Updated 11/23/2008 - HDTV and Surround Sound Recommendations! - Page 10

Shike · 02-16-2007, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238

I'm pretty sure you can get a nicer Yamaha or Panasonic receiver.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. I'm not sure about pricing in Canada, but you can get a VSX-816-K for $250 USD where a Yamaha with proper pre-outs will very well set you back $350 USD.

In other news, I got an 816K a couple weeks ago and it's excellent. Pioneer makes great AV recievers for the cost. Of course, keep in mind there's no HDMI on this model. I bought it knowing that because quite frankly, HDMI doesn't concern me in the least when it comes to audio really.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238

JBL...they're not bad but I wouldn't get them unless I really loved their sound

I hope you're only saying that about that particular HTIB. JBL makes excellent speakers, espeically if you can drive them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathWish238

My pick would easily be the Paradigm. The Cinema line is absolutely great.

Out of the options he's looking at definately. Although Polk Audio may have some good offering in the price range.

Deathwish238 · 02-16-2007, 05:54 PM

The Panasonic SA-XR55 is $220ish online and the SA-XR57 is around $300 online. I've seen Yamaha receivers for as cheap as $200 @ bizrate...and they have all the basics.

My opinion of JBL has gone down over the years. They're not what they once used to be(same for Klipsch although their Reference line is still top notch). They make decent stuff, but there is better out there for the same price imo

The new Polk R series line up didn't seem to differ much from their last year's line...except for price. They're much more expensive than last year's models

Is your Avatar from Fooly Cooly?

Shike · 02-16-2007, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238

The Panasonic SA-XR55 is $220ish online and the SA-XR57 is around $300 online. I've seen Yamaha receivers for as cheap as $200 @ bizrate...and they have all the basics.

Really? Do they have all the necessary pre-outs to use an external amp? If not, then I wouldn't bother with them. Pioneer sounds excellent anymore and even though are not toe to toe with Yamaha, you get better bang for the buck. Besides, many love the MACC for a reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

My opinion of JBL has gone down over the years. They're not what they once used to be(same for Klipsch although their Reference line is still top notch). They make decent stuff, but there is better out there for the same price imo

Really?! Find me a pair of speakers that out does a pair of E60s priced at $200. People bitch about them having no midrange, and I would have agreed if I hadn't added a Technics amp recently

(they are severely power hungy, people trying to underpower them don't understand).

And if you're going for high grade audio, JBLs L series has never dropped off in terms of audio performance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

The new Polk R series line up didn't seem to differ much from their last year's line...except for price. They're much more expensive than last year's models

Then you know what you do? Buy last years model

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

Is your Avatar from Fooly Cooly?

Furi Kuri, Fooly Cooly, FLCL, whichever you wish to call it. Yes

Deathwish238 · 02-16-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Really? Do they have all the necessary pre-outs to use an external amp? If not, then I wouldn't bother with them. Pioneer sounds excellent anymore and even though are not toe to toe with Yamaha, you get better bang for the buck. Besides, many love the MACC for a reason.

The Panny receivers and lower end Yamaha receivers only have sub pre-outs. Does the 816-K have 5 or 7 channel pre outs? I've never seen that before on a $300 receiver.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Really?! Find me a pair of speakers that out does a pair of E60s priced at $200. People bitch about them having no midrange, and I would have agreed if I hadn't added a Technics amp recently

(they are severely power hungy, people trying to underpower them don't understand).

I think it has to do with the sound you like. If you really like the sound, then you can't go wrong.

What's the model of the Technics amp and how much did it run you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

And if you're going for high grade audio, JBLs L series has never dropped off in terms of audio performance.

I don't think I've ever seen the L series, only the E series.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Then you know what you do? Buy last years model

Easier said than done...the last year's models are pretty much gone. $50 for a pair of R15s were a steal...the R150s which are more or less the same are $100 a pair.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Furi Kuri, Fooly Cooly, FLCL, whichever you wish to call it. Yes

cool, I've had it for years but just finally saw it last month. One wacky anime. You ever seen Berserk?

Shike · 02-16-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238

The Panny receivers and lower end Yamaha receivers only have sub pre-outs. Does the 816-K have 5 or 7 channel pre outs? I've never seen that before on a $300 receiver.

It has 7.1 preouts

(seven channels plus sub)

Also, it's $250 online. Best Buy had it for $270 though and since I could get it immediately . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

I think it has to do with the sound you like. If you really like the sound, then you can't go wrong.

That's true to an extent. All I know is surprisingly it takes a lot of power to drive midrange out of the E60s, after listening to my Final Fantasy OSTs all the way through I can't help but say I'm impressed as they originally sounded dull.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

What's the model of the Technics amp and how much did it run you?

The particular model I'm using is a 91' SU-G90. It does 130W continues at 8ohms although almost maxes out its usage at -43dB when doing musical arrangements.

I got the full cabinet setup with CD changer, tuner, cassette, 7-band EQ, and the amp for $60 from the thrift shop in good condition. I'm thinking the back fan on it may need changing since I've never seen it turn on though. Otherwise all of the dials and everything work solid. I can tell that the owner did take fairly good care of it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

I don't think I've ever seen the L series, only the E series.

Ahh, if you think Klipsch has a good reference line then the L series deserves a glance. They're made specifically by JBL pro devision (in other words, the up-scale division).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

Easier said than done...the last year's models are pretty much gone. $50 for a pair of R15s were a steal...the R150s which are more or less the same are $100 a pair.

Well, the fact that they were once a steal is testament to the fact they were a good speaker right

. If anything, it means their pricing is about right IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish239

cool, I've had it for years but just finally saw it last month. One wacky anime. You ever seen Berserk?

Not yet, that's one I've been needing to get around to. My room is frankly covered in anime (you can see it here although there have been changes like a new monitor, new amp/reciever/etc, and a finished set of Samurai 7).

ArielAtom · 02-17-2007, 02:38 AM

what do you all think of the Celestion AVP305? At bestbuy they have the 5 speakers (no sub) on for $200, usually $800. I don't know why such a drastic sale has been on for 2 months or so, but this review is absolutely glowing!
All of a sudden I am feeling really good about these. I can always get a sweet aperion sub (yess) and still keep under 700!

Anyone care to burst my bubble?

ArielAtom · 02-17-2007, 02:51 AM

Also:
I see a cheap Denon Receiver (DRA-37) that has 0.03% THD and 120wpc. this seems too good to be true. What stat differentiates sound quality of a 1000 dollar receiver to this one? Is it just preference?

pebblez · 02-17-2007, 12:54 PM

the aluminum drivers may get harsh at some point (and may even ring at certain frequencies). give it a listen at best buy. take a couple of cd's with you.

Deathwish238 · 02-17-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

Also:
I see a cheap Denon Receiver (DRA-37) that has 0.03% THD and 120wpc. this seems too good to be true. What stat differentiates sound quality of a 1000 dollar receiver to this one? Is it just preference?

The DRA models are stereo receivers I believe.

Specs only tell you so much. Specs don't tell you that every brand has its own sound and how a higher quality receiver adds more depth and life to the sound. Listen for yourself and hear the difference, much easier than trying to translate into words.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArielAtom

what do you all think of the Celestion AVP305? At bestbuy they have the 5 speakers (no sub) on for $200, usually $800. I don't know why such a drastic sale has been on for 2 months or so, but this review is absolutely glowing!
All of a sudden I am feeling really good about these. I can always get a sweet aperion sub (yess) and still keep under 700!

Anyone care to burst my bubble?

I did a little research on Celestion and they seem to be a good company and a good number of people like the AVP305. Don't get an Aperion sub, get an SVS! Best bass for the money imo.

Deathwish238 · 02-17-2007, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

It has 7.1 preouts

(seven channels plus sub)

Also, it's $250 online. Best Buy had it for $270 though and since I could get it immediately . . .

Well I suppose if you're using an amp the receiver you get doesn't matter tooo much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

That's true to an extent. All I know is surprisingly it takes a lot of power to drive midrange out of the E60s, after listening to my Final Fantasy OSTs all the way through I can't help but say I'm impressed as they originally sounded dull.

Cool, I just wish I could find a place that has them hooked up to an amp. Any ideas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

The particular model I'm using is a 91' SU-G90. It does 130W continues at 8ohms although almost maxes out its usage at -43dB when doing musical arrangements.

130W isn't bad. I wonder if my speakers could benefit from a seperate amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

I got the full cabinet setup with CD changer, tuner, cassette, 7-band EQ, and the amp for $60 from the thrift shop in good condition. I'm thinking the back fan on it may need changing since I've never seen it turn on though. Otherwise all of the dials and everything work solid. I can tell that the owner did take fairly good care of it.

Damn $60 is nothing! Does Technics still make stuff?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Ahh, if you think Klipsch has a good reference line then the L series deserves a glance. They're made specifically by JBL pro devision (in other words, the up-scale division).

Know anyone that carries them?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Well, the fact that they were once a steal is testament to the fact they were a good speaker right

. If anything, it means their pricing is about right IMO.

Yeah the pricing is fair, but there wasn't much better in the price range before while now there are many many comparable options.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shike

Not yet, that's one I've been needing to get around to. My room is frankly covered in anime (you can see it here although there have been changes like a new monitor, new amp/reciever/etc, and a finished set of Samurai 7).

Berserk is easily my favorite anime/manga. Simply a