Beginner Need help choosing the right receiver

[danillll]

I just started building my first low budget sound system, after looking at some reviews i decided to buy the fluance speakers AV-HTB and now need to decide on the receiver but no idea what to get .

here is the specification for the speakers:

Front Floorstanding Main Speakers
System Type: 3 Way - 3 Driver Floorstanding Main Speakers
Tweeter: 1 inch Titanium Soft Dome Ferrofluid Cooled For Longer Life
Midrange: 4 inch Poly-coated Driver with Butyl Rubber Surround
Woofer: 6.5 inch Poly-coated Driver with Butyl Rubber Surrounds
Power Handling: 20 - 120 Watts
Frequency Response: 38 - 20K Hz
Sensitivity: 88±2dB
Crossover Frequency: 1000/3500 Hz PCB Mounted Circuitry
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Enclosure: Bass Reflex Design
Dimensions: 33.0 X 8.3 X 9.8 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 27.3 pounds/speaker


Center Channel Speaker
System Type: 2 Way - 3 Driver Center Channel
Woofer\Midrange: Dual 4.0 inch Poly-coated Drivers
Tweeter: 3/4 inch Titanium Soft Dome Ferrofluid Cooled For Longer Life
Power Handling: 10 - 100 Watts
Frequency Response: 70 - 20K Hz
Sensitivity: 86±2dB
Crossover Frequency: 4000 Hz PCB Mounted Circuitry
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Enclosure: Acoustic Suspension Design
Dimensions: 6.0 X 16.2 X 6.6 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 9.0 pounds


Rear Surround Satellite Speakers
System Type: 2 Way - 2 Driver Surround Speakers
Woofer\Midrange: 4.0 inch Poly-coated Driver
Tweeter: 3/4 inch Titanium Soft Dome Ferrofluid Cooled For Longer Life
Power Handling: 10 - 100 Watts
Frequency Response: 70 - 20K Hz
Sensitivity: 85±2dB
Crossover Frequency: 4000 Hz PCB Mounted Circuitry
Impedance: 8 Ohms
Enclosure: Acoustic Suspension Design
Dimensions: 9.7 X 6.0 X 6.6 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 5.5 pounds/speaker


I just need something with minimum of 100 watts per channel, budget not more then 270 $, don't care if it is 5.1 or 6.1, i know i am not gonna upgrade to 3 rear speakers.

I saw the following at best buy, which one do you recommand:

yamaha HTR-5830
Sony STR-DG500
HTR-5840BL

Please give me your advise and if you suggest anything else in my budget please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

If you're going to go that route I'd take the yammy.

 

[drybo]

Looking at the same price range, does anyone know if these new sony str dg500 are any better than the old str de line. I read here somewhere a fellow thought a onkyo 503 was better than his sony Es, hands down.

 

[danillll]

Daz3ed I am going more towards the yamaha but which one do you recommend?
yamaha HTR-5830
or
HTR-5840BL

Drybo I did some research about the sony and couldn't find any review, it's either a bad receiver that none is buying or because it is still new, and about the onkyo 503 don't you think 74 W/channel is somehow low for 120 watts speackers ? or it doesn't matter.

Thanks again

 

[drybo]

"quote"Drybo I did some research about the sony and couldn't find any review, it's either a bad receiver that none is buying or because it is still new, and about the onkyo 503 don't you think 74 W/channel is somehow low for 120 watts speackers ? or it doesn't matter.

Sorry, was not suggesting the 503 for you, just trying to rule out the sony.

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha dealers

Check authorized online dealers for better prices.
You should be able to find the Yamaha HTR-5860 for $300. This is much closer to the power spec you want, has more features, and is 7.1.
You can find the lower models like the HTR-5840 online for $200 or less.
Don't pay retail at BB.

 

[corysmith01]

Yeah, I agree with jc, you should be able to do better, price-wise, online.

Also, with that kind of budget, I'd consider looking at ubid for some refurbs. Many folks here have bought from ubid, myself included, with no troubles. It's a way to make your money stretch a bit further. For $270, you could get yourself into some decent Denon or Yamaha units. This for instance.
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_HTR-5860__770_Watts_7.1Ch._A/V_Home_Theater/a10669288-rsearchone.html

 

[Deathwish238]

Look at Yamaha and Onkyo receivers on your budget. Perhaps the Panasonic SA-XR55 as well. I'ld also look at previous year's models to get more for your money.

The Yamaha HTR-5860 listed above is a good receiver to go with.

 

[gmichael]

Ditto on the HTR-5860. It has the auto-setup than can be a lifesaver for someone who is not ready to do it manually. Unless you know what you are doing, setting up a home theater system can be a b.tch. You can go Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon or Yamaha and you'll be very happy as long as you go with one that has this feature.

 

[danillll]

Thanks a lot guys for your input.
I think i am going to go with yamaha HTR-5840, but before buying it just want to make sure, of one thing.
My front speakers handles 120 W, and the HTR-5840 outputs 100 W, so what does this mean, I won't be able to get the maximum from my speakers?
Is the 20 watts difference can be noticable?

Please advice.

Thanks

 

[drybo]

Dan, I'm looking at a choice like yours, from what I understand the quality of the power means more than the rated power, ie a 110 watt sony may not sound as good on your speakers as the 100 watt yamaha. my 2 cents. maybe an expert will correct me. Also I'm not knocking sony I loved my old str835 .

 

[jcPanny]

Enough Power?

No, you do not need the full 120 watts to drive your speakers. At most normal listening levels, the speakers will be getting 10-20 Watts. Also note, that if you double the power (100 to 200 Watts) there is only a 3dB increase in volume, a slight increase.
If you want more power then the Yamaha can deliver, then it has pre-amp outputs for connecting an outboard amplifier.

 

[Kai]

Before committing to the HTR-5840, which is an older model, you may/should look at the newer models.
I just bought the RX-V659 and absolutely love it for its' price. I bought it at Tweeter for $499 though it can be had online in the $400 range.
Its' features surpass the 5840, including Burr Brown DAC's and the Yamaha YPAO mic system for setting up the speakers (which was surprisingly accurate when compared to my readings with a SPL meter afterwards).
Below are the links to the RX-V659 and the similar HTR model HTR-5960.


http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/HTIB/HTR5960.htm

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV659.htm

 

[TDubbs]

I'm a new guy too.
Just bought a Panny 900
Expect to get Xbox for the 6 yr old.
Debating on two dvd's - panasonic or oppo
and a receiver.

I just found this receiver. Would it me the original posters needs.
But more importantly - would it meet my needs.

Quick Take: The Sony STR-DG800 is the most affordable A/V receiver in the company's 2006 product line to include HDMI connectivity options. In addition to its HDMI pass-through capability, the two-zone 7.1-channel receiver offers 110 watts of power per channel. It features an automatic speaker-setup program to assist with proper speaker placement and optimizing sound quality. The STR-DG800 also includes a so-called Portable Audio Enhancer function that utilizes a digital signal processor designed to improve the sound quality of any attached MP3 player. Furthermore, it's XM-ready, which means that it can receive XM radio (with a subscription) by attaching an XM Connect-and-Play antenna. A total of five A/V inputs and two outputs plus three audio-only inputs round out the Sony STR-DG800's jack pack.

I have a very large room for my HT and am curious to know if it
will produce quality sound. Oh, and I will be picking up speakers also.
don't know what type yet.

T

 

[latech]

Hi y'all,
I'm also looking to buy a receiver for my on-planning HT system.
So far, I have decided to get Panny AE900U projector, OPPO 971H DVD player. I found Panny SA-XR70S receiver matched pretty good with what I need but I still want to hear some suggestions from you guys. I only want to spend around $300-350 for my receiver.
Thanks

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Yeah for anyone looking to spend in that price range ($300-$400)....I think the yammys are the best bang for the buck around for HT purposes.

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Dubbs.....what are the dimensions for your room? And how load do you like it when watching movies?....eg..reference level like when you're at the theater? lower levels?

 

[JMO_PWR]

With wattage ratings on amps and speaker depending on how they are measured can be really confusing. First of all if your speakers are only 120WRMS then a 100WRMS amp will be able to drive them with ease provided they are relativly efficient (87db+) and dont have a low impedance. A mate has a Marantz SR-4600 7*85 powering Jamo E855's (Rated at 140WRMS) Also be aware of Harmon Kardon Ratings there RMS ratings are measured differant, a 75WRMS amp of HK's would be equivilant to a 120W denon or marantz for eg.

Go to your nearest showroom and ask for demo's on as close to the system setup you have and go with your ears.

Based on your choices there id go with the Yammy mentioned above. Factory repacks are a great idea.

 

[TDubbs]

My room is rather large.
Basement is being finished beginning June 17th .
The open area is about 45 by 25. Think Square here.
In the southeast corner will be a fireplace area. Stone wall chimney and seating.
In the southwest corner will be a kitchen area. Tile floor and bar.
North west corner - nothin except steps.
North east corner - pool table.
My screen will be between the fireplace and pooltable. No problem for a 120"

My plan is to have 5.1 or 6.1 or 7.1 encompassing the seating area for the screen. Than on zone 2 - speakers that can fill the rest of the room. i.e. by the fireplace , kitchen, steps, pool table. Zone 2 will be used in conjuction with one, especially when music is on.

what do you think. will this work.

Thanks

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

how bout the height? Right now think you need more muscle!: a larger receiver budget if you must wait and save then do it...you'll be happier in the long run...same goes with the spakers....that's a large area and an open floor plan......unless you have low ceilings like a semi basement thats 7 ft. or something....more details!