The Boston Accoustics AVR7120 - HELP!

[Drummerboy]

Ok, MNNC i know you have this one, and you swear by it. So far, it is the only testimonial i have. I would like to know if this is no joke and that it is an incredible deal... I am seriously considering it. Anyone who has heard this receiver or know something of its quality please let me know!! heres a review, do you think its the real deal? i dont know about Hometheatermag reviews.... http://hometheatermag.com/completesystems/705boston/

It has an MSRP of 2999 and is on for 999 from OneCall.

anyway, the other receivers im considering are : Denon 3608, Pioneer Elite 74txvi, Yamaha HTR 5990 or RXV4600, Marantz sr5800. just so you know the level im looking for... it will be driving these :

Polk RTi8 fronts, Fxi3, Rti4, CSi5 and HSU VTF HO sub with DLP projector.... video switching may be sacrificed but oh well.

 

[freeflap]

this is an excellent example of how quickly preamp / receivers become obsolete. This is an expensive well made receiver that has been severely discounted. why? doesn't offer HDMI switching or upconversion. It's an antique by today's features. Hence, no one will buy a $3000 receiver that doesn't offer what a $1000 yam2600 can do. even at $1000 it still doesn't compete against the yamaha on features!

i'm certain it sounds great and for 99% of us, is more than we will need, but at this pricepoint, HDMI / dvi switching is expected. So, if your tv only has component, get this unit and be happy. if you want the video upconversion or hdmi and want to not be obsolete, get the rxv2600. imo.

Ok, MNNC i know you have this one, and you swear by it. So far, it is the only testimonial i have. I would like to know if this is no joke and that it is an incredible deal... I am seriously considering it. Anyone who has heard this receiver or know something of its quality please let me know!! heres a review, do you think its the real deal? i dont know about Hometheatermag reviews.... http://hometheatermag.com/completesystems/705boston/

It has an MSRP of 2999 and is on for 999 from OneCall.

anyway, the other receivers im considering are : Denon 3608, Pioneer Elite 74txvi, Yamaha HTR 5990 or RXV4600, Marantz sr5800. just so you know the level im looking for... it will be driving these :

Polk RTi8 fronts, Fxi3, Rti4, CSi5 and HSU VTF HO sub with DLP projector.... video switching may be sacrificed but oh well.

 

[Drummerboy]

sounds good... but i would go higher than the 2600 for sure... ive been in contact with boston and some audio houses who say this is a no brainer high quality well built receiver, which of course lacks HDMI. It is supposedly a great unit and is on liquidation from onecall because boston was bought by the same group denon is involved with, which decided to pull the boston line. they stuck with speakers though. i think, because i can run video dirctly to the projector and not worry about switching, this is one im seriously considering, cause of its high grade build (55pds?!) and awsome looks. ill keep you boys posted!

 

[Drummerboy]

im down to the boston 7120 or the denon 3806. features, 3806. overall quality of sound, boston. hmmmm.

 

[mnnc]

im down to the boston 7120 or the denon 3806. features, 3806. overall quality of sound, boston. hmmmm.

I have mentioned before that I am an 80%+ music kind of guy. I do and have viewed movies with the BA. Great. As others have mentioned and I will agree, the other brands do have features that are convenient and to some degree expected at a grand or g.5 price. That said ask yourself what do you need first and then want second. Needs before wants. I believe all reasonably built recvr's with proper setup of all components attached to it will and does sound good with movies. Not all of them sound good with music though. The BA has some quirks that I had to get used to after using my 'Yammy' 2500 for about a yr. The osd is like old dos compared to the 2500 but that's ok for me due to the fact that it is mostly set and forget. I am convinced that the 6+ inch toroidal transformer and huge heat sinks that span the entire depth of the Boston are signs of good build not to mention the unit itself weighs 51.8 lbs!. It runs farely cool whereas the 2500 was hot as h e double toothpicks. Heat is a villian in audio power. I heard things and still hear things with my cd's that I never heard before even with the 2500. Believe me, I had it set via ypao as well as my own custom settings and this Boston/Sherwood blows it away! Day and night difference. Not subtle but major difference using same spkr's and dvd player(cdc750 Yamaha). I simply made a recv'r switch and it made that big of a difference. I'm not telling you or anybody what to do or more important how to/what to spend their money on. All I can say is that since I was 10 yrs old (25 yrs ago...sshhhsh!) and got my first system handed down to me from my dad (old panny recvr and huge sansui spkrs with akai reel to reel!) I have heard alot of stuff and this recv'r sounds darn good. I like it best because as I guess I'm old school where I don't like all the artificial bs that the pre/pro of recvr's adds to the music. Even 'pure' mode on 2500 sounded hollow/echo like. I like clean, uncolored, as it was meant to be heard sound without the effects. This lets me hear the original source more as it was intended to be heard. I enjoy game mode while playing splinter cell on the xbox though! Seriously, I don't know what your tastes are, what generation you belong, But I can tell that if you are willing to spend a thousand dollars then you should take time to audition some of these items before making a purchase. Visit manufacturers web sites and view the manuals. This gives you a great idea of what does what as far as functions are concerned. Btw...the BA does convert inputs to component and down converts as well. As far a hdmi/dvi...just run that straight to tv. Solved that issue. Ask yourself, "Am I an audiophile or a videophile?" I know which way I lean and as long as the wife can watch a movie from time to time...all is good.

 

[Drummerboy]

well, ive decided to go with the boston. they are in limited quantity. all the others are not. It is solid, and ive spent a week researching, calling, reading etc. I want a quality well built powered unit that does what it says it does... not overated for the general market. everyone i spoke to that attended the CES says this is a no brainer. When boston was sold to the parent group that denon and marantz belong to, they cut the reciever and liquidated it at less than cost (!!) to OneCall who has all of them. Even guys at onecall grabbed one as well as some ppl at boston before they were gone. Audio store owners all over the place tell me this is a unique unit, with the quality of good components hands down. I just wish i could hear it before i but it. Oh well, its 974$ im willing to risk. i will be sure to post a review for all to see!

 

[mnnc]

well, ive decided to go with the boston. they are in limited quantity. all the others are not. It is solid, and ive spent a week researching, calling, reading etc. I want a quality well built powered unit that does what it says it does... not overated for the general market. everyone i spoke to that attended the CES says this is a no brainer. When boston was sold to the parent group that denon and marantz belong to, they cut the reciever and liquidated it at less than cost (!!) to OneCall who has all of them. Even guys at onecall grabbed one as well as some ppl at boston before they were gone. Audio store owners all over the place tell me this is a unique unit, with the quality of good components hands down. I just wish i could hear it before i but it. Oh well, its 974$ im willing to risk. i will be sure to post a review for all to see!

Did you read the review/links I posted ya'? The reviewers quoted the Boston sounds like seperates. Best recvr I ever heard. Have not heard a Denon 5805 I think it is(10 channel behemoth/the big one) but am not going to pay asking price either! Besides I don't need all the features. Just listened to a Steely Dan dvd(two against nature live) in dts mode and wow. Clean. Dynamic. Uncolored. Just nice. Had it cranked to about -27/-26 in my 22ft x 17ft lvn rm...seated about 9-10 ft away...plenty comfortable and that is with dryer noise down the hall and environmental noise as well. Late night listening would be more like -28/-30 volume setting to be comfortable. You are going to be tickled to death. Btw...the company you speak of...dtl industries or something like that, don't quote me, also owns McIntosh. You will notice the 7120 is a lot like Mac in the panel layout and sounds just as smooth as my friends Mac stuff. Keep in mind you can also purchase the 7100 for just under $700! Very tempting.

Things I don't like about the 7120
1. Panel readout hard to read from away.
2. Remote has some issues but not bothered too much by it.
3. Very deep unit/must consider placement of unit. Although mine is atop a component tower. Very top with dvd player on lower shelf and xbox on shelf below dvd. Other shelves for stuff like dvd'd/cd's, etc
4. Not a big fan of dsp modes but the Bostons are nice. Just enough effect w/o sounding too artificial. BUT...they can only be used with 2 ch sources. Oh well. No biggy for me but may be something for you to consider perhaps.
5. ?????....can't think of anything else.
6. Seperate power main switch and standby switch. Standby is bright amber...a bit too bright for my liking.
7. Manual is ***...nitpicking aside thankfully it is easy setup and forget it.

Things I like/love about the Boston 7120
1. Sound.
2. Sound.
3. Sound...did I mention sound!?
4. Simple setup and forget it...just enjoy.
5. No brainer...built like a brick craphouse.

I got mine for about $650 shipped at the first of the year...no I won't tell you how so don't ask. It's worth every cent of 'now' price. I would venture to say that although with a high list price of 3 grand it would still be worth it. I could not afford that steep of a price anyways. Surprised it has not been reviewed here by the 'pros'. Nevertheless, if you listen critical as well as casual listening you will be treated. Have yet to splurge on sacd/dvda cables for multi ch. listening but I imagine that it is sweet in that mode as well.

Keep us posted and please don't feel too bad when I tell you..."I told you so!"

 

[Drummerboy]

i have placed the order. It should arrive in a week. I am excited to hear the BA 7120 in action. Yes, the company owns Mcintosh, Marantz, Denon, Boston and maybe more. And yes, the BA 7120 is built like a brick shthse. I think i made the right choice, quality over features. I do wish they stayed in the market and made a new BA with all modern switching features, but for now im a component man anyway so hurray for me. and, i will ask, HOW THE HECK DID YOU LAND ONE FOR 650????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? and ??????????!

 

[mnnc]

this is an excellent example of how quickly preamp / receivers become obsolete. This is an expensive well made receiver that has been severely discounted. why? doesn't offer HDMI switching or upconversion. It's an antique by today's features. Hence, no one will buy a $3000 receiver that doesn't offer what a $1000 yam2600 can do. even at $1000 it still doesn't compete against the yamaha on features!

i'm certain it sounds great and for 99% of us, is more than we will need, but at this pricepoint, HDMI / dvi switching is expected. So, if your tv only has component, get this unit and be happy. if you want the video upconversion or hdmi and want to not be obsolete, get the rxv2600. imo.

MBA talk aside the BA 7120 will sonically blow away any $1,000 dollar recv'r. Great sonics and quality have never and will never be obsolete. When it comes to switching capabilities I compare it to convenient stores. Don't laugh. One can make themselves a hotdog or go to the trouble of waiting for a nice table to have a real meal. It's all about convenience and wanting things on demand. I don't go for that. Hotdog or Chriss' open hearth steakhouse? The Boston 7120 puts a whole new meaning to,"where's the beef?"

 

[simpleHT]

just got mine as well

Just got and hooked it up last week. It is day and night diff from my Pio 1014. Plenty of power, and clarity is WOOOOOOOOW.

MNNC,
Were you able to configure speaker level per each input source? For example, I would like to turn down sub volume to nothing on the COAX input (assigned to Video 1) to listen to music whenever I press VIDEO1, and turn up sub volume for OPT input (assigned to Video 2) to watch movie with a simple press on VIDEO 2. I am not able to do that. Denon has that feature. I currently have to get in the OSD to turn OFF the sub, or lower the sub volume using the sub knob when I listen to music.

Thanks,

 

[mnnc]

Just got and hooked it up last week. It is day and night diff from my Pio 1014. Plenty of power, and clarity is WOOOOOOOOW.

MNNC,
Were you able to configure speaker level per each input source? For example, I would like to turn down sub volume to nothing on the COAX input (assigned to Video 1) to listen to music whenever I press VIDEO1, and turn up sub volume for OPT input (assigned to Video 2) to watch movie with a simple press on VIDEO 2. I am not able to do that. Denon has that feature. I currently have to get in the OSD to turn OFF the sub, or lower the sub volume using the sub knob when I listen to music.

Thanks,

I'm not quite sure sure what you mean. I had a yammy rxv2500 before and loved the 'anything you want button' via remote. The Boston/Sherwood is not quite so friendly. I don't think we can adjust levels for ea input however you can adjust spkr levels and then save the setting. This is done in spkr level menu. You will see the spkr's listed and be able to boost or cut level gain. At the bottom of list is sub gain. Make adjustments and save. You can save 2 settings. I set mine all the same except for the sub level which I boosted +2 and saved the setting. I use setting 1 for music and setting 2 for movies. I have not played with it enough because it sounds so damn gooooood in stereo mode that I set spkr distance and size(small) and tone bass -1 treb +1 and very happy with it and my powered VR Boston towers plus vr sub. Just set sub to flat and adjust tone to liking. Set xover to 60 or 80hz. Adjust the sub output/gain via recvr rather than on the sub itself. Use spl meter to adjust spkr levels at 75-80 db and be happy. Any more ?'s before I zone on the new D. Fagen? Write back soon. Seriously...set for music and forget the rest...will be fine for movies...just turn it up a bit...-20 volume should do unless you are powering a wharehouse! that's 40 clicks from full volume!!!!!!!

 

[simpleHT]

MNNC,
Do you listen to misic with sub woofer on? I do not seen to get good base on the receiver without sub woofer in either stereo or pure mode.

 

[mnnc]

MNNC,
Do you listen to misic with sub woofer on? I do not seen to get good base on the receiver without sub woofer in either stereo or pure mode.

I set spkrs to small(all of them), checked subwoofer yes, chose lfe+sub on subwoofer out setting, adjusted tones(bass/treble). Did you connect sub to correct input jack on back of recv'r? There are 2. One for single sub and a second for adding another powered sub. When recv'r detects a multichannel track(dvd movie) signal it switches to lfe only. When it detects a 2ch source such as standard cd the it should be sub+lfe. The bass is slammin on mine. In fact I decreased bass via tone to -1 and set treb to +1. Now don't confuse bass w/ lfe's. Bass is bass and low freq effects are lfe's. Put a cd in, press play, enter osd and set to lfe+sub on the recv'r where it reads bassout I believe somewhere in the settings. I forget exactly where in the menu but it's there. Do this while listening to 2ch music. Write back and let me know something. PS. Check your settings on your dvd/cd player while you are at it.

 

[simpleHT]

Thanks. I played around and got better base. However, I still need sub to listen to music. Otherwise, the music that comes out of my two towers is pretty flat. The user's manual is completely useless.

 

[mnnc]

Thanks. I played around and got better base. However, I still need sub to listen to music. Otherwise, the music that comes out of my two towers is pretty flat. The user's manual is completely useless.

The manual is not written well. Or translated well. Whichever the case may be. I have set recvr to sub off and mains to large and it sounded great. Plenty of bass. I have set sub to on with mains set to large and it sounded better. I finally decided on spkrs set small, subwoofer checked yes set to output both lfe + sub,x-over at 60hz, and tone to liking. Have you done auto spkr setup yet? Tried it today for first time. Was pretty darn close to what I had set by ear/tape measure as far as levels/distances were concerned.