Newbie, totally lost, need advice please help!

[audio2020]

I am researching and researching and more I read the less I know....I need to update my system or get a new one. I have a pair of Infinity Primus P 362 floor standing speakers. Sony SS CS-100 center speaker. For surround sound, I am using small 3M Bose cubes. My Onkyo AV receiver TX -SR606 stopped working and I was going to connect my Samsung TV and play station 3 (using for cd/DVD playing not gaming) to my old Technics SA-GX490 av receiver which doesn't have HDMI connection. I love music and basically listen to pandora, YouTube or Spotify. What should I have in my system to get a good sound from these sources but can also produce a good movie watching experience? Should I get a DAC and amplifier and somehow connect to av receiver I have, or get a new av receiver or just get a totally new system- speakers and receiver.... My budget is around 1500 or slightly more. Thank you

 

[ryanosaur]

I'm not recommending this per se, but buying a new AVR doesn't have to be a nightmare.
This Denon might be one of the best buys available right now:

Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X3500H 7.2-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with HEOS, Black: Electronics

Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X3500H 7.2-Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with HEOS, Black: Electronics

www.amazon.com

Most important things:
Define your goals with your system. (This includes speaker expansion over the next 2-5 years say... Atmos...Subs)
What connectivity do you need? (HDMI, other items like Analog Input? Pre-Outs?)
Room Correction? (Audyssey App Compatible is very handy!)
Other features... bells and whistles like Dolby Vision, UHD HDR, Hi Res Music, whatever...

For the cost, this would be an excellent investment. If you need more, look at the more current models, but keep in mind they will start going on sale in July likely, if they are being updated this year (assuming these products release when expected, of course.)

If you shop smart here, save the rest for future upgrades... Speakers will give you the best sound... but if you need an AVR to get you through a couple years... ...And buy speaker next year!

 

[audio2020]

Thank you. I was not sure what should I look for since my music sources are not of great quality.
I just checked Denon on Amazon. It's $549. I can wait till June/July. Thanks again

 

[lovinthehd]

My PS3 (slim style) came with a coupla connectors, the one that would work with your old receiver would be the one using the av multi-out connector to composite (two rcas for audio, one for video). You'd get 2ch audio and only sd video but it would at least work while you figure something out for an update. Might also look for an older avr on craigslist, may not have the latest greatest 4k/audio codecs but would probably work fine.

You might look at accessories4less.com for refurbished and close-out avrs, watch warranty/terms, tho. Seems your speakers are useable for now...and I'd probably get a sub before worrying about speakers for now.

What happened to the Onkyo 606? Is it not responsive to reset?

 

[audio2020]

Thank you for the information. I will check the sites you suggested. I didn't know about the reset on Onkyo av receiver. I did plug in and out but that didn't work. I will google about the reset.
Thank you

 

[sterling shoote]

OP, put your money into a modern HDMI AVR, which has Airplay. Done deal, problem solved.

 

[JerryLove]

What should I have in my system to get a good sound from these sources but can also produce a good movie watching experience? Should I get a DAC and amplifier and somehow connect to av receiver I have, or get a new av receiver or just get a totally new system- speakers and receiver.... My budget is around 1500 or slightly more.

My suggestions:
1) You are likely doing OK for stereo already. In a $1500 budget (for 5-channel) the Primus was a good speaker.
2) For movies, well, the rest of the system currently poses problems.
2a) The receiver doesn't support HDMI
2b) The center doesn't match the L/R channel
2c) Bose cubes.

In your situation here's what I'd do.
1) I'd look for a sale on something like the JBL590. Those get half-off on a regular basis and that would put L/C/R right around your budget. It doesn't have to be those speakers specifically (I've not personally listened to them though I hear good things), but you are looking for what you can find that's good for the price in the price range.
2) Move the Priums' to surround duty
3) If not for Corona virus; I'd say "head to the pawn shop and find a receiver with the features you are after". Given the quarintine... shop places like monoprice and amazon. There's usually a good deal on an Onkyo that will get you <$400. Adjust your speaker budget accordingly.

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank you for the information. I will check the sites you suggested. I didn't know about the reset on Onkyo av receiver. I did plug in and out but that didn't work. I will google about the reset.
Thank you

While I think Onkyo has generally same instructions across many avr models, the best place is your model's manual.

 

[tmurnin]

I normally suggest putting all $$ you can into speakers, and you seem to have a bit of a dog's breakfast of speaker formats right now. However, given that your receiver is pretty limited, you probably need to focus there first. I'd look at something like the Denon AVR-X2600, which is $449 at Accessories4Less right now. I'd support JerryLove's recommendation to replace your L/C/R speakers and move the Primus to the surrounds, but you also seem to be missing a subwoofer, which is likely to improve your overall sound more significantly than anything else. If you can stretch the budget, I'd look at this:
- Denon AVR - $449
- Aperion Novus bookshelves + center - $880
- HSU Research VTF2 subwoofer - $540

If that's too much, I'd probably look at a cheaper AVR first - you can find a few different models from Yamaha/Denon in the $250 range that will meet your basic needs. At that price point, you won't necessarily feel bad if you want to upgrade again in a year or two, but the speakers will last you for a while.

 

[audio2020]

OP, put your money into a modern HDMI AVR, which has Airplay. Done deal, problem solved.

Thank you

 

[audio2020]

My suggestions:
1) You are likely doing OK for stereo already. In a $1500 budget (for 5-channel) the Primus was a good speaker.
2) For movies, well, the rest of the system currently poses problems.
2a) The receiver doesn't support HDMI
2b) The center doesn't match the L/R channel
2c) Bose cubes.

In your situation here's what I'd do.
1) I'd look for a sale on something like the JBL590. Those get half-off on a regular basis and that would put L/C/R right around your budget. It doesn't have to be those speakers specifically (I've not personally listened to them though I hear good things), but you are looking for what you can find that's good for the price in the price range.
2) Move the Priums' to surround duty
3) If not for Corona virus; I'd say "head to the pawn shop and find a receiver with the features you are after". Given the quarintine... shop places like monoprice and amazon. There's usually a good deal on an Onkyo that will get you <$400. Adjust your speaker budget accordingly.

Thank you so much for your suggestion. It seems I should put money in speakers and get what I can afford for AV receiver.

My suggestions:
1) You are likely doing OK for stereo already. In a $1500 budget (for 5-channel) the Primus was a good speaker.
2) For movies, well, the rest of the system currently poses problems.
2a) The receiver doesn't support HDMI
2b) The center doesn't match the L/R channel
2c) Bose cubes.

In your situation here's what I'd do.
1) I'd look for a sale on something like the JBL590. Those get half-off on a regular basis and that would put L/C/R right around your budget. It doesn't have to be those speakers specifically (I've not personally listened to them though I hear good things), but you are looking for what you can find that's good for the price in the price range.
2) Move the Priums' to surround duty
3) If not for Corona virus; I'd say "head to the pawn shop and find a receiver with the features you are after". Given the quarintine... shop places like monoprice and amazon. There's usually a good deal on an Onkyo that will get you <$400. Adjust your speaker budget accordingly.

Thank you for this great suggestion. I will look for the new speakers and another AV receiver. Some are also suggesting to get a subwoofer. Would you please tell me where should I place the Primus speakers when I move them to surround duty? Should they stay where they are in front or do I have to move them? Thank you!

 

[JerryLove]

Thank you so much for your suggestion. It seems I should put money in speakers and get what I can afford for AV receiver.

Thank you for this great suggestion. I will look for the new speakers and another AV receiver. Some are also suggesting to get a subwoofer. Would you please tell me where should I place the Primus speakers when I move them to surround duty? Should they stay where they are in front or do I have to move them? Thank you!

Positioning for a surround speaker in a 5.1 system is to the side of the listener.

 

[audio2020]

I normally suggest putting all $$ you can into speakers, and you seem to have a bit of a dog's breakfast of speaker formats right now. However, given that your receiver is pretty limited, you probably need to focus there first. I'd look at something like the Denon AVR-X2600, which is $449 at Accessories4Less right now. I'd support JerryLove's recommendation to replace your L/C/R speakers and move the Primus to the surrounds, but you also seem to be missing a subwoofer, which is likely to improve your overall sound more significantly than anything else. If you can stretch the budget, I'd look at this:
- Denon AVR - $449
- C - $880
- HSU Research VTF2 subwoofer - $540

If that's too much, I'd probably look at a cheaper AVR first - you can find a few different models from Yamaha/Denon in the $250 range that will meet your basic needs. At that price point, you won't necessarily feel bad if you want to upgrade again in a year or two, but the speakers will last you for a while.

Thank you so much for the suggestion.

Positioning for a surround speaker in a 5.1 system is to the side of the listener.

Thank you!

 

[audio2020]

I normally suggest putting all $$ you can into speakers, and you seem to have a bit of a dog's breakfast of speaker formats right now. However, given that your receiver is pretty limited, you probably need to focus there first. I'd look at something like the Denon AVR-X2600, which is $449 at Accessories4Less right now. I'd support JerryLove's recommendation to replace your L/C/R speakers and move the Primus to the surrounds, but you also seem to be missing a subwoofer, which is likely to improve your overall sound more significantly than anything else. If you can stretch the budget, I'd look at this:
- Denon AVR - $449
- Aperion Novus bookshelves + center - $880
- HSU Research VTF2 subwoofer - $540

If that's too much, I'd probably look at a cheaper AVR first - you can find a few different models from Yamaha/Denon in the $250 range that will meet your basic needs. At that price point, you won't necessarily feel bad if you want to upgrade again in a year or two, but the speakers will last you for a while.

Thank you so much! Would bookshelves speakers and center be ok for my living room

I normally suggest putting all $$ you can into speakers, and you seem to have a bit of a dog's breakfast of speaker formats right now. However, given that your receiver is pretty limited, you probably need to focus there first. I'd look at something like the Denon AVR-X2600, which is $449 at Accessories4Less right now. I'd support JerryLove's recommendation to replace your L/C/R speakers and move the Primus to the surrounds, but you also seem to be missing a subwoofer, which is likely to improve your overall sound more significantly than anything else. If you can stretch the budget, I'd look at this:
- Denon AVR - $449
- Aperion Novus bookshelves + center - $880
- HSU Research VTF2 subwoofer - $540

If that's too much, I'd probably look at a cheaper AVR first - you can find a few different models from Yamaha/Denon in the $250 range that will meet your basic needs. At that price point, you won't necessarily feel bad if you want to upgrade again in a year or two, but the speakers will last you for a while.

Thank you so much for your analyses and suggestions. I was only able to find these speakers on Aperion web site. It appears they have great customer support and quality speakers. I was not sure if they are 5.2 or a different speaker? Thank you for suggesting them. I will give them a call to see if these bookshelf speakers would be enough for my living room (16x17x10ft. going into open floor plan kitchen 14x17x10). I appreciate your help. thank you

 

[audio2020]

My PS3 (slim style) came with a coupla connectors, the one that would work with your old receiver would be the one using the av multi-out connector to composite (two rcas for audio, one for video). You'd get 2ch audio and only sd video but it would at least work while you figure something out for an update. Might also look for an older avr on craigslist, may not have the latest greatest 4k/audio codecs but would probably work fine.

You might look at accessories4less.com for refurbished and close-out avrs, watch warranty/terms, tho. Seems your speakers are useable for now...and I'd probably get a sub before worrying about speakers for now.

What happened to the Onkyo 606? Is it not responsive to reset?

Thank you for your help. I just found out that Onkyo had a faulty DST chip that would overheat and lose connection causing no audio sound. They extended warranty for this problem until January of this year but I didn't know.

 

[audio2020]

OP, put your money into a modern HDMI AVR, which has Airplay. Done deal, problem solved.

Sounds simple. Thank you

 

[sterling shoote]

Sounds simple. Thank you

It's as simple as it is comprehensive for stereo or multi-channel pleasure.

 

[tmurnin]

Thank you so much! Would bookshelves speakers and center be ok for my living room

Thank you so much for your analyses and suggestions. I was only able to find these speakers on Aperion web site. It appears they have great customer support and quality speakers. I was not sure if they are 5.2 or a different speaker? Thank you for suggesting them. I will give them a call to see if these bookshelf speakers would be enough for my living room (16x17x10ft. going into open floor plan kitchen 14x17x10). I appreciate your help. thank you

They sell Internet direct through their website only. I would suggest ordering them and trying them out in your house. They have free two-way shipping so if they don’t work for you, just return them

 

[Pogre]

I normally suggest putting all $$ you can into speakers, and you seem to have a bit of a dog's breakfast of speaker formats right now. However, given that your receiver is pretty limited, you probably need to focus there first. I'd look at something like the Denon AVR-X2600, which is $449 at Accessories4Less right now. I'd support JerryLove's recommendation to replace your L/C/R speakers and move the Primus to the surrounds, but you also seem to be missing a subwoofer, which is likely to improve your overall sound more significantly than anything else. If you can stretch the budget, I'd look at this:
- Denon AVR - $449
- Aperion Novus bookshelves + center - $880
- HSU Research VTF2 subwoofer - $540

If that's too much, I'd probably look at a cheaper AVR first - you can find a few different models from Yamaha/Denon in the $250 range that will meet your basic needs. At that price point, you won't necessarily feel bad if you want to upgrade again in a year or two, but the speakers will last you for a while.

I think it's well worth the extra 50 bones for the Denon X3500H at $499. It comes with some significant bells and whistles over the 2*** series. Not the least of which Audyssey XT32.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[tmurnin]

I think it's well worth the extra 50 bones for the Denon X3500H at $499. It comes with some significant bells and whistles over the 2*** series. Not the least of which Audyssey XT32.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

Definitely agree. I dont think I saw the 350at the time