Looking to upgrade my system to accompany my 3d tv and Pro-ject debut III turntable

[mikesgroove]

Hey guys,
My current setup is a Yamaha RX-V440 receiver with a Velodyne v-1012-b sub and JBL E90 tower speakers. The sub has quit working and is my number one priority. Although I think it is time to upgrade my receiver as well. I recently purchased a samsung 3d tv and dvd player and my receiver doesn't have any hdmi inputs. I also have a pro-ject debut III turntable with a pro-ject phono box II preamp. I am looking to spend around $800 total for the receiver and sub but don't really know where to start on getting the best for my money.

Two subs I am looking at are the Velodyne Impact 12" 275w and also the HSU STF-2. I haven't found a receiver yet.

Any ideas for something that would accompany my tv, speakers and turntable well?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[agarwalro]

The sub's needs are governed by room size. What's yours?

 

[Bryceo]

Your new amp

 

[mikesgroove]

My room is 16'x13' with a 9' ceiling. The tv is mounted on the east wall along with my current setup. I have a wrap around couch in the corner of the west and north walls. The room opens up into a front entrance way in the southwest corner. It also opens up into the dining room to the right of the wall with the tv mount.

 

[mikesgroove]

I should also mention that I have:

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers

JBL Northridge E90 Floor-Standing Speakers

Klipsch KV-3 Center

I tried to post links to these speakers but it wouldn't let me.

As of now I am still looking at the HSU-STF2 sub unless you can talk me into upgrading to the VTF.

For the receiver, it will only be used as a 5.1 but am interested in 7.1 for the power output. It needs to be 3d ready and I also like the networking options. That is about all I know about receivers.

The 2 that I have been looking at are:

Denon AVR 1913 for 7.1
Denon AVR 1613 for 5.1


I am open to any other suggestions. I just want a good receiver and sub that will accompany everything I already have, without the need/want to upgrade in the near future.

Thanks!

 

[agarwalro]

My room is 16'x13' with a 9' ceiling. The tv is mounted on the east wall along with my current setup. I have a wrap around couch in the corner of the west and north walls. The room opens up into a front entrance way in the southwest corner. It also opens up into the dining room to the right of the wall with the tv mount.

As of now I am still looking at the HSU-STF2 sub unless you can talk me into upgrading to the VTF.

That is a huge space and the STF2 is not nearly enough. You want, at minimum, VTF3. Why so big? First and foremost, to reach the SPL (volume) needed and to do so with minimum distortion. High SPL at low distortion is simply a matter of physics. You need a big driver, big box and high power amp. Period. Some folks will contend that the VTF3 is also not sufficient and you need something like the Power Sound Audio XV15 and others yet will say you need two XV15 at minimum. (To be fair, I am in the latter group, but, did not want to frighten you right off the bat ).

For the receiver, it will only be used as a 5.1 but am interested in 7.1 for the power output. It needs to be 3d ready and I also like the networking options. That is about all I know about receivers.

The 2 that I have been looking at are:

Denon AVR 1913 for 7.1
Denon AVR 1613 for 5.1

For a budget AVR, I feel it doesn't get much better than the Onkyo TX-NR609 (refurb on A4L, $269.99 + shipping) (7.2, 6 HDMI in, Networking, 4k Upscaling).

I tried to post links to these speakers but it wouldn't let me.

You need to have 5 posts to get that privilege. You're almost there .

 

[mikesgroove]

Thanks for the information! The VTF3 is a little out of my price range right now. Would it make sense to get the VTF1 and at a later time get a second VTF1? Would you recommend any other subs? My budget for one is around $500.

 

[agarwalro]

The VTF3 is a little out of my price range right now.

1x VTF3 = $750 shipped vs 2x VTF1 = $1000 shipped . Just kidding.

Would it make sense to get the VTF1 and at a later time get a second VTF1?

Here is an AH article that talks about two lower output subs vs one higher output sub. It is an excellent writeup on this topic. In short, the primary benefit of adding a second sub is to get more even bass response across more listening positions. Contrary to popular belief, the second identical sub does not make a major impact to volume or how low the subs will play.

That said, one way adding a second sub will increase output is to stack both. To get the most of the stack, you will can keep it in a corner. As it happens, while corner placement is great for maximizing output, it is not very good for flat response across more locations. So the choices are, more volume in one or two seats or even bass with lower volume (assuming distortion is below audible level). The former is good for movies and the latter is better for music.

Now the task at hand. AH has reviewed both subs, so it is easy to compare them. VTF1 vs VTF3. So, can two VTF1s stacked equal one VTF3? Looking at the measurements page on both,

In max extension mode (aka play lower Hz at expense of higher volume)
1x VTF1: 80dB @ 15Hz
2x VTF1: 83dB @ 15Hz (stacked not in corner)
2x VTF1: 89dB @ 15Hz (stacked in a corner)
1x VTF3: 95dB @ 15Hz
1x VTF3: 101dB @ 15Hz (in a corner)

In max SPL mode (aka play louder at the expense of lower Hz)
1x VTF1: 102dB @ 40Hz
2x VTF1: 105dB @ 40Hz (stacked not in a corner)
2x VTF1: 111dB @ 40Hz (stacked in a corner)
1x VTF3: 107dB @ 40Hz
1x VTF3: 113dB @ 40Hz (in a corner)

That said, we are dumbing this comparison down to the point that it is a yes vs no. Unfortunately, we loose details like, how much flatter the VTF3 plays up to 100Hz (making it easier to integrate), you can add the 'Turbo' on the VTF3 and make it play even louder and deeper. Last but not the least, if the VTF3 is not pushed to limit, the distortion will be significantly lower than VTF1 (since the VTF1 will be closer to its limit).

Would you recommend any other subs? My budget for one is around $500.

SV Sound PB1000.