Receiver suggestions for Condo/Apartment

[Windsor1969]

I currently have a DLP HDTV and I've been looking for a 6.1/7.1 A/V receiver and a full set of speakers. I will also add a progressive scan dvd player but this can wait a couple months. I live in a condo (very close neighbors) so I won't have any use for a receiver with too much power. Room is 225 sq. ft. Listening will be 50% movie/ 50% music. Budget isn't too tight; If I can get the receiver, speakers, dvd player,and cables under $1000 I'll be happy. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on a receiver/ speakers that I won't be able to fully maximize. So my question is, any suggestions on a good quality receiver maximizing the latest features (upconversion, auto calibration, component inputs, dialogue delay, 5.1 SACD/DVDA input, etc.) without needing a sound screaming system? Basically, a best 'bang for the buck' issue concerning receiver quality and features instead of shear output power. Don't get me wrong though, I still want to be able to feel it, the neighbors aren't that bad. Any 6.1 speaker suggestions would also be welcome. Thanks for your help.

Mike

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Mike,

Welcome to the forum.

Are you intersted in bookshelves with stands, in-wall speakers, or towers up front? How about the subwoofer? What size? $1000 is tight. I recently recommended a 6.1 system with a receiver for $1100 that was lights out a great deal, but no dvd player (the progressive scan units go for well under $75).

On an $1100 budget, you can do a BIC 6.1 surround with bookshelves (4 DV62's, 2 CLRS 62's, and one V1220 sub), a Pioneer 1015 receiver, and for $59 a Samsung DVD player from Ubid.com. You can also do a 7.1 system, substituting 2 DV62's for one CLRS 62 center.

Towers will bump you up another few hundred dollars. Other similarly priced speakers are Athena, entry level Polk (not subs - get the BIC sub), and some internet brands that I'd be cautious before ordering (Fluance, Canyon Audio, HT Research) due to their low sensitivity levels - among other things. The BIC name stands out because few other companies can compete with their 6.5" woofers in their bookshelves and center (as far as pricing goes). You'd have to step down to a 5.25" woofer for a similar deal.

Here's the Samsung dvd player:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009MD8ZI/104-8060217-9334351?v=glance&s=electronics&vi=reviews

 

[Blundaar]

Honestly, having an HDTV without a progressive scan DVD player is just plain backwards and should be addressed as well (if not first).

 

[Spiffyfast]

Honestly, having an HDTV without a progressive scan DVD player is just plain backwards and should be addressed as well (if not first).

yeah, I'll second that, you can get a progressive scan dvd player for really cheap, and it will be a huge improvement for movies. As for the other things, what about a Pioneer 815tx, roughly $300 can be found for less, 2 Athena C1 center channels for front and rear center, and 2 pairs of Athena B2s for fronts and surround total price $500 at www.audioadvisor.com running an awesome special on last years models. Throw in a Cadence Xsub 12 for aprox 220 inluding shipping online. And for 1020 you will have one heck of a little system, dont forget about speaker stands though.

 

[Windsor1969]

Thanks buckeyefan and spiffyfast, I'll look into those speakers. I want to go with bookshelf speakers on stands to conserve space and cost. The budget definitely isn't set in stone. I would rather wait a little longer and get something a little pricier if it's worth added cost. I've been looking at pioneer receivers. Been reading a lot about the 1015 and 9100. Either sound like a great receiver. I'm just wondering if I won't be able to use that much power and I should get something less expensive like the Pioneer 815k you suggested Spiffyfast. What do you think?

The reasoning behind waiting for the dvd player instead of picking up a cheap one is I have an HDMI input on my tv I would like to put to use. Also, I figure if I'm getting a new player, might as well get a universal player for future dvd upgrades. As far as I've found, these up the dvd player price quite a bit. How do you feel about the universal players?

 

[jaxvon]

You'll use all the power of the 1015. It might seem like a ton, but when you really crank your system, you're going to want an amp section that doesn't peter out and start clipping when you're trying to rock out.

I'd second the BIC option. There are two really good options in your price range, and those would be BIC and Athena (IMHO of course). I like the BICs a little better and thus, I'm currently building a system using them, though only 5.1.

 

[Spiffyfast]

by all means, if this is a system you plan on having for awhile, get the 1015tx you wont be dissapointed at all, and should last you for awhile. may be more power than you need now, but you know you'll have it when you want it

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Honestly, having an HDTV without a progressive scan DVD player is just plain backwards and should be addressed as well (if not first).

Good point. That's why I suggested the Samsung for $59. Great disposable dvd player which is progressive scan, has dvi outputs (dvi to hdmi cords are available), dvd-a/sacd, and high-definition upconversion (from 480i/p DVD-Video to 720p, 768p, or 1080i). Those features are hard to touch for 3x the price.

 

[Blundaar]

That's why I suggested the Samsung for $59. Great disposable dvd player which is progressive scan, has dvi outputs (dvi to hdmi cords are available), dvd-a/sacd, and high-definition upconversion (from 480i/p DVD-Video to 720p, 768p, or 1080i). Those features are hard to touch for 3x the price.

Wow- that's for sure. Assuming the quality of the the progressive scan is good, you can buy the player for a couple bags of aluminum cans!
Note to self: Must start combing the neighborhood trash cans.