Noob looking for basic Receiver info.

[YYZ]

Just read the Pioneer VSX thread and it made me nauseas. I have an old stereo system (just for audio) that needs to go (NAD 3240PE to be exact) and matching componants. My specs. at this point:

Digital and HDTV cable box
Panasonic g10 1080p plasma
Some old DVD player
pair of NHT bookshelf speakers

I really only need 5.1 at this point.
Was looking at the Pioneer VSX-1019 or the VSX-819h
So, do I need 1080p video upscaling provided by the 1019. I want decent sound but don't want to compromise video going through the receiver. As you can tell, I'm pretty new to all of this.

Thoughts on a cheapo sub? I know, probably the wrong forum to ask. I just want a good tv and reasonable sound.
Any help would be appreciated.
Jon

 

[AVRat]

With the G10, you don't need to worry about upscaling. What's the budget for the sub? How big is your space?

 

[lsiberian]

Just read the Pioneer VSX thread and it made me nauseas. I have an old stereo system (just for audio) that needs to go (NAD 3240PE to be exact) and matching componants. My specs. at this point:

Digital and HDTV cable box
Panasonic g10 1080p plasma
Some old DVD player
pair of NHT bookshelf speakers

I really only need 5.1 at this point.
Was looking at the Pioneer VSX-1019 or the VSX-819h
So, do I need 1080p video upscaling provided by the 1019. I want decent sound but don't want to compromise video going through the receiver. As you can tell, I'm pretty new to all of this.

Thoughts on a cheapo sub? I know, probably the wrong forum to ask. I just want a good tv and reasonable sound.
Any help would be appreciated.
Jon

For cheap stuff look up the HK AVR 254 receiver on Ebay and the Dayton 12" for the sub. It's got enough punch for the average joe.

 

[YYZ]

Thanks AV. I thought that the DC-10 would do the sufficiently do the converting but the Best Buy rube said otherwise. As for the sub, the space is an open living room, kitchen, dining room configuration, so not ideal for the "theatre" experience. Just looking for something ($~100 and small foot print) to provide some bass to balance out the book shelves. Or do you think a center speaker is more important at this point? Again, thanks!
Jon

 

[Lordoftherings]

HTIB for a great solution.

Thanks AV. I thought that the DC-10 would do the sufficiently do the converting but the Best Buy rube said otherwise. As for the sub, the space is an open living room, kitchen, dining room configuration, so not ideal for the "theatre" experience. Just looking for something ($~100 and small foot print) to provide some bass to balance out the book shelves. Or do you think a center speaker is more important at this point? Again, thanks!
Jon

Hi Jon, Welcome to Audioholics.

I thought that someone would have give you some help by now, but they're probably busy at more important matters, I guess.
Anyway, I'm here now. Sorry for the delay, I'm quite busy for my preparation to the Himalayas. That's right, I'm a climber.

The Panny G10 is a great TV. So it's a good one to do 1080p. No problem here.
But for more info, go to the TV displays in the appropriate forums, you know...
Ditto for a subwoofer, and speakers. NHT make some nice speakers by the way. And for a sub around $100; cannot help you here buddy, you'll have probably to look for a used one.

Now, for the piece of resistance, the hub, the hummer, the assistant chief (after the speakers of course, which is the main chief, or the main meal).

OK, you look at the Pioneer ones. About the VSX-919AH-K, right between the 1019 and the 819 receivers? It surely will do with some bookshelf speakers.
Even the VSX-819AH-K will do the trick. Very affordable, lots of features, enough power for your needs, and fine sound with pass-through HDMI video.
Plus of course the latest high resolution audio codecs.
I first mentioned the 919, because a lot of people seem very happy with that model, so that's why it's #1 from my list of Pioneer receivers in that price range. Plus you can get it very cheap at discount price. Won't have to rob the bank for it, that's for sure.
The center speaker is as much important as any other speaker, including the sub. I suggest that you go for a full 5.1 speaker system package. Maybe even one that includes the receiver.
About the full enchilada for less than $999 USA? Is that sounds fair enough?
All right, let me do my tricks and I'll be back in no time with some link(s), just for you my friend. I promess that you won't be disappointed either. ...

... *** I'm back with three HTIB. Don't forget though that these three systems can be had for less than their suggested retail prices, roughly 30% less, street prices (perhaps even less with careful shopping).

1. @ http://www.hometheatermag.com/hometheaterinabox/yamaha_yht-591_htib/

2. @ http://www.hometheatermag.com/hometheaterinabox/1008panahtib/ ~

3. @ http://www.hometheatermag.com/hometheaterinabox/onkyo_ht-s9100thx_integrated_system/ *
* -> Sans the Sub.

Which one you think I like most?

~ Hint: I always aim for the middle. Same as in the Pioneer receivers.

So, here you go, some very nice options for you here my friend.
Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[YYZ]

thanks isiberian and Bob.
Bob,
Thanks for hunting down those TIB's. My concern there is that I want to incoprorate a good set of speakers that I already have into any future AV system.

So, back to the Pioneer. I guess in my particular case, I'm not sure the diff. between the 819 and the 919 other than the 5.1 vs 7.1, respectively, and for that matter what would the difference be between the 919 and the 1019 with my current configuration? The 1019 can "upscale and convert analog video signals to 1080p when transmitted through HDMI to your high definition television" The 819 and 919 can't? Do I need to worry about that if I'm mostly watching digital and HD off the cable box through the DC-10? Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse here. I was in graduate school for about 7 years and am now only starting to catch up with technology...

 

[Lordoftherings]

thanks isiberian and Bob.
Bob,
Thanks for hunting down those TIB's. My concern there is that I want to incoprorate a good set of speakers that I already have into any future AV system.

So, back to the Pioneer. I guess in my particular case, I'm not sure the diff. between the 819 and the 919 other than the 5.1 vs 7.1, respectively, and for that matter what would the difference be between the 919 and the 1019 with my current configuration? The 1019 can "upscale and convert analog video signals to 1080p when transmitted through HDMI to your high definition television" The 819 and 919 can't? Do I need to worry about that if I'm mostly watching digital and HD off the cable box through the DC-10? Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse here. I was in graduate school for about 7 years and am now only starting to catch up with technology...

I'll be straight up front with you, why don't you go with an Onkyo, or Denon, or Yamaha receiver?
About the Onkyo TX-SR607, or 606 for example. Or a Denon AVR-1909, or even the 1609?
Something about Pioneer receivers that make you tick more?
Just a very simple and naive question.

Bob

 

[YYZ]

Great question. I guess I’m overwhelmed with the new (at least new to me) technology, including upscaling versus upconverting, versus HDMI versus optic cables, etc. So, in an effort to at least barely understand what I’m looking for I have been trying to stay myopic and because the Pioneer VSX is the only line I’ve researched so far, I’ve been trying to figure out the differences between their price points. I figured adding other brands to the fray (often with their own names for similar features) would just confuse me.

So, hey, any other recs. are welcome with the footnote that I’m
1. looking to keep my bookshelves and add maybe a sub (for 2.1 for now and maybe 5.1 at most in the future)
2. not wanting to lose or compromise any HDMI super 1080p video signal goodness when running my components (cable box, maybe an xbox360) through the receiver.

Any basic websites to help me get caught up with the basics would be great as well. I’ve checked out some "101" sites but they seem to be dated.

Best,
J

 

[YYZ]

Sorry, forgot:
3. Want to still be able to play audio CDs through my NAD cd player from the 90's.
J

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hey YYZ, it's very easy, just go their own respective web sites, that's all.
You'll find there all the specs and features.

Like: @ http://www.denon.com/
And: @ http://www.us.marantz.com/
And: @ http://www.us.onkyo.com/
And: @ http://www.yamaha.com/

* You just click on the model # that you would like to know more about, and voila.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Marantz SR6001

YYZ, just get this one:

 

[YYZ]

"Up-Conversion (w/TBC) to HDMI with 480I/480P Converter " Doesn't this mean I won't get the max from my 1080p when running components through the receiver?

If that's a problem, I'm thinking of going with the HK AVR254. ~$250 for a refurb. and has all the newest codec business.

J

 

[bandphan]

"Up-Conversion (w/TBC) to HDMI with 480I/480P Converter " Doesn't this mean I won't get the max from my 1080p when running components through the receiver?

If that's a problem, I'm thinking of going with the HK AVR254. ~$250 for a refurb. and has all the newest codec business.

J

Avrs upconverting capacity at these price points more than liklely will not be better than your displays. If video is a concern look at displays or stand alone converters.

 

[Lordoftherings]

^ I agree with bandphan's above post.


* How did I get double posts, just a bit above?
Oh, I think it was a computer glitch, where nothing happens when you click on "Submit", then you click back again to make sure.
Sometimes, I also submit my post, to come back right away on it, with the needed link.
Just forgot to double verify on that one, sorry.

Bob

 

[YYZ]

So, it’s a matter of which component has the greatest upconverting capability rather than what’s the weakest component in the series? That is, the signal (say from the cable box) is as good as its strongest upconverting component?

So, why then does say HK make a big deal about “HDMI 1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processing with upscaling to 1080p” when most newer TVs have their own upscaling feature that is likely better than the HK (@ this price point) and therefore makes this feature unimportant?

 

[Lordoftherings]

NOW! Why would someone delete my post with the link, instead of the one without???
I guess someone made an obvious mistake. Oh well, happens sometimes.

Here's the link again that's been deleted !?!?!?:

@ http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

 

[YYZ]

LOTR,
Thanks again for the link. Any thoughts re my most recent post?

 

[Lordoftherings]

LOTR,
Thanks again for the link. Any thoughts re my most recent post?

Thanks for asking.

Of course I got thoughts on this: make life easy for yourself, and don't worry too much about this, as your display will take care of this.

Get that receiver that I recommended you, or a similar one for around that price,
which there isn't. Unless you can get an Onkyo 805 for about $400.

Have a lovely day,
Bob