Selecting Receiver = Head Spinning

[nitin_mehra20]

Hey Guys!

I have finally narrowed down on the Speakers and AMP. I initially wanted to go with Marantz 8002 until I realized that it does not do 1080p upscaling

Finally I decided that I should power my speakers with a separate AMP. I am guessing XPA-3 with 200W output should be good enough to power the 683s.

So currently I am set on the following:
Speakers: B&W 683s
Amp: Emotiva XPA-3 to power them (Hopefully this should be good enough!)

The only thing left is a good receiver or pre/pro which will provide impeccable sound and at the same time very good video processing.

Any suggestions?? I would like to keep it below 1K for the same.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Update: Just bought an onkyo PR-SC885 from onkyousa for 529 refurb

Do you guys think this is a good buy???

 

[jostenmeat]

Update: Just bought an onkyo PR-SC885 from onkyousa for 529 refurb

Do you guys think this is a good buy???

That is highway robbery. Those were selling like hot cakes when they first came out, and that was at $1,600. If you look on Amazon right now, that is indeed the price point even today.

It won't have Audyssey Dynamic Vol or Dyn EQ, and might have subtle color space issues with the Reon, but jeez, for $529 . . . you got a lot of processor in your hands . . .

BTW, once your HT is 100% finalized, and I do mean 100%, you can hire a pro to do the Audyssey Pro calibration with that unit. Or, if Audyssey is willing to sell you the kit, then you can try yourself with laptop . . . but the kit ain't cheap . . .

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Thanks!!!!

I hope it comes with the latest firmware. If not, any pointers on where to get the latest firmware?

Also will XPA-3 be a better choice to power 683s??

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks!!!!

Hey, no sweat!

I hope it comes with the latest firmware. If not, any pointers on where to get the latest firmware?

My guess is that it will have the latest. FWIW, I use an Onkyo 805 as HT pre/pro, and I never saw any need to update the 1.06 I had. You either have to send your unit in to Onkyo, or it's at "your own risk". IOW, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. In any case, at the risk of scaring you half to death, you might want to peruse this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016297

Also will XPA-3 be a better choice to power 683s??

As opposed to what? There aren't many 3ch amp choices out there! My guess is that your 683s will like 'em.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

As opposed to getting a used Rotel Amp?

Will I see better performance with a Rotel 2 channel 2x100W as opposed to this one?

 

[jostenmeat]

As opposed to getting a used Rotel Amp?

Will I see better performance with a Rotel 2 channel 2x100W as opposed to this one?

I don't know, but I would prefer a 3ch amp over a 2ch amp. At least you know the front three will all benefit from the same amount of power. IMO, that makes you a bit more future proof for possible speaker upgrades in the future as well. YMMV.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Makes sense... So I guess for now I am set. Will order the emotiva amp

Do I need a centre channel too? Or will the 683 towers do?

Also do i need a sub to go with this?

 

[jostenmeat]

Oh dear

Makes sense... So I guess for now I am set. Will order the emotiva amp

Do I need a centre channel too? Or will the 683 towers do?

Also do i need a sub to go with this?

One step at a time young padawan.

For HT or mch music, having the center speaker is better. As long as its design and/or placement are not too compromised.

The best bet is using an identical 683 for your center speaker, upright. The easiest way to implement this that I've seen is with a wall mounted flat panel, for instance. If that is impossible, then purchase the best "center" speaker available in the 68 lineup. Or... an upright bookshelf can be an excellent idea so long as the power handling capability is there for you.

Having a sub for visceral HT effects would be desirable, but less that, you can have the signal sent to the mains, albeit at a very reduced level (to protect both speakers and amp).

My strong advice is to take your time. Research every piece on its own.

 

[zeuiax]

Update: Just bought an onkyo PR-SC885 from onkyousa for 529 refurb

Do you guys think this is a good buy???

Wow.....SO did I. Cant beat PR-sc885 and M282 for $741 out the door.

 

[nitin_mehra20]

I agree!!! Its one awesome deal. However, I need a more powerful AMP. So going for an Emotiva

 

[zeuiax]

I agree!!! Its one awesome deal. However, I need a more powerful AMP. So going for an Emotiva

I have a 2 ch setup, so went with a 125w amp for now to drive my PSBs.

 

[greggp2]

Nitin,

I'm glad you pulled the trigger on something. I'm sure you'll be happy with it and it sound great. Especially paired up with the Emotiva Amp and B&W speakers...

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Nitin,

I'm glad you pulled the trigger on something. I'm sure you'll be happy with it and it sound great. Especially paired up with the Emotiva Amp and B&W speakers...

Thanks Gregg!

I am happy too that I finally picked something. Now I know you are a Emotiva Fan, but I still wanna ask this

What would be a better buy? A NAD T955 or the XPA-5 or 3?

They are costing the same

 

[greggp2]

Thanks Gregg!

I am happy too that I finally picked something. Now I know you are a Emotiva Fan, but I still wanna ask this

What would be a better buy? A NAD T955 or the XPA-5 or 3?

They are costing the same

NAD makes really good products. The only issue here is that the NAD amp is only 100 watts into 8ohms, where the Emotiva is 200. I'd probably go with the Emotiva and get the extra power...

 

[greggp2]

Also, keep in mind that your Onkyo has Amps and can easily be used to power your rear channels. You could save $200 and buy and XPA-3, or if you go with the NAD, you could use all 5 channels up front and bi-amp your mains and use the other for the Center. However, I'd probably go with the XPA-3 or XPA-5 and forget bi-amping.

If you think you may possibly get a separate processor, like the UMC-1 down the road, than the XPA-5 would give you the best flexibility for the future....

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Hey Gregg!

I have bought the onkyo pre/pro

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/surroundsoundpreampprocessors/308onkpro/

So it does not have any AMP section. That's the reason I am going for a seperate AMP

 

[greggp2]

My apologies. I thought you bought an AVR. I didn't look it up. By all means then, go with the XPA-5...

 

[greggp2]

Nitin,

I just scanned the article you sent me. This looks like a really, really nice unit. I can't believe the deal you got on it. Had I known, I may have gone this route over the Arcam... Looks like a nice score, although I'm very happy with the Arcam and will be for some time I think...

 

[nitin_mehra20]

Yup!!!

I was presently surprised too That too directly from Onkyo

Now I can pick up an Emotiva and a divorce lawyer cause I would be needing it soon enough