New HT Recv, need advice on system setup

[bens0472]

Hi everyone,

First of all, thanks to the folks who keep this community running. This is really an amazing place for information.

I'm about to replace my limping Sony receiver (that I think I likely fried) with a Yamaha VX-R659 (or 661, still deciding). I've written in a previous thread about the Sony - had my 5.1 speakers on Channel A, all of which were rated at 8 ohms running simultaneously with my 18 year old Bose Interaudio bookshelfs, which were on Channel B and rated at 4-8 ohms. After some time, the receiver flashed "Protect" and it's pretty much never recovered.

Anyway - I want to make sure of couple of things before I committ to this system:

1) I'd still like to run the old Bose speakers if I can. From what I've read and learned here, it appears that either of the proposed receivers, each with their multi-source capabilities, could handle this load, but I'm not certain if the impedance mismatch would cause any issues. Does anyone have advice as to whether I should attempt to run both sets simultaneously (I'd like to have music running through the Bose and HT through the 5.1 (Polks) simultaneously, on occasion.

2) I currently have the Bose connected via some fairly long cable runs and fairly small guage (don't know the measurement, but it's small stuff - my guess is 24 guage - and the lengths on the Bose cables is probably 40-50 ft, maybe even 60 ft. Should I upgrade this cable to 14 or 16 guage? Any other specifics as to what I should run? The cable is running below the floor of the house, through the crawl space. It's dry down there, but does get cool in the wintertime.

3) I also run the cable for my rear surrounds through the crawl space and up through the interior side of an exterior wall (so it's between the internal sheetrock and the insulation). These are about 20 ft long, maybe 30 ft and are 16 guage. Is this ok?

4) Last - if I go with the VX-R659 over the 661, will I regret it later if I decided to invest in a HD-DVD or Blue Ray player?

Thanks for any and all help,

Ben

 

[Phil Taylor]

I'll tackle a couple of your questions

#2 - yes upgrade to CL2 rated at least 14 gauge wires. Temp and humidity doesn't matter as much as the fire rating for insurance purposes.

#3 - go with at least 14 gauge CL2 there as well - see #2

#4 - I'd go with the 661 - always allow for future expansion if your budget will allow. And if your budget will allow I'd go for the 861 with upconversion.

As for #1 - It's not a good idea to mix impedances (or use Bose according to some folks ). As long as you're in upgrade mode -- you may as well upgrade your speakers as well.

 

[Seth=L]

The cables are to low gauge and too long for sure, I would be using 14 gauge at a minimum. I would also not run the Polks (5.1) and the Bose at the same time. The RX-V659 and RX-V661 both feature zone 2 preouts, where you could connect a seperate amplifier to power the Bose in the other room (that is the sole purpose of Zone 2).

Onkyo's TX-SR605 has a powered zone 2 that can power a set of speakers plus the 5.1 surround sound at the same time. It may still beconsidered risky to operate it this way if the Impedance is to different. Using a seperate power amplifier is your best bet, connected to zone 2 preouts.

Also, take note that your previuus receiver may have been fried because a connection is faulty, causing a short, or that one or more of your speakers could be defective. This is only a maybe, but you need to be sure that you are using adequate gauge wires for all speakers. I would do at least 16 gauge for the Polks.

Also, are you using a powered subwoofer, or a passive subwoofer?