Some more HT receiver questions

[nsafreak]

Well if you saw my previous thread you might have an idea as to why I'm starting this one. An update of sorts, I found that not only do my rear speakers emit nothing but a loud humm but that the front speakers only the front right actually produces sound. The other two produce a test tone but no sound from other audio sources. I know the speakers work but something is definitely wrong with the receiver. I have a friend that is going to take a look at it as he has experience in repairing this sort of thing. If he can repair it then I'll just keep it. However the weird thing about the front speakers producing a test tone and no other audio has me worried that it may very well be something more complicated than a blown capacitor or something like that. So now I'm looking at other receivers. The two that I'm looking at are the Harmon Kardon AVR230 and the Onyko TXSR601. However I am concerned as I believe the Harmon Kardon has an impedance rating of 6 ohms for its speaker outputs but my speakers are rated at 8 ohms. Will this cause issues? I'm thinking that it will. I also want to know if any of you folks have personal experience with either of these receivers and what you think of them.

 

[Zim Hosein]

nsafreak, are you using a tosh-link cable or co-ax?

 

[nsafreak]

Tos-link. My MD deck has both but my DVD player only has tos-link and the same applies for my XBox and Gamecube.

EDIT: Do you mean for the future receiver (possibly) or the one I have now? If it's for the one I have now it's the RCA inputs, it's an old Dolby Pro Logic receiver specifically the Sony STR-G3. See this thread for more information on the situation.

 

[MustangSVT]

hmm when u say "test tone", is that from Receiver testing or from DVD's built in testing?

try those to narrow down the source.

wait.. on your second post, u say current receiver has only RCA inputs??

 

[nsafreak]

The source is the receiver itself. The test tone isn't really a 'tone' per se but static that rotates through all the channels.

 

[T2T III]

However I am concerned as I believe the Harmon Kardon has an impedance rating of 6 ohms for its speaker outputs but my speakers are rated at 8 ohms.

No. The H/K receiver is designed for 8 Ohm speakers. You will be fine. H/K makes some great gear. H/K is "honest" when it comes to their power output ratings. Unfortunately, Onkyo - while they make good gear, isn't quite as honest and their power output ratings are "overstated."

 

[nsafreak]

Thanks for the info Tiles2Tech.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

yep, the HK

I have the 630 myself.

Just FYI a Yamaha receiver rated 120 watts per channel was found to drive 5 channels at just 35 watts or so. It COULD drive 1 channel very well, but when you go to use them all, that changed. Yamaha didnt do anything illegal. It followed the rules. However when HK says your is 6x50 or whatever, you can believe it all at the same time. That is what we mean by being honest. Often tests come up with MORE power than they are rated. HK knows part of it's reputation depends on this. Denon, Onkyo play this game to a lesser extent, and while a given denon unit may produce 60 of 65 WPC, I dislike that it is rated at 100 or more WPC. That is deceptive.

Havent heard the 230s but they have a reputation for good sound, and I find mine far superior to the Kenwood it replaces.

Good luck!

 

[T2T III]

nsafreak,

Another thing to keep in mind regarding H/K gear. My H/K receiver, while in "stereo" mode, will drive the front two speakers as "large" even though I have them defined as "small." This "feature" is a great way to over-ride your home theater settings in the event you also listen to music in stereo. In addition to the front two speakers being driven, the sub can also play - allowing you additional bass when you listen to your two speakers in stereo.

Other receivers have varying methods in how they play "stereo." Some may keep the speaker settings as "small" and play with less bass. Some may not allow you to use the sub with "stereo" or 2-channel settings. H/K has done a fabulous job at this mode. Just make sure you do plenty of research on other receivers - before making the plunge.

 

[nsafreak]

Looks like if I have to replace my receiver it'll be with the Harmon Kardon AVR230 from what I've heard here. I've tested it out in store demos and it has a good clean sound to the speakers its hooked up to and a good amount of output. The receiver itself looks pretty slick although it will clash a little bit with the rest of my components as they are black, although that's not really that big of a deal.

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: nsafreak
Looks like if I have to replace my receiver it'll be with the Harmon Kardon AVR230 from what I've heard here. I've tested it out in store demos and it has a good clean sound to the speakers its hooked up to and a good amount of output. The receiver itself looks pretty slick although it will clash a little bit with the rest of my components as they are black, although that's not really that big of a deal.

Also, the H/K AVR-325 is being sold at "fire sale" prices for the next few days. $399 + Shipping @ Onsale.com. I'm not sure about the AVR-230, but the AVR-325 features pre-outs - should you decide to hook up an external amp down the road. Plus, the 325 features 2nd zone output where you can drive 2 speakers in a 2nd zone. Finally, the 325 doesn't have the new silver face - something that some people could really appreciate. However, I do believe the AVR-230 does have a Dolby surround option when using headphones - which the 325 doesn't have.

Enjoy!

 

[nsafreak]

Thanks for the info on the 325, main reason I'm looking at the 230 is because I can probably get a credit card from CC and put it on there and make payments on it. Depending on what my limit is if I apply I might go above the 230.

 

[nsafreak]

Hey speaking of subs has anybody seen any good deals on amplified subs as of late? I don't need anything huge as this is for a medium sized area but it'd be nice to have.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: nsafreak
Hey speaking of subs has anybody seen any good deals on amplified subs as of late? I don't need anything huge as this is for a medium sized area but it'd be nice to have.

How much you looking to pay?

 

[T2T III]

Originally posted by: nsafreak
Hey speaking of subs has anybody seen any good deals on amplified subs as of late? I don't need anything huge as this is for a medium sized area but it'd be nice to have.

Here's a pretty good one that has done O.K. for those who have purchased it:
Dayton Subwoofer

Also, you could look for a used Sony SA-WM40. Sony doesn't make it anymore, but it's also another good sub. Has a 12" driver and a 120 watt amp. For this subwoofer used, expect to pay between $100 and $120.

Now, if your budget is a bit bigger than the subs I've listed, please let me know what your budget is and I'll toss out some other recommendations.

 

[EngenZerO]

I would go for the h/k (i am a little biased though, I own a av430). Personally, go listen to both and see what you like best.