I need a little help please

[petenaz]

OK - I have been researching hard and I think I figured out a few things....

I like the Pioneer Elite 50" and the Panasonic Onyx 50" both because of quality and looks since the TV will be hanging in my living room - (if there is a better option that is less expensive but still quality picture and HD ready that I am missing I would love to hear about it).

I Like the POLK RM20 series speakers, but the RM10 seem OK too - (I also looked at the mirage nanosats which were good, but just a tiny bit lacking in the midrange).

It is the receiver and DVD that I am having trouble with. I looked at and liked the Denon 3805/3806 but the price seems steep. Do I need those options really? I also think the Yamaha 2500 sounds good, but again, I am getting stumped on what options I really need. I want expandability in the future, possibly a second zone, and digital capability. I also liked the self adjusting feature of the Denon since my speakers may asthetically look better "off center" and not at equal distances from the listener (livingroom thing again). I have a small 14' X 19' wood floored livingroom that will have a 13' viewing distance (short width set-up since I can't hang or put a TV down the long axis of my odd l-shaped room). The rear speakers will be high and even with the listener and the fronts will be directly in front, with sub wired to a corner and center under the TV. I am curious if I need such a big receiver (I don't think I need that level of power, but features and expandability in the future might be nice). Any receiver suggestions would be great. I do have an old ONKYO TX-SV70PRO, but I would like to upgrade that to more current formats.

The DVD player I want needs progressive scan and I think should be universal. I looked at the Pioneer elite one, and also read about the denon 2910. Not sure which I should look at, and again, I'm a little lost on whether I should spend the money for those or not.

I'll have HDTV coming in, no XM radio (yet), possibly routing a future computer into the system (or laptop), and I am getting exhausted at looking at all the options. It is hard to talk to any sales reps since they constantly tell me they don't know what the differences are between one brand or another (since they may not carry one of them) or they seem to just not know, and so they opt for the higher end device every time. I want to save money, and would like to keep this deal in perspective. Any help and reality checks would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Pete

 

[AVRat]

Your dilemma is currently a popular one, moreso since technology is going through such a shift. Being an early adoptor can be an expensive endeavor, and you don't sound like you fit into this category. Most of the features you want/need can be had at a lower price without sacrificing A/V quality. Three units that come to mind are:

Denon 2106
Yamaha 757
Pioneer 1015

These units do not offer any HDMI capability which isn't necessary for video since the HD video can be handled via component connection for switchability. The current HDMI 1.1 implementations don't handle SACD so it's really not worth the added cost at this time.

I also feel the same about DVD players. With the advent of Blu-ray/HD-DVD coming, I wouldn't be putting alot of $$ into a DVD player either.

 

[runninkyle17]

If you want HDMI then you are going to have to shell out a little more dough. Personally the best buy for HDMI is probably going to be the Yamaha RX-V1600; however, if you do not need HDMI and you are looking for a good receiver then I would recommend the yamaha rx-v657 (the same as the 757 with 5 watts less power and $100 cheaper, also the 657 has the same amp and processing tech as the more expensive 1500 and 1600). But that is just my two cents.

 

[Snap]

If you want HDMI then you are going to have to shell out a little more dough. Personally the best buy for HDMI is probably going to be the Yamaha RX-V1600; however, if you do not need HDMI and you are looking for a good receiver then I would recommend the yamaha rx-v657 (the same as the 757 with 5 watts less power and $100 cheaper, also the 657 has the same amp and processing tech as the more expensive 1500 and 1600). But that is just my two cents.

I second the 657. No sence spending 100 bucks for 5 more watts. The 1500 is a nice one to look at as well. As for DVD players....get a DVD-1920 or one from Yammy. Around 3-4 bills will put you in with a sweet DVD player.

 

[runninkyle17]

I do have to give credit to Snap on my before mentioned info. I was in a hurry on the post and did not have time to properly give him the credit for his great advice. So everyone give props to Snap!!!

 

[petenaz]

Thanks - I thought I would update

I attached a few pictures of my room set up. Some one in another area asked me if a projector would work. Front projection would not really work too well. I also will have speakers slightly offset.

What do you guys think about the Polk RM20 series? I heard them and they sound pretty good. I think they are small enough to blend with the room, but carry enough weight to grow into a new home (if that ever happens).

I have been researching some more and I like what I have been reading about the Yamaha RX2600. Not the top, but it has a little of the future built into it. I think the 1600 is an option if the price tag grows too much, but I may just piece things together slowly with the right componenets instead of comprimising too much. I still like the thought of the Denon 3805 or 6 too. I may opt for a lesser version if the price still climbs too much. I like all the suggestions that you guys gave though. It really helped. I have to go in and listen to the yamaha and denons side by side with the speakers. I do think HDMI is the option to go with for the TVs I am looking at (Panasonic Onyx or Pioneer Elite 50")

I also think I will look toward the Yamaha C750 if I end up with the Yamaha RCVR. Seems like a good match, but I am not discounting the Denon 2910 yet. Again, I will try to listen to them and look at the price point. I don't thinkI really need SACD at this point, but it won't hurt to have if it is in the player.

Anyway, that is where I'm at so far. Still pondering but getting closer to a decision. I want upgradability, but I don't need the newest technology. I typically go the way of the all out top and it lasts longer, but this time I think I can hold back a little in an attempt to maintain some level of frugality. Still looking for help if you will give it. Especially in speaker set up and suggestions for that little living room. by the way the viewing distance is about 13' couch to wall.

thanks -
P.

 

[Snap]

P.
Nice house by the way! You had mentiond before about the TV. Seeing your room now. I would say get a Rear Projection. You can get a bigger display for less money. And the PQ will be awesome. I recommend the either one of the following 1080P sets.
Sony SXRD 50 or 60 inch RP LCD's They are my first choice. After that comes the Samsung DLP in either 50 inch or 56 inch. Couple that with a nice DLP stand made by Bello, BDI, or Encore and that will store all your AV stuff as well as a place for your TV. Also lots of furniture companies are starting to make nice DLP TV stands at your local furniture stores as well. No need to get a Plasma or an LCD unless you are for sure going to hang it on the wall IMHO. You can get an awesome PQ and a bigger screen for less money going with a RP TV!

As far as the receiver goes......If you are planing on using several components that have HDMI then get a unit that has HDMI switching. If you are not..then save the money and get a AVR that has lots of power for less money. RX-V1500, AVR-2805 or the RX-V-1600. The Yammies come with XM sat raido ready, if that is a cookie that you would be interested in.

Speakers. I say get the Phase Tech V-12 System. Or if 2400 is too steep for a complete sytem, then get the V-10 system from Phase Tech. There stuff is awesome. Here is a review on the V-10 system. I have the V-12's and LOVE them. The only way that I would get rid of mine is if I was going to upgrade to the Phase Tech PC series!
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_2/phase-tech-velocity-speakers-4-2004.html

DVD player...get the 1920 from Denon. One of the best DVD players for the money out there. If you need 5 disc then get the Yammy DVD-C950.

Enjoy!

Snap

 

[petenaz]

good thoughts snap!

Thanks snap! I know what you mean about the RP TV, but we like the antique chinese alter table as our center piece. We were thinking of hanging the flat screen and I would fill the alter with the goods. It will be a good mix of old and new without totally dominating the room with electronics (I don't mind, but the little lady would). Anyway, we are pretty firm on the wall hanging. Our house is not a big place - nice, yes, but not big, so we want to mix it well. That is one reason I like the Panisonic Onyx and the Pioneer Elite - they both have good screens but that clean black edge that will look good above our alter. Add in a new light fixture to help tie in the colors and metals of the speakers... well, you see where it all is going. I am looking for good function and a little looks so we can finish setting up the house (just moved in not too long ago).

Thanks for the ideas though. I will try to check out your suggestions, although the speakers may be out of our price range.

P.