Audio/Videophiles - I Need Advice - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Big Boy Laroux · 02-15-2008, 03:52 PM

That’s AUDIO and VIDEO philes. So no, I don't expect responses from you, sike.

Anyway, my Sony DVD dream system (receiver, DVD player, speakers) just went KAPUT today. It's about 6 years old. I may have to break it open to get the DVDs that are trapped inside…

Anyway, I guess I’m in the market for something new, so I’m going away from the all-in-one system and am going after a receiver. And then i'll eventually get a blu-ray player or upconverting DVD player.

Do you guys have any recommendations for receiver brands and/or models? I don’t want to break the bank, but I’d love to have good quality, and I think I’d like wireless speakers.

Any recs you guys may have would be AWESOME.

Thanks!

bernardos70 · 02-15-2008, 04:52 PM

I am a fan of Onkyo, Denon, Marantz (Panasonic high end). Yamaha and Pioneer (Particularly Elite) have some good stuff also. Athena speakers, I've been told, are pretty good value for the money. I would stay you're pretty safe staying with those brands.

For the receiver, mainly make sure it has the inputs and outputs you need, namely HDMI switching, full 1080p support (be futureproof), enough of them for all your devices. Since we're sticking with name brand stuff that can be bought at brick-n-mortar stores, I'd recommend Denon first, Onkyo 2nd, Marantz 3rd on the price-range of 300-600 for something that'll blow that Sony Dream System away.

I heard aperion audio is pretty good, though they only sell online (and the speakers look pretty good to boot). Another online exclusive that I hear good things about is www.axiomaudio.com .

I did do quite a bit of research a little while back (just cause I had the time and was bored) and those were the brands I would most likely go with if I were to upgrade my system (right now a pretty basic Onkyo 6.1 System with separate DVD/Receive and a pretty powerful Infinity 500Watt sub). But it really is quite loud, the speakers are quite a bit bigger than other HTIB systems. It does VERY well with TV and DVD's, not so well with music, straight up.

FreshJive · 02-15-2008, 06:12 PM

I have a Pioneer Elite 7.1 VSX 91 txh that I paid around 1000$ for. I think you can get it for around 700-800 now. It has HDMI 1.3 inputs and does Dolby Tru HD surround and the DTS Master Audio. You really need those three things for Blu Ray. I have a Polk RM 6880 surround speaker set that cost me about $1000 also but its on sale at Amazon for $700. I am very happy with this setup and its future proof enough. The subwoofer is a little weak, but I live in an apartment so that doesn't bother me. The center channel speaker is awesome for this price range. It is only a 5.1 speaker set, but I just used my old surround speakers for the very back surround pair. In the future I would like to get some nice front speakers and move the four sattelites to the surround positions.

MavsX · 02-15-2008, 06:56 PM

yeah dude Onkyo. That is what i have. Although mine is about 2-3 years old. It still does 6.1 And sounds sweeeet.

When i was looking for receivers...all i knew about was sony or kenwood....one of my boys was raving about Onkyo...i am sure glad he did. Let us know what you choose.

I assume you know about crutchfield..by the way...(pretty good prices)

i don't know what the new receivers have on them...but i image that have hdmi(inputs and outputs)..obviously opitcal inputs/outputs...maybe usb?

ocelot_ark · 02-15-2008, 08:54 PM

I'll add one recommendation, the Bic Acoustech H-100 Powered Sub. Flippin fanTASTIC. You can find better subs, but not for the price. Think I got mine for $220ish on ebay.

Also, don't skimp on your center channel speaker.

I think there are way too many variables into building your system. Head over to avsforum.com and read for a few days. Those guys are unbelievable...definitely could give better advice than most people.

Big Boy Laroux · 02-15-2008, 10:31 PM

Thanks for the input guys. I'm looking into Onkyo for the receiver (as well as denon and harmon/kardon - comparing reviews and prices), and yes, I definitely need a new powered sub. Thanks for that rec, ocelot.

bernardos70 · 02-15-2008, 10:52 PM

MavsX....... I'm gonna disagree with you there. I think Crutchfield's prices are pretty high, but when you factor in that they do have amazing customer service, it might just be worth it. Some people don't wanna go through the hassle of other companies, and crutchfield is a surefire way to avoid all that. But if you feel confident enough in another company, crutchfield is a good place to check out stuff.

At the end of the day though, I am not at all against doing business with them if you wanna pay extra for the peace of mind.

I can safely recommend onkyo DVD's. You would think the difference in image wouldn't be that great between any two DVD players...... wrong wrong wrong wrong. It really is like night and day. Same connection and all, my Onkyo spanks my old Sony DVD. But you'll be getting Blu-ray, won't you? (HD-DVD is going the way of the dodo, losing shelf space in wal-mart, with the inventory not to be renewed in June, and BB already only recommending Blu-ray as the format to go for HD content).

BTW, here are some pics of my HT.

Big Boy Laroux · 02-16-2008, 12:32 AM

yeah, best buy is even giving HD DVD players away this week as part of a package deal.

ocelot_ark · 02-16-2008, 12:02 PM

Oppo DVD players are widely considered the best, I believe.

MavsX · 02-16-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernardos70

BTW, here are some pics of my HT.

did i read that correctly? $6 million!? Holy $hit. That is a lot of money to spend to only have 3 seats though, that guy is nuts.

Big Boy Laroux · 02-22-2008, 03:56 PM

So i went with the onkyo TX-SR605. on sale at circuit city, and CNET actually rated it the best receiver under $500.

i decided to keep the speakers that I had with my dream system for the time being. I may upgrade them later, but just wanted a receiver first.

Then i got an upconverting DVD player (Samsung - on sale at best buy). Blu-ray players (and discs) are still too damn expensive.

Thanks again for all the advice!

ocelot_ark · 02-22-2008, 09:22 PM

Good call on the Onkyo. That should serve you well. I want one!

sike · 02-22-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Boy Laroux

That’s AUDIO and VIDEO philes. So no, I don't expect responses from you, sike.

\

http://www.comedycentral.com/press/i...angerfield.jpg

MavsX · 02-23-2008, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Boy Laroux

So i went with the onkyo TX-SR605. on sale at circuit city, and CNET actually rated it the best receiver under $500.

i decided to keep the speakers that I had with my dream system for the time being. I may upgrade them later, but just wanted a receiver first.

Then i got an upconverting DVD player (Samsung - on sale at best buy). Blu-ray players (and discs) are still too damn expensive.

Thanks again for all the advice!

good work BBL, the receiver is the most important part...its good that you got that part right.

edit: damn bro..look at all those inputs...looks like mine...except mines 6.1 and no hdmi on the receiver... I'm jealous BBL