Need Help - Yamaha RX-N600

[cpotter638]

I'm looking to build my first home theater system. I will probably upgrade significantly in 2-3 years, so I don't want to go overboard at this point. I have about $2500 to spend and was thinking of spending approximately $500-600 on a receiver. I recently saw the new Yamaha RX-N600 network receiver at a local audio shop. This would probably suit my needs and is attractive for me as it has a network connection. Although the system I build will be primarily used for movies, I would like the capability to stream my MP3 audio files from my computer to the receiver. I have not found another receiver in this price range that would allow me to do so. I have also not found much information on the RX-N600 online (I've searched for forum posts and reviews and came up with nothing). Does anyone know of any reviews online or have experience with this receiver? Are there other receivers you would suggest in my price range that would also allow use of my MP3 files from the computer?

Additionally, the RX-N600 utilizes a LAN port to get the MP3 files. My computer is located in an office that is removed from the theater room. I would like to make this connection wirelessly. Is there a device that can plug into a LAN port that has an antenna for wireless communication? If you need more details on other room parameters, let me know. I've included a diagram of the theater room. Thanks for the help. Chad

 

[cpotter638]

Other receivers?

Also: I can find the RX-N600 online for around $450 shipped. I like it for the ease of connection to my home computer for MP3 access. However, since this can be achieved via other means, what is the best receiver out there for around $500? Thanks for the input. Chad

 

[Nick250]

That's up for debate, but in general pick your speakers first You do this because some speakers are more efficient than others and at this point you don't how much horse power you will need from from your receiver.

All that being said there are a ton of good receivers at the $500 price point. I have had good luck with Denon and Yamaha so my bias would lead me to start there.

Nick

 

[cpotter638]

Speakers

Nick:

I will be building a 5.1 system. I would need a receiver that had 2 zones. Down the road I am planning on adding multi-room home audio, possibly with a Russound CAS44. Would like to be able to feed Zone 2 of the receiver to the Russound. I've not totally made my mind up on speakers yet, but I'm very much favoring:

Axiom
Fronts - M22
Surrounds - QS4
Center - VP150

Sub - SVS PB12

The alternative:

Klipsch
Fronts - RB61
Surrounds - RS42
Center - RC52
Sub - SVS PB12

Thanks for the advice. Chad

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha options

Chad, you have some good leads on your new system.
The Yamaha RX-V659 is probably the least expensive of their receivers with the Zone 2 feature you need. As you step of the broduct line, you will get more power and video features. With new models comming out next month (RX-V2700/1700). You should be able to get a good deal on a 1600 model in your $5-600 budget. You can always add a squeezebox3 or other device to deal with the music streaming from the PC.

If you want a warranty, order from an authorized dealer

If you are using a complicated distribution system like the Russound, you probably don't even need the Zone2/3 features on the receiver. The russound will loop multiple analog sources (CD, MP3, tuner, etc.) into the distrubution amp and use keypads to allow each room to select a different source. However, the Zone 2 and 3 are nice for a simple DIY house system.

 

[Nick250]

Nick:

I will be building a 5.1 system. I would need a receiver that had 2 zones. Down the road I am planning on adding multi-room home audio, possibly with a Russound CAS44. Would like to be able to feed Zone 2 of the receiver to the Russound. I've not totally made my mind up on speakers yet, but I'm very much favoring:

Axiom
Fronts - M22
Surrounds - QS4
Center - VP150

Sub - SVS PB12

The alternative:

Klipsch
Fronts - RB61
Surrounds - RS42
Center - RC52
Sub - SVS PB12

Thanks for the advice. Chad

Have you done any auditions of speakers yet, or is this just from online research? Auditions are a PIA for some and great fun for others. Necessary though with one exception, which is to purchase multiple systems from ID companies like Ascend, SVS, Axiom, Rocket (I own a Rocket sub) and keep the system you like best and ship the rest back.

Nick

 

[cpotter638]

Speakers

Nick. I listend to (and liked) the Klipsch RB61 at a local audio store. But have decided to go the route of internet purchasing. Currently I'm favoring the Ascend series and have a post on Audioholics which discusses that:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25049

Hopefully that link will work. Thanks. Chad