What should I look for

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KingMeander
KingMeander Posts: 12
edited February 2008 in Electronics
Hi,

I would like some assistance in finding a reciever. I don't need a super powerful one, but I would like a good one to replace what I do have (a midline JVC). So, for my budget I am willing to go up to the $1000 (currently i'm looking at the Onkyo 805 for $800).

1) How important/useful is the THX certification
2) Are there certain brands or models to avoid, especially with Polk systems (I know this is more preference, but there is no involved store that I can test recievers at here).
3) The brands I've been looking at are Sherwood, Onkyo, Denon, Harman Kardon. Are there others I should look at as well?

Thanks for any help,
Steven
Center: CSi5
Fronts: RTi6
Surrounds: FXi5
Sub:PSW111
all powered by Onkyo 705.

PS3, GameCube and custom built PC all visualized on 40" Sony 1080p.
Post edited by KingMeander on
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,634
    edited February 2008
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    Welcome Steven. For the RTi line that you have (check your RTi5...no such speaker), and for $1,000, you can get a very good receiver. THX means nothing, so don't worry about that (just means they are paying for the certification or whatever it's called these days). Any of the "good" brands such as the ones you are looking will do; make sure the receiver has pre-outs in case you want to upgrade with an external amp in the future. Get a minimum of 100 WPC, and also look into the video capabilities based on your needs (HDMI connection, etc).
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    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited February 2008
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    check out Denon, Marantz, NAD and a few other's. If you have an audio store near you other than Best Buy or Circuit city.. check them out too.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • KingMeander
    KingMeander Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Ricardo, thx for the RTI5 help error, it's RTi6.

    Alright, I'll look for something with pre-amp and try to find something before I check back in.
    Center: CSi5
    Fronts: RTi6
    Surrounds: FXi5
    Sub:PSW111
    all powered by Onkyo 705.

    PS3, GameCube and custom built PC all visualized on 40" Sony 1080p.
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  • KingMeander
    KingMeander Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Alright, I think I've narrowed my search down to the Onkyo 705 and 805 (based on reviews, options and price...plus a gift certificate to crutchfield ruling out Harman Kardon). Now, the most important difference to me is that the THD on the 705 is 0.08%, while on the 805 it is 0.05%. Now how noticeable is the difference in background noise? Essentially is it worth the extra 150 in the long run?

    I guess I should add that even if there is a difference, would I notice it even on the speaker set up I have (CSi5, RTi6, FXi5).

    Thanks
    Center: CSi5
    Fronts: RTi6
    Surrounds: FXi5
    Sub:PSW111
    all powered by Onkyo 705.

    PS3, GameCube and custom built PC all visualized on 40" Sony 1080p.
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  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited February 2008
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    Absolutly has to be THX certified to sound good.

    Look into seprates also..
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,634
    edited February 2008
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    jakelm wrote: »
    Absolutly has to be THX certified to sound good.

    Are you serious? :confused:
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on Facebook
  • KingMeander
    KingMeander Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Well, I'm not really sure if this helps me make a decision. I'm sure I can google THX opinions. But, while we are on the topic is THX Ultra2 that much better than Select2?

    Still curious, opinions on the 0.03% THD difference. A guy at Crutchfield said I would never notice on my current system. Does anyone disagree or agree?
    Center: CSi5
    Fronts: RTi6
    Surrounds: FXi5
    Sub:PSW111
    all powered by Onkyo 705.

    PS3, GameCube and custom built PC all visualized on 40" Sony 1080p.
    · Share on Facebook
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited February 2008
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    Ricardo wrote: »
    Are you serious? :confused:


    No...
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on Facebook
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited February 2008
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    KingMeander wrote: »
    Well, I'm not really sure if this helps me make a decision. I'm sure I can google THX opinions. But, while we are on the topic is THX Ultra2 that much better than Select2?

    Ask how many memebers here have THX equipment. THX is a type of standard. many of us have THX certified systems without being THX certified.
    Still curious, opinions on the 0.03% THD difference. A guy at Crutchfield said I would never notice on my current system. Does anyone disagree or agree?

    Distortion that low will not be heard. The guy at crutchfield is correct. Anything under 1% THD is ok, in my book. You will never notice it on your system. Or probably not even on a system 100 times yours.
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on Facebook
  • KingMeander
    KingMeander Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Awesome, Thanks Jake and Ricardo. I think if I'm allowed (oh the days of bachelorhood) then I'm going with the 705.

    Appreciated it.
    Center: CSi5
    Fronts: RTi6
    Surrounds: FXi5
    Sub:PSW111
    all powered by Onkyo 705.

    PS3, GameCube and custom built PC all visualized on 40" Sony 1080p.
    · Share on Facebook
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited February 2008
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    KingMeander wrote: »
    Awesome, Thanks Jake and Ricardo. I think if I'm allowed (oh the days of bachelorhood) then I'm going with the 705.

    Appreciated it.

    The Onk 705 is an excellent AVR. Check out the HK's too.
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on Facebook