which receiver ?? which speakers?? to buy

[krazer]

I am getting ready to purchase a new ht setup and would like some input regarding a new receiver and speakers. I have not purchased anything yet but I have a budget of about 2k to 3k. My room is 22ft x 20ft with 8ft ceilings. My listening is about 80% movies and 20% music

Let me first start out with the speakers I am considering.
1. def tech bp10's for the front 2300 center and bp2x's for rear.
2. onix rockets 760's for the front rsc200 center and rs250 for the rear
3. axiom m60 for the front vp150 front and m22's rear.
I already have a velodyne sub so I don't need a sub. I have only listened to the def techs and I thought they sounded great but I have also read alot of good things about the other 2 setups I am considering. I am trying to find someone with these speakers so I can listen to them.
Here are the receivers that I am considering.
1.onkyo 805 found on the internet for $790
2. denon 2308CI for $850
3. yamaha 1700 for $660
I am not too concerned about the video specs because I am going to hook up my video devices directly to the tv, if that makes sense. I would love to get some input on these receivers and speakers, like which ones would match up with each other?

thanks

 

[Seth=L]

The Yamaha RX-V1700 is last years model, the current model is the RX-V1800 and typically goes for more. The Onkyo, in that list, is your best bet among receivers. It has a ton of features and the most power. However, many people complain about it's overall size and the fact it acts like a space heater. It runs very hot, but it has 2 fans inside that will kick on if it ever becomes too hot for it to operate correctly, the heat is normal in operation and also when just sitting doing nothing (unless it's off).

Other receiver lines to consider would be Marantz and Pioneer Elite. Stay away from the VSX-1017 if you want audio decoding over HDMI, it only does pass-thru.

I know you said you where connecting the video devices straight to the TV, but I must at least inform you that will take away your ability to decode next generation lossless audio formats on Blu-ray or HD DVD movies. You can get up to 7.1 channels of uncompressed audio over HDMI, optical and coaxial connections will not do this. But if you are truly set on connecting them directly to the TV there isn't much reason to get a receiver that has the HDMI features.

If you really want to save some cash and get a nice Flagship receiver for a steal of a price look no further than the JVC RX-DP15 or the RX-DP10 (the RX-DP10 was the year before flagship and is a tad cheaper). It's a super powerful THX Ultra receiver with tons of connections and a very graceful appearance. It's very large, much like the TX-SR805 but can be had for much less, since it's from a couple of years ago, but it still has all the current decoding minus the new generation formats that you wouldn't be able to use over HDMI if you direct connect to your display.

Here is a link to an write-up I did on the lowest RX-DP model the RX-DP9.

I link is in order...

JVC RX-DP15 sadly out of stock at the moment.

JVC RX-DP10

 

[Soundman]

I am getting ready to purchase a new ht setup and would like some input regarding a new receiver and speakers. I have not purchased anything yet but I have a budget of about 2k to 3k. My room is 22ft x 20ft with 8ft ceilings. My listening is about 80% movies and 20% music

Let me first start out with the speakers I am considering.
1. def tech bp10's for the front 2300 center and bp2x's for rear.
2. onix rockets 760's for the front rsc200 center and rs250 for the rear
3. axiom m60 for the front vp150 front and m22's rear.
I already have a velodyne sub so I don't need a sub. I have only listened to the def techs and I thought they sounded great but I have also read alot of good things about the other 2 setups I am considering. I am trying to find someone with these speakers so I can listen to them.
Here are the receivers that I am considering.
1.onkyo 805 found on the internet for $790
2. denon 2308CI for $850
3. yamaha 1700 for $660
I am not too concerned about the video specs because I am going to hook up my video devices directly to the tv, if that makes sense. I would love to get some input on these receivers and speakers, like which ones would match up with each other?

thanks

Hey Krazer,
If you are considering Axioms and AV123 Rocket's, keep in mind that they sound totally different. Both are good companies, but again, they just sound different. I actually demo-ed some M60's VP150, and QS8 surrounds and it didn't do it for me. They had a nice soud at low listening lvls, but tended to get a tad harsh, once the volume went up and tended to emphasize the higher frequencies (wereas the Rocket's love to be played loud and will just beg for more the more you give them). Now, I understand that room acoustics play a major part in this, so you may have a diff experience. As for the Rocket's, they have a much warmer sound by comparison. I prefer it and like them a lot better. Also, they have a better off-axis response, especially the center channel. It's probably one of the best center channels you can get, just excellent. There's a reason the call it "Bigfoot". Are looks important to you? If so, the Rocket's look absolutely gorgeous compared to the Axioms. Another thing to consider if you do go with Rockets is going for the 850's. Since it looks like this is a mainly movie setup for you, the 850's would be better for movies then the 760's due to the more airy, open soundstage. For music though, I think the 760's would be better b/c of their bass response ( a kickdrum sounds excellent on them). However, this may not be an issue since you have a sub anyway, unless you prefer to not use a sub with music. Either one would still be great for movies, I just think the 850's would be even better. Well, I don't mean to sound like an AV123 fanboy, but that was my experience when comparing the two.

As for the Deftech's, I really can't help you there since I haven't heard them. I hope this helps give you a little direction for speakers. You still need to audition as much as you can

 

[krazer]

The Yamaha RX-V1700 is last years model, the current model is the RX-V1800 and typically goes for more. The Onkyo, in that list, is your best bet among receivers. It has a ton of features and the most power. However, many people complain about it's overall size and the fact it acts like a space heater. It runs very hot, but it has 2 fans inside that will kick on if it ever becomes too hot for it to operate correctly, the heat is normal in operation and also when just sitting doing nothing (unless it's off).

Other receiver lines to consider would be Marantz and Pioneer Elite. Stay away from the VSX-1017 if you want audio decoding over HDMI, it only does pass-thru.

I know you said you where connecting the video devices straight to the TV, but I must at least inform you that will take away your ability to decode next generation lossless audio formats on Blu-ray or HD DVD movies. You can get up to 7.1 channels of uncompressed audio over HDMI, optical and coaxial connections will not do this. But if you are truly set on connecting them directly to the TV there isn't much reason to get a receiver that has the HDMI features.

If you really want to save some cash and get a nice Flagship receiver for a steal of a price look no further than the JVC RX-DP15 or the RX-DP10 (the RX-DP10 was the year before flagship and is a tad cheaper). It's a super powerful THX Ultra receiver with tons of connections and a very graceful appearance. It's very large, much like the TX-SR805 but can be had for much less, since it's from a couple of years ago, but it still has all the current decoding minus the new generation formats that you wouldn't be able to use over HDMI if you direct connect to your display.

Here is a link to an write-up I did on the lowest RX-DP model the RX-DP9.

I link is in order...

JVC RX-DP15 sadly out of stock at the moment.

JVC RX-DP10

I was not aware of any advantages by connecting through the receiver. I just thought it was best to connect video directly to the tv. Are there any other advantages that I might not be aware of? I might have to think about connecting through the receiver if this is the best way to go. Are the receivers that I am looking at good for video?

thanks

 

[Seth=L]

I was not aware of any advantages by connecting through the receiver. I just thought it was best to connect video directly to the tv. Are there any other advantages that I might not be aware of? I might have to think about connecting through the receiver if this is the best way to go. Are the receivers that I am looking at good for video?

thanks

Well the other advantage would be if you simply didn't have enough inputs on the display to handle all your HDMI sources. It can also make things simpler. You would only be switching inputs using on the receiver, instead of the display and the receiver. The audio advantages are arguable, and being that I have not been able to experience the new HD audio formats on my sound system in anything but two channel I can't vouch for it. I believe that HD audio can be significantly better, and I am sure that someone that uses it here can back that up with their opinions on it.

As far as disadvantages, I can't think of any other than perhaps great cabling costs (one extra HDMI cable) but it might also save money, if you aren't using optical or coaxial cables for audio (the HDMI does it all for you).

I am with you on the scaling stuff in receivers, typically you can get better scaling for less or near as good using what's in your TV or upconverting DVD player. Blu-ray and HD DVD players also upscale SD DVDs to HD resolutions (but granted it won't look as nice as a real HD source).

 

[mazersteven]

Hey Krazer,
If you are considering Axioms and AV123 Rocket's, keep in mind that they sound totally different. Both are good companies, but again, they just sound different. I actually demo-ed some M60's VP150, and QS8 surrounds and it didn't do it for me. They had a nice soud at low listening lvls, but tended to get a tad harsh, once the volume went up and tended to emphasize the higher frequencies (wereas the Rocket's love to be played loud and will just beg for more the more you give them). Now, I understand that room acoustics play a major part in this, so you may have a diff experience. As for the Rocket's, they have a much warmer sound by comparison. I prefer it and like them a lot better. Also, they have a better off-axis response, especially the center channel. It's probably one of the best center channels you can get, just excellent. There's a reason the call it "Bigfoot". Are looks important to you? If so, the Rocket's look absolutely gorgeous compared to the Axioms. Another thing to consider if you do go with Rockets is going for the 850's. Since it looks like this is a mainly movie setup for you, the 850's would be better for movies then the 760's due to the more airy, open soundstage. For music though, I think the 760's would be better b/c of their bass response ( a kickdrum sounds excellent on them). However, this may not be an issue since you have a sub anyway, unless you prefer to not use a sub with music. Either one would still be great for movies, I just think the 850's would be even better. Well, I don't mean to sound like an AV123 fanboy, but that was my experience when comparing the two.

I've never heard the Axioms, but I'm a Rocket fanboy too.

 

[Soundman]

I've never heard the Axioms, but I'm a Rocket fanboy too.

If you like the Rocket's, Mazer, there's really no need to audition Axioms anyway.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...budget of about 2k to 3k. My room is 22ft x 20ft with 8ft ceilings. My listening is about 80% movies and 20% music...I already have a velodyne sub so I don't need a sub. I have only listened to the def techs and I thought they sounded great but I have also read alot of good things about the other 2 setups I am considering. I am trying to find someone with these speakers so I can listen to them...considering...Onkyo 805 found on the internet for $790...Denon 2308CI for $850...Yamaha 1700 for $660...

Good budget and good room size. Nice Sub.

Do yo have a plasma TV that you can hang up on the wall or TV stand to keep your TV 40" above ground?

Imagine having FIVE BP10Bs in the same room for Front L + R, Center, & Surround L + R! True full range for every speaker! Also awesome for DVD-A and SACD! No need for any speaker stands.

Where did you audition the BP10Bs?

I paid $700 + tax for mine at a local DT dealer, so $350 x 5 = $1,750 + tax.

One other note: some people think that matching all of the speaker driver sizes is a good idea. For example, all the tweeters 1" and all the midrange woofers 6.5".

I would get the Onkyo 805. Sound and Vision Magazine tested the Denon 4308, Onkyo 875, and Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH. The Onkyo had the best Power Ratings.

 

[3db]

I've never heard the Axioms, but I'm a Rocket fanboy too.

*chuckles* here's your flag.

Sorry man. Couldn't rsist This all just in fun