New and looking for advice/input.

[Tim Duncan]

Hi all, I am new to this site and am looking for your opinions, advice, and input in choosing a new AV Receiver. My background is a 56 year old male who loves music. I was raised with music, my Mom was a child prodigy learning to play the violin a the age of 5, and although I don't have the patience to play an instrument myself I do hear far more in the dynamics and nuance of the music than most. Raising a family and paying the mortgage I have never felt justified in spending more than moderate amounts in $$$ for a sound system. I have no doubt that given large lottery winnings I could satisfy the hunger in my soul for more accurate audio replication than I currently have. My current music is handled by an Onkyo TX-SR-503 receiver (ok for the relatively small amount paid), a Yamaha DVD-S1800 player for my CD-DVD-SACD-DVD Audio needs. I am using a Yaion SD-CD3 tube buffer for my two front channels going to Infinity Primus 250 speakers. This being followed up by an Infinity CC3 Center channel, Mordant Short MS15 surround, and a Acoustech PL-250 sub for my speakers. Yeah, I know not exactly high end equipment, but competent in it's price range. The Sub Woofer and Tube buffer are recent acquisitions and although maybe not top of the line are really quite impressive in their price range and probably can stand up to others of their kind in higher price ranges. I am already looking at the Oppo BD-103 for an upgrade to my Bluray-CD-SACD needs. Where I really need some input is in a new 'entry level' high end audio receiver. I am not interested in WiFi, or Apple Airplay, or a lot of the other gizmos, or bells and whistles. I am looking for a rock solid sonically clean and detailed receiver that above all delivers a marvelous musical experience. I do want HDMI in and out, preferably that can be used as a 'through' connection even if the receiver is not powered on. Nope, I still haven't won the lottery so I do have a budget. I have set my limit at $1000 to start with. I have been reading reviews for the NAD T758 and think that based on what I have read I would find this to be a plausible consideration for my needs. My current receiver is rated at 75w per channel and I have never had any problems driving my speakers in its 5.1 configuration. I think the NAD's 80w would be fine. I know that the reviews for the NAD's automated audio setup feature is very lackluster, and although having a feature like this that would actually work like it's supposed to would be nice , it's not a sticking point for me. I am able to configure my sound stage fairly competently on my own. I would truly appreciate any comments, thoughts, feedback that you may have to help me in this journey. Also would increasing my budget by $200 or $300 offer any substantially better options. I know that this was a little lengthy so I really appreciate you taking the time to read this through, and I do value any opinions you have (yep, positive of negative). Thank you for your input!

 

[markw]

First off, welcome to this forum. You'll get answers, but not necessarily the ones you wanted.

With that in mind. I'll just say that replacing your receiver will have the lest impact on the overall sound. For that, you really need to look at your speakers..

 

[TheWarrior]

Hi!

Save your money! A receiver will not increase your sound quality. As Mark pointed out, speakers will make the biggest impact.

That said, I would also consider eliminating this tube pass through you are using. Vacuum tubes do not belong in this circuit, and if anything, are coloring your sound rather than giving an authentic rendition. You may like the warmth or any other perceived benefits, but they simply are not real, much less beneficial!

 

[Tim Duncan]

I appreciate the input. That being said if I still have my original budget of $1000 what would you suggest in speakers for the front assuming that I will replace the center and surround at a later date?

 

[Tim Duncan]

I am still intrested in anyones input of my original question concerning the receiver.

 

[TheWarrior]

I appreciate the input. That being said if I still have my original budget of $1000 what would you suggest in speakers for the front assuming that I will replace the center and surround at a later date?

Go order yourself a pair of SVS Prime Towers. If they are not a stout upgrade to what you currently have, send em back with in 45 days, no risk. I don't think you'll be able to do better than that with out significantly upping the budget, or finding some incredible sale.

New receivers are such a box of gadgets nowadays, that you will find little appreciable difference in sound quality, short of the high end receivers with better processing. But then, high end speakers would be the other part of the equation.

 

[Tim Duncan]

Thank you for the suggestion. I know that some people are wondering who I think I am talking about audiophile level sound equipment and a mere $1000 budget. Yep, I get it, I do understand. True audiophile equipment isn't in expensive, however I am a normal middle class American who has bills to pay and food to put on the table. I figured that I had to start somewhere or content myself with the mediocre sound system that I currently have. I am trying to weed through the myriad of information and opinion trying to find a solution that I can be happy with, without having to rob my local credit union. I do value your opinion and input. Thanks again.

 

[KEW]

Your receiver and CD player are fine. Don't mess with them until they break (or you need additional features in the case of the AVR)! Mordant Short makes decent stuff and surrounds aren't that critical, especially since you listen to music primarily (or so I presume).

If you want to maximize your total sound quality at a one time expense of $1000, get the Affordable Accuracy Monitors for $195. See if they will sell you a third for your center. Don't let the inexpensive price throw you. These are an amazing deal and worth much more than their price might indicate:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Next, Put the remaining $700 into a good sub.
I would point you in the direction of the Rythmik L12 for $570 shipped, however, I'm not sure it would fill your room. Again, I assume you are more concerned with music sound quality than HT.
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html

If you are willing to spend $1000 now and invest more later, I would go with something like the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers. IMHO, the only reason to buy towers (given you have a subwoofer to cover 60Hz and below) is if you need the extra SPL in your room. I have heard the Ultra Bookshelf and it is a very good speaker (I don't know that it is the best, I have not listened to too many speakers in the $500/each price range).
http://www.svsound.com/speakers/ultra-series/ultra-bookshelf
Play with your current center off or on. I'm betting you will prefer to forego the center.

By the time for the next installment you will know whether your sub or your center is next. Since center is HT only, I'm inclined to think sub.

 

[herbu]

if I still have my original budget of $1000 what would you suggest in speakers for the front assuming that I will replace the center and surround at a later date?

I would save a little longer, and go with the Philharmonitor, http://philharmonicaudio.com/BMR Philharmonitor.html
A pair is $1450.

For the AVR, I would do the factory refurbished Denon X4000 for $650, http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx4000/denon-avr-x4000-7.2-4k-ultra-hd-networking-receiver-w/airplay/1.html
It has more capability than you think you want now, but you never know.