Newbie needs help selecting receiver/speakers

**Sim reality** · 25 October 2005, 11:24 Tuesday

For your price point there is no way you could get decent floorstanding speakers (they would sound hollow, boxy and well... Like speakers)

I would suggest you get decent bookselves... I think the energy act6 system would be in your price range...

There are others... Just check online audio magazines...

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 13:00 Tuesday

Thank you for your input.

The reason I suggested floorstanding is because I really dont have a good spot to mount bookshelf speakers, and putting them on stands where the floorstanding's would go may not fit, believe it or not.

I like that set that you suggested to me, but aren't I better off not purchasing a home theater in a box? To tell you the truth, I already have a sub, so that part of it would be of no use to me. Would I be better off buying 5 seperate speakers and saving the cost on the sub?

Does the small 12'x12' size of my room matter when selecting speakers? Would it be worth going to a 6.1 or 7.1 setup in this small of a room

If I were to purchase a receiver at a later date and were to spend $1,000 on speakers now, would that be enough to get something decent sounding?

If I were to purchase those speakers in my original posting, would they be worth the money? At that point, should I still look at upgrading my receiver, or is the one I have alright for what I need?

Thanks again. As always, your input and suggestions are appreciated.

**Sim reality** · 25 October 2005, 13:47 Tuesday

Sorry... I am having problems trying to find a decent HT speaker combonation for under $1000 that isn't a home-theater-in-a-box...

Personally, I would probably upgrade in phases (just because I am impatient)... I would upgrade the front 3 speakers first which would allow you to move entry level lines of the specialty speaker manufacturers (Like B&W, Kef, paradyme, PSB, etc.) and if you look hard enough you might find a pair of demo towers speakers and center for that price range (or strike a deal because dealers of the specialty ones know you will probably be coming back to finish it off).

It should give you the biggest bang for the buck for watching movies given that the surrounds are just for effects...

Most people agree that the biggest bang for the buck is speakers, then receiver... So upgrade the speakers first... Your reciever is good enough for Movies but if you ever start listening consistantly to music on your home threatre, you will probably need to upgrade (movies are about the sudden thumps and not musical transistions so the requirements are not quite as high for accuracy).

As for 6.1 or 7.1... I personally think it's a conspiracy by electronic manufacturers to make us by more speakers and speaker cable (also given that Movie soundtracks are only 5.1 anyways so the 6th and 7th channel are Matrixed)... But seriously... If you get decent speakers you probably won't hear much of a difference (they "image" better so you they make the surround sound more... surrounded?)

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 14:04 Tuesday

I would say the speakers and receiver are definitely your weak points. By all means keep the sub. Can you get better subs than the JBL? Yes but IMO it is not your weakest link by far and would be a waste of money at this pint to upgrade it as it's a pretty decent unit.

I'd say spend the entire +/-$1000 on a set of mains and a centre channel. You can utilize some of your existing Sony speakers for surrounds for the time being. I probably wouldn't bother with 7.1 in your smallish room either as I believe spreading your money out further on more but lower quality speakers would be counter-productive. Good 5.1 will be better than mediocre 7.1 any day

You should be able to pick up a pair of Energy C-5's and a C-C3 centre for around your $1000 which should be a HUGE upgrade to your existing gear.

C-C3 Maple/Black

C5 Maple/Black

Some other brands to look at would be B&W, Kef, Paradigm, PSB, Polk and Totem.

Unfortunately unless you come up with more funds now, you'll have to wait to update your receiver, which IMO would be your next weak point, even before your surrounds.

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 14:33 Tuesday

Thanks again Sim. The only reason I mentioned purchasing all 5 speakers at the same time was because of the Infinity deal with crutchfield that had the surrounds free with purchase.

Because my receiver is 75 watt's in each channel, would it be worth it to go above this and purchase higher wattage speakers?

Not being a specialist, I have always heard of Bose and Polk as being great speakers, and I have never heard of any of these other brands. I would assume the entry level B&W, Kef, paradyme, PSB's would be the worst of the best. Problem is, never hearing of any of these brands, I wouldn't know if I am buying top quality speakers or white van parking lot speakers. I will check out some of these manufacturers. Cnet's reviewers seem to mention Wharfedale a lot, and give them pretty good reviews. I have never heard of them, but are they up there with the brands you mentioned?

I really appreciate all of your input. Please, continue to help me out, you've helped me greatly already.

B.T.W.- Do you think that sub I have is a good one? In my opinion, it is superior to what I need. What do you think?

gd · 25 October 2005, 14:36 Tuesday

Another point of view...

In the interest of creating a discernible improvement at your price point:
1. Ditch the Sony speakers.
2. Expand your budget a little.

Forget 6.1 / 7.1... beneficial in a large room, overkill in your 12x12.

Upgrade the receiver later.

Floorstanding vs bookshelf vs onwall / inwall vs decor... anytime decor becomes an overriding concern, sound quality will always suffer... and moreso when you're on a budget... I highly recommend just finding a way to make bookshelves / satellite speakers fit in that room.

I might suggest refurbished / B-stock items like you might find at AC4L (or even at your local retailers for that matter)... for your purposes, I'd point you to either the Canton or Mordaunt-Short 5-speaker package for around $700: http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-...ory/SpkSystems

You'll also see packages there that include subs, but I'd strongly recommend a sub from a dedicated sub manufacturer like SVS or Hsu... as stated above, you're existing sub is OK, but in the interest of that discernible improvement, here is a good performer at about $450: http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

Another option at about $1600 is the Totem Dreamcatcher system, includes sub: http://www.totemacoustic.com/english...dreamcatch.htm

Any of the above options should yield a remarkable improvement.

If you can bump your budget up to $1500, it will expand your choices considerably, and allow you to move away from the HTIB's, where the glaring weakness is usually the speakers... again, as long as you have a DD/DTS-capable receiver, that part of the system can upgrade later.

Happy hunting.

**Shane Martin** · 25 October 2005, 14:40 Tuesday

Go Listen and don't limit yourself to the big box stores like Tweeter, Best Buy etc. Take your favorite cd's and figure out what floats your boat. While the Infinity setup may be looking nice, you may get it home and not like it and force yourself to settle for it because you need to return it.

Given your price range I'd focus on good 5.1 as well.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 14:40 Tuesday

Energy, B&W, KEF, Paradigm, PSB, Totem and yes Wharfedale's are all VERY GOOD quality speakers. Much, MUCH better than anything you'll find in the back of a van. "Worst of the best" is a bit harsh. They're the least expensive examples of decades of high-end, trickled down technology, research and audiophile sound quality from those companies.

I HIGHLY recommend you track down some local stores that carry some of these brands and go listen for yourself to hear what you've been missing :T

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 14:46 Tuesday

Originally posted by gd

You'll also see packages there that include subs, but I'd strongly recommend a sub from a dedicated sub manufacturer like SVS or Hsu... as stated above, you're existing sub is OK, but in the interest of that discernible improvement, here is a good performer at about $450: http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

I'd say JBL subs are more than just "ok". They're pretty darn good, though not quite as good as something from SVS/HSU. Spending upwards of $500 on a new sub from SVS wouldn't give him that much better performance especially for his dollar IMO. $500 could be more noticeably spent elsewhere I'd say

gd · 25 October 2005, 14:52 Tuesday

Originally posted by kid320

Because my receiver is 75 watt's in each channel, would it be worth it to go above this and purchase higher wattage speakers?

I have always heard of Bose and Polk as being great speakers... I would assume the entry level B&W, Kef, paradyme, PSB's would be the worst of the best... Cnet's reviewers seem to mention Wharfedale a lot...

B.T.W.- Do you think that sub I have is a good one? In my opinion, it is superior to what I need. What do you think?

A speaker's rated wattage is basically irrelevant... without going into detail, you should be more concerned with impedance (8 ohms recommended) and efficiency (88 db or better) at this level... this is admittedly a gross oversimplification.

Forget Bose... Polk and Whardale are OK... in general, at least try to buy speakers from a dedicated speaker manufacturer, rather than an electronics manufacturer (Sony, Bose).

CNET reviews are worthless IMO... they review shiny gadgets, but nothing regarding audio quality is revealed there... you'll learn much more on these HT forums.

If you're on a strict budget, your sub is likely adequate, esp for your small room... but I'm confident the SVS would easily trump it.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 14:54 Tuesday

Originally posted by gd

A speaker's rated wattage is basically irrelevant... without going into detail, you should be more concerned with impedance (8 ohms recommended) and efficiency (88 db or better) at this level... this is admittedly a gross oversimplification.

Forget Bose... Polk and Whardale are OK... in general, at least try to buy speakers from a dedicated speaker manufacturer, rather than an electronics manufacturer (Sony, Bose).

CNET reviews are worthless IMO... they review shiny gadgets, but nothing regarding audio quality is revealed there... you'll learn much more on these HT forums.

If you're on a strict budget, your sub is likely adequate, esp for your small room... but I'm confident the SVS would *easily trump it.

I agree with everything there except that *easily word there :B :lol:

gd · 25 October 2005, 15:00 Tuesday

Agreed... you'd just havta sit down with both of 'em and see / hear for yourself... but my money's on the SVS.

And given kid320's budget restraints, that might likely be an option left as is.

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 15:02 Tuesday

Wow! Every time I refresh the page I have about 2 more replies! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I will absolutely keep my sub and upgrade everything else. I am planning on stopping once that sub is the weakest point in my system. (Yeah, right

)

aud19 - I like your suggestion of the Energy C-5's and a C-C3. If I were to bite the bullet and strech my bank account, what surround sound speakers would you reccommend? Nice way to make "worst of the best" sound a little better :W Thank you for your input.

gd - The first link you gave me to the accessories for less site doesnt seem to work here at the office, I will try when I get home. I have no problem purchasing B-Stock refurbished or floor model speakers. As long as they come with a warranty. If you were in my position, would you buy the Canton or Mordaunt-Short 5-speaker package? You also mentioned I wanted to look at 88 or better efficiency... I am assuming the higher the number, the better? Thanks for your input.

Shane Martin - Good suggestion to go for a listen. I would assume the manufacturers of the Energy, B&W, KEF, Paradigm, PSB, Totem and the others that have been mentioned can tell me where a local showroom is. Thanks for your help.

Thank you ALL for your input. Please keep expanding this thread, I am loving this.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 15:03 Tuesday

Originally posted by gd

Agreed... you'd just havta sit down with both of 'em and see / hear for yourself... but my money's on the SVS.

And given kid320's budget restraints, that might likely be an option left as is.

Don't get me wrong I think the SVS is a superior sub as well and if he had no sub and an extra $500 in his budget that's what I'd recommend he get but neither of those things is the case and I don't think spending another $500 would get him a $500 improvement in bass over the already pretty good JBL

gd · 25 October 2005, 15:18 Tuesday

Well, aud, if nothing else, we've got kid320 steered away from those Sony's (and Bose, I hope).

Yes, 88db or higher is better... again oversimplifying, those numbers just indicate the relative ease with which an amp can drive the speakers... it says nothing of sound quality... for that, you must audition, audition, audition.

So, sure, what the heck -- skip the sub... buy the best 5 speakers you can... upgrade receiver later.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 15:34 Tuesday

Originally posted by kid320

aud19 - I like your suggestion of the Energy C-5's and a C-C3. If I were to bite the bullet and strech my bank account, what surround sound speakers would you reccommend? Nice way to make "worst of the best" sound a little better :W Thank you for your input.

That depends on whether you prefer di/bi-pole surrounds or direct radiators and how important (or not) that multichannel audio is to you vs movie soundtracks.

I personally prefer (generally) direct radiators for both movies and in particular multichannel music, especially when adequate distance and placement are possible.

A lot of people, particularly for movies, prefer di/bi-pole speakers. Again this goes back to audition, audition audition

Not only do you have to audition speaker brands/models but also the different speaker types. The only way to know if YOU prefer direct radiators or di/bi-poles is to listen with YOUR ears

So depending on what you end up preferring, I'd recommend the CR-3 or C-1 (or C-3 if you can afford it) to go with the C-5 and C-C3 :T

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 15:34 Tuesday

Originally posted by gd

Well, aud, if nothing else, we've got kid320 steered away from those Sony's (and Bose, I hope).

:yesnod: :T

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 15:40 Tuesday

aud - MOVIES MOVIES MOVIES! I will occasionally listen to the radio of a cd, but when it comes to that, I am looking at volume (the ability to hear it in the shower) more than quality.

Yes, I will surely not get any Bose or Sony, unless I happen to be driving home and find a $3,000 set of speakers sitting on the curb... then I might stop

I am probably going to go to tweeter and best buy and test a few of their speakers there, then go to a place that sells these really high end speakers and have a listen there, and compare. Are there chains of stores, or any that people happen to know about in the Philadelphia area that I could go to?

Thanks again

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 15:48 Tuesday

Originally posted by kid320

aud - MOVIES MOVIES MOVIES! I will occasionally listen to the radio of a cd, but when it comes to that, I am looking at volume (the ability to hear it in the shower) more than quality.

Well chances are you'll probably be happier with either di or bi-pole speakers then, though they do tend to cost more for the extra drivers, more intricate crossovers etc. So again, listen for yourself and see if you prefer them enough, to warrant the money to get them over direct radiators. Who knows you may even find you prefer the less expensive direct radiators like I do anyways :lol:

Also, you may be surprised how much more music you start listening to once you get some decent speakers and again if and when you upgrade your receiver :B You're in deep now! :twisted: :lol:

EDIT: I just noticed they also have some smaller (less expensive) CR-1's as well you could have a listen to

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 15:54 Tuesday

Originally posted by aud19

You're in deep now! :twisted: :lol:

Oh no, I've sold my soul and my wallet to the home theater industry. At leave I've got my Superbits

I've been looking for showrooms and things for these higher quality speakers and can't find any... any suggestions on where to start?

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 15:55 Tuesday

Where do you live?

Here's a link to find Energy dealers in North America

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/dealer/index.php

gd · 25 October 2005, 15:58 Tuesday

Originally posted by kid320

would you buy the Canton or Mordaunt-Short 5-speaker package?

I've not heard the Mordaunt's in any appreciable time or space, so I can only say they they sounded decent in passing... I have spent a fair bit of audition tiem with various models in the Canton line, and have always come away impressed with their clarity... each is a reputable make.

Take the time to audition... makes do vary in sonic characteristics.

While doing that, don't hesitate to look around in higher-end retailers to see if they have any 5.0 systems that are taken in trade or are discontinued models... there may be an opportunity to grab a higher-quality speaker at a discount.

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 15:59 Tuesday

Clifton Heights, PA... right outside of Philadelphia.

So, you guys kind of have an idea of the range I am in for my speakers. Say I were to buy my speakers and on the way home, some cash were to fall of a truck, and it was enough to buy a receiver, what kind of receiver would I want it to be and how much cash would I want to have fallen off of that truck?

I know, I know, $300,000.00 for that new one with the jetpack on top. I could give you a price range, but I don't want to because I don't want to undermine my system. You all seem to have a pretty good idea of what I want. If I were to go with the class of speakers that have been reccommended to me, the energy's for instance, what kind of receiver and what price range would I be looking at to get the most out of my speakers, perhaps leaving some room for upgrading and not purchasing something that would be overkill? Trying to find the balance between cost and quality is a hard thing to do, and I guess thats what I am trying to do here.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 16:11 Tuesday

Originally posted by kid320

Clifton Heights, PA... right outside of Philadelphia.

Whoah! Don't put your adress on public forums, edit that post and just put your City....

Otherwise go to the link I posted and put in your ZIP code, It should spit out some local Energy dealers

The other brands should have a similar feature on their web pages as well. Also, you'll probably find that a dealer that carry's one brand you're looking for will carry a few others as well

**Shane Martin** · 25 October 2005, 16:19 Tuesday

If you decide to go the Energy route, you should check this link out:
Audio Advisor selling C3's

Additionally they have the stands for $75 a pair.

**Sim reality** · 25 October 2005, 16:35 Tuesday

For a receiver my preference is a Rotel rsx1056... List price is about $1299 but you can get NAD, Arcam or Integra... But most of us are music buffs as well.

If you are looking at just Home Theatre then you can get more electronic gadgets with Yamaha, Denon or Harmon Kardon. Of the three Denon is my favorate... But I am running B&W speakers that tend to be a bit "bright".

I guess once again it depends on what speakers you have because each receiver manufacturer has a destinct "sound" so it depends on what speakers you choose and what your listening preference are.

Just do some research and a lot of listening...

**Clive** · 25 October 2005, 17:05 Tuesday

We all agree that audition speakers is the way to go. The guys have narrowed down some choices that I am sure you'll find interesting. However, if you do go to audition some speakers and find a set that's ear candy, please make note of the system/s that is used to drive them. You will want to match said unit/s or at least buy the same ones. :T

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 17:09 Tuesday

At the higher end I'd go with something from Rotel, Nad, Sherwood Newcastle, Outlaw etc. They tend to have less features but usually offer better sound quality/musicality.

For a little less money you can get some pretty good units from Yamaha, Pioneer or Denon. These should be packed with features, including room equalization and some have HDMI switching but tend to have smaller power supply's, lower actual power output and slightly lower sound quality IMO.

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 17:19 Tuesday

Sim - You mentioned a harmon kardon. This is the same brand as my DVD player (DVD 22), which I am in LOVE with. I was a little shakey at first, because they aren't one of the companies you hear about every day (like sony, panasonic, etc.), but I am SO glad I purchased it. I would feel confident buying a receiver from them. I will check into that.

**aud19** · 25 October 2005, 17:39 Tuesday

Jeff,

With receivers, just like speakers, your best bet is to go listen to them, preferably with the speakers you plan on getting. Features, usability and brand etc are important but the most important thing is how the equipment sounds

**kid320** · 25 October 2005, 22:49 Tuesday

I looked up a few local places (local meaning 25 miles away), but that still isn't too bad.

I am going to wake up Saturday, clean my ears out with a q-tip and go to an Energy, KEF and PSB dealer and listen to them. I am then going to go to a tweeter and listen to their "best" and allow my ears to compare. I trust you guys when you say the reccommended brands are better, but I just need to hear it for myself so I can get excited about spending the extra money, or perhaps decide not to if it isn't the difference I am thinking it will be (Although I am sure it will be).

I am going to bring a LARGE notepad with me and take notes about what I think of each set of speakers, write down the cost model number and some specs of them. I will then bring all of my notes back here so you can tell me what you think of certain models and brands.

I am also going to take notes on "tips" the salesman tells me and bring them back to here to see if he is just trying to put more commission in his pocket or if he is being truthful.

Once again, thank you for all of your help today. If you have any more reccommendations, please post a reply. Otherwise, I will surely be back when I go test some out.

**Sim reality** · 26 October 2005, 00:25 Wednesday

Just a little more advice...

Make sure you bring your favourate CD or DVD (my preference is Music because it more easily brings out difficiencies because it play more of the frequencies)... Not something that someone suggested because it has an "awsome" soudtrack but something you have played dozens if not hundreds of times so they you have every nuance of it memorized and play that.

That way you will be better able to identify differences between setups because it will be sound different from how you remember hearing it or be surprised at the new details you can now hear.

Also ask then to demo it with the sub off... It will make music/soundtrack sound "thin" but it's easier to tell what the speakers are exactly capable of.

**Shane Martin** · 26 October 2005, 09:36 Wednesday

Kid,
Some tips:
Try to listen to them for a long period of time. Brightness is something that you can't normally instantly notice. Try to listen to the speakers for a good 15 minutes or more if you can.

Try to listen to as many brands as possible because even though we are suggesting these speakers, you may find something that we are not suggesting that you like.

**aud19** · 26 October 2005, 12:00 Wednesday

What they said! :yesnod:

Heck I say even bring a couple or more CD's and DVD's that you're very familiar with.

Have fun listening :T

**kid320** · 26 October 2005, 12:08 Wednesday

I'm just looking at a few websites, and JBL came to mind. I am very happy with my sub that I have from them, and their warranty service is great also. I had an older sub for about 4 years and it got hit by lightning. I called them and they said "No problem, just give us the numbers off of the back and we will ship a newer comparible model out to you." And they did! I didn't even have to return the broken one. That is one thing I like about a company, is good customer care, especially after spending that much money for their product.

Because of this, JBL is one of the products I want to look at. They are superior in my mind, but are they down there with the Sony's, up there with the B&W's, or in the middle with the Infinitys? I will still take a listen, but I just wanted the board's opinion on them too.

Thanks.

**Clive** · 26 October 2005, 12:13 Wednesday

Please post your results :T We'll be glad to hear your reviews!

**aud19** · 26 October 2005, 12:26 Wednesday

I'd likely put the JBL speakers between the Sony's and Infinity's. Better than the mass market gear, not as good as the specialized guys

One other thing when you're reviewing speakers...

A speaker that plays music well will almost always play movies well. However a speaker that plays movies well will not always play music well. Keep that in mind when listening

**kid320** · 27 October 2005, 11:39 Thursday

I'm going to take a drive this afternoon and go to an energy retailer. While I am there, I want to take a gander at some receivers too. I am trying to list features that I need to have in order to get the best experience. I will start, please add anything to the list that you feel is needed:

- $700-$800 Price Limit (Flexible, per your reccommendations)
- Minimum of 2 Optical Audio Inputs
- Minimum of 1 Coaxial Audio Input
- Minimum of 1 RCA type Audio Input
- Minimum of 5 speaker outputs
- Subwoofer Output
- DTS decoder
*what other audio certifications should it have?
- :roll: Volume Control :roll:

What kind of wattage per channel should this be putting out. I know wattage is "like horsepower for tires", but there had to be a quality difference between 10w per channel and 200w per channel. What range should I be looking in? What other things should I look for? I would assume Ohm output is important, but I think most can switch between 4 and 8?

Thanks again! ;x(

**aud19** · 27 October 2005, 12:44 Thursday

At $700-$800 you're pretty much looking at mass market gear or used high-end stuff. Even in the mass market gear that budget's only going to get you their low end of midrange stuff. For mass market gear, especially in that price range, look to knock a good ~20% of their WPC ratings off to get a more accurate estimation of power.

Just about anything you look at is going to have the specs you listed, I'd also recommend you insure you get a model with both 5.1 analog input and output.

Here's a few models I'd look at:

Audio & Visual - Yamaha USA

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV1600.htm

Should be able to get it for ~$900+tax

Pioneer USA, Car Audio, Speakers, Subs, Amps, In-Car Technology, Driver Assistance Products, and Optical Drives

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4155_272584183,00.html

Pioneer Electronics car audio and home theater entertainment products including in-car GPS navigation, Android Auto Enabled Receivers, Apple Car Play enabled Receivers, Pioneer and Elite Receivers, headphones, iphone car stereo, car stereos, bluetooth car stero, car radio, speakers and Blu-ray/DVD Drives

Should be able to get it for ~$1200+tax

Sites-denon_us-Site

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/623.asp

Commerce Cloud Storefront Reference Architecture

Should be able to get it for ~$1100+tax

There's also the more high-end units with less features but generally more accurate WPC ratings and IMO better sound quality:

IIS 10.0 자세한 오류 - 404.0 - Not Found

http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_r963t.html

Should be able to get it for ~$1000+tax

RSX-1056

http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rsx1056.htm

The RSX-1056 is Rotel's most affordable surround sound receiver but certainly doesn't sacrifice performance or features.

Should be able to get it for ~$1100+tax

Page not found - NAD Electronics

http://www.nadelectronics.com/av_receivers/T763_frameset.htm

Should be able to get it for ~$1200+tax

**P-Dub** · 27 October 2005, 14:07 Thursday

I would include conversion from composite, S-Video and component to HDMI.

Pre-out's for adding external amplification, minimum 5.1 channels, ideally more, 7.1
Binding posts for all speaker terminals.
I think all receivers include the latest decoding. But, DD EX, DTS-ES, Pro-Logic IIx.

Myself I would look seriously at the Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV. That's the link provided above. I saw a brief demo last week and was very impressed.

The reason that I like the Pioneer, at the moment, is the unit's ability to automatically calibrate speaker levels and subwoofer levels to suit your room. I am dying to try this in my apartment, where my surroundings are very poor. Hardwood floors, long room, many reflections, glass, etc.

For me the price is also right C$1398 that's list price in Canadian dollars. I see that the US list price is the same, we Canadians are getting a killer deal on this unit!

**kid320** · 27 October 2005, 14:23 Thursday

I was able to find that Pioneer for $810.... not too shabby. I will look at the place I am going to in Delaware tonight also.

**P-Dub** · 27 October 2005, 14:45 Thursday

Originally posted by kid320

What kind of wattage per channel should this be putting out. I know wattage is "like horsepower for tires", but there had to be a quality difference between 10w per channel and 200w per channel. What range should I be looking in? What other things should I look for? I would assume Ohm output is important, but I think most can switch between 4 and 8?

Thanks again! ;x(

For wattage, personally I would not be too concerned about maximum watts. It is really the first few watts that are the most important, this combined with the sensitivity of your speakers.

So if your speakers have a sensitivity rating of 90db. That translates for the first 1 watt of power, the speaker will provide 90db of sound at 1 meter(just over 3 feet).

For every 3 db increase in volume power has to double.

So for 93db you need 2 watts, and so on.
96db = 4 W
99db = 8 W
102db = 16 W
105db = 32 W
108db = 64 W
111db = 128 W

gd · 27 October 2005, 14:49 Thursday

Add Marantz to your receiver list.

Excellent sound, particularly for music.

3-yr warranty (most have 1-yr, Rotel 5-yr)

The SR-7500 is in that price range.

**aud19** · 27 October 2005, 15:32 Thursday

Originally posted by gd

Add Marantz to your receiver list.

Excellent sound, particularly for music.

3-yr warranty (most have 1-yr, Rotel 5-yr)

The SR-7500 is in that price range.

Yup Marantz is another good one and those longer warranties (Marantz/Rotel)are nice :T

Jeff, I also urge you to listen to some of those higher end receivers. I'll be surprised if you don't hear improved sound

Newbie needs help selecting receiver/speakers

Newbie needs help selecting receiver/speakers

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