Upgrading from Onkyo 760 setup

[MrPabulum]

So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Nohr]

22 gauge is pretty thin, especially if it's a long run. Consult the Speaker Wire Table for info. It certainly wouldn't hurt anything to get thicker wire. You'll need it if/when you upgrade your speakers anyway.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

On the speakers you have now... youll probably notice a small difference with better speaker wire. Better speakers would show a bigger difference. The wire that comes with that onkyo system is tiny crap.

I like the Infinity speakers quite a bit, I have a Onkyo 602 along with Primus 250 Floor standing speakers, Primus 160 Bookshelfs, and the Primus C25 center channel.

If your going to upgrade what I would do is get the Primus Theater Pack. Vann's has a nice deal on that package... the Speakers alone are normally $399, you get the speakers, a $300 sub and it's all shipped free...

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/...73773&PID=361116&SID=1391-0-0-0-2k5g7s

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: Nohr
22 gauge is pretty thin, especially if it's a long run. Consult the Speaker Wire Table for info. It certainly wouldn't hurt anything to get thicker wire. You'll need it if/when you upgrade your speakers anyway.

Sweet link, thanks.

 

[imported_goku]

Just install heaver guage wire, I've got like 10 or 12 guage wire for my speaker setup and I don't regret it. 1. I can rule out the problems being with the wire and 2. If I get higher end speakers, it won't be a problem. If it doesn't improve then get a new system which will benefit from the new wires anyway...

 

[MrPabulum]

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

On the speakers you have now... youll probably notice a small difference with better speaker wire. Better speakers would show a bigger difference. The wire that comes with that onkyo system is tiny crap.

I like the Infinity speakers quite a bit, I have a Onkyo 602 along with Primus 250 Floor standing speakers, Primus 160 Bookshelfs, and the Primus C25 center channel.

If your going to upgrade what I would do is get the Primus Theater Pack. Vann's has a nice deal on that package... the Speakers alone are normally $399, you get the speakers, a $300 sub and it's all shipped free...

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/...73773&PID=361116&SID=1391-0-0-0-2k5g7s

I saw those, and was quite tempted to purchase them. Would the Primus 150s/160s for front and 140s for the surround be an improvement? I'm less interested in how loud they can get, but rather sound definition and clarity. And if the 140s do as good a job as the 150s...their size isn't that important.

Forgive my ignorance, but would I see a noticeable improvement in movies? I know the Infinity's rock musically, but I currently do about 65 movie/35 music on my Onkyos...

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

On the speakers you have now... youll probably notice a small difference with better speaker wire. Better speakers would show a bigger difference. The wire that comes with that onkyo system is tiny crap.

I like the Infinity speakers quite a bit, I have a Onkyo 602 along with Primus 250 Floor standing speakers, Primus 160 Bookshelfs, and the Primus C25 center channel.

If your going to upgrade what I would do is get the Primus Theater Pack. Vann's has a nice deal on that package... the Speakers alone are normally $399, you get the speakers, a $300 sub and it's all shipped free...

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/...73773&PID=361116&SID=1391-0-0-0-2k5g7s

I saw those, and was quite tempted to purchase them. Would the Primus 150s/160s for front and 140s for the surround be an improvement? I'm less interested in how loud they can get, but rather sound definition and clarity. And if the 140s do as good a job as the 150s...their size isn't that important.

Forgive my ignorance, but would I see a noticeable improvement in movies? I know the Infinity's rock musically, but I currently do about 65 movie/35 music on my Onkyos...

It should be an improvement all around. The 150/160s in the front will just give you a bit better midrange since youll have something larger then a 4" speaker.

 

[MrPabulum]

Anyone think 150s/160s be worth the expense (about $44) over the 140s? Would it work with the Onkyo R510 (which bears a very close resemblance to the Onkyo 502/503, but apparently has greater power per channel)? Nothing on Onkyo's support site indicates that they feature bi-amps, which the 140s-160s seem to support.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
Anyone think 150s/160s be worth the expense (about $44) over the 140s? Would it work with the Onkyo R510 (which bears a very close resemblance to the Onkyo 502/503, but apparently has greater power per channel)? Nothing on Onkyo's support site indicates that they feature bi-amps, which the 140s-160s seem to support.

Really only you can decide that. There will be a sound difference, it wont be night and day, it will be slight.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If music is where the Onkyos are weak, replacing the L/R fronts will make the most difference.

If you have (say) $300, you're much better off spending it all on just new fronts (and better wire for them) than buying a whole new set of speakers.

Does your receiver support "A" and "B" speaker sets for the front? If so, you can use that if there are any issues with "voice matching" from mismatched brands: put the new speaker on the "B" bank and leave the old ones hooked up with the rest of the 5.1 setup.

 

[MrPabulum]

At the moment, I'm seriously considering the Primus 150s (the price difference isn't extraordinary) and the Primus 140s for surrounds. Are there better speakers for the money?

 

[dxkj]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

No that receiver is a great platform for upgrading. Just pick up new speaks..... I had the onkyo HTIB and I ended up taking it back, buying an onkyo receiver, and then polk speakers separately.

 

[JinLien]

The low votage/draw doesn make much difference between 22 & 16 ga. Save your money and make better purchases such as better amps then speakers.

 

[MrPabulum]

Originally posted by: dxkj

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
So I currently have the Onkyo 760 set up in my living room (for the last year actually), and have been thinking about upgrading. Two options are available:

1.) I have yet to use different speaker wire. Is the transition from 22 gauge to 16 a noticeable improvement?

2.) If I move to new speakers, I'd like to keep the quality Onkyo receiver. While Aperion and Axiom are out of my price range, I have been considering the JBL Northridge E30s or Infinity Primus 150s. Any other suggestions in that price range? Do I need a new receiver to get the full enjoyment out of these new speakers?

3.) The 760s have done a great job with movies and adequate but average with music. I know the JBL or Infinity speakers will sound better musically, but will movie reproduction improve noticeably?

Thanks for any advice.

No that receiver is a great platform for upgrading. Just pick up new speaks..... I had the onkyo HTIB and I ended up taking it back, buying an onkyo receiver, and then polk speakers separately.

Just to clarify, the receiver that came with the speakers in the HTiB (HT760) is a great platform for upgrading? Or should I purchase a new one?

 

[TStep]

It's been 20 years +/- since I built my own speakers, but I put together several packages that sounded great on the cheap (relatively speaking). All you need to have is a basic understanding of electricity.

I used the Loudspeaker Design Cookbook and bought the parts from Madisound. The Cookbook walks you through box sizing, material, and construction. Also has the different crossover construction schemes, driver matching, etc. I only mention Madisound as there were very few supply houses at the time and they have a forum you can visit as well. I'm sure there are others out there as well.

It may not be your bag, but I thought I'd offer anyway. For example, I put together a set of Morel based 3-ways for under $300 IIRC in a pair of old Advent Large boxes. A similar Dynaudio package would have run in the thousands. Wasn't correct at first (midrange too bright) but a little tweaking by ear (then tested them at a McIntosh dealer my buddy knew) and they were perfect. Put together a few other sets and subs, but sold them off years ago. Bigtime bag for the buck.

BTW, my opinion only: Keep the receiver if it has a clean sounding front end and preamp outs. You could always use it as a good base if you like what the preamp section has to offer. You can add separate amps later on. Do your amp a favor by cutting resistance and upgrade the speaker wire to 16 gage or less, no fancy high priced stuff necessary.

 

[MrPabulum]

Originally posted by: TStep
It's been 20 years +/- since I built my own speakers, but I put together several packages that sounded great on the cheap (relatively speaking). All you need to have is a basic understanding of electricity.

I used the Loudspeaker Design Cookbook and bought the parts from Madisound. The Cookbook walks you through box sizing, material, and construction. Also has the different crossover construction schemes, driver matching, etc. I only mention Madisound as there were very few supply houses at the time and they have a forum you can visit as well. I'm sure there are others out there as well.

It may not be your bag, but I thought I'd offer anyway. For example, I put together a set of Morel based 3-ways for under $300 IIRC in a pair of old Advent Large boxes. A similar Dynaudio package would have run in the thousands. Wasn't correct at first (midrange too bright) but a little tweaking by ear (then tested them at a McIntosh dealer my buddy knew) and they were perfect. Put together a few other sets and subs, but sold them off years ago. Bigtime bag for the buck.

BTW, my opinion only: Keep the receiver if it has a clean sounding front end and preamp outs. You could always use it as a good base if you like what the preamp section has to offer. You can add separate amps later on. Do your amp a favor by cutting resistance and upgrade the speaker wire to 16 gage or less, no fancy high priced stuff necessary.

If I had the time, I'd consider it. As it is, law school keeps me quite busy. Good stuff to know though!

Any other suggestions for alternative bang-for-the-buck speakers?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Sweet jebus

These were normally $299/pair I think.

 

[MrPabulum]

I've never heard of this speaker company before...(blasphemy!) Perhaps four of these, a center...and I might have something better than the Infinity Primus set?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Here's a center that should match sonically well, but the color isn't going to match.

African madagasgar ebony can be something ranging from light tan and dark brown stripes to something that's very dark brown with black stripes. (Real wood is harder to keep consistent)

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1668378&enterthread=y

EDIT: Maybe three matching pairs of rockets would be a better plan. They're magnetically sheilded so having one on top of a normal tv shouldn't be a problem.

Just a thought.

 

[MrPabulum]

I have black speaker stands, and was looking at those rockets in black. Unless, I'm really missing out if I pass up on that wood finish. In fact, the darker wood on that center might work well with black satellites. Honestly, at $400, plus the good reviews, these are at the top of my list. Thanks for the link!

Just hope they work with my Onkyo R510 HTiB receiver.

Edit: How would you describe the sound of Onix speakers? Compared to say, Klipsch, JBL, Infinity?

 

[MrPabulum]

Just about there. Any other suggestions before I make my purchase?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: MrPabulum
I have black speaker stands, and was looking at those rockets in black. Unless, I'm really missing out if I pass up on that wood finish. In fact, the darker wood on that center might work well with black satellites. Honestly, at $400, plus the good reviews, these are at the top of my list. Thanks for the link!

Just hope they work with my Onkyo R510 HTiB receiver.

Edit: How would you describe the sound of Onix speakers? Compared to say, Klipsch, JBL, Infinity?

Replied via PM, right?

(I got about 20 PMs yesterday, hard to keep track of what's been going on)

As for the color of the center, it might not be very dark. I've seen ebony finish pics that were really varied in color.

These are both the ebony finish

 

[MrPabulum]

You did...all is good. :beer:

 

[MrPabulum]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I ordered 2 pairs of Rocket ELTs in piano black, and a black RSC100 MKII. I'll keep my Onkyo 8" sub for the time being, as it's solid. Though I might have to replace my DVD player with one that can do DVD-Audio in 5.1, unlike my Panasonic which is otherwise very nice. Suggestions? CNET gave the Pioneer a rave review. (I forget the model number, but its under the basic DVD category.)

Of course, if any good deals for a quality subwoofer surface....let me know!

Again, thanks very much!