Need help picking out a new 5.1 receiver

[vmax35]

I'm looking to purchase a 5.1 receiver and have been eyeing up the NAD line. i found a great deal on one but it says nothing about HD true surround in the specs. Is this an important option nowadays? And is NAD a decent piece of machinery for the money? I'm hoping to spend under $1,200.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi vmax35, and Welcome to Audioholics.

Yes, NAD is a nice piece of electronics.

You must be talking about the T 765, right?

There are two versions, one with HDMI version 1.3 (3 inputs/1 output), that allows both audio & video full high res., and another one that is not up to date, but needs a new board to it.

* And yes, you do want your NAD receiver, able to decode the new high resolution audio formats; Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio.
So, make sure of this.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[vmax35]

quality 5.1 receiver

Thanks for the advice Bob. The last system I put together was 6 yrs ago,(6.1) I can't believe how much the technology has changed. I want a 5.1 set up but most manufacture's are phasing out 5.1 and on to 7.1. I've also noticed that some 7.1 receivers allow you to run in 5.1 and send the extra power to the fronts through wiring it differently (not sure how). I'm not sure if this is worth the extra money for a 7.1 vs. a 5.1. I'm going to run either paradigm titans or swan D2.1se for my fronts (haven't purchased them yet and open to suggestion). I already own center and rear speakers along with a sub. I've been researching receivers until I'm blue in the face and beleive it or not the Yamaha RX-V465 keeps popping up. The downside (I've found) with the Yamaha is poor video upscaling. I'm going to run a blu-ray player and that's it, (hopefully the blu-ray plays audio cds which I'm sure it should). I'll be connecting everything with HDMI cables. Unfortunately I purchased my tv (samsung LNS4051d) a few years ago and it's only 1080i. But for $1800, I'm gonna try to squeeze a few more years out of her until I upgrade to 1080p and a faster ms rate. Do I need to be concerned about video upscaling with what I'm going to run? I've found that yamaha and Onkyo both have issues with video upscaling (in their 5.1 models) and NAD doesn't mention Dolby true HD until you get into the more expensive 7.1 units. I wish I could have it all in a 5.1 receiver. I'd also like to keep in mind that I might someday buy some floorstanding speakers for the fronts and retire the swan/paradigms to the rear. Boy I tell ya, I'm tearing my hair out trying to decide. Thanks in advance for any help!
Shane

 

[AVRat]

Don't fret too much about a 5 vs 7 channel receiver. These receivers generally only have a single power supply for all channels anyway. If you go with a BD player like the Oppo BDP-83 which has an excellent scaler your pretty much covered since it a "true" universal player. Pair it up with something like the Denon 790 and your good for less than $1200.

 

[tcarcio]

There is a member of another forum that is selling an almost new, only 7 months old, Onkyo TX-sr876 for $875 shipped to anywhere in the U.S. This guy is very well respected and takes supberb care of his equipment. If you are interested I can pm you the info after I ask him if that would be ok. Google the reciever and check it out.

 

[Lordoftherings]

There is a member of another forum that is selling an almost new, only 7 months old, Onkyo TX-sr876 for $875 shipped to anywhere in the U.S. This guy is very well respected and takes supberb care of his equipment. If you are interested I can pm you the info after I ask him if that would be ok. Google the reciever and check it out.

Or about this one?

@ http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR876BLK/Onkyo/TX-SR876-7.1-Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-black/1.html

Bob

 

[vmax35]

looking at the Onkyo TX-SR876

Thanks for the warm welcome folks! After reseaching the OPPO BDP-83, I'm thinking this might be the player for me. The Onkyo TX-sr876 MSRP's at $1,799 and they're going for half price right now, just wondering if they may contain some already outdated technology. It seems to have all the bells and whistles. I would intend to run this receiver in 5.1 (if it's possible). Does anyone know if that's possible by a menu selection or if I have to do some funky wiring with the speaker outputs. Bi-Amping is new to me, but I think I understand the concept. The easiest way I would guess to run your fronts BI-Amped is to purchase speakers that are capable of such. Bi-amping at this point is not a strong desire. So again I ask.... Does anyone think this ONKYO is too much receiver for me? I hate to purchase something and utilize 50% of it's potential. My goal is to obtain a quality sounding 5.1 theater set up with enough power to run high end speakers and a blu-ray that plays it all (most likely gonna be the OPPO) I just don't know if I'll ever expand to 7.1 with the size and decor of my living room. If everyone still thinks the Monster ONKYO is the way to go, then so be it, that's what I'm gonna get. Thanks again gentlemen for any advice.
Shane

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the warm welcome folks! After reseaching the OPPO BDP-83, I'm thinking this might be the player for me. The Onkyo TX-sr876 MSRP's at $1,799 and they're going for half price right now, just wondering if they may contain some already outdated technology. It seems to have all the bells and whistles. I would intend to run this receiver in 5.1 (if it's possible). Does anyone know if that's possible by a menu selection or if I have to do some funky wiring with the speaker outputs. Bi-Amping is new to me, but I think I understand the concept. The easiest way I would guess to run your fronts BI-Amped is to purchase speakers that are capable of such. Bi-amping at this point is not a strong desire. So again I ask.... Does anyone think this ONKYO is too much receiver for me? I hate to purchase something and utilize 50% of it's potential. My goal is to obtain a quality sounding 5.1 theater set up with enough power to run high end speakers and a blu-ray that plays it all (most likely gonna be the OPPO) I just don't know if I'll ever expand to 7.1 with the size and decor of my living room. If everyone still thinks the Monster ONKYO is the way to go, then so be it, that's what I'm gonna get. Thanks again gentlemen for any advice.
Shane

I'd suggest picking up an Onkyo 606 for most folks, but if you can find a 705 I see it as the best value out there. I don't suggest spending 1000 on a receiver until you have 4000 in your speakers. We all know speakers are were it really counts.

 

[bombarde32]

I've also noticed that some 7.1 receivers allow you to run in 5.1 and send the extra power to the fronts through wiring it differently (not sure how). I'm not sure if this is worth the extra money for a 7.1 vs. a 5.1.

You are most likely talking about bi-amping. It's an option that you can turn on (off by default) in the receiver. What it does is take the 2 Surround Rear channels and redirect them to the Fronts so you can bypass the speakers' crossover. If your speakers have 4 binding posts on the back with removeable bridges this is an option for you. If not, it doesn't matter as you can't use it.

OK, so now you have 4 channels going to the 2 front speakers, or 2 channels per speaker, and you've removed the bridges. There's a wiring diagram in your manual that will show you how but basically 1 channel will power the left tower's bass, 1 channel will power the left tower's treble. Same for the right.

My towers are setup using the bi-amp option on my Integra receiver. Does it make a difference ... yes. Enough to sway me from another amp in and of itself ... probably not. If all your speakers have 4 posts bi-wiring is another option but I don't want to confuse the toipc.

I saw a McIntosh amp the other day where they were setup for tri-amping. Ugh. I wish I had the money!

 

[vmax35]

Wow! thanks for the added Advice!

You guys are awesome, Just when I think there are no more options, someone chimes up with another great idea. I'm an avid motorcyclist and when friends ask advice when purchasing a bike, I always tell them not to let the engine displacement or power intimidate you. If you buy something too weak, you'll regret it as your skills improve...it's only as fast as you twist the throttle. Maybe the same advice applies to receivers. Well, anyway, Anybody have thoughts on Factory refurbished Receivers? Should one stay away from them? And now on too the dreaded HDMI cables..... I'll need at least a 6 to 8 footer to reach my boob tube and of course a shorty from the disc player to the receiver. A guy at the local high end audio store said I should be able to get both the cables for around $300. what!!!!!! that's nuts! I'm sure the cabling on the space shuttle does'nt cost that much a foot. A friend of mine is an electrician and said with hdmi... either you get a signal or you don't, you're just paying for a bunch of sheilding that's unneccesary with the super high end cables. I don't know if I can trust that advice... I think I'd better stick with medium to high end cables.... Anyone know where the deals are on some decent HDMI's? I feel a little guilty bothering you guys with all of my petty questions, but if you don't mind throwing me some advice, I'd really appreciate it! And if I can offer any carpentry advice to someone....feel free to ask!

 

[AVRat]

Blue jeans cable or Monoprice

 

[bombarde32]

You guys are awesome

Anybody have thoughts on Factory refurbished Receivers? Should one stay away from them?

And now on too the dreaded HDMI cables.....

Awesome? Why thank you. We think so too! No ... just kidding. I know I personally still have a lot to learn but there's some real knowledgeable people on this site for sure. N E WAY

Cables ... Bluejeanscable.com. Here's why ... 1.) MADE IN AMERICA (except for a few spots they very clearly identify). 2.) Very good quality at reasonable prices. 3.) They say very clearly what you need and list the pros and cons of each. They do not push you into something more than you need.

Factory Refurbished: Um ... personal choice. You have to look at how much you are saving, age, et cetera. My advice is research the receiver's history. You don't want to buy a refurb on a model that historically has lots of problems. I.E. Early Class D amplifiers in the Integra line-up had a lot of problems. Why risk it for a little savings?
Bottom line: Know the model's overall history, understand the warranty (if any) and decide if it's right for you vs the cost of a brand new unit and its potential warranty (not that brand new is a guarantee of problem free operation either).

PS - I just cabled an 8k system with Blue Jeans Cable and I'm thrilled with how it's performing. I would strongly recommend people go there and I think many on this site will agree. Don't waste money on snake-oil cables (I know there's an article floating around here on that ...) or pay whatever Best Buy is asking these days.

 

[jostenmeat]

You guys are awesome, Just when I think there are no more options, someone chimes up with another great idea. I'm an avid motorcyclist and when friends ask advice when purchasing a bike, I always tell them not to let the engine displacement or power intimidate you. If you buy something too weak, you'll regret it as your skills improve...it's only as fast as you twist the throttle. Maybe the same advice applies to receivers. Well, anyway, Anybody have thoughts on Factory refurbished Receivers? Should one stay away from them? And now on too the dreaded HDMI cables..... I'll need at least a 6 to 8 footer to reach my boob tube and of course a shorty from the disc player to the receiver. A guy at the local high end audio store said I should be able to get both the cables for around $300. what!!!!!! that's nuts! I'm sure the cabling on the space shuttle does'nt cost that much a foot. A friend of mine is an electrician and said with hdmi... either you get a signal or you don't, you're just paying for a bunch of sheilding that's unneccesary with the super high end cables. I don't know if I can trust that advice... I think I'd better stick with medium to high end cables.... Anyone know where the deals are on some decent HDMI's? I feel a little guilty bothering you guys with all of my petty questions, but if you don't mind throwing me some advice, I'd really appreciate it! And if I can offer any carpentry advice to someone....feel free to ask!

Check out monoprice. They did very well in the AH HDMI shootout, besting some of those $$$$ cables you speak of. The 6 footer passed all 5 tests, including the 1080p 8-bit 120Hz HDMI 4.98 Gbit/s, which was pretty much done for very-far-off future proofing. I've bought lots of mono as well as BJC, but I've actually preferred the Mono stuff, for less money. They're both great.

As for refurbed, that's pretty much all I buy. Well, I should say also demo's, used, b-stock, open-box, blemished, you name it. Such non-A-stock products I've bought included Onkyo, NAD, Cambridge Audio, PSB, Martin Logan, JVC projector, Real Trap treatments, etc. I did buy a few new things as well, but only the subwoofer was of truly significant cost.

Of course, you have to judge the savings in light of street pricing. Of course I would've chosen new with the above products if the savings weren't significant. I'd aim for 50%, but expect at least 35% savings, probably to average around 40%. Well, that's what roughly happened with me. I did hit 50% once, but most of the times it's around 35%.

The most important point made here though is that the speakers are by far the most important selection as far as audio is concerned. If the receiver is the engine (as well as the options; blutooth, heated seats, compass mirror, navi, etc), then the speakers (ok, along with room interaction) are the chassis, suspension, brakes, tires, and more.