Newbie looking for some guidance

[SJBFIRE]

Hello Everyone. I'm new here and new to the home audio world. I am about two weeks away from moving our first house and have become very interested in learning all I can about home audio(My wife says I'm obbsessed...o-well). I am ready to purchase some equipment and had a few questions for the community here.

My current system I have in my condo consists of a Denon AVR1602 receiver and (2) Klipsch Snyergy SB-2's which is moving into the garage once we move into our house.

I just purchased the new Hewlett Packard 1080p DLP HDTV which left me with a budget of around 2K. I thought I would start building my system with a pair of tower speakers and a good receiver(1K for each). I listen to music of all kinds and would like to find a pair speakers that has good mids and clear, crisp highs. I like loud music but still want to hear good imaging at low levels. We will also be watching movies so I am looking for something with good lower frequencies due to the fact I won't be buying a subwoofer for some time now.

PSB T65 tower speakers
NAD T763 or Pioneer VSX-52TX

I auditioned the PSB T65's powered by a NAD T763. All I could say was WOW. I was simply blown away and knew I was closer to finding what I am looking for.

Here's my dilemma. I can buy the Pioneer receiver (floor model) above for half of the MSRP or I can purchase the NADT763 for a few hundred more. Either way I would be spending more for the NAD. I'd like to buy the NAD for the fact they go perfect with the PSB line. If I decide to go with the Pioneer my only concern is the receiver being 8 Ohm and the T65's being 6 Ohm. This is where I get lost and would like some advice from the more experienced people here. Would I hear a big difference if I go with the Pioneer?. I personally like the features offered on the Pioneer and love the fact that it's black. On the other hand I know the NAD is raw power and sounds great with the PSB's. What are the pros and cons for each reciever. I will be auditioning the T65's with the Pioneer tomorrow but wanted to see what kind of suggestions I could find in these forums. Again I am inexperienced with this equipment and am looking for some guidance.

Thanks in Advance,
Steve

 

[jaxvon]

Welcome!

You should have no problem running the 6 ohm speakers on the Pioneer.

I suggest that you also audition the Phase Technology PC 3.1 II speakers. Here's their webpage:

http://phasetech.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?item=2

 

[SJBFIRE]

Thanks for your quick reply Jaxvon, I'll be sure to check those out. One more thing I forgot to ask my original post was if I should buy a receiver with HDMI capabilities. I'm not sure what the advantage of having HDMI would be for me, I just planned on using components for everything.
Thanks

 

[jaxvon]

HDMI is pretty nifty, but I'm not sure which way I would go right now. Since v 1.2 still can't do all of the high-rez multi-channel formats, it's not quite and all-in-one solution yet. It does provide a nice one cable connection for audio and video, but there are issues with compatability and security of the connector in the jack. I think that if I were shopping for a receiver at the moment, I would wait until v1.3 comes out. It might even have a different connector that is incompatible with the older versions. HDMI is a great thing, but I still think it's a little immature to really drop a bunch of cash on yet, especially if you're on a fairly strict budget.

 

[SJBFIRE]

Pull n the trigger

Another reciever I am considering is the Denon 3806. This is the only reciever with HDMI anyway. Have you heard when when HDMI v1.3 will come out? I read that once it does, all the other versions will be upgradable. Do you know if this is true.

Which one would you buy in you were in my shoes.

Denon AVR3806
NADT763
Pioneer VSX-52TX

I just looked at the Pioneer VSX-72TXV and may be considering this if they have it. It's a little more expensive but it has the port for the ipod....sweet. Sorry Im all over the place with this stuff but there are so many choices it's hard.

Im leaving in 20 minutes to go pull the trigger so I'll be sure to let you know what I decided on. Any advice on what I should look or listen for.

Thanks,
SJBFIRE

 

[jaxvon]

Oops, I missed you. Yamaha's new RX-V 1600 and 2600 also have HDMI. Those could be an option as well. But Denon makes nice stuff too. Report back with your purchase, please!

 

[SJBFIRE]

Well I just came home empty handed. I still can't make up my mind. I have narrowed it down to the NAD T763 and the Denon AVR3806. The salesman was nice enough to put both receivers on hold for two days until I make my mind up. I can buy them both at the same price and I'm having a hard time deciding if I want a 2 year old more powerful less features receiver(NAD) or go for the new what they claim to be high powered, all the features(HDMI) receiver. I'm am literally 50/50. I have a few days to decide so I will just do some more research. If your really interested here's some post's I've been reading. They are titled NAD vs. Denon. It gets dicey at times but I get the feeling the people are just defending the product they bought.

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401959&highlight=denon+avr3805

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/1/38081.html

I had a chance to listen to both today and still can't make a decision. The NAD is clearly more powerful but the Denon is defiantly comparable. I would have to say the Denon would be better for Home Cinema use while the NAD would be better for 2 channel stereo use. Here's the catch. The NAD I have the opportunity to buy for 950 has been a floor model for about a year and half and was just loaned out for some guys house party because his receiver he ordered hadn't come in yet. Or I can just opt for the brand new Denon for 1K. I know we aren't suppose to post prices in the forum but I had to tell you what I'm looking at here. IMO the NAD sound quality is better but the Denon sounds just as good but in a different way. One thing that weighing heavy on me is bass. I am looking for the best bass possible because I wont be able to buy my sub for a while. I've had a few beers and feel like I'm rambling on so I'm gonna end it here. Thanks for your help.
SJBFIRE

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

SJB,

Have you considered the Pioneer Elite 56 or 9300? It's going to have the bottom end you are looking for, larger caps than the 3806, and more HT friendly IMO than the used NAD (I'm not liking that story at all). A good friend has been IM'ing me for a week on a similar shootout - the Pioneer 74 vs the Denon 3806. Since I own a 3805 and am quite familiar with the Pio's, I told him to listen to the 56. He's now swayed to the sound of the Pioneer over the Denon, and the 56 over the 74. Just my .02 - not to make your decision any harder.

 

[rumble]

At that price point you have a lot of options. I would definitely check out the Yamahas.

If you were considering the Pio 52tx you may want to check out he 1015tx. They are basically the same system. You could pick up a 1015tx and two Outlaw mono block 200 watt amps for around what your are willing to spend. That will get you around 70 pounds of equipment that will light up your speakers.

 

[SJBFIRE]

First, thanks for your advice guys. I just locked in a deal that I feel very good about. I ended up calling the store I've been dealing with and basically told them that I was leaning more towards the NAD T763 but didn't feel comfortable with buying the floormodel/slightly used unit. Long story short, I ended up with a brand new in the box T763 for the same price.

I have to say the Denon sounded amazing and I liked all the latest features it included. I probably wont be using HDMI anytime soon so that wasn't a factor.

The NAD on the other hand sounded absoltley awesome. I could hear the power difference right from the start. The fact I already bought the PSB T65 towers made my decision easier because I have read other posts about how the two match-up. I was even told that they are built in the same factory....is there any truth to this? Anither little thing I really liked was the seperate volume control on the remote. I brought the wife the second time and she also liked this feature. I had order the reciever and was told it could take about two weeks to actually get. I'll be sure to give you guys an update once I get it all up and running. Again thanks for the advice on this matter.
Steve

 

[SJBFIRE]

Update

I received my NADT763 and have it all set up with my PSBT65's. I am more than happy with my decision and have no buyers remourse thus far. I have it all set up in my condo(2nd floor) so I can't get to crazy with the volume. I move into my new house on January 13th and can't wait to let 'er rip. So far so good though. I have watched numerous movies and have almost gone through my entire CD collection. Eric Clapton unplugged and Pink Floyd's the wall have been most impressive so far. I have also been getting into concert DVD's and am really enjoying the new U2 live in Chicago(Vertigo Tour). Any reccomendations on other good sounded material? I like all different types of music so let it fly. I will soon be buying the next piece for my HT. I'm not sure if I should buy a Sub or a center first....any suggestions?
Thanks for the help. This forum is great.
SJBFIRE

 

[bigpapa]

Center first

Get the sub later. Those towers gotta sound sweet on the low end.

Don't skimp on the center. It seems like the C60 is timbre matched with your towers. If you're happy with your towers, match your center.

Once you go beyond 2ch, methinks your Center channel becomes the most important speaker in the system.

I have a 3805... it's pretty powerful as is with good inwalls. I can only imagine something more powerful with a fat set of towers. Sweet!

 

[SJBFIRE]

Thanks for the response. I decided today after auditioning the C60 that I will be purchasing the "centre" channel speaker first. I'm getting a smoking deal on it so I can't pass it up. Your right I love my towers so far and know they will only be complimented with the same driver and tweeter. They image really well and can only wonder what the whole system will sound like in my house(not soon enough!). I was looking at the 3806 when I bought the T763 (selling at same price). I was torn and decided to go with the NAD. I really liked the Denon though and hope I don't regret buying a receiver without HDMI. Other than the HDMI issue I am stoked on NAD electronics. I'm sure not to many people are listening to FM radio anymore but I have to say my NAD receiver does a fantastic job of making radio stations sound great. The wife and I were blown away when I tuned in our local Classic Rock station with the T763. NAD offers a FM mute option that cleans the signal up to almost CD quality. My next hurdle is to figure out if I should go with the PSB 6i sub or go with another brand such as HSU,SVS, or Velodyne? Open to suggestions. Again thanks for the response bigpapa.

 

[jaxvon]

Glad to hear you're satisfied! With the way HDMI is up in the air right now, I think it was a smart decision. Besides, if you really need HDMI, you can purchase a switch later on for a reasonable fee. As for the subwoofer, I'm sold on SVS and Hsu. They present an excellent value in subwoofering. I love my Hsu STF-1. That said, if you're looking for a great subwoofer that has extension, slam, and a low price, the SVS PB-10 is the answer. If I had a higher budget, I'd opt for a Hsu VTF-III (or a pair ).

 

[SJBFIRE]

Thanks jaxvon, I'm on my way to research the Hsu STF-1 and the Hsu VTF-III right now. Have a good new year.

 

[jaxvon]

Happy new year to you too! If you're looking for some HT goodness, I'd say don't opt for the STF-1. Why? It's just not enough subwoofer for HT bass, nor will it do much in anything but small to medium-small rooms (as in 14x18x8 or smaller). RJBUDZ might correct me here, but that's just the way I feel after owning an STF-1 for awhile. While it sounds amazing for only having an 8" woofer, it simply doesn't posses the extension for HT. What it does do it does very well, but it's more for music without deep bass or for someone who needs the extension below a bookshelf but doesn't have the budget or room for a bigger sub. I can get usable extension down to around 25Hz in my 14x11 room, but even then it doesn't have the awesome visceral impact that a larger sub would have. I would say that you should consider at a minimum a PB-10 from SVS or from Hsu, an STF-3 tuned for max extension.