Onkyo HTS7800 + SKF 4800

[Joel González]

Timbre matching. It's not as critical to match your surrounds with your other speakers as it is to have the front 3 match. I believe the speakers you have now just plain aren't cutting it if you're having issues with distortion at relatively low listening levels. I'd replace your front 3 and keep the surrounds you have for now. You could even just buy the front 2, left and right speakers, and go phantom mode with your center until you upgrade that as well.

I see, perhaps you can help me answer another question, how do I know if the sound is loud or not? I know someone shared the graphic of sounds dB but how do I know what level it´s reaching my HT? I mean, What I´m really looking for is to feel in the guts the sound, like on the roar of the T-Rex in jurassic Park, or the steps it gives, also when something explodes on the screen I want to feel the blast, I´m not saying my actual HT doesn´t have a feeling but it certainly does not get to the point I would really love

 

[lovinthehd]

It is the HT-R695

Yes, thanks, thought there was a model of avr beyond the HTIB model designation, that's how Onkyo usually does it. It doesn't appear you have a choice of volume scale from perusing the manual and at a guess it pegs reference level somewhere around a volume reading of 82-85, altho the manual doesn't specify (and this would be relevant for movies, not music so much).

The specs you posted for the speakers don't indicate a sensitivity rating for the stock speakers, and a fairly low sensitivity (of 86 dB) for the Onkyo 4800s. To get the most out of the amp, i.e. louder levels with your speakers, you'd need more sensitive speakers (which is the spec that somewhat indicates how loud your speakers can get with a given amount of power).

Before changing speakers, is it possible to return the whole HTIB set and buy separate components?

 

[lovinthehd]

I see, perhaps you can help me answer another question, how do I know if the sound is loud or not? I know someone shared the graphic of sounds dB but how do I know what level it´s reaching my HT? I mean, What I´m really looking for is to feel in the guts the sound, like on the roar of the T-Rex in jurassic Park, or the steps it gives, also when something explodes on the screen I want to feel the blast, I´m not saying my actual HT doesn´t have a feeling but it certainly does not get to the point I would really love

A simple way if you don't have an spl meter is to perhaps download an spl meter app for your phone to give you an idea?

 

[NINaudio]

From what your describing and what you desire it really sounds to me like you need to upgrade your front channels (for less distortion) and your subwoofer (for the bass effects you desire).

What you've read about timbre matching is for speakers, it doesn't mean you have to keep them the same brand as the receiver. In fact you do not have to keep everything (receiver, speakers, subwoofer, etc.) from the same brand. A lot of people will have a different brand of subwoofer from their speakers which are then different from their receiver.

 

[NINaudio]

I think for you to get the most help from us Joel, we would need an idea of what you're willing to spend in order to get the effects you desire. That would allow us to give the best advice for your situation.

 

[lovinthehd]

Also your location, guessing from your use of meters you're not in the US?

 

[Joel González]

Yes, thanks, thought there was a model of avr beyond the HTIB model designation, that's how Onkyo usually does it. It doesn't appear you have a choice of volume scale from perusing the manual and at a guess it pegs reference level somewhere around a volume reading of 82-85, altho the manual doesn't specify (and this would be relevant for movies, not music so much).

The specs you posted for the speakers don't indicate a sensitivity rating for the stock speakers, and a fairly low sensitivity (of 86 dB) for the Onkyo 4800s. To get the most out of the amp, i.e. louder levels with your speakers, you'd need more sensitive speakers (which is the spec that somewhat indicates how loud your speakers can get with a given amount of power).

Before changing speakers, is it possible to return the whole HTIB set and buy separate components?

Thanks for the reply, I understand now, so higher the dB sensivity, higher the sound it can get, right? It is not posible to return it, since the return period has already gone before I even knew this forum exists. I bought it based on the CNET review and some other places reviews, also here in Mexico Onkyo is an expensive brand, so I thought it will fill needs

 

[Joel González]

A simple way if you don't have an spl meter is to perhaps download an spl meter app for your phone to give you an idea?

Will try this, thanks

 

[Joel González]

From what your describing and what you desire it really sounds to me like you need to upgrade your front channels (for less distortion) and your subwoofer (for the bass effects you desire).

What you've read about timbre matching is for speakers, it doesn't mean you have to keep them the same brand as the receiver. In fact you do not have to keep everything (receiver, speakers, subwoofer, etc.) from the same brand. A lot of people will have a different brand of subwoofer from their speakers which are then different from their receiver.

Thanks for the reply, so have you tried those? (SKF 4800) or what do you suggest could be a good speaker to add to replace my current ones?

 

[Joel González]

I think for you to get the most help from us Joel, we would need an idea of what you're willing to spend in order to get the effects you desire. That would allow us to give the best advice for your situation.

Actually I was looking at those SKF 4800 with arround 8k mxn that would be like 400 usd, the only problem I can see is, if you give me different option they might not even ship to my country

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the reply, I understand now, so higher the dB sensivity, higher the sound it can get, right? It is not posible to return it, since the return period has already gone before I even knew this forum exists. I bought it based on the CNET review and some other places reviews, also here in Mexico Onkyo is an expensive brand, so I thought it will fill needs

Try this http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-sensitivity

Onkyo wouldn't be among my choices in speaker shopping. What brands/models are available to you otherwise?

 

[Pogre]

Thanks for the reply, I understand now, so higher the dB sensivity, higher the sound it can get, right? It is not posible to return it, since the return period has already gone before I even knew this forum exists. I bought it based on the CNET review and some other places reviews, also here in Mexico Onkyo is an expensive brand, so I thought it will fill needs

It's really easy to get sucked in by flowery reviews. For the record, I wouldn't go by any reviews from Cnet. In fact, most reviews out there are basically fluff pieces because the reviewers want to keep receiving product to review so they can keep the lights on. You give too many crappy reviews and folks stop sending you their stuff to review.

This site doesn't pull any punches, which is why a lot of folks come here for the straight scoop. I'm guessing there are quite a few speaker companies that won't be sending anything here for a review.

 

[Joel González]

Try this http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-sensitivity

Onkyo wouldn't be among my choices in speaker shopping. What brands/models are available to you otherwise?

Thanks for the info, I couldnt really tell you which one are or arent available, but I could look up for something you suggest. Are really that bad Onkyo speakers against others?

 

[lovinthehd]

I don't know if they're bad per se but they're just not on my speaker radar at all.

 

[Joel González]

It's really easy to get sucked in by flowery reviews. For the record, I wouldn't go by any reviews from Cnet. In fact, most reviews out there are basically fluff pieces because the reviewers want to keep receiving product to review so they can keep the lights on. You give too many crappy reviews and folks stop sending you their stuff to review.

This site doesn't pull any punches, which is why a lot of folks come here for the straight scoop. I'm guessing there are quite a few speaker companies that won't be sending anything here for a review.

If I just knew that before hahaha

 

[Joel González]

So in resume, Onkyo is not a good choice for the speakers, if I want to improve the sound to dont distort over 75 then I need to buy at least 3 new speakers L/R/C and also change my SW. None of the ones who answered have tried the speakers I asked about. So, what could be a good option? I dont have a budget in mind for this, but lets say arround what the Onkyos will cost, about 400 usd shipping included.

 

[lovinthehd]

Hard to know what's available to you and at what cost but $400 doesn't buy a lot of speaker....let alone a sub. You may just want to keep the volume down for now and do some research and save up....

You really should just go out and listen to a variety of speakers if possible to get an idea of what's available....can you get to listen to the 4800s prior to purchase? Are there any audio stores you can visit?

 

[Joel González]

Hard to know what's available to you and at what cost but $400 doesn't buy a lot of speaker....let alone a sub. You may just want to keep the volume down for now and do some research and save up....

You really should just go out and listen to a variety of speakers if possible to get an idea of what's available....can you get to listen to the 4800s prior to purchase? Are there any audio stores you can visit?

I think you might be right, for what costs I have been watching in other threads, and nope, sadly I know nowhere to try them before buying but even like that, it´s a trick since I did had a store to try the Onkyo HT and it sounded very well, yet at home I dont feel enough punch on the sound. I could buy them from amazon and return them if i dont like them. Any other choice for L/R speakers, perhaps they have it on Amazon Mexico, also for the C and SW ?

*Forgot the question mark at the end hohoho

 

[NINaudio]

I haven't heard any Onkyo speakers, so I can't comment on them, but I wouldn't even look at them either.

I haven't heard these speakers, but I have seen them highly recommended for low budgets quite frequently:

Philharmonica Affordable Accuracy

I'd suggest sending them an email to see if they can ship to Mexico and then saving up for a quality subwoofer.

SVS and Hsu make great subs, again I would reach out to them and see if either can ship to Mexico.

 

[Pogre]

I think you might be right, for what costs I have been watching in other threads, and nope, sadly I know nowhere to try them before buying but even like that, it´s a trick since I did had a store to try the Onkyo HT and it sounded very well, yet at home I dont feel enough punch on the sound. I could buy them from amazon and return them if i dont like them. Any other choice for L/R speakers, perhaps they have it on Amazon Mexico, also for the C and SW ?

*Forgot the question mark at the end hohoho

In my opinion, you don't absolutely need a center channel. If it helps direct a few more dollars for L&R front speakers and a sub it's worth it. You can pick up a center channel later. Your 2 main speakers in the front and sub(s) are where you want to put the bulk of the money, with a center channel as a close second, but you can do without using phantom mode for now.