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HOME THEATE/AUDIO MEN: Recommend me a good receiver and speakers!

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I have seen all kinds of receivers in my time, and one of my absolute favorites for the $, is Rotel... I say for the $ because some are so much more than even Rotel.

if you can afford a Rotel, they are absolutely gorgeous, both in looks, and in sound.

I own a Yamaha (because I can't afford Rotel) but I love the sound of it for home theater, and it looks elegant too.

but my next purchase if I am still into HT in a few years, will be this:
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rsx1056.htm
 
Originally posted by: CraigRT
I have seen all kinds of receivers in my time, and one of my absolute favorites for the $, is Rotel... I say for the $ because some are so much more than even Rotel.

if you can afford a Rotel, they are absolutely gorgeous, both in looks, and in sound.

I own a Yamaha (because I can't afford Rotel) but I love the sound of it for home theater, and it looks elegant too.

but my next purchase if I am still into HT in a few years, will be this:
http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rsx1056.htm
Click to expand...

yea rotel is nice,
im gonna go all out when i get the money
McIntoch all the way, IMO that are they make teh best looking stuff out there, and tubes are oooo so yummy
 
Originally posted by: nsafreak
Sounds about right for I believe either a 3803 or a 2803 but I haven't been a/v shopping in a bit so I'm not sure on that for one of their lower tier models. Don't be put off by the lower tier label since their "flagship" receiver runs a few grand.
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Didn't know Best Buy sold Denon receivers...if so mostly likely it WASN'T a 3803 or 2803 simply due to the fact that they are discontinued (they're currently on the 05 models now) and the 3803/2803 used to retail for a lot more...I believe the 2803 used to retail for $700-$800 and the $3803 for $1000-$1100.

warcrow, if you want cheap (but good) speakers i suggest checking out brands like pinnacle, axiom, etc.

don't worry about the home theater stuff...just get something simple and within your budget for right now...it will be an upgrade from what you currently have (which I assume is nothing). It all starts out cheap in the beginning and then you'll see 🙂 I started out years ago with a simple sony all-in-one HT setup (bought from best buy) and now the cost of just one of my speakers is more than the cost of that entire sony setup back then. Just to put it in perspective, my headphones cost more than your budget 😛
 
BB does not carry Denon. Don't know what you saw, but unless they started carrying Denon today, that's not what it was.
Denons usually have a lot of features for the money. I don't know what someone was thinking recommending the 3805...that's a 1000 buck receiver.

If you are limiting yourself to 500 bucks, and I assume that's what you want to spend on just the receiver, then the Yamaha is the best thing BB sells by far.

Others in that price range are pretty limited for my tastes..actually they are non-existent, but you said you liked the sound of the one you heard.

You may want to try a low end Harmon Kardon. They are very nice for the money.

Sony's, the cheap Pioneers, Kenwoods, pretty much anything under 500 bucks suck. But again, that's using MY ears....if you liked what you heard, then you have a lot of choices.
Of all the ones I've seen mentioned, I'd stay away from Sony most of all. They are pitiful, and notorious for not putting out anywhere near their rated power. Kenwoods are the same way.

You may be perfectly with one of those Yamaha "home theatre in a box" deals. Take a listen to one and see what you think.
 
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: Anubis
Originally posted by: KLin
Text

I say go all out and get that bad boy :evil:
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jeasus, thats overkill

just buy a 2000$ receiver and a seperat amp, it woudl cost less and sound just as good
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correction 2000$ pre-amp. The pre section of a 2000 receiver is pretty poor in comparison.
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You are crazy if you think that. Several companies have flagship receivers that cost in the 2000's. They also make separate preamps, that are pretty much that same receiver without the amp section.

There won't be much difference in the preamp section of a $2k receiver vs. a $2k pre/pro. There are a few exceptions, but you have to exceed 2k by a few hundred to get there.

Basically, you have to spend 3k or more in separates to hang with a 2-2500 buck receiver.

BTW, if anyone is thinking about spending 2500 for a pre/pro, the Cary Audio Cinema 6 is pretty much unmatched at that price as far as sound goes. Others have more tweakability (B&K, Rotel) or features, but sound-wise, I've never heard anything that can beat the Cary, and I've heard many folks say the same.

 
Originally posted by: KLin
Text

I say go all out and get that bad boy :evil:
Click to expand...

That's a nice receiver. The 5805 let's you run two totally independent 5.1 setups AT ONCE. Pretty sweet but I don't think I'd buy it...cost isn't the issue, I'm more of a seperates guy like this preamp paired with this amp would be a very good combination.
 
Originally posted by: DPmaster
Originally posted by: KLin
Text

I say go all out and get that bad boy :evil:
Click to expand...

That's a nice receiver. The 5805 let's you run two totally independent 5.1 setups AT ONCE. Pretty sweet but I don't think I'd buy it...cost isn't the issue, I'm more of a seperates guy like this preamp paired with this amp would be a very good combination.
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You'd be crazy to get that. You could smoke that with separates. I mean REALLY smoke it. 6 grand for just a receiver?

 
i'd vote for a HTIB with a decent receiver (onkyo and yamaha come to mind) and then a speaker upgrade when you get the cash.

i'm suprised nobody has mentioned the Panasonic XR digital amps. Have one and love it - very bright and extremely detailed and crisp, especially with digital sources.

Speaker wise, I would look at JBL, Klipsch, and Athena. All are at BB so you can do a quasi comparison in BB's mediocre 'listening room'. If you go early you might beat the car audio crowd and should have a fairly quiet background to listen with.

It's already been mentioned, but the Dayton 10" powered sub can be had for around $100 and can keep up with subs costing two to three times as much - it's a great entry level sub.

Regardless, bring your own CD and get somebody to throw it in - that way you can compare speakers with music you're familiar with. It really helps you to decide which speakers sounds best to YOU (and speakers are about the most subjective type of purchase I can think of).

Good luck and have fun - this stuff gets addicting fast...

---

Panny XR25
Athena AS-F2 mains
Jensen tower surrounds (they were free)
Dayton sub
 
warcrow,

I suggest this

1. Onkyo TXSR501 receiver = ~$200
2. Axiom M3ti speakers = $275

This would be a VERY competent system for what you need. The receiver will allow you to upgrade to a 6.1 system later on if you want to, and the speakers are excellent for the price. Save up and get a sub later on. You'd be surprised how well a sub enhances movie watching, music, etc.
 
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
BB does not carry Denon. Don't know what you saw, but unless they started carrying Denon today, that's not what it was.
Denons usually have a lot of features for the money. I don't know what someone was thinking recommending the 3805...that's a 1000 buck receiver.

If you are limiting yourself to 500 bucks, and I assume that's what you want to spend on just the receiver, then the Yamaha is the best thing BB sells by far.

Others in that price range are pretty limited for my tastes..actually they are non-existent, but you said you liked the sound of the one you heard.

You may want to try a low end Harmon Kardon. They are very nice for the money.

Sony's, the cheap Pioneers, Kenwoods, pretty much anything under 500 bucks suck. But again, that's using MY ears....if you liked what you heard, then you have a lot of choices.
Of all the ones I've seen mentioned, I'd stay away from Sony most of all. They are pitiful, and notorious for not putting out anywhere near their rated power. Kenwoods are the same way.

You may be perfectly with one of those Yamaha "home theatre in a box" deals. Take a listen to one and see what you think.
Click to expand...

$500 is the total cost of everything. Receiver + 2 speakers.
 
I have a yamaha receiver... the HTR-5760, I have tried all the mid range ones (up to denon 1k receivers 3803) and I liked the yamaha more than any of them.

The yammy should run in the 350 range and the best thing about it is the 7.1 (even if you dont want it now, it s nice to know its there in the future), it also has ypao and dolby prologic IIx (the only receiver that had it under 1k line of receivers, really is a very important feature to have for 7.1 setups, this is not regular dolby prologic II, the "X" makes it the newer version)
 
I'd recomend a Panny XR-50 great little receaver for the money and competes well with most receavers below 500.

otherwise you can't go wrong with denon, onkyo, or, HK
 
Originally posted by: warcrow
$500 is the total cost of everything. Receiver + 2 speakers.
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Then go with a home theatre in a box deal. You already said you liked the sound of a low buck receiver and low buck speakers.

You'll love a HTIAB.

That Onkyo system that Vi_Edit linked to would be great for the money....it would blow you away for less than 500 bucks.



 
A receiver is one of those things you want to go ahead and spend a fair amount of money on. You may not want 5.1 now, and you may not be getting great speakers now, but receivers are generally built to last and you're not going to want to buy another one when you decide to upgrade(and yes, you will upgrade, A/V is addictive). They are the core of your A/V setup.

They don't sell Denon at BB(I used to work for BB in audio so unless it's changed in the last year they don't have that brand regularly.)

Denon is however a great brand. If at BB, buy Yamaha, if at CC, buy HK or Onkyo. Stay away Sony in audio, period. Pioneer is alright once you start spending some serious money(Pioneer Elite), but it's not likely you're wanting to drop $1000 on a receiver, and for that much money you can get something better in the above mentioned brands anyways.

Another thing to look at with receivers is inputs. Figure out everything you want running out of your speakers and make sure the receiver has enough inputs. Consider a few extra inputs because you may outgrow it, lots of people do(I have).

As far as speakers are concerned you're going to hear different things from different people. It all depends on your ears, your listening environment and what you'll be listening to. At BB the JBLs are ok. Generally they'll have a sale on them at least once a month and you can pick up a pair of JBLs on the cheap. I'm sure most people hear are going to say that JBL home sucks, but they don't. They are a great speaker for the money. At CC I'd go Polk. A little bit higher in price, but still sound good. Klipsche are good as well, but as has been mentioned before they have a different sound since they use a horn(you may like them more, all depends on your taste).

Another thing to mention is to not go cheap on speaker wire. I'll probably catch some flack for this, but CABLE QUALITY DOES MATTER when it comes to speaker wire. You don't have to drop $40 on a 50' spool of monster cable, but don't get the cheap 24ga wire either. 16ga is the best for basic setups, IMHO.

If you're shopping at BB I'd say get a Yamaha receiver and a pair of JBL or Klipsche bookshelves. CC get an HK and a pair of Polk bookshelves.

But just like I said earlier this is completely opinion based. Everything sounds different to everyone else so make sure you test before you buy. Bring in your own CDs and/or DVDs and listen.

ETA: If you go the HTIB route make sure you're getting an actual receiver and actual speakers. Most HTIB setups are complete sh!t. The Onkyo setup is legit however. I have an Onkyo receiver and speakers. Receiver is great, I love it. Speakers are fine for me now(I'm in an apartment).

I long for the day when I can get a Yamaha RXZ9 and a 6.1 speaker setup worthy of being powered buy it.
 
Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Originally posted by: warcrow
$500 is the total cost of everything. Receiver + 2 speakers.
Click to expand...
Then go with a home theatre in a box deal. You already said you liked the sound of a low buck receiver and low buck speakers.

You'll love a HTIAB.

That Onkyo system that Vi_Edit linked to would be great for the money....it would blow you away for less than 500 bucks.
Click to expand...

Seems like a good deal, especially with the recommendations from you guys. Thanks!
 
Originally posted by: jtusa4
A receiver is one of those things you want to go ahead and spend a fair amount of money on. You may not want 5.1 now, and you may not be getting great speakers now, but receivers are generally built to last and you're not going to want to buy another one when you decide to upgrade(and yes, you will upgrade, A/V is addictive). They are the core of your A/V setup.

They don't sell Denon at BB(I used to work for BB in audio so unless it's changed in the last year they don't have that brand regularly.)

Denon is however a great brand. If at BB, buy Yamaha, if at CC, buy HK or Onkyo. Stay away Sony in audio, period. Pioneer is alright once you start spending some serious money(Pioneer Elite), but it's not likely you're wanting to drop $1000 on a receiver, and for that much money you can get something better in the above mentioned brands anyways.

Another thing to look at with receivers is inputs. Figure out everything you want running out of your speakers and make sure the receiver has enough inputs. Consider a few extra inputs because you may outgrow it, lots of people do(I have).

As far as speakers are concerned you're going to hear different things from different people. It all depends on your ears, your listening environment and what you'll be listening to. At BB the JBLs are ok. Generally they'll have a sale on them at least once a month and you can pick up a pair of JBLs on the cheap. I'm sure most people hear are going to say that JBL home sucks, but they don't. They are a great speaker for the money. At CC I'd go Polk. A little bit higher in price, but still sound good. Klipsche are good as well, but as has been mentioned before they have a different sound since they use a horn(you may like them more, all depends on your taste).

Another thing to mention is to not go cheap on speaker wire. I'll probably catch some flack for this, but CABLE QUALITY DOES MATTER when it comes to speaker wire. You don't have to drop $40 on a 50' spool of monster cable, but don't get the cheap 24ga wire either. 16ga is the best for basic setups, IMHO.

If you're shopping at BB I'd say get a Yamaha receiver and a pair of JBL or Klipsche bookshelves. CC get an HK and a pair of Polk bookshelves.

But just like I said earlier this is completely opinion based. Everything sounds different to everyone else so make sure you test before you buy. Bring in your own CDs and/or DVDs and listen.

ETA: If you go the HTIB route make sure you're getting an actual receiver and actual speakers. Most HTIB setups are complete sh!t. The Onkyo setup is legit however. I have an Onkyo receiver and speakers. Receiver is great, I love it. Speakers are fine for me now(I'm in an apartment).

I long for the day when I can get a Yamaha RXZ9 and a 6.1 speaker setup worthy of being powered buy it.
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Great advise, THANKS! :beer:
 
Insofar as speaker wire is concerned you don't even have to buy it at BB, CC or any audio store. Home Depot sells a good quality 14 gauge speaker wire at $0.27 a foot. Seeing the condo that you have I would imagine that even if you went with a 5 speaker setup the most you'd be paying would be about $20.
 
Originally posted by: nsafreak
Insofar as speaker wire is concerned you don't even have to buy it at BB, CC or any audio store. Home Depot sells a good quality 14 gauge speaker wire at $0.27 a foot. Seeing the condo that you have I would imagine that even if you went with a 5 speaker setup the most you'd be paying would be about $20.
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hrm...
 
Regarding speaker wire:

It isn't the "quality" of the wire, it's whether the wire is large enough to carry the current you're trying to push through it.

16 gauge is usually big enough, and if you want some extra insurance, go 14 gauge.

Think of it this way: You can only force so much water through a garden hose...no matter how much pressure you push it with.
So at some point, if you want to pump more water, you'll have to get a larger diameter hose.

That, in an oversimplified way, is exactly what you're trying to do with speaker wire.

The more power you have, the bigger wire you need. Note: This assumes that all the different sizes of wire are within the specified resistance specs for your audio components.
And the spools you get at Home Depot or Lowes certainly are.

Lots of people claim they can "hear" the difference in expensive speaker wire and the cheap....but none of them can when you put the blindfolds on and they don't know what they're listening to.
Yet, they'll still argue 'til they're blue in the face about how much better the expensive wire is.

Open up any stereo component, cheap or ultra-expensive and look at what kind of wire is inside....plain old copper wire.
That's also what's inside your speakers running to each driver.

Example: My speakers are just under 5 feet tall, and the speaker wires connect at the bottom. The crossover is just inside, and the drivers are at the top. So the wires run from the crossover at the bottom, to the drivers at the top. Probably 4 or so feet of wire.....guess what, it is plain old copper wire. It's the right diameter, but nothing special.
Keep in mind, these are 1100 each speakers, not ultra high end, but better than anything BB or CC sells for sure.
Yet there are many people that will tell me that I need expensive cables to run between my amp and speakers.
Even though on the other side of both places where that speaker wire will connect lies plain old wire.
Don't buy the hype, that's all it is.

 
Here's all you need to know about speaker wire
The DC resistance of a typical 8-ohm speaker system is about 7 ohms. This resistance is due to the wire in the woofer voice coil. It may be a total shock to some people to know that a typical 8-ohm four layer woofer voice coil contains about 120 feet of number 28 solid copper wire. This wire is all in the circuit with the speaker system hookup wire. It's also much longer than a normal run of hookup wire from the amplifier to the speaker. Even a mid range speaker can have about 30 feet of number 33 solid copper wire and a tweeter can have 20 feet of number 35 solid copper wire
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Originally posted by: vi_edit
Here's a full surround package:

http://www.shoponkyo.com/catal...&p=i&ext_war=1
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Gonna resurrect this thread for a follow-up question. Would it be a better setup to buy the 770 HTIB as a unit and be done with it, or buy the refurb SR502 receiver alone and pair it with these Fluance speakers that everyone seems to rave about? End price will end up being about the same, and I don't care about not having a subwoofer, as I can always purchase it later on if need be...
 
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