A/V Recievers?

[Taxman]

Which one is better for surround sound and why - Harman Kardon AK-247, Yamaha RX-V663, Denon AVR-1708?

 

[jamie2112]

Wow that is a broad question.What do you want to use them for?

 

[croseiv]

I'd pick the 663 because it has dual sub outs.

 

[Taxman]

I am going to use them for surround sound, I haven't purchased speakers yet either. I only need it for audio!

 

[Seth=L]

pick speakers first, then the receiver to power them.

 

[audioholix]

Which one is better for surround sound and why - Harman Kardon AK-247, Yamaha RX-V663, Denon AVR-1708?

For movie surround sound... I alway pick Yamaha, For music I pick Denon. Stay away from other Harman Kardon and Onkyo. Second choice I will pick Denon , they also had quality surround too. Good luck bro

 

[tn001d]

yammy.... ..

 

[CAVU]

The current sweetheart receiver deal is the newest $549 MSRP Yamaha RX-V663 which can be had for much less (including shipping) from 6ave.com - the coupon code AFLYAM359 is a big hint about the price!

 

[Seth=L]

For movie surround sound... I alway pick Yamaha, For music I pick Denon. Stay away from other Harman Kardon and Onkyo. Second choice I will pick Denon , they also had quality surround too. Good luck bro

What makes the Denon so great for music and the Yamaha so great for home theater? With the Bose speakers you have I can honestly say without doubt you wouldn't get an audible difference between Denon and Yamaha receivers. Your mind can play tricks on you, easy to do after being force fed nonsense about receivers sounding dramatically different, which is a stretch even if you are using high end speakers.

 

[bandphan]

did anyone hear seth? pick the speakers first LISTEN to the good advice thats being given or you could just be throwing your money away.

 

[Taxman]

I am going to build my audio system around $1000-$1500 bucks any suggestions on the speakers or receiver I should get for surround sound?

I looked at the av 123 speakers and decided I am definitely going to get the $199 x-sub from them! I may get the $299 a pair x-ls loudspeaker (which are real wood), but I have heard Paradigm Atom Monitor v.5 Loudspeakers (which aren't real wood) are the benchmark around this price? I am still not sure what to get for my back of the room speakers at all?

With that information does it help you guys decide which receiver I should get?

 

[Seth=L]

I haven't heard the AV123s, so I can't comment on them. The Atoms are part of Paradigm's lowest line of speakers. I have seen people trade out their Studio Series Paradigms for AV123 Onix XL-S speakers (not that it means they are better, just that someone prefered them). Based on that bit of data, I would probably take a hard look at the AV123 speakers. I believe they do allow you to send them back if you don't like them, but you might have to pay the return shipping charges.

 

[Neht24]

I am going to build my audio system around $1000-$1500 bucks any suggestions on the speakers or receiver I should get for surround sound?

I looked at the av 123 speakers and decided I am definitely going to get the $199 x-sub from them! I may get the $299 a pair x-ls loudspeaker (which are real wood), but I have heard Paradigm Atom Monitor v.5 Loudspeakers (which aren't real wood) are the benchmark around this price? I am still not sure what to get for my back of the room speakers at all?

With that information does it help you guys decide which receiver I should get?

Consider PSB's Alpha system over the Pardigm Atom... similar size and price but has better reviews. Also #1 Stereophile Recommended.

Another speaker system to check out (for entry level) is Atlantic Technology's 920 System with 102 SB subwoofer.

In regards to Receivers, my opinion is the AVR-1708 sounds better although one knock is no pre-outs.

 

[rnatalli]

pick speakers first, then the receiver to power them.

Second that. Few people will be able to tell a difference between a $500 HK, Yamaha, or Denon assuming it's DBT and levels matched. Any of the receivers mentioned will power the x-series from av123.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Which one is better for surround sound and why - Harman Kardon AK-247, Yamaha RX-V663, Denon AVR-1708?

I have experience with the HK247. I think the sound quality is fantastic. I really liked it a lot.

But it seems like newer Yamaha 663 has all the latest features and most likely sounds just as good.

 

[DD66000]

I have experience with the HK247. I think the sound quality is fantastic. I really liked it a lot.

But it seems like newer Yamaha 663 has all the latest features and most likely sounds just as good.

Having both Yamaha and HK, over the years, the HK will sound better, imho.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Having both Yamaha and HK, over the years, the HK will sound better, imho.

I was really impresed with the sound of the HK247 before I sold it to my brother.

I compared the Direct Stereo sound of the HK to my Acurus preamp and Pioneer Elite pre-pro. The HK sounded better than the Pioneer Elite pre-pro. I was really impressed. So from JUST the sound-quality point of view, the HK is great.

The only bad thing about HK as well as the rest of the Harmon International family is that they are slow pokes when it comes to new technology.

They don't even have HDMI 1.3, TrueHD, DTS-MA, or a blu-ray product. They make high-quality sounding products, but their technology seems to lag behind.

 

[Seth=L]

Having both Yamaha and HK, over the years, the HK will sound better, imho.

No, you felt that H/K sounded better. H/K "will" not sound better than the Yamaha, they will sound aproximately the same. This can easily be verified through a simple level matched DBT.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Taxman,
I have been impressed with the sound quality and build quality of AV123 speakers. I have the high end (Ref 1's and Ref 100) and the lower end (ELT525's) models. Both have the same furniture grade rosewood veneer. Also check out their b-stock page for some great deals. If you want real wood, then AV123 is one of the only options in your price range.

Another good option for <$1k is the SVS 5.1 speaker and sub package. You get a quality sub that can play down to 20 Hz. AH is also running a great deal on an RBH/EMP 5.1 system, check it out. Both SVS and EMP come with a vinyl finish.
http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/memorial-day-special-emp-ef30-free-upgrade

 

[gliz]

OK I am 42 been audio since I was about 10 years old I have never heard anyone say "pick the speakers first" and IMHO onkyo makes a good sounding avr as well and so does Pioneer, lets not for get them.