Neophyte needs help with AVR upgrade purchase

[mrjad20]

Greetings, friends . . . I'm relatively new to this HDTV and audio stuff, and kinda old now that I think about it (52 yrs.) so I'm reaching out to the young and wise for guidance . . . I want to upgrade to a receiver that will bring out the best of the equipment I have without blowing a hole in my pocket . . . here is the setup I have right now:

Samsung 50" Plasma [720p] HDTV (HP-S5053)
Samsung Blu-Ray Player (BD-P1400)
Yamaha 6.1 AVR (HTR-5940)
Kenwood speakers (5) and sub - from old HTIB

I'm looking for a reasonably priced, basic, entry-level AVR with 1080p HDMI inputs/output for the system I have . . . but I seek the true HDMI, not that pass-thru or "switching" thing (unless you audioholics think this is just as good given my setup and price point) . . . I don't need any facny satellite radio features, though I guess from what I've seen they all seem to come ready for this now . . . I thought I can get what I seek for <$500 . . . seen some reviews here on the new Marantz (big, back in my days though don't seem to see much from them these days), harman/kardon 146/147, and Onkyo in my price point but they all have the HDMI pass-thru or switching feature . . . your counsel would be most appreciated . . . thx,

 

[Nomo]

The yamaha RX-V663 is the obvious choice to me.
But having recently upgraded to a HDMI receiver I can tell you it is not a significant improvement over my old receiver. Both of them Yamahas.

No offense, but have you considered putting the money towards a speaker upgrade?

Just a thought.

 

[mrjad20]

Thanks, Nomo . . . I'll check out the V663 . . . regarding your suggestion of speakers, which would you recommend? . . . the theater room is in the basement, about 12'x17', with carpeting and 8' drop-ceiling . . . I would think that the upgrade would be the AVR first and speakers second? . . . what are your thoughts? . . .

 

[rnatalli]

Speakers are the key to a good system. I'd upgrade those and then look into receivers. That said, the 663 is probably the best receiver deal out there right now. If you can wait till June, the new Pioneer 1018 should be great as well.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Thanks, Nomo . . . I'll check out the V663 . . . regarding your suggestion of speakers, which would you recommend? . . . the theater room is in the basement, about 12'x17', with carpeting and 8' drop-ceiling . . . I would think that the upgrade would be the AVR first and speakers second? . . . what are your thoughts? . . .

There is going to be NO RECEIVER on earth that will sound any different from what you've got as long as your using those, those, I can't bring myself to call them speakers, kenwood things as sound radiators.

Most on this board will tell you to go out and listen to ALL the speakers you can, but not from Best Buy, or other chain brick & mortar stores, but from audio shops.

Problem with these audio shops is sticker price. Dealer price. Scary prices. Great speakers, but you gonna pay. This leaves us with online dealers, and many are damn good.

Since I don't know your budget, I'll just give you some links, you can audition them in home for 30 days and return them if you don't like them. Here are a few.

AV123 - Speakers and Subs. Excellent!

Axiom Audio - Speakers and Subs.

Aperion Audio - Speakers and Subs

I love my Aperion Audio 5.1 setup. Skip their subs, go with Hsu Research or SVS instead.

SVS is starting to build speakers now, once known just for wicked subwooofers. Give their site a good look.

Emotiva is also making some awarded bookshelf speakers, and the company is gearing up for some serious electronics to follow.

But before I mutter on, how much you wanna spend? This website is like a black hole for your wallet, you will buy and you'll love it

For speaker wires, HDMI cables and other interconnects please do yourself a favor and buy from Blue Jeans Cables. They have a cult following here Excellent cables, great prices, custom lenghts, FAST SERVICE.

 

[Nomo]

As harshly as Ric said above, he is correct.
But as you can see from the links he provided, speakers are NOT a cheap upgrade.

The best advise, as far as speaker upgrades are concerned, would be to take your time and listen to as many as possible.

My preference is Polk Audio.
But speakers are, more than any component a personal preference.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

As harshly as Ric said above, he is correct.
But as you can see from the links he provided, speakers are NOT a cheap upgrade.

The best advise, as far as speaker upgrades are concerned, would be to take your time and listen to as many as possible.

My preference is Polk Audio.
But speakers are, more than any component a personal preference.

I hate to be short and harsh, but "Gimpy Ric" types with his mouth, because he/I am a quadriplegic of almost 20 years. Don't be bummed, Gimpy lives a good life

 

[mrjad20]

Guys . . . the hard facts don't bother me . . . I prefer direct, honest commentary . . . in fact, I got a laugh out of Gimpy's reply because he is right . . . I visited the sites he offered but . . . my God! . . . I'm just not in a position to dish out that kind of $$$ . . . heck, even at my age I'm "privileged" to be able to spend $500 for a receiver without having my spouse all over my "derrier" . . . having said that, I'll try Polk Audio . . . do they have stores one can visit or only online stores? . . . also, I saw a flyer for a Hi-Fi Buys in my area . . . is this a good outfit for AVR and speakers? . . .

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Polk, like many other brand names, has developed several series of loudspeakers, and the cheapeast I can find is here:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=37900&i=107MON30B&search=Polk+Audio+VENDORID107&searchdisplay=Polk+Audio&tp=186

Those are great bookshelves speakers, a friend has a pair, and have even won a few accolades from Audioholics:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/bookshelf-speaker-faceoff-2007/round-1-polk-audio-monitor-30-vs-hsu-research-hb-1.html

If the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) will allow a new Yamaha 633 and a pair of Monitor 30's, you've got your foot in the door Then a sub like this:

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Bic-Acoustech-H-100-Powered-Subwoofer/1513356/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1136841-000-000

Then a few more Polk Monitor 30's for your rears, and last, but not least, a Polk center . Then you have a full 5.1 surround sound system that complements what you already own

 

[mrjad20]

Gimpy Ric . . . you are the BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . . . thx for the referrals/links . . . I'll check them out first before I address the WAF . . . besides, in my house I always have the last 3 words -- "Si, mi amor" . . . ooops, I forgot, in English this means, "yes, my love" . . . I'll let you know . . .

Jose

 

[smurphy522]

Jose,
I too highly reccomend looking into a speaker upgrade. If price is the first concern, and most of the time it is, start with a 2.0 or 2.1 set-up. Then go on from there. As the budget allows you can replace the center and then the sub (if you go 2.0 first) then the surrounds. Again I highly recommend going with a speaker upgrade. Also try used avenues, like: Craigslist, Ebay, audiogon, Etc. Check out the web site affordable audio. They have lots of older or affordable alternatives.

Keep in mind that speaker technology is much slower to change and that electronics changes at least yearly, if not sooner. I refer to new models.

I would concentrate on companies that make, for the most part, only speakers; like: Polk, JBL, Infinity, Axiom, AV123, Boston Acoustics, KEF, BIC, Paradigm, Mirage, Definitive Technology, MB Quart, Pinnacle, EMP, RBH Sound, Klipsch, the list goes on...and on.

Look here for an audioholics guide, too!

Good Luck.

 

[mrjad20]

To my new Audioholic friends - Gimpy Ric, Nomo, rnatalli, and smurphy522:


I am excited and pleased to announce that thanks in total part to your collective wisdom and guidance, I've come up a notch from a being a complete neophyte. I used your guidance and counsel to complete my purchases of upgraded equipment. I believe you'd all be very proud of me for being a good student and listener.

I visited the sites of several of the manufacturers that were suggested for speakers and all of the sites for purchasing equipment and cables. Based on the pricing I saw on the Internet, I scoured local audio stores and big box vendors. To my surpise, I bought all I needed locally for as good or better than I could've found on the "net". Here's my cache:

1 pr Polk Monitor 30 ($127/pr at Fry's Electronics) **
1 pr Polk Monitor 60 ($165/each at hhgregg)
1 Polk Center CSR ($70 at hhgregg)

1 Yamaha RX-V663 Receiver ($447 at Fry's Electronics) **

Here's the story behind the (**) items. I purchased the pair of Monitor 30 and was given 2 boxes by the clerk. When I got home and opened the packages, I realized there were 2 speakers in each box - so I had a total of 4 speakers. Apparently, the clerk believed each box contained only 1 speaker (and so did I) - hence the reason for the two boxes. I went back to Fry's to return the extra pair of speakers and for my honesty, the manager discounted the Yammie 663 by $50.

All I've got left to do is have my cable company upgrade my HDTV box for one with hdmi and go to monoprice.com to order the 12-gauge speaker wire and banana tips for all the connections, as well as the hdmi cables to better manage my wires behind the component cabinet.

Again, a very heart-felt thanks and much gratitude for your collective counsel. I would not have been able to do it without your help. God bless you all . . .

P.S. - I was in total shock that the WAF did not come into play on this . . . hmmmm, I smell something coming down the road . . . take care all . . .


Jose

 

[Nomo]

Nice. Looks you you've got a pretty nice system going.

Glad to see some honesty paid off.

Stick around. We'll be happy to help spend more of your money.
This place is like porn. If you can't be doing it yourself, watch some one else do it.