Need Help - Amp/Receiver

Plastiq

Hello, I am currently new to the whole home theater set-up and have very little experience with receivers and amplifiers. I have just purchased a pair of the Polk M20s (floor), R150s(bookshelf), CSR(center), and PSW10 (sub). I plan on getting a Yamaha receiver and was looking at the Yamaha RX-V465 (HTR-6240). I do watch blu-rays so I am into the whole surround-sound deal. But I do listen to music more than watch movies. I will be using the system for movies and gaming, but mostly music (and I do listen to it loud). Will this receiver be fine for me? I read on another forum that getting a receiver with pre-outs and adding an amp onto it will push the quality and power. Is that a better way to go? Any advise or help would be much appreciated, Thanks!

digitalvideo

You should really look into the Pioneer Elite recievers because of their great sound and all around great recievers and most on here would probably point you in the Pio Elite direction over the Yamaha for sound. The Pio Elite's also shine for 2-channel audio music. I have the Pio Elite SC-05 I use as a pre/pro and let my amp power the speakers.

When it comes to amps for people on budgets most people on here like the Emotiva, some like Outlaw. I have a Carver/Sunfire high end Signature Series 400 and if you can get one of those you should!

mdaudioguy

Buy used... you'll get more and save a ton of $$$.

cfrizz

Welcome to Club Polk.

Get a receiver that has all the bells & whistles that you want it to have & make sure it does have preouts for seperate amplification in the future.

If you can, take a cd with some of your favorite music on it & try to listen to your speakers with various receivers so that you can listen to the differences in how they sound. Then you can get the receiver that suits your ears the best. (Providing you bought the speakers in a store.)

dudeinaroom

what is your price range?

Plastiq

Thanks for the replies. I would go test the speakers out for myself with different receivers but I don't live in a big city that has a huge selection. I will most likely be buying one online. My price range is 200-300$. Maybe 400 if it is significantly better. I had read that Yamaha made good quality ones but maybe you guys have better suggestions? Thanks for the post digitalvideo I will be looking up the pioneer elite. It is really hard for me too choose without hearing, but if someone who has heard different, good quality receivers could let me know what the best one would be to buy in that price range (audio quality wise) it would help me alot. Thanks!

dpowell

Go with the best Pioneer Elite you can afford. Keep your eyes open for a slightly used one that supports the latest HD audio formats. You won't be disappointed.

Plastiq

Thanks, I will look around. One more question, what is the main difference between the Pioneer Elite VSX series receivers and just the regular VSX series a/v receivers. Because there is quite a price difference.

renowilliams

On the buget you have mentioned , I would look for a used unit. You should be able to find a reasonably priced pioneer elite unit in your price range. When you find one google the model for reviews on the unit. This is in fact how I got mine and I have been very pleased.


Good Luck

cnh

Plastiq wrote: »

Thanks, I will look around. One more question, what is the main difference between the Pioneer Elite VSX series receivers and just the regular VSX series a/v receivers. Because there is quite a price difference.

Reno is right, he has a rather hefty and powerful older Elite there.

The main difference in the lower end Elites and the lower Pioneers is amplification, DACs and pre-outs, etc. In other words, more power, more features, better sound, and so on.

If you want to buy a Pioneer that is comparable to a low end Elite you have to hit the 9040--in other words the flagship Pioneer--the model above the 1019?

Hope that helps....go used or go VSX-21 or 9040!

cnh

digitalvideo

If you can try to look for a Pioneer Elite SC-05 or SC-07.

Jer.War

I have a Yahama-RXV1700 (I got a killer deal) powering my setup. Despite my LSI's being a tough load to run, the Yamaha does so competantly at lower volumes (I am upgrading to a separate power amp soon, B&K). The Yamaha has a TON of DSP's and sound options if you are into that sort of thing (I prefer Straight, or the Pure Direct mode myself). The back of the receiver has as many inputs as you will need including pre outs. This amp even allows me to Bi-amp my LSI15's without any fuss.
Sonically I would say the receiver is a bit on the bright side, and the bass does seem thin when compared to my old pioneer i use in my room (could be due to the fact the Yammy cant properly handle the LSI's). I have had the receiver for about 2 years now and I am very happy with it. I figure since I had a Yamaha I would throw in my cents.