Hello, New member here!

[xSinisterDrakex]

Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to the forums. I came across Audioholics while doing some research and thought it would be a good idea to join. Anyhow Hello!

My current setup is as follows: Please bear with me, its kind of a frankenstein setup. most of the stuff was given to me.

Receiver: Pioneer VSX-522K (open box. picked it up at best buy for $149) Had it for 5 years now.
Speakers:
Front pair: Technics SB-CR99's 15" Woofers
Center:Sharp Soundbar (was given to me, I didn't have a center speaker when I purchased the receiver, so I use this. Works fairly well too.)
Rear Pair: Insignia Bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall (Purchased at best buy the same day I got the receiver)
Subwoofer: None, The front channel speakers supply LFE
Samsung 52" TV. Used as a computer monitor as well as tv.
Computer:
Custom built Home theater/Gaming PC.
AMD FX-8370 CPU running at 4.0 Ghz
24Gb Ram
NVidia GeForce GTX950 Superclocked edition
250Gb SSD drive running Ubuntu GNOME
120 Gb SSD Drive running Windows 10
(2) 2 TB hard drives for media storage
(1) 1 TB hard drive for media storage

 

[agarwalro]

Hello! Welcome to Audioholics!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to the forums. I came across Audioholics while doing some research and thought it would be a good idea to join. Anyhow Hello!

My current setup is as follows: Please bear with me, its kind of a frankenstein setup. most of the stuff was given to me.

Receiver: Pioneer VSX-522K (open box. picked it up at best buy for $149) Had it for 5 years now.
Speakers:
Front pair: Technics SB-CR99's 15" Woofers
Center:Sharp Soundbar (was given to me, I didn't have a center speaker when I purchased the receiver, so I use this. Works fairly well too.)
Rear Pair: Insignia Bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall (Purchased at best buy the same day I got the receiver)
Subwoofer: None, The front channel speakers supply LFE
Samsung 52" TV. Used as a computer monitor as well as tv.
Computer:
Custom built Home theater/Gaming PC.
AMD FX-8370 CPU running at 4.0 Ghz
24Gb Ram
NVidia GeForce GTX950 Superclocked edition
250Gb SSD drive running Ubuntu GNOME
120 Gb SSD Drive running Windows 10
(2) 2 TB hard drives for media storage
(1) 1 TB hard drive for media storage

This screams to me as quite young person system. I'd guess that you're either currently in high school or in college as junior
I had similar very similar Frankenstein system then I was young.
My advice to you, If you've chosen IT as your carrier path - learn it well, especially Linux stuff.
I can not tell you how much important it is right now. Huge number of servers are running Linux in larger companies already or currently migrating to it.
Learn it well and in no time, you'll get a salary which would allow you eventually to upgrade most if not all of components of your current system for better ones

 

[Bucknekked]

Hello everyone, just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to the forums. I came across Audioholics while doing some research and thought it would be a good idea to join. Anyhow Hello!

My current setup is as follows: Please bear with me, its kind of a frankenstein setup. most of the stuff was given to me.

Receiver: Pioneer VSX-522K (open box. picked it up at best buy for $149) Had it for 5 years now.
Speakers:
Front pair: Technics SB-CR99's 15" Woofers
Center:Sharp Soundbar (was given to me, I didn't have a center speaker when I purchased the receiver, so I use this. Works fairly well too.)
Rear Pair: Insignia Bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall (Purchased at best buy the same day I got the receiver)
Subwoofer: None, The front channel speakers supply LFE
Samsung 52" TV. Used as a computer monitor as well as tv.
Computer:
Custom built Home theater/Gaming PC.
AMD FX-8370 CPU running at 4.0 Ghz
24Gb Ram
NVidia GeForce GTX950 Superclocked edition
250Gb SSD drive running Ubuntu GNOME
120 Gb SSD Drive running Windows 10
(2) 2 TB hard drives for media storage
(1) 1 TB hard drive for media storage

welcome welcome xSinisterDrakex !
The AH is a great place to learn about audio and how to make sound in a pleasing and pleasant way.
There are quite a range of specialities here and just about any audio interest has a group that is pretty well versed.

If you start with what you have, pick an aspect you want to improve, and then ask questions BEFORE you spend money, the AH is a great way to improve your sound and not have to break the bank.

Enjoy

 

[mtrycrafts]

So, his avatar is not a selfie in a cockpit?

 

[MR.MAGOO]

Nothing wrong with a Frankenstein system, I bet a lot of people started their audio/video journey that way.

 

[xSinisterDrakex]

This screams to me as quite young person system. I'd guess that you're either currently in high school or in college as junior
I had similar very similar Frankenstein system then I was young.
My advice to you, If you've chosen IT as your carrier path - learn it well, especially Linux stuff.
I can not tell you how much important it is right now. Huge number of servers are running Linux in larger companies already or currently migrating to it.
Learn it well and in no time, you'll get a salary which would allow you eventually to upgrade most if not all of components of your current system for better ones

Actually, I'm 33 years old working full time at a cable company. I also repair computers on the side. I've done IT before and would love to do it again but I live in a small town. I am currently learning a lot about Linux as I also build custom roms for Android. I will be posting some questions as I am looking to upgrade my receiver as it has been giving me fits lately. I've grown up around home theater stuff as my dad was a TV repair tech for Sears for many years. I have a great deal of knowledge about it but I'm always open for more information.

 

[Pogre]

Actually, I'm 33 years old working full time at a cable company. I also repair computers on the side. I've done IT before and would love to do it again but I live in a small town. I am currently learning a lot about Linux as I also build custom roms for Android. I will be posting some questions as I am looking to upgrade my receiver as it has been giving me fits lately. I've grown up around home theater stuff as my dad was a TV repair tech for Sears for many years. I have a great deal of knowledge about it but I'm always open for more information.

Hi! Welcome to audioholics! I'm 47 years old and have never done anything techy for a living, but sure learned a lot from this site.

You're using a sound bar as a center channel? One thing you want for ht is a center channel that's timbre matched with your main speakers. This allows for seamless audio when panning from left to right, voicing, etc. You'll often see suggested to buy 3 identical speakers for your front stage. Sometimes there's just not enough room for a bookshelf or identical tower so many manufacturers make a dedicated center (timbre matched) in an mtm design so it can be used horizontally.

Something like 70% of the audio in a movie is handled by your center channel. I'm not familiar with your avr, but most have a phantom mode you can use instead of a mismatched center channel. I might suggest that for now until you feel the urge to upgrade speakers or get a matching center.

What kind of features are you after for an avr? What's your current one doing that's causing fits? How do you have everything connected?

 

[panteragstk]

Actually, I'm 33 years old working full time at a cable company. I also repair computers on the side. I've done IT before and would love to do it again but I live in a small town. I am currently learning a lot about Linux as I also build custom roms for Android. I will be posting some questions as I am looking to upgrade my receiver as it has been giving me fits lately. I've grown up around home theater stuff as my dad was a TV repair tech for Sears for many years. I have a great deal of knowledge about it but I'm always open for more information.

Had a similar system to you as well. Actually, the previous model (521k) is still in use in my living room. Great receiver for the money.

First thing I'd purchase if I were you would be a new center and sub. It will make a large difference. Your good on the receiver unless you want to pass through all the new fangled 4k stuff, but you HTPC is more than capable of processing that.

What goals do you have for your system?

 

[xSinisterDrakex]

Hi! Welcome to audioholics! I'm 47 years old and have never done anything techy for a living, but sure learned a lot from this site.

You're using a sound bar as a center channel? One thing you want for ht is a center channel that's timbre matched with your main speakers. This allows for seamless audio when panning from left to right, voicing, etc. You'll often see suggested to buy 3 identical speakers for your front stage. Sometimes there's just not enough room for a bookshelf or identical tower so many manufacturers make a dedicated center (timbre matched) in an mtm design so it can be used horizontally.

Something like 70% of the audio in a movie is handled by your center channel. I'm not familiar with your avr, but most have a phantom mode you can use instead of a mismatched center channel. I might suggest that for now until you feel the urge to upgrade speakers or get a matching center.

What kind of features are you after for an avr? What's your current one doing that's causing fits? How do you have everything connected?

Up until recently everything was through HDMI. I think the sound processor in my receiver is going out because sometimes the audio will cut out or make a loud screeching noise. If I set it to pure direct it works fine (but sounds horrible) I'm looking to replace it with something a bit newer with more features (networking, Bluetooth, etc) I now have the PC hooked up via an optical toslink cable as I thought maybe my HDMI ports were acting up on the receiver, I plan on switching back to HDMI due to uncompressed PCM audio. If anyone can recommend a good receiver for less than $300 that would be awesome. I'm currently looking at the Harmon/Kardon AVR1510S as it's on sale on Amazon but I'm open to recommendations. I will also be getting a sub soon but all this stuff costs money and Lord knows I don't have much lol.

 

[panteragstk]

Up until recently everything was through HDMI. I think the sound processor in my receiver is going out because sometimes the audio will cut out or make a loud screeching noise. If I set it to pure direct it works fine (but sounds horrible) I'm looking to replace it with something a bit newer with more features (networking, Bluetooth, etc) I now have the PC hooked up via an optical toslink cable as I thought maybe my HDMI ports were acting up on the receiver, I plan on switching back to HDMI due to uncompressed PCM audio. If anyone can recommend a good receiver for less than $300 that would be awesome. I'm currently looking at the Harmon/Kardon AVR1510S as it's on sale on Amazon but I'm open to recommendations. I will also be getting a sub soon but all this stuff costs money and Lord knows I don't have much lol.

Here ya go. Would be on my list for your price range. Denon AVR-X1300w

 

[xSinisterDrakex]

Here ya go. Would be on my list for your price range. Denon AVR-X1300w

What about this one? My current setup is a 5 channel setup. I dont have enough room for a 7.1/.2 setup.

 

[lovinthehd]

Those are older units that are being cleared out, may be subject to the hdmi/network board issues Onkyo/Integra was famous for a few years back. I'd make sure sufficient warranty is on hand to cover. Altho @zieglj01 bought one of the A4L Integras and believe is happy so far.

 

[Pogre]

What about this one? My current setup is a 5 channel setup. I dont have enough room for a 7.1/.2 setup.

I agree with hd about the Integra. I still have my X1200W (same as suggested by pantera, 1 model year older) and it's a really nice receiver for that price point. You can go all hdmi and use it for all of your source switching.

 

[xSinisterDrakex]

I agree with hd about the Integra. I still have my X1200W (same as suggested by pantera, 1 model year older) and it's a really nice receiver for that price point. You can go all hdmi and use it for all of your source switching.

So I assume its safe to say to avoid Onkyo and Integra? I'm starting to think I should add Pioneer to that list....

 

[lovinthehd]

So I assume its safe to say to avoid Onkyo and Integra? I'm starting to think I should add Pioneer to that list....

Many have come to that conclusion. I liked Onkyo/Integra when they had Audyssey, and not so much after they dropped it for their own AccuEQ. I have an older Onkyo that did indeed qualify for the extended warranty on the network/hdmi board issues and Onkyo was good in repairing it (earlier this year after several years of no issues). I'm not too eager for another Pioneer after mine died (and reinforced after my brother's 1020 also died), and especially now that Onkyo has bought that division of Pioneer. Like my Denons a lot.

 

[xSinisterDrakex]

Many have come to that conclusion. I liked Onkyo/Integra when they had Audyssey, and not so much after they dropped it for their own AccuEQ. I have an older Onkyo that did indeed qualify for the extended warranty on the network/hdmi board issues and Onkyo was good in repairing it (earlier this year after several years of no issues). I'm not too eager for another Pioneer after mine died (and reinforced after my brother's 1020 also died), and especially now that Onkyo has bought that division of Pioneer. Like my Denons a lot.

I've always been a fan of Pioneer as my dad always had a Pioneer receiver. However, after purchasing my current AVR and having issues (And also reading reviews of people having issues as well) I'm going to get away from Pioneer altogether. The Denon's are very nice, I also like the Harmon/Kardon AVR's as well. I think I'm gonna go with a Denon though. It may be awhile before I can afford one, but my birthday is coming up and that will be a nice present for myself.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've always been a fan of Pioneer as my dad always had a Pioneer receiver. However, after purchasing my current AVR and having issues (And also reading reviews of people having issues as well) I'm going to get away from Pioneer altogether. The Denon's are very nice, I also like the Harmon/Kardon AVR's as well. I think I'm gonna go with a Denon though. It may be awhile before I can afford one, but my birthday is coming up and that will be a nice present for myself.

Harman Kardon avrs went south a while ago....

 

[panteragstk]

Audyssey is the way to go in your range. Just because a receiver has more channels than you will use doesn't mean you HAVE to use them.

 

[zieglj01]

Those are older units that are being cleared out, may be subject to the hdmi/network board issues Onkyo/Integra was famous for a few years back. I'd make sure sufficient warranty is on hand to cover. Altho @zieglj01 bought one of the A4L Integras and believe is happy so far.

Yes I am happy and it is fine, and it came with the latest firmware