Recently I took the jump to a system running through a receiver instead of my turntable jerry-rigged to run through my computer speakers. I knew that I needed a phono input for my turntable and a digital input for my computer but beyond that I started blind. Although I watch movies and play games on another computer in my room, I wasn't too concerned about a "home theater" system because I plan on using it for about 95% music. When I look at my dad's old receivers I like the available customization by having bass, treble, and center frequency knobs on the front for quick audio adjustments.
While researching some people suggested that I get a receiver with a phono input and get a DAC to handle my computer. This didn't sound like too bad of an option so I went out to hear some receivers. In the store, I ended up in the home theater department looking at a Denon AVR-3312CI next to an Onkyo TX-NR709. Both of them have a phono input and multiple digital inputs so I thought "great, I can hook up my TV and my gaming PC, too!" I ended up bringing both of them home to try out knowing that I can return them once I decide. I also picked up a pair of B&W 685 bookshelf speakers to upgrade from my Soundsticks II.
I've been listening to the Denon for the past few days. While I love its sound and the fact that I can have everything hooked up, I'm noticing that I really am listening to 95% music. My room is not ideal for speaker placement; they're set up great for one computer and my turntable but they're off to the side of my TV and gaming PC. I find I'm not really using them when watching TV. Different music audio sources have different bass/treble levels and I am missing the customization and various levels to adjust right on the receiver itself.
This whole story basically comes down to my question: if you were in my position would you stick with a really great home theater receiver or would you opt for a receiver that wouldn't really be able to handle my TV (which I don't see being a big deal) and get a DAC to handle music from my computer? I know it all comes down to personal preference but I feel a little overwhelmed trying to decide and would love some feedback.
I was able to get the Denon for $750 after tax and the Onkyo for less than that so if I were to chose the DAC route, that would be my budget.
While researching some people suggested that I get a receiver with a phono input and get a DAC to handle my computer. This didn't sound like too bad of an option so I went out to hear some receivers. In the store, I ended up in the home theater department looking at a Denon AVR-3312CI next to an Onkyo TX-NR709. Both of them have a phono input and multiple digital inputs so I thought "great, I can hook up my TV and my gaming PC, too!" I ended up bringing both of them home to try out knowing that I can return them once I decide. I also picked up a pair of B&W 685 bookshelf speakers to upgrade from my Soundsticks II.
I've been listening to the Denon for the past few days. While I love its sound and the fact that I can have everything hooked up, I'm noticing that I really am listening to 95% music. My room is not ideal for speaker placement; they're set up great for one computer and my turntable but they're off to the side of my TV and gaming PC. I find I'm not really using them when watching TV. Different music audio sources have different bass/treble levels and I am missing the customization and various levels to adjust right on the receiver itself.
This whole story basically comes down to my question: if you were in my position would you stick with a really great home theater receiver or would you opt for a receiver that wouldn't really be able to handle my TV (which I don't see being a big deal) and get a DAC to handle music from my computer? I know it all comes down to personal preference but I feel a little overwhelmed trying to decide and would love some feedback.
I was able to get the Denon for $750 after tax and the Onkyo for less than that so if I were to chose the DAC route, that would be my budget.
