7.1, 6.1 or 5.1...

[gooders]

I'm a novice so I'll make that real obvious.
I am investing in a whole new system and one of the first things I need is a decent Amp/A/V Receiver or whatever we call them these days. Any tips on whether it's worth the extra money for 7.1 receiver? Should I just stick with 5.1. Its main use will be for DVDs and CDs and I'm going to buy the Oppo 970 DVD.

Any advice for a beginner is appreciated. I did search the forums but couldn't find anything like what I was looking for..

 

[MDS]

First of all, good luck finding any new receiver that is 5.1 only. Onkyo does have a new model that is 5.1 only, but in general 5.1 only models are few and far between.

- With a 7.1 model you at least have the option of using 7.1 speakers.
- If you get one that has Zone2 capabilities, you can have 5.1 in zone 1 and stereo in the other zone without requiring an additional amp.

If you know for sure that you never ever will want 7.1 speakers or a second zone of audio, then a 5.1 receiver will be sufficient - IF you can find one.

 

[Bee-Man]

First question might be - 'how big is your room'? and second question might be 'is it big enough to place speakers ~4 feet behind the listening positions'?...

Is there a budget that you have in mind?

For mine, a better quality 5 speaker system with a smooth sub will give a better sound than one or two additional rear surrounds....and good placement of the rears will to some degree compensate, and besides...if you want more surround from the back - just turn up the volume as opposed to buying a couple more speakers....plus wire....etc etc etc...

SVS is a good speaker system with 5.1 and the option of 7.1...the sub upgrade is definitely worth it too....they need around 140W to really kick though - not talking about volume either...

There are plenty of 5.1 AV receivers lurking around.....about 300 bucks get you a decent one with some great higher spec older models going for pretty good deals....

Good luck....

 

[gooders]

The room is about 14x18 so medium sized i would say. I think 5 speakers + sub is a more sensible approach right now, but with technology moving forward I wanted to at least protect myself if I change my mind in the future or decide to move this down into the basement where there is much more room.

Budget - I would like to keep under $300 for the amp if possible. I've seen some Pioneer/Onkyo models that creep under that and seem good value. I'm not looking for something perfect but something that is going to sound good and has a lot of inputs. I'm happy to hear some recommendations.

I presume if I bought a 7.1 I can still use it as a 5.1, I think that is what MDS was trying to tell me. Is that a correct assumption.

 

[Flea]

I agree with Bee-Man. It really depends on room size. I have 7 speakes but I only have 5.1 set up because 7.1 is overkill.

 

[Nick250]

A receiver from any of the major players will work just fine. Denon and Yamaha are my bias because I have owned a number of each over the years and never had a problem. Others would probably say the same for Pioneer or Onkyo. Make sure the receiver has enough inputs for your needs and it's hard to go wrong IMO.

If the receiver supports 7.1 there are no issues about using it only for 5.1.

 

[erikli]

...and with many mid-priced 7.1 models and up, the two extra channels can be used to biamp the front speakers if you're happy with a 5.1 setup. Does improve sound, especially for music.

//erikli

 

[gooders]

You guys are helping me. I appreciate it.
I am going to go for 7.1 amp but just get 5.1 speakers. 7.1 would be overkill as there isn't enough depth to the room.

Now it's down to which one. I've had Pioneer gear before I liked it so I have a soft spot, I have only ever heard good things about Denon, don't have experience of Yahama or Okoyo.

I have come up with four Amps that look like they could do what I need for under $300. Anyone think one of these blows the other away?

Pioneer VSX-815 (http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php)

Onkyo TX-SR504
(http://review.zdnet.com/Onkyo_TX_SR504_black/4505-6466_16-31855323.html?subj=fdba&part=rss&tag=MR_Audio+System+Components)

Denon AVR 587 (http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3248.asp)

Yamaha RX V650 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_RX_V650_AV_receiver_7_1_channel/4505-6466_7-31076581.html)

Final piece of advice anyone before i part with some cash....

(am i breaking any forum rules by posting links? I know some forums don't care for it..)

 

[Xsound]

may want to add this piece as well... seems like a good value.

http://www.secondact.biz/product/AVR793

Enjoy,
X

 

[gooders]

YOu're right it does look good value and interesting. I know very little about Jamo except that they make excellent speakers. Anyone have any experience of their Amps?? I looked on their website and it looks like a nice piece of kit.. REviews anyone?