Receiver and BR recomendations for Noob

[AP-123]

I'm been wrapped around computers too long and finally getting may hands on an AV system. This forum is amazing and since joining I've logged several hours getting caught up to speed.

I'd like to get some recommendations on a decent Receiver and Blue Ray player. Eventually I'm sure I'll figure out a way to get my rather large media library hooked up either by computer and twonky or maybe tie an external drive up to PS3 or if possible the DirectTV box or via NAS. Not sure.

I think HDMI is the way to go for the receiver so you only have to have one HDMI cable going to the display (it is across the room). I currently have a Yamaha HTR-5550 but am going to sell it on Ebay and upgrade. I'm willing to spend $750-$1,500 on a receiver if it will last me at least 5 years.

Blue Ray - I think PS3 maybe the way to go, but not sure of the limitations. More focused on the receiver as I've already listed it on Ebay but BR will come shortly after.

I've have the following already purchased:

Sharp Aquos 52" LC-52SE94U - new acquisition and what started this all!
DirectTV HD DVR

Speakers:
Main - JBL S36II
Center - JBL S-CENTERII
Rear - JBL Control One
Sub - JBL PB12

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure this could open a can of worms!

On a side note, the volume nob seems to act somewhat erratically on the Yamaha - but the remote works fine. I seem to recall seeing this symptom on other receivers. Is there any cure for this?

 

[Mw`]

Grab the ps3 and pair it with an onkyo 606, yamaha 663, pioneer 1018, hk or denon and you're good to go for a long time. Those are all in the +/- $500 range.

 

[PENG]

I think you will be further ahead to upgrade your relatively small speakers to the higher end JBL models. For example, if you spend $1000 to upgrade the L/R/C speakers and $600 ($100 above your budget) on something like a Onkyo TX-SR805 you will end up with a very nice surround sound system. If you insist on spending the whole budget on a better receiver then take a look of the Denon AVR3808 and the Onkyo TX-SR875 or even the TX-NR905, but then you won't get much sound quality improvement until you upgrade the speakers.

 

[jostenmeat]

AP, your post jogged my memory and prompted me to post in the Deals section here. It has to be approved first, however, so I'll tell you here.

Onkyo 805 -> Club Onkyo $529, - 10%, - $10 for 1st timer at site, free shipping = less than $470 for a THX amp section. GREAT deal, IMHO.

Cons: VERY big, and VERY VERY heavy as far as affordable receivers (over 50lbs). Needs either adequate ventilation, or fans, or both.

edit: forgot to add, its refurbed but all accounts say it looks new. I use an 805 refurbished as a pre/pro, from prez day sale there, thanks to being informed here at audioholics. I thought i got a good deal, but you save more than $100 from what I paid.

 

[AP-123]

I think you will be further ahead to upgrade your relatively small speakers to the higher end JBL models. For example, if you spend $1000 to upgrade the L/R/C speakers and $600 ($100 above your budget) on something like a Onkyo TX-SR805 you will end up with a very nice surround sound system. If you insist on spending the whole budget on a better receiver then take a look of the Denon AVR3808 and the Onkyo TX-SR875 or even the TX-NR905, but then you won't get much sound quality improvement until you upgrade the speakers.

I knew once I posted I would open the can of worms...

I'm curious why these are small speakers. Are you referring to the sound reproduction or the size? As far as size, I don't think I need much bigger for this size room. Well maybe the Control One's in the rear are small, but the main and centers s series seem pretty big to me. I'm not challenging you, just clarifying.

Are you saying that the JBL PB12 sub and the JBL Control One's in the rear are okay quality?

I also don't mind spending money as long as it is going to last me. I typically overbuy, but care for my purchases for years and years. This will just fill the living room in my one bedroom apartment then will be more appropriately used for additional functionality when I plan to buy a house next year.

Thanks for all the feedback. Any other specific speaker, receiver or BR recommendations are greatly appreciated

 

[PENG]

I knew once I posted I would open the can of worms...

I'm curious why these are small speakers. Are you referring to the sound reproduction or the size? As far as size, I don't think I need much bigger for this size room. Well maybe the Control One's in the rear are small, but the main and centers s series seem pretty big to me. I'm not challenging you, just clarifying.

Are you saying that the JBL PB12 sub and the JBL Control One's in the rear are okay quality?

I also don't mind spending money as long as it is going to last me. I typically overbuy, but care for my purchases for years and years. This will just fill the living room in my one bedroom apartment then will be more appropriately used for additional functionality when I plan to buy a house next year.

Thanks for all the feedback. Any other specific speaker, receiver or BR recommendations are greatly appreciated

The S36II weighs only 11 lbs unless I read the wrong specs. They are not mini but still small. I believe in a high price ratio for the main speakers to receivers. So if you spend $600 on a receiver, I would recommend that you buy speakers (L/R) in the $1,200 a pair (minimum) range. This is a subjective thing though, your experience/preference may differ.

Take a look of the specs for you speakers:

Frequency Response (–3dB): 60Hz – 20kHz
They don't publish the THD numbers but I would guess a minimum of a few % within the 60 to 20,000 Hz range.

Any $500 receiver will likely get you verifiable (from AV magazine lab measurements) 20-20,000 Hz +/- 1 dB and THD of less than 0.1% so you be the judge which piece of equipment is a higher priority in terms of improving sound quality.

As for the rear channels, I know other members will tell you something different, but I do not think they are as important as the L/R/C and sub especially if you main focus is 2 channel music.