Best receiver for these Polk speakers.

josh2hot · November 2010

I am from Canada.

I purchased Monitor 60's x2.
I purchased Monitor 40's x2.
I purchased CS1.
All speakers are series ii and purchased from newegg.ca

Monitor 60's were 119.99 each.
Monitor 40's were 119.99 Pair.
Cs1 was 69.99 single.

I don't have a sub and have no need for one as I live in an apartment and would like to keep it that way.(Not on the street)

I have a budget of >$400 to buy a 5.1 preferred receiver but would consider a 7.1 if the price/performance was worth it.

I currently have a 46' 120hz SONY Bravia LCD HDTV. (KDL-46EX500)
PS3 - 120gb for Games/BluRays
Cogeco Cable HD/PVR receiver for TV
Dvd/Vcr - for you guessed it.

Any advice is welcomed and appreciated.

My first post , take it easy on me if anything is wrong.

EndersShadow · November 2010

These would work for you:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108712

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108249

Monster Jam · November 2010

1) If your in an apartment, I will assume that your primary theatre room is relatively small. In this case, I don't see any value in going 7 channel over 5 channel.

2) You say you don't want a sub as you are in an apartment. I ask you to reconsider. At least pick up a small sub, perhaps an 8" sealed sub. You don't need anything earth-shattering. I say this because nearly all movies make ample use of the .1 channel (sub). You would be missing important audio effects without it. Going without a sub would be the visual equivalent of turning off some of the background CG explosions in a movie.

Considering all this, the best receiver for you is the one that has all of the features you need at the lowest price. You can add in other variables if desired, such as name brand/reputation, styling, etc.

EndersShadow · November 2010

I concur w/ going with 5 over 7, but the recievers I listed that are for sale used here are pretty good quality ones, they just happen to be 7.1

Also they have pre-outs so you could add a external amplifier down the road if you wanted more power, which is always a plus.

josh2hot · November 2010

Well so far so good with the help I appreciate it .
I was hoping to buy from a local retailer something new preferably.
So 5.1 it is .

This is something I seen and am not sure if it will do my speakers justice.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/sony-sony-500-watt-5-1-channel-home-theatre-receiver-strdh510-strdh510/10145336.aspx?path=2a2885663f2379b8f1edf83369aa29caen02

Price is cheap

.

$199.99

Any ideas on this one.
Any suggestions ?

josh2hot · November 2010

I'm about to blindly buy this receiver if I don't get some help.
I have the speakers here and hooked up with air which doesn't sound good

.
I need a receiver , will it do me any good to buy a more expensive receiver ?

Need help ASAP please.

Anything!

EndersShadow · November 2010

Dont go with the Sony...you will be disappointed...

Try something like this:

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/pioneer-pioneer-550-watt-5-1-channel-3d-home-theatre-receiver-vsx-820-k-vsx-820-k/10142490.aspx?path=3d642d1a3462721d4bf9642a01018b95en02

With recievers what you pay for is what you get. The cheaper the price, the more likely the wattage numbers are not realistic. I honestly doubt you can get 500 watts out of that Sony.

The reason I listed those two used recievers is that they honestly are better than the new one you are looking at and the new one I just posted.

Buying from folks here is also good as just about all of us have good reputations when it comes to not "overhyping" the quality and condition of the items.

Both those recievers in my earlier post are better choices than just about anything you will find new under 500-600 bucks @ a retail store.

Of the two I would go with the Pioneer over the Onkyo, but they both are stellar

josh2hot · November 2010

Thanks . I spoke with a crutchfield sales rep and they told me they test all receivers to see the actual output /channel.

http://www.crutchfield.ca/Sony_STRDH510_Home_theatre_receiver_p/158stdh510.htm

Says 90w , is that more realistic then 100w?

nooshinjohn · November 2010

josh2hot wrote: »

I'm about to blindly buy this receiver if I don't get some help.
I have the speakers here and hooked up with air which doesn't sound good .
I need a receiver , will it do me any good to buy a more expensive receiver ?

Need help ASAP please.

Anything!

Relax man, and take some time to make the right call.

For the speakers you have, I would think that Pioneer, Onkyo and Denon would offer you the best sound. My experience with the Monitors is that they tend to be a bit bright, and for that reason, Yamaha/Sony would not be a good fit.

EndersShadow · November 2010

josh2hot wrote: »

Thanks . I spoke with a crutchfield sales rep and they told me they test all receivers to see the actual output /channel.

http://www.crutchfield.ca/Sony_STRDH510_Home_theatre_receiver_p/158stdh510.htm

Says 90w , is that more realistic then 100w?

Depends. Consult the actual manufactures manual for the product. 9 times out of 10 what you see is that it is listed as 90w 2 channels driven.

Personally I hate Sony's new stuff. That is my opinion, you can go with whatever you want. If your question is will it work with those speakers, then the answer is YES it will.

But I am telling you if you get either of those two used recievers you are getting a steal. They have pre-outs which allow you to later on if you want more power to your speakers, get better speakers, etc, you can just hook up a power amp rather than have to buy a whole new reciever. This can be a big deal.

Otherwise get something from Pioneer (Elite if possible), Yamaha, Onkyo or Denon.

Just noticed that the Sony doesnt do DTS-Master Audio which might mean it doesnt actualy decode audio over HDMI. That is a BIG NO NO. Means you have to run a HDMI cable and then also a Optical for each component. Thats a big pain and something most recievers do.

If it lists that it handles DTS-Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD or those type formats than you are good. Otherwise look elsewhere.

josh2hot · November 2010

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/compare-result.aspx?ProductIds=%2C10142490%2C10142487&returnPath=%257e%252fsearch%252fsearchresults.aspx%253fpath%253dca77b9b4beca91fe414314b86bb581f8en20%2526q%253d%2525252a%2526sp%253dBBY_en-CA_Product_Collection_Site-WideSP%2526Facet%253dcBBYMCCPCatalogenCAPresentationHierarchy1%25252523%25252523-1%25252523%25252523-1%2525257e%2525257eq2a%2525257e%2525257ecBBYMCCPCatalogenCA20313%25252523%252525230%25252523%25252523m%2525257e%2525257enf28%2525257c%2525257c50494f4e454552%2526viewall%253dtrue%2526targetCategory%253d20313%2526lang%253den

Ok he suggested the $350 pioneer what about the $250 pioneer listed here in a comparison?

I don't see a main difference that makes the $100 difference worth it to me. Ipod plug in and satellite radio. I don't use either. Maybe someone can see a more important difference I should be looking at.

EndersShadow · November 2010

josh2hot wrote: »

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/compare-result.aspx?ProductIds=%2C10142490%2C10142487&returnPath=%257e%252fsearch%252fsearchresults.aspx%253fpath%253dca77b9b4beca91fe414314b86bb581f8en20%2526q%253d%2525252a%2526sp%253dBBY_en-CA_Product_Collection_Site-WideSP%2526Facet%253dcBBYMCCPCatalogenCAPresentationHierarchy1%25252523%25252523-1%25252523%25252523-1%2525257e%2525257eq2a%2525257e%2525257ecBBYMCCPCatalogenCA20313%25252523%252525230%25252523%25252523m%2525257e%2525257enf28%2525257c%2525257c50494f4e454552%2526viewall%253dtrue%2526targetCategory%253d20313%2526lang%253den

Ok he suggested the $350 pioneer what about the $250 pioneer listed here in a comparison?

I don't see a main difference that makes the $100 difference worth it to me. Ipod plug in and satellite radio. I don't use either. Maybe someone can see a more important difference I should be looking at.

Main difference I see is the number of HDMI ports (3 v. 4). That is a big deal as most gear is going to HDMI now.

josh2hot · November 2010

Ok well I only use 2 hdmi and don't plan on buying anything else soon?

ps3 and cogeco receiver for cable.

I think the pioneer for $250.oo will do me good.

Thanks.

angelsfann02 · November 2010

I have Pioneer's for my AVR's and have been satisfied. They are powerful little things, if youre using 8ohm speakers. Im upgrading to lsi's for my man cave and Im buying separate amps.

HTguru1982 · November 2010

Why list a budget of $400 if you're going to dismiss the $400 receivers that were suggested? You can go with a $200 a receiver but you will be disappointed. Your choice.

K-daugh · November 2010

harman audio ebay store ..buy a refurb h/k avr254 or 354 ...also the avr 247 is a very good choice for under two hundred

HTguru1982 · November 2010

K, the only thing I see on their site for under $200 is the 154.

HTguru1982 · November 2010

Oops, I didn't see that you said "Ebay store". Nevermind.

josh2hot · November 2010

I would not like to buy a used receiver is why I said the Pioneer was my pick.
Plus if your budget is $400 and you see a $300 receiver for $250 is that a bad thing to save money?
I am not made of money and sometimes I wish I was but obviously this is not possible.

Anyways thanks for your help I have the pioneer set up now it sounds more than amazing for what I need.

I am planning on buying a house soon.

If my needs change I will be back for more assistance.

Best receiver for these Polk speakers.

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