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Noob Needs Help Choosing AV Receiver

2392 Views 33 Replies 15 Participants Last post by btscott, Jul 17, 2009

Cousss

Discussion Starter · Jul 14, 2009

I am looking to build a nice entertainment center and am in the market of buying a AV receiver. I am a novice when it comes to this type of technology but I know I want the best and am willing to spend up to 1500. I know what most of the video ports and functions are but don't know a lot when it comes to the audio part.

I have been looking all over and to me all of these receivers seem the same but I want to get something that will be good for the future because I plan on adding all sorts of components to this. I was looking at the Sony STR-DA4400ES and STR-DA5400ES, it has a lot of what I am looking for and I like the GUI. I also like the Sony STR-DA6400ES because of the networking capabilities but its is 1000 more then the STR-DA5400ES. Then again there are probably others that are just as good, if not better.

I was hoping some of you out there could give me your opinions on these by Sony and on the receivers you use or feel are similar to these and maybe help steer me in the right direction. Also if any of you can suggest good speakers, that would help as well. Any suggestions are welcome because I have no idea what I am doing with most of this stuff.

1 - 20 of 34 Posts

MLKstudios

· #2 · Jul 14, 2009

What speakers do you own?

I ask because you can get $1000 speakers and a $500 AVR (with plenty of features) that would improve the overall sound better than adding a $1500 AVR to poor quality speakers.

Cousss

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 14, 2009

I don't have any speakers now or anything really. I have a half decent LCD TV (that I will probably upgrade), a PS3, a Xbox 360, and some money to spend. I figured I should get a receiver first considering its like the main part of and home theater. I want to be able to add 2 floor speakers, at least a 7.1 surround sound, an amp, and some other components that I have yet to decide on.

Cousss

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 14, 2009

I was looking at some other receivers and I think I definitely want to go with one that has networking capabilities or rather WIFI. But I only saw one receiver with WIFI, the Denon AVR-5308CI, and thats 5500 and I dont want to pay that. Does anyone know of a receiver with networking that can have a WIFI adapter hooked up to it?

warpdrive

· #5 · Jul 14, 2009

You can buy a Apple Airport Express as a wifi adapter, and then buy any receiver that has networking capability. You can also stream iTunes songs from your computer to the receiver if you go this route.

localnet

· #6 · Jul 14, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cousss /forum/post/16823574

I was looking at some other receivers and I think I definitely want to go with one that has networking capabilities or rather WIFI. But I only saw one receiver with WIFI, the Denon AVR-5308CI, and thats 5500 and I dont want to pay that. Does anyone know of a receiver with networking that can have a WIFI adapter hooked up to it?

You missed the Denon 4308ci, it has wifi, and I own one. Fantastic unit, 140 watts per channel and very future proof. You should be able to find one in your price range, and I did! Much better than a Sony AVR, trust me on that.

Mike

Here you go, brand new from a licensed Denon dealer... http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._sku=538999508

And here is your BD player from a licensed Denon dealer, I own one too... http://www.jr.com/denon/pe/DNN_DVD2500BTCI/

Yep, I am a Denon fanboy!

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mbyrnes

· #7 · Jul 14, 2009

What is your AVR and Speaker budget? I would look closely at the new Onkyo TX-NR807 that will be released in the next few weeks. It will list for $1100 but you will be able to get it cheaper than that. It has networking, which I agree is a huge feature. I currently use my laptop in my setup as the PS3 blows as an internet radio streamer.

I would avoid Sony at all cost. So many problems and they REALLY lack power. Their $2000 option tested around 30w/channel with 5 and 7 channels driven. That is a joke when you spend that much. I am pretty sure it was the STR-DA5400ES.

Speakers are the most important factor in a HT setup. Spend at least 70% of your budget on them.

Cousss

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 14, 2009

I am looking to spend as much is needed to make an awesome home theater. I mean, I don't want to spend outrageous amounts on everything but I definitely want equipment that will last and I would not have to replace a year later because something way better came out. I am willing to wait to purchase something that may be coming out sometime in the next few months but want to set this up now.

The only reason the Sony caught my eye was because of the GUI. I liked it because its the same as my PS3 and PSP. Do other receivers have a GUI or something similar?

MLKstudios

· #9 · Jul 14, 2009

If you plan on spending $5000 on speakers, then it makes sense to buy a $1500 AVR. Otherwise, you are budgeting poorly. At least 2/3rds (better 3/4ths) of your budget should be on the things that make the sound. An AVR will never be future proof. Technology won't allow it. Speakers though, can last a long, long time.

And yes, most all new AVR's have a GUI (on screen display).

localnet

· #10 · Jul 14, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by MLKstudios /forum/post/16824370

If you plan on spending $5000 on speakers, then it makes sense to buy a $1500 AVR. Otherwise, you are budgeting poorly. At least 2/3rds (better 3/4ths) of your budget should be on the things that make the sound. An AVR will never be future proof. Technology won't allow it. Speakers though, can last a long, long time.

And yes, most all new AVR's have a GUI (on screen display).

Have to agree on the speaker comment, my old Polks serve me well. Spent around... Several thousand dollars... About ten years ago, made in the USA and still rock. The sub is a new SVS PC13-Ultra, but still have the old 12" Velodyne cooking up a rumble in the living room.

And, I still have my trusty old Denon AVR-4802, it may be outdated compared to my 4308ci, but a few bucks on an HDMI switch solved that problem. Let the TV do the upscaling, and I saved a few grand right there when I bought the Oppo HDMI switch. You can't buy that old Denon quality unless you get into the thousands of dollars. I pocketed that money and am still a very happy camper, technology or not. Sound is still analog at the speaker end, if you know what I mean...

Mike

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mbyrnes

· #11 · Jul 14, 2009

Sony does have the best GUI hands down. Reality is that you won't be in there enough to worry about that as the major feature. If you went with a Sony you would definitely need a separate power amp.

I would seriously buy speakers first (or know what you're getting). If they are 4 ohm you need a separate amp or an THX Ultra 2 AVR. If they are 6 or 8 ohm most any AVR will be able to power them if they are 90db or higher for sensitivity.

I would go listen to as many speakers as you can . Find some speakers and see what you need to drive them. Bring your demo material and take notes. This way you can limit it down to a few brands.

rodeoclown

· #12 · Jul 14, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cousss /forum/post/16823574

I was looking at some other receivers and I think I definitely want to go with one that has networking capabilities or rather WIFI. But I only saw one receiver with WIFI, the Denon AVR-5308CI, and thats 5500 and I dont want to pay that. Does anyone know of a receiver with networking that can have a WIFI adapter hooked up to it?

You already have networking and wifi capability with your PS3...so having it in your receiver would be redundant imo.

localnet

· #13 · Jul 14, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodeoclown /forum/post/16824852

You already have networking and wifi capability with your PS3...so having it in your receiver would be redundant imo.

No it would not. When firmware updates come out, a network connection makes a ton of difference. I have downloaded 3 firmware updates and one paid firmware upGRADE on my Denon 4308ci since I bought it, pre-release. Worth every penny in my book to have an AVR that the manufacturer at least gives a rats arse about, and Denon apparently does. It just keeps getting better and better... I guess you could say it is a bit "future proof".

Mike

Cousss

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 15, 2009

I went to a local store and checked out some stuff and listened to some speakers on my way home from work and think I am going to get the Klipsch RF52 Speaker 5.1 Package (opinions are welcome), and possibly get 2 more RF52 floor speakers at a future date. And for a receiver I am thinking of getting the Denon AVR-4308CI. It seems to have everything I am looking for and WIFI but any more suggestions and opinions on this are welcome.

I was also wondering if anyone knew of any good online stores that offer these or other items? I saw a site called hookedontronics and they offer a lot of things for a big discount but was not sure of their reputation. And have any of you bought any items like this off of ebay and what your experience was. I was thinking of buying off of there but am skeptical.

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bigbare

· #15 · Jul 15, 2009

Keep in mind that if they are not authorized dealers you most likely won't get a warranty!! So keep an eye out for that.

Danielson99

· #16 · Jul 15, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cousss /forum/post/16826279

I went to a local store and checked out some stuff and listened to some speakers on my way home from work and think I am going to get the Klipsch RF52 Speaker 5.1 Package (opinions are welcome), and possibly get 2 more RF52 floor speakers at a future date. And for a receiver I am thinking of getting the Denon AVR-4308CI. It seems to have everything I am looking for and WIFI but any more suggestions and opinions on this are welcome.

I was also wondering if anyone knew of any good online stores that offer these or other items? I saw a site called hookedontronics and they offer a lot of things for a big discount but was not sure of their reputation. And have any of you bought any items like this off of ebay and what your experience was. I was thinking of buying off of there but am skeptical.

localnet already posted a link to a $1500 4308 from an authorized dealer.

If you really like the RF52 speaker package then you are the only judge that matters. There are plenty of happy Klipsch owners.

It's true that it's better to spend most of your money on speakers/sub than you do on a receiver BUT, if the speakers you happen to love are inexpensive...or just not in the typical (1/3 receiver - 2/3 speakers) budget don't worry about it. If you have the extra money to drop on a gravy receiver then I say do it....but I also would say that listening to several other speaker systems would be prudent. Also...don't skimp on a subwoofer. Perhaps you can buy just the 5.0 Klipsch system and get a better sub? Did you listen to the system watching a Movie? Anyway....just some thoughts.

You're probably making alot of people jealous coming in here with a big wad of hundreds in your pocket!

Perhaps ...and I guarantee you'll get some good results...perhaps you can just give a TOTAL budget that you'll spend on a receiver, speakers and a subwoofer. Then see what advice you get

Personally...if you like the Klipsch..get them...but make an informed decision. Don't buy them without hearing as many others as you can. Same goes for the Denon receiver. Sure it looks and sounds great...but nobody probably told you that the manual for it is written in Klingon and more than one person has already ran off their 32nd floor balcony in frustration trying to set one of these receivers up. The remote is also a bit difficult to deal with. Are you ready for the time you'll need to spend reading and troubleshooting etc??

Good luck with whatever you choose...

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RipperDoc85

· #17 · Jul 15, 2009

yea i would for reference sake or comparisons sake listen to polk audio, KEF, Mirage, Boston Acoustics, NHT...can't really tell what your budget it....speakers are all personal...you might hate what the dealer loves or vice versa to pay attention to your ears and thier equipment (if they have 30k in equipment and acoustical treatments keep that in mind...get my drift???)

Cousss

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 15, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by Danielson99 /forum/post/16826630

localnet already posted a link to a $1500 4308 from an authorized dealer.

If you really like the RF52 speaker package then you are the only judge that matters. There are plenty of happy Klipsch owners.

It's true that it's better to spend most of your money on speakers/sub than you do on a receiver BUT, if the speakers you happen to love are inexpensive...or just not in the typical (1/3 receiver - 2/3 speakers) budget don't worry about it. If you have the extra money to drop on a gravy receiver then I say do it....but I also would say that listening to several other speaker systems would be prudent. Also...don't skimp on a subwoofer. Perhaps you can buy just the 5.0 Klipsch system and get a better sub? Did you listen to the system watching a Movie? Anyway....just some thoughts.

You're probably making alot of people jealous coming in here with a big wad of hundreds in your pocket!

Perhaps ...and I guarantee you'll get some good results...perhaps you can just give a TOTAL budget that you'll spend on a receiver, speakers and a subwoofer. Then see what advice you get

Personally...if you like the Klipsch..get them...but make an informed decision. Don't buy them without hearing as many others as you can. Same goes for the Denon receiver. Sure it looks and sounds great...but nobody probably told you that the manual for it is written in Klingon and more than one person has already ran off their 32nd floor balcony in frustration trying to set one of these receivers up. The remote is also a bit difficult to deal with. Are you ready for the time you'll need to spend reading and troubleshooting etc??

Good luck with whatever you choose...

I only went in one place and listened to some music on both Klipsch and Polk Audio and a few other systems for a short period of time. I am not done going out to places and checking other systems, I am actually going to go to a few places tomorrow and check some more receivers and speaker systems and also take some friends with me to get some other opinions. Even now I am researching as much as I can. I do not even think I am going to buy anything until August or September. I am going to do as much research as possible first. These were just the first I wanted to deeply research and I figured people would give me some better opinions (like you did) if I gave a definitive model. Like I said, I don't know much when it comes to the sound area but have a better understanding of the video portion.

I do not really have a budget, but I don't want to spend crazy amounts of money. I am looking to spend about 1500 to 2000 for a receiver and looking to spend 2000 to 3000 for speaker but will pay more if it is REALLY worth it. This seems to be about the average price for most equipment without going too crazy. I also may go for something cheaper if the the specs for a speaker system or receiver are about the same as the expensive stuff.

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Danielson99

· #19 · Jul 15, 2009

Sounds like you're heading in the right direction. It's good to take your time and make a more informed decision. With that budget you can get yourself into pretty serious HT system. I would break it down a bit further and say this...

$1000 for a receiver

$1000 for a subwoofer

$1500 for a pair of towers

$1000 for a center and surrounds

There are many ways to go. I would start with a great subwoofer like the SVS PB-12 Plus to anchor your new Home theater. You could have an extremely massive or tiny room that might require more or less but I would definitely get something solid from SVS, Hsu, eD or Epik. You can get an amazing subwoofer for $1000.

The speakers are alot of preference...but I'd get a timber matched set from the same company. There are so many to choose from but you're probably best to get something you can hear first.

For a receiver I'd look into the Pioneer Elite series, good deals at the moment on the SC-05/07.

Good luck in your search...

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localnet

· #20 · Jul 15, 2009

Yes on the Sub^^^^ Get a good one, all the brands mentioned above are top notch and should be in your budget. I've got the SVS PC13-Ultra hooked to the Denon 4308ci, and you can feel that baby out in my driveway.

Mike

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