Which Receiver and subs are recommended?

Ploegs

Let me just start off by saying this is going to be my first real home theater (not HTIB). The room I am going to be putting this is will be a 16x17 with an vaulted ceilings ranging from 9-14 ft. This room also open to the kitchen, so there is alot of open space.

I am planning to purchase a system that includes the Tsi500's as the front speakers, the CS20 as the Center and the Tsi200's as my rear surrounds....but I have a couple of questions regarding the receiver and sub.

I have looked online (mainly at Best Buy since it is readily available to go view.purchase) in the store and I am looking for advice on a receiver. I have been looking into the Denon AVR 790 or 890 (difference is about $300), the Pioneer VSX-1019, Pioneer VSX 9040THX, and Onkyo TX-SR706. The Denon 890 and Pioneer's power anywhere from 110 x 7 to 125 x 7, while the others are 90 x 7. Is the extra 20 to 35 necessary for this set up?

The other subject I have questions about are the sub. Should I go with a DSW sub or look for the SVS or HSU? I will probably spend $300-$400 on the sub. Also with the room I will be placing it in, there is a recessed area for the entertainment center/tv. Should I put it in the corner of the recessed area of should i put it in the corner on the back wall? Either way, I can put it in a corner for better sound.

Please provide thought/comments/advice on any of the above mentioned items. Anything will help as I am learning.

wutadumsn23

Well, first let me welcome you to Club Polk. Second it sounds like you have a good plan for your HT and the speakers you have chosen will all play nicely together. I pretty much have the exact setup you are looking at (except mine are the "older" Monitor series) and I have been nothing but pleased. The TSi's, like the Monitors, are relatively easy to power and any of the AVR's you have chosen will do a fine job. As for power ratings, take those with a grain of salt. Most AVR's power ratings are listed at 2 channels driven, not 5 or 7 so if it says 130W, that is for 2 channels driven, and will drop off considerably (by almost half that) when you add 3 or 5 more channels. I am not familiar with all the AVR's you listed so I will just say this, look for one that has pre-outs for adding an external amp, it is one upgrade you and your speakers will thank you for later. Also, are you planning on (or already have) an HD TV and a Blu Ray player? If you do, look into AVR's that support HDMI. I am an Onkyo fan, and the 706 is a very good unit, so that would be my recommendation, but I'm sure you will get others. Bottom line is, if you can get your ears on it, esp. with the speakers you want, that will be the easiest way to tell which one you like best. As for subs, you will get a lot of nods for SVS and the other bad boy subs, but don't look past Polks DSW series either. If you can get an SVS on the used market for $300-$400 that would be a good choice, but again, if you can get your ears on a few to see, that would be the best way. Congrats again on the system and keep us updated.

-Jeff

Ploegs

Thanks for the input. I do have a PS3 (80 GB) and a 52" Sony (I want to say the W-Series, but I can't remember). I purchased the tv a year ago. As far as an external amp, how does that work for wiring speakers? Do you connect the receiver to the amp and still keep the speakers powered to the receiver? What do external amps typically require and are they necessary? What about running the rears through the sub? I think I have seen some subs that allow this? Is that a good option? DOes running the rears through the sub pull power from the subs source?

Also, have you have any problems with your Onkyo? I have read some people's reviews on Onkyo in general that they go out pretty quickly? Have you had this problem? How long have you had it?

concealer404

I've never had a problem with any Onkyo gear. Ever. I think the main complaint with them is that they tend to run warm, and if they aren't properly ventilated, it's not outside the realm of possibility that you may incur damage to the unit.

Give it room to breath, and it'll be fine.

concealer404

My VSX-D850S ran hotter than my TX-SR503. Just sayin'.

concealer404

xcapri79 wrote: »

The newer Onkyo's run quite warm compared with the equivalent Pioneers.
With my computer sound system, I had to replace the Onkyo TX-SR506 with a Pioneer VSX-515 since the Onkyo ran too hot for my liking. I use it in a cooler room. There have been many reports on the Onkyo's running very warm/hot.
Other than that Onkyo's are generally good AVR's.

I know what you said.

I'm saying that i found the opposite was true, though i will admit that the 805 that i messed with ran a bit hotter. But again, if not placed in a moronic way, the heat is not an issue.

Ploegs

Thanks for all the help. Would an external amp be necessary for this setup?

I dont think I would plan on running anymore speakers unless I bought some ceiling speakers to act as the rear surrounds (house was prewired when purchased so I might take advantage of that)? Has anybody set up 7.1 set up with the rear surrounds in ceiling? How does that sound?

Ploegs

I also foregtot to mention the Pioneer 9040 THX is on sale at BestBuy for $600, is this a good deal?

concealer404

Ploegs wrote: »

Thanks for all the help. Would an external amp be necessary for this setup?

I dont think I would plan on running anymore speakers unless I bought some ceiling speakers to act as the rear surrounds (house was prewired when purchased so I might take advantage of that)? Has anybody set up 7.1 set up with the rear surrounds in ceiling? How does that sound?

Necessary? No. Will it sound better? Sure!

Can't comment on the in-ceiling speakers, sorry.

wutadumsn23

Ploegs wrote: »

Also, have you have any problems with your Onkyo? I have read some people's reviews on Onkyo in general that they go out pretty quickly? Have you had this problem? How long have you had it?

I have had no problems at all with my 806 (knocks on wood) There were some issues with blue dots in the earlier models, but that has since been fixed with a replacement HDMI board IIRC. I have always owned Onkyo receivers and have never had one die on me yet, matter of fact the two I owned prior to my 806 I sold to friends and they still work to this day. One is coming up on 6 years old now. They do run quite hot, but keep it well ventilated and you will be fine. I have had my 806 for a little over a year now and no issues to report (knocks on wood again, lol)

-Jeff