picked a receiver..

[...Whitepower...]

Any other options with these features in this pricepoint you might want to recommend?

_a4s2j7uT3E

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158STDN840/Sony-STR-DN840.html?search=Sony+STR+DN840&osp=sony+str-dn840&tp=179

Amazon.com: Sony STR-DN840 7.2 Channel 1050-Watt A/V Receiver (Black): Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZcROPVGVL.@@AMEPARAM@@31ZcROPVGVL


http://aamstatic.nl/photos/prs/136/98/178507600/sony-str-dn840.jpg

http://www.whathifi.com/sites/whathifi.com/files/images/sony_str-dn1040_rear_.jpg

[Sea Six]

picked a receiver




That's odd.

I would have figured you for a tight end.






:p

[Datawiz]

That's odd.

I would have figured you for a tight end.






:p

Great minds...

I was about to ask if he was the pitcher.

[Ruffy]

What speakers do you have?

[...Whitepower...]

Boston Acoustics MCS 130 Home Theater Speaker System (Midnight) 5 compact speakers and a powered subwoofer at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Mobile/App/Product/Item/Overview.aspx?i=065MCS130B&tp=184)

[Datawiz]

Boston Acoustics MCS 130 Home Theater Speaker System (Midnight) 5 compact speakers and a powered subwoofer at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Mobile/App/Product/Item/Overview.aspx?i=065MCS130B&tp=184)

Consider B&W when you really want to rock and roll. :seasix:

[Fastguy]

I like the S&W.

http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/bgprod/8-SW-812000.jpg

[simpleman68]

Boston Acoustics MCS 130 Home Theater Speaker System (Midnight) 5 compact speakers and a powered subwoofer at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Mobile/App/Product/Item/Overview.aspx?i=065MCS130B&tp=184)

BA makes pretty good HTIB stuff and should do just fine for your movie room.
But damn.... 88 dB sensitivity? Those little bitches are power hungry.

Most mid-fi AVRs will do the trick at that price point. Denon, Onkyo, Marantz etc.
I don't think you'll find any huge disparities in the way of reviews. Sony tends to color the sound in the mid-bass range. Always done that for some reason but unless you're a 2 channel stereo purist, you'll be fine.

The big difference is in layout and interface. Denon usually gets a lot of fire for poor menu layout although I think they've made large improvements in the last couple years.
Scott

[Ruffy]

But damn.... 88 dB sensitivity? Those little bitches are power hungry.

Always done that for some reason but unless you're a 2 channel stereo purist, you'll be fine.


It is 95 watts powering two channels and I'm not sure what powering all 5 would do to its output. The 88db impedence makes me think that the sound will get distorted at higher listening volumes with any integrated unit at this price. It took some digging but I could verify they are 8 ohm. If they were 4 ohm, I definitely wouldn't get the Sony. Just keep the listening volume to "reasonable" and it'll be fine :D

I wasn't a 2-channel purist until I got pissed off by never getting surround systems to sound the way I wanted.

[73sbVert]

Never been a fan of Sony stuff. :ack:

I have a nice Denon 7.1 powering a set of JBL speakers (going to replace the fronts/center with this soon)
Amazon.com: Klipsch SB 120 TV Sound System with Bluetooth Wireless Technology (Black): Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31-4sfg1vML.@@AMEPARAM@@31-4sfg1vML

[snide]

Fail. Not enough HDMI ports.

[simpleman68]

It is 95 watts powering two channels and I'm not sure what powering all 5 would do to its output. The 88db impedence makes me think that the sound will get distorted at higher listening volumes with any integrated unit at this price. It took some digging but I could verify they are 8 ohm. If they were 4 ohm, I definitely wouldn't get the Sony. Just keep the listening volume to "reasonable" and it'll be fine :D

I wasn't a 2-channel purist until I got pissed off by never getting surround systems to sound the way I wanted.

Yeah, all channels driven is a spec you don't typically see until you're spending $2k + on amps.

HTIB is fine for most folks and is a good bang for the budget.
My issue is, if you can spend a bit more and get infinitely better sound, why not?
I can understand some folks just don't care.

On the other hand, I can't understand folks ratcheting up the budget $20k + to get a speaker that sounds MAYBE 3-5% better. :Jeff '79:

I started out an old school 2 channel stereo guy though. Now you've got audio snobs making a valid argument for mono being the truer sound format. :shots:
Scott

[Ruffy]

Yeah, all channels driven is a spec you don't typically see until you're spending $2k + on amps.

HTIB is fine for most folks and is a good bang for the budget.
My issue is, if you can spend a bit more and get infinitely better sound, why not?
I can understand some folks just don't care.

On the other hand, I can't understand folks ratcheting up the budget $20k + to get a speaker that sounds MAYBE 3-5% better. :Jeff '79:

I started out an old school 2 channel stereo guy though. Now you've got audio snobs making a valid argument for mono being the truer sound format. :shots:
Scott

They say you're supposed to put the majority of your money into the speakers. It didn't work out that way for me. They are actually the least expensive component of my 2-channel stereo. Of course, they are 87db and 4Ω so they need a lot of high quality juice. They also need a high quality, fast/sealed, subwoofer because they only go down to 50hz.

I would seriously upgrade my 2 channel amp (500wpc all channels driven into 4Ω) for a couple 1000w monoblocks if I had the money before upgrading the speakers. The only problem is that they the speakers are dipole and very sensitive to position. It takes me a week or two to get them where I want and the sweet spot is only about as wide as my head.

[Ruffy]

Why switch through the receiver? I run everything through the TV and send the sound to the receiver via optical.

That said, I don't have a ton of sources so the 3 inputs on my TV are enough.

You could just run component video to the tv but they are not putting nearly as many component vid inputs as they are HDMI

[Cybercowboy]

Why switch through the receiver? I run everything through the TV and send the sound to the receiver via optical.

That said, I don't have a ton of sources so the 3 inputs on my TV are enough.

I could say something like "2010 called and they want their home theater recommendations back" but I won't go there.

[Cybercowboy]

You can, I know I'm out of touch with "the new way" of doing things. :lol:

Although the way you described is indeed perfectly valid and works great for many different scenarios. :cert:

It's just once you get newer stuff, you realize the cluster of crap you had before really did pretty much suck. :lol:

I literally would get a little hammered and have to really concentrate on how to route X signal through Y input in order to, say, get audio to play the rare times I'd turn on my HD DVD player. Usually in the dark living room holding a glass of wine, with three other people talking and wondering why I can't get sound.

Oh, I'd always get it going, but with HDMI switching at the receiver level, it's something you can just go ahead and drink away - you'll do it on accident under the worst case scenario!

[Cybercowboy]

Is it though? I run the inputs to the TV and use it to switch sources. Why bother doing it through the receiver? :D

If you have a lot of sources, yeah, my way sucks azz (because you need an HDMI switch or something)...but I have a HTPC, my XBox 360, and...that's it for HDMI unless we plug in a tablet or something.

Switching audio inputs independent of video sources sucks. You don't realize it until you get that "ah-ha" moment.

[American Made]

I like old school PA amps. No blue tooth, no wifi though. I use one of these for 2 instruments in a music room.

Behringer EP4000 EUROPOWER Power Amp | Musician's Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/behringer-ep4000-europower-power-amp)

[simpleman68]

I like old school PA amps. No blue tooth, no wifi though. I use one of these for 2 instruments in a music room.

Behringer EP4000 EUROPOWER Power Amp | Musician's Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/behringer-ep4000-europower-power-amp)

Behringer makes very solid amps for areas that require big sound/live music or DJing.

I've also had great luck with the newer Crown amps. Just wouldn't run them in a stereo-music or home theater environment; other than to power subs.
Scott

[Admiral Blue]

:seasix: Congrats. I like the all-business look.

I am just about done with the lower-level remodel and picked up a Marantz SR5008. BUT, I still have the Sony receiver that I bought 22 years ago. :yesnod:

[...Whitepower...]

:seasix: Congrats. I like the all-business look.

I am just about done with the lower-level remodel and picked up a Marantz SR5008. BUT, I still have the Sony receiver that I bought 22 years ago. :yesnod:

Haven't ordered it yet.. So many options out there.

I'm also looking at this now. Yamaha RX-V577 7.2-channel home theater receiver with Wi-Fi® and Apple AirPlay® at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RXV577/Yamaha-RX-V577.html?tp=179)

http://content.abt.com/image.php/3_RX-V577BL.jpg?image=/images/products/BDP_Images/3_RX-V577BL.jpg&canvas=1&quality=100&min_w=450&min_h=320&ck=309

http://sklep.rms.pl/img/product_media/13001-14000/yamaha_rx_v577_back.jpg

[Admiral Blue]

Ah, I see. Yes, there are. I was close to ordering the Yamaha 675. In all reality, it probably would have been fine. I don't know if I'll be able to tell the difference between that and the Marantz but I'll bet you and Scott can!

[Ruffy]

The Behringer looks interesting.

8Ω per channel-550W
4Ω per channel-950W
2Ω per channel-1250W

It is a class H amp and weighs 37lbs. My class A/B amp is only rated at half the power, weighs twice as much and isn't stable at 2Ω.

However, THD for the Behringer is 1% vs 0.1% and frequency response is at -10db below rated power whereas mine is less than <0.5db.

I'd be interested in finding out if I could actually hear a difference.

[simpleman68]

I'd be absolutely shocked if any member on here could tell the difference between any two well-designed amplifiers (which is almost anything from a name brand) at output levels below clipping.

Within amps of similar design/cost I'd agree.

I have noticed substantial differences between 3 in differing price brackets.

Crown - plenty of power for bass but mids were harsh and forward/bright

Emotiva - good power for bass and highs were clean but sounded flat and with little head room. Still a significant improvement over the Crown even for movies although the differences shine with music.

Parasound - (orig John Curl design)
Significantly cleaner sound with smoother, more defined highs and vastly better head room. Its almost like switching from a home recorded cd to a Mofi ultradisc.

I think if you have well designed speakers, properly wired and quality source material, you really can hear the differences between amps that are only 20% different in price than the other.

Where I try to be is maximizing performance without going broke.
I'm running Paradigm speakers which are only a small step over mid-fi and very reasonably priced.

I'd have to spend $2k more per pair to hear a substantial difference (to me) in a better speaker. Not worth it to my ears and budget. That is always the key to this gig; what sounds good to your ears and wallet?
Hell, you can spend $2k on a power cord. :rofl:
Scott

[simpleman68]

The Behringer looks interesting.

8Ω per channel-550W
4Ω per channel-950W
2Ω per channel-1250W

It is a class H amp and weighs 37lbs. My class A/B amp is only rated at half the power, weighs twice as much and isn't stable at 2Ω.

However, THD for the Behringer is 1% vs 0.1% and frequency response is at -10db below rated power whereas mine is less than <0.5db.

I'd be interested in finding out if I could actually hear a difference.

Yes you would be able to tell a difference from 500Hz + with those THD specs.
But, the Behringer would probably do very well powering a sub or mid-bass drivers.
Scott

[mrvette]

My old McIntosh setup had 4 12" woofers, PER CHANNEL, 400 watts RMS of Mac watts driving it, a dedicated 20 amp AC line feeding the amp alone....

I had sound clean down to DC, the lo note of the pipe organ on Space Odyssey 2001 was very clear, and not doubled.....no 'sub woofer/kicker' needed.....

that is what was used to make those famous Maxell tape commercials, years ago, the long haired hippy in the lounge chair with his hair all blown back....

been a while.....:rofl::rofl::cert:

[Ruffy]

0
I'd have to spend $2k more per pair to hear a substantial difference (to me) in a better speaker. Not worth it to my ears and budget. That is always the key to this gig; what sounds good to your ears and wallet?
Scott

Or go a different design. My Magnepan MMGs sound better (to me) at $599 with my other equipment than any other speaker I have heard. Disclaimer: I haven't heard any speakers over $5k and I haven't directly compared any other speakers with the same setup with the same acoustics.

Yes you would be able to tell a difference from 500Hz + with those THD specs.
But, the Behringer would probably do very well powering a sub or mid-bass drivers.
Scott

My sub is powered by a 125w A/B amp.

Here's my rig...pretty small. For transport/players, I basically only use lossless wav/flac files or stream online media through my Sonos which the DAC decodes and sends to the amp

Magnepan MMGs
Emotiva XPA-2 amp
Rel T5 "Sub-Bass System"
Grace Design M902 DAC/pre-amp
Blue Jeans cables

[simpleman68]

Or go a different design. My Magnepan MMGs sound better (to me) at $599 with my other equipment than any other speaker I have heard. Disclaimer: I haven't heard any speakers over $5k and I haven't directly compared any other speakers with the same setup with the same acoustics.



My sub is powered by a 125w A/B amp.

Here's my rig...pretty small. For transport/players, I basically only use lossless wav/flac files or stream online media through my Sonos which the DAC decodes and sends to the amp

Magnepan MMGs
Emotiva XPA-2 amp
Rel T5 "Sub-Bass System"
Grace Design M902 DAC/pre-amp
Blue Jeans cables

Sounds like an excellent upper mid-fi setup and my idea of a great performance:buck ratio.

I have never auditioned the Maggies but have always read great reviews.
I guess part of me assumed they were similar to Martin Logans in having smooth highs and mids.

I'll have to check them out. After listening to my buddy's MLs (hooked up to Krell amp and SACD)
I didn't care for the matching of the sub with the e-stat panels.
Seemed like there was a "gap" in the mid-bass area. Like the bass was a bit heavy/boomy and the mids/highs were almost artificially smooth.

I'm running the Emotiva XPA-3 for L-C-R and it has great power, is very efficient (hardly gets warm after a long/loud movie) but it I was disappointed with its lack of head room.
It has clarity but not anywhere near as good as that 10+ yr old Parasound.
But, not bad for half the price, especially for HT :dance:

Scott

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e28/simpleman68/Home%20Theater/20140501_094447_zps1zvizkfw.jpg

[...Whitepower...]

What's the concensus on refurbed receivers?

Stay away or are they ok?

[simpleman68]

What's the concensus on refurbed receivers?

Stay away or are they ok?

I've never bought a refurb AVR but I have bought plenty of other refurb'd electronics and am usually happy if it is done by the manufacturer.
The way I see it is that it has been tested/inspected twice.

You can also get some great deals on AVS forums and Audiogon.
Typically, you'll see equipment used a few years and very well cared for going for 40-50 cents on the dollar.
Scott

[Y2Kvert4me]

What's the concensus on refurbed receivers?

Stay away or are they ok?If it's sold with full mfr. warranty, it's hard to go wrong. You know the item been evaluated and tested.

I've had better luck with refurb (electronics) than new stuff. :yesnod:

[Craig]

...BUT, I still have the Sony receiver that I bought 22 years ago. :yesnod:

I too have a twenty plus year old Sony, an ES. It's been repaired at the Sony Service center three times, and now the remote volume control no longer works. I no longer have a service center local so if it breaks again it's going in the trash.

[...Whitepower...]

Changed my mind. Saw this at HHGregg and was digging it.

They had it for $550 and amazon has it for $400 (new).

Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-V675 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver with Airplay: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Fis0kYbvL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Fis0kYbvL

http://www.avland.co.uk/aasp/yamaha/1320/rxv675/rxv675lrg.jpg

[Ruffy]

Sounds like an excellent upper mid-fi setup and my idea of a great performance:buck ratio.

It is the best I could do for $4000. I had the M902 first and was using it for its original purpose (headphone amp) for my Sennheiser HD580 and AKG K701 headphones.

I have never auditioned the Maggies but have always read great reviews.
I guess part of me assumed they were similar to Martin Logans in having smooth highs and mids.

I'll have to check them out. After listening to my buddy's MLs (hooked up to Krell amp and SACD)
I didn't care for the matching of the sub with the e-stat panels.
Seemed like there was a "gap" in the mid-bass area. Like the bass was a bit heavy/boomy and the mids/highs were almost artificially smooth.

I didn't like the MLs for the same reason. Since there are no moving parts to cause a delay between receiving the signal and producing the sound like traditional speakers, you have to have a very fast low end driver. I don't think ML got it quite right and makes the sound muddy. The Rel works really well with the Maggies. It takes a long time to get the crossover and volume dialed in and I wouldn't use it for home theater but it works great for music.


I'm running the Emotiva XPA-3 for L-C-R and it has great power, is very efficient (hardly gets warm after a long/loud movie) but it I was disappointed with its lack of head room.
It has clarity but not anywhere near as good as that 10+ yr old Parasound.
But, not bad for half the price, especially for HT :dance:

Maggies aren't known for great dynamic range in the first place. I would really like to try Emotiva's XPR-1 (1750wpc) to really get them going but installing dedicated 20 amp circuits and $3000 is a lot for a "trying" something. Hell, my house is only 100 amp service.

[Ruffy]

Changed my mind. Saw this at HHGregg and was digging it.

They had it for $550 and amazon has it for $400 (new).

Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-V675 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver with Airplay: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V675-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B00B981F1U)

http://www.avland.co.uk/aasp/yamaha/1320/rxv675/rxv675lrg.jpg

I like it:seasix:

[...Whitepower...]

I like it:seasix:

I bought it. Best Buy had it for $550 but price matched my amazon listing at $399. :seasix:

After tax i was $425 out the door. Now i need a new HDTV..lol

This shit just snowballs doesn't it.

[Ruffy]

I bought it. Best Buy had it for $550 but price matched my amazon listing at $399. :seasix:

After tax i was $425 out the door. Now i need a new HDTV..lol

This shit just snowballs doesn't it.

Tell me about it. It wouldn't be so bad if I only had one or two interests. Shit ain't cheap

[simpleman68]

Tell me about it. It wouldn't be so bad if I only had one or two interests. Shit ain't cheap

Damn.... sounds like my life :Jeff '79:

We definitely gotta have a beer one of these days. :datawiz:
Scott

[Ruffy]

Damn.... sounds like my life :Jeff '79:

We definitely gotta have a beer one of these days. :datawiz:
Scott

Next time I visit the parents in Delaware, I'll let you know.

There's a better chance of me hitting the East Coast than you (or anyone else) coming to Iowa. :leaving:

[simpleman68]

Next time I visit the parents in Delaware, I'll let you know.

There's a better chance of me hitting the East Coast than you (or anyone else) coming to Iowa. :leaving:

Yeah man :yesnod: I can hit the DE border in 1.25 hrs from my doorstep. (non rush hour of course)
Scott

[Ruffy]

Yeah man :yesnod: I can hit the DE border in 1.25 hrs from my doorstep. (non rush hour of course)
Scott

F'ing Blue Route.

I don't miss traffic. Worst I get is being stuck behind a farm tractor that is 20 feet wide.