onkyo tx-nr717

[mr_natural78]

I am a newbie when it comes to a/v and home theater. I recently bought a cheap sony str-dh540. I got a good deal on some polk audio rt35i bookshelfs that I'm using for the front L/R and a polk cs245i for a center. I have a chance to get a set of polk rt55i bookshelfs that I'd like to move to the front L/R and then use the rt35i set for surround L/R. Now that I have started doing some research into this kind of stuff I think I want to upgrade my receiver. I have a chance to get a used onkyo tx-nr717 for a pretty good price. How much of a difference is this going to make with my speaker set up and would it be worth the upgrade? I'm still looking into subs and I think I want to go with a polk audio psw505 since they can be found on amazon for right at 200 with free shipping and reviews on them seem good. I like that the onkyo receiver as pre outs and would allow some room to grow. I am far from an audiophile or audio critic and I'm fairly easily satisfied when it comes to this stuff. I just want something that would be decent set up for mostly movies and occasional music. Would the onkyo power my speaker set up noticeably better than the sony with I'm learning is pretty much on the bottom rung of the ladder when it comes to recievers? Opinions? Recommendations?

 

[markw]

I don't know what your allocated budget is for a receiver, but Accessories4less sells factory refurbished units at very good prices, and with a manufacturers warranty. Many of us here, myself included, have had very goos luck with them. I, for one, have purchased at least three items that I can recall (two receivers and a DVD changer) within the last ten years and never had a problem with any of them.

 

[afterlife2]

I'd go for this instead: Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less

Fronts:Pioneer SP-FS52-LR Andrew Jones Designed 130 Watt 4-Way Floorstanding Speaker SP-FS52-LR - Micro Center

Surrounds: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed 80 Watt 2-Way Bookshelf Stereo Speakers SPBS22LR - Micro Center

Center: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed 80 Watt 2-Way Bookshelf Stereo Speakers SPBS22LR - Micro Center

 

[mr_natural78]

Well I already have the polk fronts and center. Why do you suggest the older 709 vs the 717? The reason I am considering the 717 is because I can get a pretty good deal on one that is used. Only 200 bucks from a friend.

 

[afterlife2]

It has some features that the 717 didn't include in the newer model like the Audyssey MultEQ XT, but if that is not a concern then 717 is a steal for $200, it's new $579 on amazon. Well in case you're not digging the Polks, definitely check out the pioneers. Don't get the Polk sub you'll be sorry. Get this instead: http://www.amazon.com/NXG-Technology-NX-BAS-500-500-watt-Subwoofer/dp/B008FSTU4G/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1380240260&sr=1-1&keywords=nxg+subwoofer You might need 2, What is your room size?