AVR Help, please!!

JBB
JBB Posts: 5
edited November 2011 in Electronics
Hello,

I am having trouble deciding on a sufficient A/V receiver and I was hoping that someone with more experience could help me out.

My current setup includes:
Fronts: Polk Monitor 70 Series II
Center: Polk CS20
Surrounds: Paradigm Monitor-9
Subwoofer: Polk PSW505
Receiver: Some P.O.S Insignia
Television: Samsung PN50B####

I live in a 1/1 apartment, ~850sq. ft, so my living room isn?t exactly the largest; one problem I face is that it opens on both sides, 1 side to a built in desk area, and the other to the dining room/kitchen. As you can imagine, the room isn?t ideal for a ?home theater?.

I was originally looking to spend $200-300 on a receiver, however, after some research it appears that I will need to invest some more to get the sound I am looking for. Recently, I went to a ?big name? store and left with an overpriced Denon AVR-1312. It was labeled on the box as 100w per channel, but later I found out that the rating was at 6 ohms and not 8. I auditioned it anyways with the 30 day return policy and the difference over my current shitbox was night and day, unfortunately it still wasn?t what I had hoped for. The M70?s are great, I am just sad that they are so underpowered right now; I have to crank them to ear-bleeding levels before I see any excursion or feel any bass. The PSW505 (which I received on Tuesday) is also great, but I feel it is nowhere near the levels it shoud be (after reading all the reviews on it).

I guess that I am looking for around 100w/channel. I will most likely upgrade to a 3DTV eventually, so the HDMI1.4(B?) will be needed. Other components include your normal cable box, ps3, 360, wii. I think the ?MAX- I would be willing to spend on a receiver would be about $500, but my girlfriend would still probably never let me hear the end of it (lol). Any and all suggestions would be very welcomed! I had looked at the Denon AVR-891, which seemed to fit everything I needed for a reasonable price (~400 on amazon), there were just very few reviews available.


[Side note on PSW505] I am running an RCA cable from the sub-out through a Y-adapter to the L/R on the sub. I read most people suggested using the LFE instead, since then the receiver would control the bass management(?) of the subwoofer, but I figured with my receiver being so terrible right now it would probably be beneficial to let the sub control itself. Please let me know if Im wrong on that. Phase is set to 0, crossover around 80Hz. Even at 75% I feel that there is insufficient bass in comparison to the reviews that I read, I definitely do not want to run it with the knob turned all the way up..

Once again guys, any and all help will be GREATLY appreciated. I would say I know a little more about audio than your average joe (based on my conversations with coworkers), but I know that I am still a noob compared to the audiophiles on these boards.

Thanks!!
JB
:cheesygrin:
Post edited by JBB on
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Comments

  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited October 2011
    I, too, am looking into upgrading my avr, a Denon 1611. Here's what I'm trying to decide between, for what it's worth:

    Onkyo TX-NR709
    Marantz SR5004
    Pioneer VSX-1121-K

    These all offer pre-outs and decent power and I believe are 4 ohm stable. I'm running Monitor 60s now but will be upgrading to electrostats in the future, hence my need for pre-outs with external amplification.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited October 2011
    If you want those m70 to sound clean at high levels your going to need external amplification.

    Also use a single rca with no splitter. Let the avr do the bass management. Avr needs to have the LFE set to 120hz with the low pass filter by passed on the sub. Your missing out on any sound between 80-120 Hz from the LFE track of a movie or tv show that has a 5.1 or better sound track.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • WGDB
    WGDB Posts: 162
    edited October 2011
    I'd take a look at the Pioneer VSX 1021, 1121 models. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007055%2050001167&IsNodeId=1&name=Pioneer

    IMHO Pioneer is making some great entry level stuff with plenty of features that will compliment your current speakers in a great way.
    Pioneer Elite SC-35, Polk RTA (Real Time Array) 12's,
    Polk Monitor 40 surrounds, Polk CSiA4 Center,
    Polk PSW125, Sharp LC-46D62U,
    Panasonic DMP-BD85, Harmony One,
    iMac streaming an Apple TVII, or Squeezebox Touch
    Bedroom Rig~Sony STRDG-920, Polk Monitor 60 fronts, Polk RM6750 Satellites and Sub, Panasonic DMP-BD85
    Rabbit Hole Rig~Yamaha CA1010, Yamaha CT1010, Polk SDA 2A's, Teac A1500 R2R
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited October 2011
    Actually the Pioneer 1021 only delivers 46 watts per into 5-channels, less into 7. I don't know if the 1121 is similar but I doubt they will give you the power increase you are looking for.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited October 2011
    Still being misled by all channels driven tests...something's never change...
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  • JBB
    JBB Posts: 5
    edited October 2011
    Thanks for all the input guys, I really appreciate it.

    I checked out the:
    Onkyo TX-NR709
    Pioneer VSX-1121-K

    I really liked the iphone/ipad remote app support for those receivers. It looked like both models had more features than you could shake a stick at. I also found at the same price the Denon 2311CI, which seemed to have equally as many features.

    Then?my buddy linked me to the Emotiva website and (Taking jbooker82?s advice about external amplification) I started looking at all the goodies there. All I can say is WOW; if only I had a never-ending bank account :). Their XPA-5 and UMC-1 would be a killer setup, unfortunately its also around $1400. I know that if I went that route, not only would I have the ?real? rated power, there would definitely be room for upgrades (DAC, another 2 channel amp [xpa-2] to upgrade to 7.1, etc..).

    Ahh...now Im at such a loss. Do I buy one of these $550 receivers, which will probably make me happy for a while, or do I rough it out for about a year and then sink $1400 into some real powerful equipment which will make me happy for years to come... :\
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited October 2011
    here ya go.....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039XQL44/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002KBDEGE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0XD8HG7VX3AYMKFY20XV
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  • JBB
    JBB Posts: 5
    edited October 2011
    Well guys, once again, I appreciate all the help offered. Ive spent my free time over the past few days researching all of the suggested options and my final decision is between two receivers, the Denon 2311CI and the Onkyo TX-NR709.

    I like that the Onkyo has the THX certification and I also hear everyone recommend Onkyos. I have also never heard anything bad about the Denons, people usually say that they have a "warmer" sound than other brands. Im going to keep checking back on a few websites over the next few weeks to watch the prices and maybe there will be some black friday sales or something. Ill report back in about a month and let you guys know which one I ended up with.

    Thanks again!! :cheesygrin:
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  • nguyendot
    nguyendot Posts: 3,594
    edited October 2011
    I'd check out Accessories4less and see if you can't swipe a good deal on an Onkyo there....
    I got my NR807 there and have been pretty happy with it.
    Main Surround -
    Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub

    Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250

    Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
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  • Theheadsn
    Theheadsn Posts: 413
    edited October 2011
    Im selling my 1020k (pretty much the same exact as the 1021k) right now for 250. Its been sitting in the box for about a month now. Used for about 5, still has the warrenty from pioneer. If your interested let me. Its a great little receiver for the price.
    Home Theater Setup
    • Receiver - Onkyo TX-RZ1100
    • Mains - Polk RTi A9's
    • External Amps - Outlaw 2200 Monoblocks for L/R/C
    • Center - Polk CSiA6
    • Side Surrounds - Polk FXiA6's
    • Atmos - 4 Polk 80F/X RT's
    • Sub - SVS PC-4000
    • T.V. - LG OLED65C7P

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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited October 2011
    Consider used or refurbished. You get more bang for your buck. Look at e-bay for pioneer elite. Alot of good deals to be had.
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  • pietro944
    pietro944 Posts: 720
    edited October 2011
    deronb1 wrote: »
    here ya go.....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039XQL44/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002KBDEGE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0XD8HG7VX3AYMKFY20XV

    .....and $202 shipped for like new....can't beat that.
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  • over50
    over50 Posts: 201
    edited October 2011
    Another vote for Accessories4less. I bought my Onkyo nr807, and have had no problems. Accessories4lessIts is at least worth looking at.
    Marantz SR 7007
    polkaudio RTi10
    polkaudio CSi A6
    polkaudio RTiA3
    B&K ST.3140 Power Amplifier
    HSU Research VTF2 MK3
    Vizio P65-C1
    Panasonic 605 blu ray
    Onkyo DS-A4 i-pod Dock
    Universal Remote
    BDI Icon 9429 TV Stand
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  • JBB
    JBB Posts: 5
    edited October 2011
    UPDATE:

    Well I was feeling a little impatient and there happened to be a deal on Amazon for the Onkyo TX-NR609 for $360 with free shipping and a 30 day return policy, so I figured I would give it a shot and see how it sounded. Something I am a little disappointed about is the lack of preouts. It should arrive this week and I'll let you guys know how it sounds after an auto setup and a manual setup.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2011
    JBB wrote: »
    UPDATE:

    Well I was feeling a little impatient and there happened to be a deal on Amazon for the Onkyo TX-NR609 for $360 with free shipping and a 30 day return policy, so I figured I would give it a shot and see how it sounded. Something I am a little disappointed about is the lack of preouts. It should arrive this week and I'll let you guys know how it sounds after an auto setup and a manual setup.

    Well be prepared to be disappointed all due to your impatience! You would not have died waiting for a deal on a better receiver that HAS preouts which is so important to be able to get a separate amplifier to give your speakers the ability to operate to their full potential.

    I have never understood the big rush to purchase SOMETHING just to say they purchased rather than waiting to get EXACTLY what they want/need.

    Do it once and do it right with more money the first time around rather than constantly buying in unsatisfactory increments just because it's a good deal.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited October 2011
    +1 to what Cathy said above. It takes discipline to wait just abit and buy something you want and can grow with. Send it back and save some coin for the next couple months. Then you can have the time to figure out what the next upgrade will be:razz:

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited October 2011
    What they said.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2011
    JBB wrote: »
    UPDATE:

    Well I was feeling a little impatient and there happened to be a deal on Amazon for the Onkyo TX-NR609 for $360 with free shipping and a 30 day return policy, so I figured I would give it a shot and see how it sounded. Something I am a little disappointed about is the lack of preouts. It should arrive this week and I'll let you guys know how it sounds after an auto setup and a manual setup.

    Excellent. Glad you found something to try. I really doubt you need external amplification for your present living arrangements. The Onkyo's are generally decent. So enjoy and I see you try it first, before you buy it, very smart. Dont get tricked, doubt you will. The THX cert. levels are something you should read about.

    RT1
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  • JBB
    JBB Posts: 5
    edited November 2011
    Alright, so I got the receiver yesterday and I was able to hook everything up without any problems. The auto config set the speaker levels a little awkwardly....L surround was at like +10 db while R surround was at -2, etc. It also had my fronts way too low and my center way too high, with both crossovers set to 40hz (so i changed them back up to 80hz as recommended). It sounded pretty good but I decided to try and balance out the levels a little more and now it sounds GREAT!! It was already pretty late so I didnt get a chance to listen to some music(will happen tonight, because its friiiiday yay), but I did throw on a few movies to listen to the action sequences and it is crazy how much of a difference you can hear between this onkyo and my old receiver.

    Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it and if you guys have any tips or recommendations for settings on this thing, please let me know.
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