How to choose a receiver, system help

[Tombolino]

Hi

Initially I just wanted a stereo for my living room. Speakers+Mac Laptop or IPOD to store music + speakers. Eventually, as I carefully pick the pieces, I may add a big screen TV and DVD player to watch Music DVD's and thus have a full entertainment center (already have DVD)

As I have gone to stores, the choices of course are too many. The jargon lures you to spend more.

I will probably spend $500 on a receiver. People have recommended Yamahas do a good job. At Hi Fi Buys they told me that at the $500 range there is no big diference between Denon and Yamaha. I would prefer to buy at a big chain store because if you dont like it you can return it without hassle.

I am not a prodessional audiophile and can get involved in the electronics only so far. I do want to make though a good selection to get a good system because I will have it for a while. I am a musician so I do have a good ear and know what sounds good.

For speakers so far I have liked some standing tower speakers by Polk and some by Boston even though I wish there were smaller speakers that sound just as good. About $700 a pair either brand, both bulky and big. Ironically, before I started shopping I thought my dad's Bose 301's sounded pretty slick. So Im also a little hesitant to get caught up in buying THE BEST, THE BIGGEST.

As far as the receiver at the stores I got confused over the choices. Some or just Natural Receivers and others are Audio/Video. It seems they do the same thing and even have similar watts per channel. Some of the Audio/Video ones come with DVD players and even speakers.

I am not on a tight budget. I am on a smart budget. Wanna buy stuff that sounds good, will last me and has the fucntions of the future (XM, adding the TV etc)

In a nutshell, is there a great difference in sound between the Natural Receivers and the Audio/Video (I guess there are the home theater receivers)

Thanks for your input

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Im not sure I know what you mean by 'natural'....I assume musical sounding....and yes some are better for music.....I think even in that price range....HK for one....I think you'll find a decent rec. for $500 and whether it be Yammy or denon.....you'll be pleased.....but please do use all a favor and stay away from bose......guys dont even want to respond to someone that talks about bose as being decent...lol.

 

[Tombolino]

receivers help

Im having trouble understanding the difference between Natural Sound Receivers and Home Theater Receivers. I think one is more geared toward audio/music only while the other is more audio and video. Is the quality in sound usually very different?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7067318&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1108125945988

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7164819&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1110266255381

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha Receiver's

Both products you linked are in the Yamaha Home Theater Receiver (HTR) product line. Both are intended for 6.1 or 7.1 home theater systems with up to 6 or 7 speakers and a subwoofer.
I believe the "natrual sound" receiver you mention refers to Yamaha's stereo receivers which can only power 2 speakers and don't have little or no video functions. Here is an example:
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RX397.htm

Since you mentioned a DVD player, you should get a Home Theater A/V receiver so that it can decode the digital audio signal fromt he DVD. The Yamah HTR-5860 is a good option, but you can buy it from authorized online dealers for about $300. Use the money you saved for better speakers or to add a sub. Also, in your $700+ range for fronts, you should check local B&M audio stores and internet direct dealers for several good options.

In my experience, BB and CC have bad return policies (restocking fee, etc.) for electornics and SOME of the online dealers are much easier to work with.

 

[Deathwish238]

For speakers so far I have liked some standing tower speakers by Polk and some by Boston even though I wish there were smaller speakers that sound just as good. About $700 a pair either brand, both bulky and big. Ironically, before I started shopping I thought my dad's Bose 301's sounded pretty slick. So Im also a little hesitant to get caught up in buying THE BEST, THE BIGGEST.

There is no best when it comes to speakers. It's only up to you to decide what you like more. It's best to demo as many speakers as possible imo and then pick what you like the most. Also, if you don't want big huge towers...why not get some nice bookshelves and get a nice sub to handle the lower end? Take a look at Dali...I was very impressed by their sound. I would recommend Martin Logan as well, especially beacause you're a musican, however their electrostatic towers are a bit pricey compared to what you listed.

 

[Kai]

I recently spent $500 for a receiver and opted for the Yamaha RX-V659 at Tweeter...they are cheaper online but I am not an online buyer in general.

I compared this rcvr to a similarly priced Denon and the Yamaha sounded better...which to me meant a more clear sound especially in the mid-range and the upper range was a bit more defined. When I compared the Y to the next Denon up the chain...$700 model...while the Denon did sound better...a bit wider mid...I thought the Y sounded so close spending the extra $200 did not seem worth it to me.

Make sure you check the settings on the receivers when listening to them. I usually take over the gear and set the bass/treble to neutral and the volume level the same.

I have had the Yamaha for nearly 2 months now and absolutely love it. It has improved the sound of my speakers over my last rcvr and I actually play around with some of the HT sound fields...actually like the Neural Sound the best when the auto mode does not detect and change to other signals...DD, etc...Set up was very easy using their YPAO/mic system which was surprisingly close to the final settings when I used a SPL meter.

Good luck with your search and keep us informed.

 

[TDubbs]

maybe the str dg800 from sony
it's brand new and I too am curious bout it.

I am wondering if it will suit my needs.
I have a panny 900
dvd - to be determined - oppo or panasonic 97 or ///
XBox

Any input on this receiver would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

I'm a NB so don't be too hard on me.
T