My head is spinning...

[spikec]

Ok, I've been trying to bone up on what I need to know to buy a 7.1 AV receiver. I can spend about $500. I want good power output to drive my 7 Velodyne spl-23 speakers which I bought last week on clearance. I want video upscaling up to component, selectable crossover freq.'s (the velodyne guy said set it to 110 or 120) and a decent remote. I do not need multi-zone capability...this will be used solely as a HT system. (Most of the denons, Yamahas, etc. have this, and my guess is you pay more for it.)

Although I just joined this forum I have been combing through it for weeks. You guys have a great handle on this stuff so any inputs you can give are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Spike

 

[markw]

Be careful here.

I do not need multi-zone capability...this will be used solely as a HT system. (Most of the denons, Yamahas, etc. have this, and my guess is you pay more for it.)

Don't exclude units from consideration simply beecause you feel you're "wasting money" on a feature you don't need. Look at it like a options package on a new car. Yes, you might have to pay for something you don't really need but you are also pay for the things you need as well.

FWIW, if that's the only reason that those brands you mentioned are out of the running, you are seriously cutting off your nose to spite your face. ...big time

 

[spikec]

Nope, I haven't excluded them by any means. Just wondering if I can get the features I want in any of these models without paying more for multi-zone...I'll probably just end up ordering a Denon 2805 or Yamaha 1500, cause frankly I'm sick of doing reserach ;-)

 

[markw]

Good thinking.

As you go "up the line" of a manufacturer's line, the "better" the receiver, the more features they throw on. FWIW, I've got a Denon 2802 and love it. Yes, it has multi zone capabilities but I've never used them and, from what it takes to implement this feature on virtually all receivers, I doubt I ever will.

Now, simply running a pair of speakers to another location seems fine. This has been around since the stone age of stereo but when you start talking about needing electronics, that changes the whole outlook.

To me, it seems cheaper, easier and more convienent to simply put in a low end system in another room rather than go through the hassle required to avail oneself of multi zone features. Ya gotta run interconnects, ya need another amplifier, ya need two (not 5, it's only stereo anyway) speakers.

Heck, add a source DVD/CD, replace the power amp with an integrated amp or receiver and you've got a stand alone system that has more flexibility than any multi zone receiver offers.