Newbie getting Onkyo 607 advise of speakers

[ttomtc]

I am about to purchase an Onkyo 607 and would like to have some advise on a lower cost set of speakers (5.1). Also, I have a Panasonic ht820 (older) and would like to know if those speakers could be used in conjuction with the 5.1 speakers to make it a 9.1 system. I've spent alot of time researching this subjcet (but it has started to hurt my head) and would like some help by someone who has a clue. I would appreciate it.

 

[lsiberian]

I am about to purchase an Onkyo 607 and would like to have some advise on a lower cost set of speakers (5.1). Also, I have a Panasonic ht820 (older) and would like to know if those speakers could be used in conjuction with the 5.1 speakers to make it a 9.1 system. I've spent alot of time researching this subjcet (but it has started to hurt my head) and would like some help by someone who has a clue. I would appreciate it.

First I will suggest you stop all purchases and give me the following

Your budget

What you already have

Goals(home theater /music/tv/ gaming/etc)

Then we can figure out what's the best upgrade for you.
I will say that speakers should always come first. Especially the Left, Right and Center Channels.

Then the Subwoofer

The the receiver and surrounds.

Your purchases should have that order.

Panasonic makes decent electronics and I used one of their receivers in a budget system once upon a time. So I would definitely look at the front speakers first.

Matt34 is selling 3 Infinity Beta 20s for 45 each and he may cut you a deal if you ask. He's a very reputable guy needing to move his stuff before he gets shipped overseas. Those 3 speakers would be a phenomenal upgrade from your current front speakers. They would be a nice step up from that HTIB front setup. Though Panasonic had the best sound of all the ones I listened to back in the day. When I bought my HTIB(before my audio intelligence began) I sadly picked the wrong system. I went for features not sound. looking back I know that was a mistake. Sound comes from the speakers and that's what matter most. Don't go for gimmicks go for good sound.

 

[ttomtc]

budget for onkyo 607

Thanks for the response Isiberian, my budget for all is about $1000.00.
So far I have a Vizio Plasma TV (50), a Panasonic SC-HT820V 5.1 surround system and a PS3.

I looked up the Infinity Beta 20's and they look like great speakers and a great deal. If I used two for the front where would I use the other and what center would I get to match them or do I need to match them for timbre (I probably spelled that wrong).

Also, music is as important as movies to me and would like to be able to play vinyle as well.

My Tv room is about 10 x 10 from the tv to the sitting area, but there is another 10 feet behind the couch (the kitchen) that is open. Also, the wall on the right opens with an arch (about 4') to the family room

 

[ttomtc]

Yikes I forget to use spell check....Also wanted to let you know the Onkyo 607 sure looks good to me, but you know more than I do....thanks again....everyone

 

[bandphan]

I am about to purchase an Onkyo 607 and would like to have some advise on a lower cost set of speakers (5.1). Also, I have a Panasonic ht820 (older) and would like to know if those speakers could be used in conjuction with the 5.1 speakers to make it a 9.1 system. I've spent alot of time researching this subjcet (but it has started to hurt my head) and would like some help by someone who has a clue. I would appreciate it.

9.1 is over kill unless your room is like 30x50. 7.1 is to in most cases. The SVS SBS system w/ pb 10 sub @ 949 is a great HT starter set with good punch. For 130 more move up to the 12" pb sub. Most everyone that buys these systems that are in the same budget as you are satisfied beyond belief with its performance The 12" sub should play flat to 20hz with in room spl around 95dbs.

 

[Gaigebacca]

Speakers

I have the Onkyo-605 myself, and I can vouch for it being a fantastic entry level AVR. Has everything I could want in it. I noticed that you said your total budget was about $1k including the AVR. So that leave about $500-600 left for speakers correct? You didnt say how much you can get the Onkyo for. So going with that, I would go for some Infinity Primus 362's when you can find them on sale at Fry's for about $150 each, or you should be able to find them new online for about that price. They used to sell them for $99 every blue moon or so, but the last time I saw them, the lowest they were going for was about $150. These are great speakers, and usual MSRP is $299 ea. Then find a matching center (Primus C250 or 350's) online from Harmon International (usually cheap on Ebay). Should be rocking then. Then you could use the Beta 20's as surrounds. Save up an spend more on a sub, it is worth it, trust me. Even if it takes you a while to get it, you will be happy with the performance of those speakers in the mean time, and then when you can afford a good sub ~$1000. You will be ecstatic.

Just my $.02

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the response Isiberian, my budget for all is about $1000.00.
So far I have a Vizio Plasma TV (50), a Panasonic SC-HT820V 5.1 surround system and a PS3.

I looked up the Infinity Beta 20's and they look like great speakers and a great deal. If I used two for the front where would I use the other and what center would I get to match them or do I need to match them for timbre (I probably spelled that wrong).

Also, music is as important as movies to me and would like to be able to play vinyle as well.

My Tv room is about 10 x 10 from the tv to the sitting area, but there is another 10 feet behind the couch (the kitchen) that is open. Also, the wall on the right opens with an arch (about 4') to the family room

1000 is a significant budget with lots' of possibilities.

I do recommend we get you a real receiver. The question is what do you really need. The PS3 decodes all HD Audio formats.
You currently have a PS3 so there is no need for you get a receiver with the new formats. Receiver technology changes a lot so I don't suggest you shell out a lot of your budget for one. Unlike speakers which last a long time. Receivers get outdated fast. I give them a 5 year life cycle. So consider how much you want to spend every 5 years.

As such I will suggest you take advantage of the deals for the Marantz 4002 it goes for around 250 at accessories4less or the HK AVR 247 that goes for 205 shipped direct from HK on ebay. Your other option is the Onkyo 600 series. For this look at the 606. It's an older model with a lower cost, but little has changed.

Look for deals and don't overspend on your receiver. It's easy to do, but speakers make sound not receivers. And most every brand is equal in it's sound quality when listening in direct modes.

I like the HK's for the Logic 7 mode.

But it's more buggy with cable boxes so be advised of that.

Onkyo makes my favorite receivers, but I sold my 705 to get better speakers. Because speakers make the music.


On your budget 300 is the max you should spend on a receiver. 250 to 200 is the preferred range.

Now the speakers are the next part. How do you like them? If you think they sound fantastic then upgrading may be unecessary. But if you want to upgrade your sound stage. You have many options.

How often do you listen to music in a given week? Try to estimate the hourly rate.

How often do you watch movies?

How often do you play games?

Where your hours rate will tell us your true preferences. Be honest. If you listen to one cd a week for an hour. Going for a great music system might be a waste of money.
However if you listen 10 hours a week to music critically then you will need reference level speakers.

Don't jump too quickly here take your time we can get you the right upgrade for you. Every listener is different remember that.

Is 1000 your true budget or are you stretching it?

Audio is a luxury item so don't overspend.

If your truly on a budget then a Beta front sound stage combined with a Dayton 12" subwoofer and a HK AVR 247 is probably the safe way to go.

Those are all huge upgrades for your current systems

bTW for craigslist bargain hunting search these brands

Infinity, KEF, B&W, Paradigm, RBH, SVS, Axiom, Aperion, Energy, HSU.

Take a peek maybe you'll hit the jackpot. I saw a full KEF set on my craigslist for 500 a few months ago. So deals can be had.