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Mike LoManaco · August 2009

Interesting; yeah, I will probably get the OPPO as well, based on the review Home Theater gave it, although it seems this deck is going to be pretty difficult and challenging to set up/calibrate.

kuntasensei · August 2009

Not from everything I've read. Its setup wizard looks easy as hell. No matter though... I'm a tweaker at heart, so the more options, the better!

Mike LoManaco · August 2009

Weird; I read and heard the opposite.

kuntasensei · August 2009

Yes, there are a ton of options in the setup menu, but initial setup is very quick and easy for most people. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEwkBwtP1k

Mike LoManaco · August 2009

Thank you -- I see the Setup Wizard you're talking about, and I am watching it now, yet it still seems a bit daunting to me; for example: Does the "Auto" HDMI resolution, as on my Panasonic now, control DVD AND Blu-ray output? The picture controls...does that middle "Normal" position indicate no sharpness, etc. is being used? This doesn't seem nearly as simple as my 'BD10A...

Mike LoManaco · August 2009

Also -- in the AUDIO SETUP section, you can only set HDMI audio streams to BITSTREAM or PCM, but it doesn't seem to separate DOLBY TRUEHD, DTS MASTER AUDIO, etc...ALL HDMI audio codecs are lumped in with one another; that seems weird to me...

kuntasensei · August 2009

That initial setup is just the basics. There should be individual settings for all of that stuff in the actual setup menus, but the basic setup wizard looks like it gets you up and running very fast outside of some tweaking here and there.

Mike LoManaco · August 2009

Oh, so there is a way to go beyond the wizard and get deep into the settings? That's refreshing, because it didn't seem like many of those parameters made much sense -- such as lumping ALL surround codecs together and putting them under "HDMI" to then select "BITSTREAM" or "PCM;
I mean, what if you want, say, Dolby Digital bitstreamed, but TrueHD PCM'ed yet both are coming over HDMI? It didn't seem possible under that video you supplied...

kuntasensei · November 2009

Not to revive an old thread, but I just pulled the trigger on the Onkyo TX-NR1007 while Newegg had 'em for $999.99. Ought to be a nice step up from my TX-SR705 (which a friend bought as soon as I mentioned it), and I plan on getting some speakers to use as height channels within the next week or so. I'll snap some pics and post my impressions once I get it all set up.

bigaudiofanatic · November 2009

concealer404 wrote: »

My Oinker M-5150, and my old TX-SR503 that has since left us.

The M5150 is being put through the ringer by Nik right now, attempting to drive some bigass SDAs. Seems to be doing decently. I need to research if it's bridgeable. We both decided it was a pretty good sounding amp yesterday.

I like your case might I ask where did you get it?

concealer404 · November 2009

The rack you mean? It's a Planet3 unit, i got it from Fry's, you should be able to order it at a bunch of places. I'm not sure what the going rate is for it anymore, but i do know that the matching TV stand ran about $280.

Mike LoManaco · November 2009

Concealer's rack reminds me a bit of my Bell'O "audio tower" which is L-shaped and also has unconcealed shelves and backs; although I have done the best with cable management, my next rack will not be open like this. I cannot stand even seeing a little of my cables, no matter how well they're tied or channeled...

anamorphic96 · March 2010

I'm not an official Polk owner but figured I should contribute since I have been posting in this neck of the woods.

My mighty Onkyo TX-SR506.

I have since removed the bricks from under my center channel as they did not seem to make a big improvement. I will be getting MoPads in the near future and angle it up a little. The TV will be on a stand just over the center.

I recently added room treatments to deal with a slap echo problem. Which is now solved and things sound much better.

I could not forget Henry as he is one my partners while watching movies.

The rest of the gear consists of -
Paradigm - Mini Monitors v.1 - L/R
Paradigm - LCR350 - Center
Energy - C1 - Surround Speakers
Marantz DV-4001 - Upconverting DVD Player
Velodyne SMS-1 - Subwoofer EQ
HSU Research STF-2 - Subwoofer
Nintendo Wii - Game Console
Vizio 37" LCD TV - 1080P

So thats my system.

Mike LoManaco · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

I'm not an official Polk owner but figured I should contribute since I have been posting in this neck of the woods.

My mighty Onkyo TX-SR506.

I have since removed the bricks from under my center channel as they did not seem to make a big improvement. I will be getting MoPads in the near future and angle it up a little. The TV will be on a stand just over the center.

I recently added room treatments to deal with a slap echo problem. Which is now solved and things sound much better.

I could not forget Henry as he is one my partners while watching movies.

The rest of the gear consists of -
Marantz DV-4001 - Upconverting DVD Player
Velodyne SMS-1 - Subwoofer EQ
HSU Research STF-2 - Subwoofer
Nintendo Wii - Game Console
Vizio 37" LCD TV - 1080P

So thats my system.

I thought you were running something more powerful than that Onk -- this is your main AVR?

anamorphic96 · March 2010

Yes. But it does just fine and gets plenty loud for me. I have my eye on the 608 or 707 as my later upgrade this year.

It was room treatments or new receiver with my tax return. So I decided on room treatments as they would provide the biggest improvement in sound with the money I had.

comfortablycurt · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

Yes. But it does just fine and gets plenty loud for me. I have my eye on the 608 or 707 as my later upgrade this year.

It was room treatments or new receiver with my tax return. So I decided on room treatments as they would provide the biggest improvement in sound with the money I had.

Damn!...the 608 is out already? It seems like the 607 just came out.

Looks like we're already getting AVR's out with support for the latest pointless technologies.:rolleyes: Interesting that the 6 series has THX Select2 Plus certification now. They've also finally got 1080p upscaling in it. Looks like the 6 series has finally been improved a bit. Still no preouts though...which makes it entry level in my book.

It's using the Burr Brown DAC's...so it sounds like Onkyo's been listening to all of the people who prefer the 805's still. It's also got HDMI 1.4 now...with 3D compatibility.

I'd skip the Onkyo 6 series if you're looking to upgrade. It won't really be much of an upgrade over your 506. I'd step up to at least the 7 series...if not the 8 series. Keep in mind that the 6 series doesn't have preouts, so no external amplification.

Amplification wise, the 6 series would give you next to no advantage over the 5 series.

anamorphic96 · March 2010

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Damn!...the 608 is out already? It seems like the 607 just came out.

Looks like we're already getting AVR's out with support for the latest pointless technologies.:rolleyes: Interesting that the 6 series has THX Select2 Plus certification now. They've also finally got 1080p upscaling in it. Looks like the 6 series has finally been improved a bit. Still no preouts though...which makes it entry level in my book.

I'd skip the Onkyo 6 series if you're looking to upgrade. It won't really be much of an upgrade over your 505. I'd step up to at least the 7 series...if not the 8 series. Keep in mind that the 6 series doesn't have preouts, so no external amplification.

Amplification wise, the 6 series would give you next to no advantage over the 5 series.

I tend to agree with you and will probably go with the 707 when the prices start dropping. I don't really need much power especially with an 80hz crossover point. Thats why I was considering the 608. The 506 gets louder than I need it to and never struggles to keep up.

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.

comfortablycurt · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

I tend to agree with you and will probably go with the 707 when the prices start dropping. I don't really need much power especially with an 80hz crossover point. Thats why I was considering the 608. The 506 gets louder than I need it to and never struggles to keep up.

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.

Yeah, those are the big drawbacks to the 5 series. They lack a lot of the processing capabilities of the higher level models.

What speakers are those that you're using?

How do you like the Velo SMS-1? I'm planning on eventually integrating some stereo subs into my 2 channel rig...and have tossed around adding a sub EQ eventually.

Also, keep in mind that more power provides more benefits than being louder. It's also able to reproduce sound at lower volumes with much more authority, and is able to handle large dynamic swings much more efficiently. For instance...during a passage with quiet dialogue, you might be using a total of 2 watts from your amp...and then a huge explosion hits, and taps into your amps full reserve. A higher powered amp will have more power on tap, and will be able to reproduce the dynamics of that explosion with a lot more headroom, and less distortion.

anamorphic96 · March 2010

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Yeah, those are the big drawbacks to the 5 series. They lack a lot of the processing capabilities of the higher level models.

What speakers are those that you're using?

How do you like the Velo SMS-1? I'm planning on eventually integrating some stereo subs into my 2 channel rig...and have tossed around adding a sub EQ eventually.

I guess you didn't read my gear list.

:D Paradigm Mini Monitor v.1 with matching Paradigm LCR-350.

The SMS-1 is one of the best purchases I have made. Boy did it tighten up the bass. I'm within 3db all the way down to 25hz with a slow roll off to 20hz. Then it drops off sharply. I really understand why people love HSU subs. Clean tight linear bass.

The video function is the main reason I chose the SMS-1. Seeing everything in real time makes adjustments really easy.

Mike LoManaco · March 2010

Yeah, if you go onto Onk USA's site, you'll see a plethora of new models that aren't even out yet, for 3D support, HDMI 1.4 and such -- the site even lists them as "Coming Soon."

The 608 is on that Coming Soon roster...

steveinaz · March 2010

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

What do you guys use to clean your gear? I'm always doing a full cleaning of our place on a weekly basis, almost, and when it comes to getting at the equipment in the rack, I just brush the 605 and my other gear over with a paper towel that has a bit of Endust on it, giving the aluminum faceplate(s) a bit of a shine -- how do you guys clean your gear?...

Mike, don't use paper towels, they will scratch plastic display faces. Use a chamois with warm water, wrung well. I've used this method for years and my equipment always looks as new. A chamois can be used on everything safely---HDTV screens, speaker cones, case work, wood, metal, plastic.

Sorry for the de-rail...

Mike LoManaco · March 2010

steveinaz wrote: »

Mike, don't use paper towels, they will scratch plastic display faces. Use a chamois with warm water, wrung well. I've used this method for years and my equipment always looks as new. A chamois can be used on everything safely---HDTV screens, speaker cones, case work, wood, metal, plastic.

Sorry for the de-rail...

Thanks, Steve!

No de rail at all, my friend! Thanks for the tip!

Yes, I have since begun using this method (funny you mentioned it in this thread) of warm water on a lint free cloth to clean the dust, even on the aluminum faceplates of the gear.

Is there anything you specifically use on your HDTV screen, outside of this aforementioned method? My rear pro's screen is pretty loaded with smeary fingerprints and such, but it's made from a coated anti-glare material that doesn't seem to clean at all with those "screen cleaner" fluids...

Do you recommend the warm water method for the screen, as well?

anamorphic96 · March 2010

I don't have an issue with finger prints as I don't touch my equipment and only use remotes. However I dust things with a swiffer and use compressed air to get dust of the buttons and knobs. Works perfectly and leaves no residue.

steveinaz · March 2010

Mike LoManaco wrote: »

Is there anything you specifically use on your HDTV screen, outside of this aforementioned method? My rear pro's screen is pretty loaded with smeary fingerprints and such, but it's made from a coated anti-glare material that doesn't seem to clean at all with those "screen cleaner" fluids...

Do you recommend the warm water method for the screen, as well?

I use the same chamois well wrung on my dlp screen. I would recommend buying a "dedicated" chamois (LOL) as car brake dust can destroy display faces and other easily scratched surfaces. It also works well on speaker grills, as there is no lint. I don't use ANY cleaning products on my equipment.

steveinaz · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

I don't have an issue with finger prints as I don't touch my equipment and only use remotes. However I dust things with a swiffer and use compressed air to get dust of the buttons and knobs. Works perfectly and leaves no residue.

Be careful with compressed air as well, typically it has moisture in it that can corrode potentiometers, switches, etc. Ever notice how canned air creates frost---then the frost melts and you are left with....you guessed it, water.

billbillw · March 2010

I do something similar to Steve, but I use a large microfiber polishing cloth instead of a chamois. I use it on all my electronics, including my RPTV screen, my plasma screen, my LCD computer monitor. Sometimes, I even use a bit of mild dish soap if my goal is to remove some extra greasy toddler finger prints. Just don't ever let any liquid run down the screen. If you do and it gets to the bottom, the back side of the lenticular screen will act like a siphon and pull the liquid up into the crevasses leaving dark stains. The stains eventually dry out and clear up, but you are pretty much stuck with them until they dry. Like anything, just use caution and don't over do it. To much pressure can remove surface coatings even with the most delicate cloth.

kuntasensei · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.

Now that you mention it... it just occurred to me that my 1007 is curiously absent of Onkyo's Cinema Filter function. Maybe they've ditched that altogether in favor of RE-EQ (which is still there).

anamorphic96 · March 2010

kuntasensei wrote: »

Now that you mention it... it just occurred to me that my 1007 is curiously absent of Onkyo's Cinema Filter function. Maybe they've ditched that altogether in favor of RE-EQ (which is still there).

Any Onkyo with THX processing loses Cinema Filter. As the re-eq is more accurate to whats used in commercial cinemas. Granted the roll off is not as extreme as in a cinema. I really wish it was adjustable like the Pioneer system.

kuntasensei · March 2010

anamorphic96 wrote: »

Any Onkyo with THX processing loses Cinema Filter. As the re-eq is more accurate to whats used in commercial cinemas. Granted the roll off is not as extreme as in a cinema. I really wish it was adjustable like the Pioneer system.

I don't use it anyway. The Audyssey rolloff is better. But then, considering it's a refinement of Tomlinson Holman's original work with THX, I guess it would be.

But... what rolloff in a cinema? The whole point of it in home gear is to compensate for near-field listening because movies are mixed to the theatrical standard. There is no rolloff in the theater. It isn't necessary in a theatrical space.

anamorphic96 · March 2010

kuntasensei wrote: »

I don't use it anyway. The Audyssey rolloff is better. But then, considering it's a refinement of Tomlinson Holman's original work with THX, I guess it would be.

But... what rolloff in a cinema? The whole point of it in home gear is to compensate for near-field listening because movies are mixed to the theatrical standard. There is no rolloff in the theater. It isn't necessary in a theatrical space.

Actually all commercial cinemas roll of the high end starting at 2k with a 3db roll off per octave.

This link will explain things really well.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/feature-article-curves-6-2002.html

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