwoofers. Best Buy, Sears, and hhgregg are the only resources and they've geared down to the local taste. I might have to play it safe and go Onkyo, If I buy a Pioneer Elite online, to get one with the 2 year warranty sends the price over my budget.

wutadumsn23

Whatever route you choose, I would strongly suggest that you get a warranty!! If you are going to spend $500+ on anything (esp audio equip) you need to protect your investment. The link for the 806 is for a new 806 and you have the option of buying a 3 or 5 year warranty for $44 and $88 dollars respectively. I have an 806 and absolutely love it, it does an amazing job in my humble HT (only 5.1, but very similar to what you are running) Good luck and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

cnh

holt wrote: »

I know one thing that would help..... Possibly staying away from this forum until the fever subsides!
But, if I did that, I would be totally in the dark on knowledgeable recommendations.
I passed on a Marantz yesterday I guess (listed as sold now) and I'm kind of stuck on the Elite Pioneer series. but the problem is they don't exist locally and comparison listening is out in this town where people think HT is a Sonny HTIB, and the only Polk listings in Craig's List are car subwoofers. Best Buy, Sears, and hhgregg are the only resources and they've geared down to the local taste. I might have to play it safe and go Onkyo, If I buy a Pioneer Elite online, to get one with the 2 year warranty sends the price over my budget.

Find a Best Buy Magnolia store....they sell Elites with their 2 year warranty!

cnh

holt

Okay..... Yesterday, I got in the Monitor 3 surrounds and the PSW505 sub and changed out wiring and speakers as soon as I got home from work. I wasn't expecting such a dramatic change in the sound stage after removing the old Onkyo sks-ht240 subwoofer and surrounds. After running setup and making some minor adjustments on crossovers, I'm now not sure I need to run out and by a new receiver. The volume level has increased dramatically as has the sound quality. The Onkyo 605 is not a half bad receiver, it just lacks a few features that current receivers have. I don't need video upconversion as I'm only using a PS3 "fat" with this system. Right now, I don't know how much better the system would be with a new receiver.

Since people here like pictures, I included some before and after. I took some after I got the Monitor 70's in mixed in with the old Onkyo's and then took some of the final setup:

Center after I received M70's and mixed in with old Onkyo center and sub:


Center after switching out with CS2 and PSW505:


6.1 Onkyo surrounds before:


7.1 surrounds after switching out to Monitor 30's:


Onkyo tx-sr605 receiver and PS3 "fat":

turbopantera

I know its not in the list you are looking at, but have you considered NAD. They are high end at a mid price. I picked up a used T763 on audiogone for under $500. It is 100wpc with 7.1 and 6 internal amps. It has preamp outs on all chanlels. Sound even in 2 ch is great. You can totally configure it from the remote or with available PC software via rs232. The only disadvantage is the lack of HDMI. But the newer T**5 series has HDMI switching and the new series is modular and upgradable via slide in boards. Worth a look anyway.

holt

I've never heard of NAD before ..... I'll research what you suggested, thanks!

apphd

Nice looking upgrade holt, and welcome to CP. I don't think you would find many that would disagree with you about the Onk 605, a very good performer for its price. I would just kick back and enjoy it for a while. The more time you spend with it after this upgrade, before jumping into your next upgrade the better you will be at identifying what you feel is week and how do best correct for that.

If you feel the amp is your next big improvement step the NAD is definitely a step up and a very good product. There are just so many options out there the only limit is what you can, or are willing to spend. Just keep in mind as you start to add better and better components the change you hear is not so in your face apparent and becomes more subtle.

vc69

The 605 is fine receiver, I own a 606.

But at $550 that 806 is a killer and you would NOT be disappointed. I happen to really like the Onkyo's sound and that 806 is more of a good thing. There is no such thing as "overkill". Too much is never enough!

BTW... cable management makes the girls hot. Trust me.

sk1939

vc69 wrote: »

The 605 is fine receiver, I own a 606.

But at $550 that 806 is a killer and you would NOT be disappointed. I happen to really like the Onkyo's sound and that 806 is more of a good thing. There is no such thing as "overkill". Too much is never enough!

BTW... cable management makes the girls hot. Trust me.

Cable management huh.....forgetting the girls, it also makes it easier to diagnose whats not working. If your happy with the Onkyo 605, keep it. If your not, then upgrade...simple as that.

cnh

I used to run my M70s off a 605 and it's OK...like apphd says above enjoy it for a while and see how you feel.....in its price range the 605 STILL has plenty of features. And decent power......you're noticing their efficiency with that Onkyo (90db's worth)...as opposed to the less efficient HTIB speakers.

Enjoy...

cnh

logston joseph

nice upgrade give time for break in and try to move sub if you can in a corner put sub were you sit and walk around the room for best sound put sub in that spot keep playing with speaker placement and focus them to your ears they will sound better and better

rallyshark

Nice set up! If you must upgrade the receiver, don't forget to throw HK, and Marantz into the upgrade search. If you like the Onk though, I see no need to change:)

anhchungdoan

holt wrote: »

Hi, I've recently posted in the Speakers section about my current upgrade in progress. I am moving to all Polk speakers from a Onkyo SKS-HT240 6.1 set. Currently, I've moved to cherry Monitor 70's for the fronts with a cs2 center (originally bought a cs10 but found like was suggested here that the cs2 is a better match). I have a psw505 sub coming in tomorrow with 4 cherry monitor 30's to complete the surround (going ahead with a 7.1 over 6.1 arrangement). My other equipment is as follows: Samsung ln52a650 tv (I color calibrated it with hcfr software and a spyder tv meter), ps3 with a 500 gig hard drive, and an Onkyo 605 receiver. This is all in a living room that is 20 x 20' with a 12' vaulted ceiling and open spaces leading into the dinning room.

The Onkyo is what I'm itching to upgrade next, but money is a factor. I do about 80% movies to 20% music, but i might want to increase the music listening if I increase the sound quality (the old Onkyo speakers weren't too hot in this department). So far, this is what I've considered: Pioneer vsx-21txh (http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr71ch&1264968206&class&3&4&),
Onkyo 707 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR707/Onkyo/Tx-sr707-Thx-Select2-Plus-Certified-Hdmi-V1.3a-7.2-channel-A/v-Receiver/1.html), Onkyo 706 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR706BLK/Onkyo/Tx-sr706-Thx-100w-X-7ch-Theater-Receiver-Black/1.html), and Onkyo 806 (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR806B/Onkyo/Tx-sr806-Thx-Ultra2-130w-X-7ch-Hdmi-806-Receiver-Black/1.html).

Notice that I've gone to Videogon and Accessories4less, as has been mentioned here in the forums, so I obviously don't mind going used or refurbished - if you seasoned veterans think I will be okay going that route!
Do you think an Onkyo 806 is overkill as oppose to the 706 or 707? Will the Pioneer give a better sound with the Polk Monitors? Also, I've read that if you buy any of the Pioneer Elite series online and not out of a brick and mortor, Pioneer will not honor any warranty with them. Is that correct?
Thanks!

Save a bit more money and buy the 876 @ J & R. I bought one recently and I am very happy with the 876. J & R is an internet authorized dealer for Onkyo.

sTiLlLeArNiNg

Welcome to CP nice setup!

I would also do as suggested and spend some time listening to your current setup (like 50hrs or so) and then see if you still feel the need to improve on it

You could always play around with speaker placement's and tweak's like cable's and stuff if you are satisfied but just want a lil' bit more

If you decide to swap receiver's don't forget to look at yamaha's either I like Pioneer & Yamaha

john E

between the ones you are showing ,go with the Onkyo TX-SR806 ,that extra power should make those monitors sound great ,I have about the same set up and I love the way mine sound .I have the Onkyo TX-SR607 reciever and it is plenty loud.

holt

Thanks for the replies.... Yes, my cable management leaves something to be desired, but I'll get around to that eventually; I'm not finalized on the setup. I'm very adept at redirecting dates before they look to see if I have dust under my bed or manage my cables and go running for the door :eek:
I would like to compare a Marantz in with the options, but I can't go demo anything around here. I might have to pass on a Pioneer Elite, as the closest dealer to my location is 130 miles away. I think when I make the move, it will probably be the Onkyo 806 from an online dealer. One thing that happened when I switched out the speakers was that I can now listen to movies and music comfortably at 50 to 54% volume with a greater degree of definition whereas before, I had to turn things up to about 60% and could still never hear much out of the surrounds or the center channel. Granted, I'm a novice at this and I don't have as "refined" listening preferences as some here do yet, but it will all grow on me. Right now, I don't want my credit card balance growing on me because of "upgradeitis".
I wish I could hear the difference between an Onkyo, Marantz, or a Pioneer, but unless I plan to make a day of going to the "Big City", that isn't going to happen right here.

domflane

Stick with what you know, if you like the way your Onkyo sounds, theres really no reason to jump ship. Just make sure that you get pre-outs for all 7.1, because only upgrading the receiver will give you a subtle improvement, while adding a dedicated amp will really wake those M70's up. Good luck and welcome to Club Polk

dvran

Buy.com always has deals running on the Onkyo 607 and 707.

I have an Onkyo 607 powering old Rti series speakers and Fxi. Home theater and gaming sound awesome. The up-conversion using the receiver beats my stand alone up-convert DVD player. The HDMI setup on the 607 is worth it alone.