Onkyo Tx-Rz50 vs Denon X3800H

[Danzilla31]

Wow, I really appreciate everyone’s willingness to send links and suggestions! It’s always easier to help someone else spend money , especially when what they may purchase is exciting!

I’ll be honest, I had no idea the prices could jump up that much so quickly. The issue I’m having is that between the AVR, the TV, (current speaker setup) blue ray player, all the accessories to set things up correctly, and install my wire correctly behind the sheetrock, I’m sitting at about $5500 in the last 2 months. As much as I’d love to follow Alice deep down the rabbit hole, I think I’m needing to pump the brakes a little while my wife still enjoys the system lol. In order to upgrade the RSL CG23 line to the CG25 line, I might be looking at approx $400-500.

If I were to add a second RSL sub, that’s another $360 with their current 20% off sale.

As you all know, this hobby can start to add up fast. (With me not knowing prices) I originally was envisioning maybe a couple extra hundred dollars for better subs. You guys gave some Excellent options. Those look like some amazing subwoofers. I will plan for now to keep those ideas in my notes for when I decide to upgrade and get more serious down the road. Im at a place where I’m starting to feel I’m pushing my price point limits. I can understand now the feeling of wanting to go deeper, and maybe I might just be tasting the excitement of what it means to be an audiophile. Maybe I can cash in my retirement and buy some killer subs haha! Right now I’m still open to something different, but being the price jumps so much on anything decent, It might just be to far away at this point in time. If I had to settle on a second Subwoofer from RSL, I know I could still be happy as my first system and starting point. I’m still open to any ideas and suggestions, but I certainly don’t want to waste anyones time sending links to some great products that are not within my current budget. If I had a budget for 2 Subwoofers, I’d say my max would be $1000. Hope that clears things up. Seriously, thank you for all the great links. Now I have some goals to shoot for

Also if you use the wireless adapters you may want to set one of the subs up nearfield so you can get more dynamics and that chest slam without having to crank your subs up to much at all

 

[Danzilla31]

Also FYI guys RSL very soon is supposed to be coming out with a new 12 inch sub that's going to be very price competitive but a BIG step up in performance over the 10. This year so maybe when they do @Rylan can upgrade or trade in his 10's for the new 12's coming out

 

[Rylan]

Totally understandable all of us at times had to upgrade in stages. Happy wife happy life and making sure the bills get paid is something we all go through.

Honestly since your budget is tight I'd buy the second RSL speedwoofer and get the Cg25's that second sub in that room with the upgrade in those speakers will still be a big improvement. And will keep you very close to that 1000 dollar budget that you set for the sub.

A 5.2.4 RSL system is going to be light years beyond what most average Joe's will EVER experience. And will keep you very happy for a long long time until you're ready and have the budget saved up to upgrade.

RSL is a GREAT company I love those guys. And I've enjoyed every purchase I've ever bought from them

Make sure to buy RSL's wireless sub adapters 2 of them 1 for each sub. That way you don't have to run long cable to your subs and you can literally place your subs anywhere in the room that you want

Those adaptors work great and they are only $100 bucks for both of them

Very excited for you can't wait to see some pics once it's all setup!

Thanks Man! I appreciate that. Great advice. And that’s true about happy wife happy life. Does anyone know where the saying is for “happy husband”? Haha! I did purchase the wireless adapter for the first sub but haven’t tried it yet. If I get the second sub, I will definitely purchase a second wireless adapter. I like the direction you are leading that seems to work well with my budget. It’s not like I’m currently unhappy with my setup, so anything that improves upon my current setup, I know I’ll be happy. If making the big jump down the rabbit hole wasn’t so expensive, I’d be in.

What about room treatment? Should I really consider treating my room. I haven’t really entertained that thought yet. My room is not echoey, I have carpet, and once I get a sectional couch I’ll have more furniture too. Just wondering if I should look at treating my room, or not worry about it. Not sure if it’s much of an added expense or how much of an eye sore it might be

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks Man! I appreciate that. Great advice. And that’s true about happy wife happy life. Does anyone know where the saying is for “happy husband”? Haha! I did purchase the wireless adapter for the first sub but haven’t tried it yet. If I get the second sub, I will definitely purchase a second wireless adapter. I like the direction you are leading that seems to work well with my budget. It’s not like I’m currently unhappy with my setup, so anything that improves upon my current setup, I know I’ll be happy. If making the big jump down the rabbit hole wasn’t so expensive, I’d be in.

What about room treatment? Should I really consider treating my room. I haven’t really entertained that thought yet. My room is not echoey, I have carpet, and once I get a sectional couch I’ll have more furniture too. Just wondering if I should look at treating my room, or not worry about it. Not sure if it’s much of an added expense or how much of an eye sore it might be

Isn't the receiver in the sub built-in? Then one transmitter should be fine for two of them (I have an Infinity set that works that way at least).

 

[Rylan]

Also FYI guys RSL very soon is supposed to be coming out with a new 12 inch sub that's going to be very price competitive but a BIG step up in performance over the 10. This year so maybe when they do @Rylan can upgrade or trade in his 10's for the new 12's coming out

Good to know! I have been in communication with Joe at RSL, and we plan to connect sometime after the holiday. I will be sure to ask him some questions and see if I can get some insider info on any new products that might be coming out this year. I don’t have a problem waiting either if it means I can get a newer budget friendly system. I appreciate you mentioning this @Danzilla31

 

[Rylan]

Isn't the receiver in the sub built-in? Then one transmitter should be fine for two of them (I have an Infinity set that works that way at least).

Hmm… I’ll check the manual and see if it mentions this

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Wow, I really appreciate everyone’s willingness to send links and suggestions! It’s always easier to help someone else spend money , especially when what they may purchase is exciting!

I’ll be honest, I had no idea the prices could jump up that much so quickly. The issue I’m having is that between the AVR, the TV, (current speaker setup) blue ray player, all the accessories to set things up correctly, and install my wire correctly behind the sheetrock, I’m sitting at about $5500 in the last 2 months. As much as I’d love to follow Alice deep down the rabbit hole, I think I’m needing to pump the brakes a little while my wife still enjoys the system lol. In order to upgrade the RSL CG23 line to the CG25 line, I might be looking at approx $400-500.

If I were to add a second RSL sub, that’s another $360 with their current 20% off sale.

As you all know, this hobby can start to add up fast. (With me not knowing prices) I originally was envisioning maybe a couple extra hundred dollars for better subs. You guys gave some Excellent options. Those look like some amazing subwoofers. I will plan for now to keep those ideas in my notes for when I decide to upgrade and get more serious down the road. Im at a place where I’m starting to feel I’m pushing my price point limits. I can understand now the feeling of wanting to go deeper, and maybe I might just be tasting the excitement of what it means to be an audiophile. Maybe I can cash in my retirement and buy some killer subs haha! Right now I’m still open to something different, but being the price jumps so much on anything decent, It might just be to far away at this point in time. If I had to settle on a second Subwoofer from RSL, I know I could still be happy as my first system and starting point. I’m still open to any ideas and suggestions, but I certainly don’t want to waste anyones time sending links to some great products that are not within my current budget. If I had a budget for 2 Subwoofers, I’d say my max would be $1000. Hope that clears things up. Seriously, thank you for all the great links. Now I have some goals to shoot for

Good notes. I think really, you summed up exactly where you’re at. Adding a second RSL right now seems like the best option. Then you can take some time and recoup, add some more money to the mattress and readdress later, once you’ve had some time to catch up, finish the installation, and most importantly enjoy some content. That’s what it’s all about anyway!
You’re right too, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money, and in a way I find a little vicariousness in that. And part of that is that we’ve mostly all been there. That’s why usually we’ll start at the bottom of the rabbit hole. We’ve been through the upgrade path, and if you do it, it’s a lot better to buy once cry once. The other side of that is listening to gear that’s low level to midland and that can give a great overall perspective of things. In other words, more rounded experience.
It can be hard to keep things in perspective, especially when window shopping on the internet. And while I know you’ll get there someday, you do have a really nice starter system. You’d laugh if I told you about some of my early ones. All good fun.

 

[Rylan]

Isn't the receiver in the sub built-in? Then one transmitter should be fine for two of them (I have an Infinity set that works that way at least).

Glad you mentioned this @lovinthehd.
Looks like you can use one transmitter

Connecting Multiple Subwoofers
Connecting Two Subs - A/V Receiver Or Connecting Two Subs - Stereo
Processor
There are three ways to connect dual subwoofers. Many of today’s A/V receivers and proces- sors provide two subwoofer or LFE connections. With these, you can run separate RCA cables to each of your subwoofers. If your A/V receiver only has one subwoofer jack, you can connect two RCA cables to a Y adapter and one cable to each subwoofer. The third way is to connect the first subwoofer normally and connect an RCA cable from the first subwoofer’s line outputs to the second subwoofer’s line inputs (see diagram above). In a home theater installation you will bypass both subwoofers’ internal crossovers. For stereo installations you’ll use and adjust both subwoofers’ internal crossovers.

For connecting two subs wirelessly, you can pair both subs to a single transmitter.
Note: connecting the first Speedwoofer wirelessly or using speaker level inputs will not pass the signal to the second Speedwoofer.

 

[lovinthehd]

Glad you mentioned this @lovinthehd.
Looks like you can use one transmitter

Connecting Multiple Subwoofers
Connecting Two Subs - A/V Receiver Or Connecting Two Subs - Stereo
Processor
There are three ways to connect dual subwoofers. Many of today’s A/V receivers and proces- sors provide two subwoofer or LFE connections. With these, you can run separate RCA cables to each of your subwoofers. If your A/V receiver only has one subwoofer jack, you can connect two RCA cables to a Y adapter and one cable to each subwoofer. The third way is to connect the first subwoofer normally and connect an RCA cable from the first subwoofer’s line outputs to the second subwoofer’s line inputs (see diagram above). In a home theater installation you will bypass both subwoofers’ internal crossovers. For stereo installations you’ll use and adjust both subwoofers’ internal crossovers.

For connecting two subs wirelessly, you can pair both subs to a single transmitter.
Note: connecting the first Speedwoofer wirelessly or using speaker level inputs will not pass the signal to the second Speedwoofer.

Just tryin' to help your budget!

 

[lovinthehd]

Then again using wireless setups can add some complexity to delay related needs. A second transmitter could perhaps work slightly better in that regard if subs are not equidistant from your listening position.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Thanks Man! I appreciate that. Great advice. And that’s true about happy wife happy life. Does anyone know where the saying is for “happy husband”? Haha!

No. Happy wife happy life is stoopid. Hate that saying!!! I pay the mortgage too!

 

[Danzilla31]

Thanks Man! I appreciate that. Great advice. And that’s true about happy wife happy life. Does anyone know where the saying is for “happy husband”? Haha! I did purchase the wireless adapter for the first sub but haven’t tried it yet. If I get the second sub, I will definitely purchase a second wireless adapter. I like the direction you are leading that seems to work well with my budget. It’s not like I’m currently unhappy with my setup, so anything that improves upon my current setup, I know I’ll be happy. If making the big jump down the rabbit hole wasn’t so expensive, I’d be in.

What about room treatment? Should I really consider treating my room. I haven’t really entertained that thought yet. My room is not echoey, I have carpet, and once I get a sectional couch I’ll have more furniture too. Just wondering if I should look at treating my room, or not worry about it. Not sure if it’s much of an added expense or how much of an eye sore it might be

If your happy with the sound I wouldnt worry about treating the room yet. Wait till you do your big upgrade with speakers and subs someday.

Enjoy this system for awhile and learn how to measure your room with REW and other techniques

That way you can understand what is really going on with your room before you start trying to apply treatments.

 

[Rylan]

Good notes. I think really, you summed up exactly where you’re at. Adding a second RSL right now seems like the best option. Then you can take some time and recoup, add some more money to the mattress and readdress later, once you’ve had some time to catch up, finish the installation, and most importantly enjoy some content. That’s what it’s all about anyway!
You’re right too, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money, and in a way I find a little vicariousness in that. And part of that is that we’ve mostly all been there. That’s why usually we’ll start at the bottom of the rabbit hole. We’ve been through the upgrade path, and if you do it, it’s a lot better to buy once cry once. The other side of that is listening to gear that’s low level to midland and that can give a great overall perspective of things. In other words, more rounded experience.
It can be hard to keep things in perspective, especially when window shopping on the internet. And while I know you’ll get there someday, you do have a really nice starter system. You’d laugh if I told you about some of my early ones. All good fun.

Haha that’s great! I feel pretty good about a second RSL sub after talking it out with you all. There is truth to buy once cry once haha. I guess one thing I’m happy about is I’m starting out with what I feel to be a mid quality system. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I do like what @Danzilla31 said- “A 5.2.4 RSL system is going to be light years beyond what most average Joe's will EVER experience. And will keep you very happy for a long long time until you're ready and have the budget saved up to upgrade.”

 

[lovinthehd]

No. Happy wife happy life is stoopid. Hate that saying!!! I pay the mortgage too!

Yeah if I were married it would be more your way. Not just about $, but just respecting and enjoying each others' interests or providing room for separation if needed....but am happily single at the end and no regrets!

 

[lovinthehd]

Haha that’s great! I feel pretty good about a second RSL sub after talking it out with you all. There is truth to buy once cry once haha. I guess one thing I’m happy about is I’m starting out with what I feel to be a mid quality system. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I do like what @Danzilla31 said- “A 5.2.4 RSL system is going to be light years beyond what most average Joe's will EVER experience. And will keep you very happy for a long long time until you're ready and have the budget saved up to upgrade.”

I think just your gang you've got to listen to it with has to be considered with...what are they used to? TV alone? Soundbars? Not too many of us really pursue the good stuff

 

[Rylan]

Then again using wireless setups can add some complexity to delay related needs. A second transmitter could perhaps work slightly better in that regard if subs are not equidistant from your listening position.

Something good to also consider

 

[lovinthehd]

Something good to also consider

For many years people have been doing well enough with a single sub pre-out (or internally split single to two ports) but equidistant subs make that a bit easier.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Haha that’s great! I feel pretty good about a second RSL sub after talking it out with you all. There is truth to buy once cry once haha. I guess one thing I’m happy about is I’m starting out with what I feel to be a mid quality system. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I do like what @Danzilla31 said- “A 5.2.4 RSL system is going to be light years beyond what most average Joe's will EVER experience. And will keep you very happy for a long long time until you're ready and have the budget saved up to upgrade.”

Yes. Daniel San is correct.

 

[Danzilla31]

Haha that’s great! I feel pretty good about a second RSL sub after talking it out with you all. There is truth to buy once cry once haha. I guess one thing I’m happy about is I’m starting out with what I feel to be a mid quality system. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I do like what @Danzilla31 said- “A 5.2.4 RSL system is going to be light years beyond what most average Joe's will EVER experience. And will keep you very happy for a long long time until you're ready and have the budget saved up to upgrade.”

RSL has been reviewed and tested on audioholics and highly recommended by @gene and other members here for a reason. Your getting a system that's much better then mid level RSL systems punch way above they're price point.

We're only recommending you move up someday because you like it loud and you like dynamics. Which RSL can do but there's no replacement for displacement as us audioholics like to say.

To get that crazy awesome oomph that you sound like your really looking for someday you'll need to get bigger speakers that can move some more air. Until then RSL is more then capable of keeping you happy

 

[Rylan]

No. Happy wife happy life is stoopid. Hate that saying!!! I pay the mortgage too!

I hear ya. I do like what @lovinthehd said about respecting and enjoying each other’s interests and still giving each other healthy space. It’s definitely about mutual respect. My wife and I never expect anything from each other, we don’t ever tell each other what to do, we ask. Works well for us and keeps us both happy, but I digress.