Receiver recommendation (1300 range)

V

vedder vitamins

Audiophyte
Hi Everyone,

Newbie here. Doing endless research on a new receiver (my current Sony was stolen)

There are numerous receivers out there but was hopign you can suggest one for me.

I have a 42" phillips plasma
Onkyo 5 disc cd/dvd player
Bose Center Speaker large
Lef Right front speakers, Newton Cambridge soundworks
Surround speakers - cambridge satellities
sub - bass cube 10 cambridge.

Mostly used for TV/cd and radio needed.

Ultimately would like to somehow use wireless to get speakers outside rather than running wires.

What do you guys think?
 
V

vedder vitamins

Audiophyte
thanks for the info.

now can i hook up some type of wifi link to get outdoor speakers eventually?
 
Seth=L

Seth=L

Audioholic Overlord
Yamaha has some very nice receivers as well, such as the RX-V3800. If power isn't an issue (it typically isn't) I would probably get one of those. It's not that Yamaha doesn't stack up in terms of power, it's just that you can get more power if you need it from Onkyo (but Onkyo's have heat issues). So do you want power and features or do you want reliable and functional?:D
 
Seth=L

Seth=L

Audioholic Overlord
You would need to do one of the following.

A.) use one of the on-board zones (most receivers in this price range have a powered zone) for powering outdoor speakers. You would need to run speaker wire to the outside speakers, preferably conceiled and done to electrician's specifications. (a zone can be operated independantly from the home theater, meaning different source can be used, as well as output levels, typically they can be used simultaneously).

B.) use the zone preout to an external amplifier to do the same as I mentioned before, this relieves some stress from the receiver's amplifiers.

C.) get a wireless speaker system or wireless amplifer. I cannot recommend putting a wireless speaker system outdoors unless it is meant to be used outdoors. I cannot recommend placing a wireless amplifier outdoors either as they are not rated for outdoor use. You could place the amplifier as close to the outside as possible (away from temerature varients and moisture) and run speaker wire to the outdoor speakers, make sure the wire is rated for outdoor and in-wall use.

D.) this is perhaps the most expensive route is a network system (like Sonos) that would work on a similar principle to option C. but with the benefit of being part of your home network and it will have access to any and all music you want to put on either a media server or computer setup to run as a media server. Once such a system is established it is relatively easy to use, once again systems like these aren't intended for outdoor use (other than specific wires and speakers) so amplification needs to remain indoors. There are probably cost no object systems that can be placed outdoors, but I am not familiar with any.
 
Seth=L

Seth=L

Audioholic Overlord
If I had that for a budget i would get this

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=139

there is my 2 cents :D
Link isn't working, but from what I last knew Cambridge audio's receivers where outdated and I consider them a lightweight next to mass market receivers. I am a firm believer that receivers don't sound much different from one to another, I see no reason to put stock into the Cambridge name just for the name's sake. I don't believe any current Cambridge audio receiver offers audio processing over HDMI for that matter.;)

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/2216/test-bench-cambridge-audio-azur-640r-av-receiver.html

These benchtests indicate it's a solid performer, and pretty much meets it's specified power output even in ACD (which isn't as important as they claim it is). The Onkyo TX-SR805 achieved greater power output than this and you can get it for less than half the price of the Cambridge. The other benchtesting shown between the TX-SR875 and the Cambridge are very close, both below audible levels of possible differences.
 
Last edited:
gliz

gliz

Full Audioholic
Link isn't working, but from what I last knew Cambridge audio's receivers where outdated and I consider them a lightweight next to mass market receivers. I am a firm believer that receivers don't sound much different from one to another, I see no reason to put stock into the Cambridge name just for the name's sake. I don't believe any current Cambridge audio receiver offers audio processing over HDMI for that matter.;)

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/receivers/2216/test-bench-cambridge-audio-azur-640r-av-receiver.html

These benchtests indicate it's a solid performer, and pretty much meets it's specified power output even in ACD (which isn't as important as they claim it is). The Onkyo TX-SR805 achieved greater power output than this and you can get it for less than half the price of the Cambridge. The other benchtesting shown between the TX-SR875 and the Cambridge are very close, both below audible levels of possible differences.
I did not pick it for namesake alone, it would be my choice because it LACKS all the video foofaraw. IT is a bit pricy though and your points are well taken. Besides last time I mentioed Onkyo for a recommendation I was chided :D
 
Seth=L

Seth=L

Audioholic Overlord
You stated your opinion as did I, it's not that yours isn't valid, but I can't fathom why someone would chose it over something that gives you much more for your money unless they truly thought it would better.

As far as the video "foofaraw" it doesn't have to be used if you don't to use it, it's there as a convenience to those that want or need it.
 
R

rnatalli

Audioholic Ninja
Cambridge Audio receivers may not have tons of features, but they certainly look great and have excellent amp sections IMO. That said, why not go with a Yamaha 663 and XPA-5?
 
gliz

gliz

Full Audioholic
Cambridge Audio receivers may not have tons of features, but they certainly look great and have excellent amp sections IMO. That said, why not go with a Yamaha 663 and XPA-5?

as far as whole houlse audio Cambridge ovvers some unique features, but that yamaha 663 is quite nice too
 
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