|
I'm narrowing down my options for my first HT receiver. I've been a stereophile up to this point but I don't really plan on cross-pollinating my interests. Stereo will still get it's own room. There will be no TV. Just piles very nice amps/preamps, turntables, and speakers that get swapped out according to my mood. Anywho I'm considering a few things at the moment and I'm hoping y'all can help me compare: My budget for a receiver is around $1000ish USD (flexible). I'm considering: The Denon AVR-X1300W. I'd be willing to step it up to an AVR-X3300W depending on what speakers I get and how efficient they are. I really like the fact that there's an android app remote AND that it can integrate with my smart TV remote by allowing the TV to control the receiver via HDMI-CEC (I have a new Samsung KU6300). Another "must have" box that this ticks off is that it supports HDCP 2.2 and Dolby Atmos, which I eventually plan on utilizing. The Emotiva A-700 + ???Preamp The build quality is there and it looks mostly simple and serviceable. Besides I'm a sucker for Torodial transformers... I hate fans, but I might do some modding in the future. There's no app, no bullshit. But, I can probably control the volume from the TV using my ARC channel (I hope?) Also, in my stereo experience, separate components (amp+preamp+dac) generally yield the best results so I'm leaning this direction. I don't know what preamp/processor I'd use though. The XMC-1 is a bit out of my price range since I still need to get some tower speakers and a center channel. If you have and suggestions I'd love to hear 'em.
|
#
¿
Jan 25, 2017 05:07
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 26, 2024 09:03 |
|
|
GnarlyCharlie4u posted:I'm narrowing down my options for my first HT receiver. I've been a stereophile up to this point but I don't really plan on cross-pollinating my interests. Now with more shopping! I'm still considering an A-700 amp and MC-700 preamp/processor But honestly it looks like I can achieve that or better results with a cheaper Denon or Marantz all in one receiver. Both of these companies have a sub-$1000 receiver with more watts and more features. I don't care about wi-fi but having bluetooth without requiring a separate dongle is nice (since I could get a chromecast anyway...) D+M have Android apps which is a huge plus, as well as Denon's ability to allow the TV to control the receiver via HDMI-CEC. Fewer remotes is a huge plus for me and part of the reason the wife is letting me get a new receiver. However, I can't really tell the difference between Denon and Marantz current offerings. Marantz seems to have the lo-profile receiver advantage, but I'm willing to overlook that for a performance or experience advantage. I don't need multi zone, or remote triggers. I only need 4 HDMI inputs. What I need is the best fidelity and most WPC I can get. I'd really like Dolby Atmos support but I don't even have a bluray player yet, I stream most of my video directly to the TV at the moment and the ARC channel doesn't support full Atmos. HDMI 2.1/eARC will support it but that's probably not going to happen for at least a year. I can fix that easily with an Nvidia shield, and the wifey won't care about not having Atmos in order to not deal with switching inputs to another device. tl;dr $1000ish budget Want most WPC/fidelity + fewer remotes (preferably by ARC through TV but Apps are cool too) Want Atmos. Need 4k passthrough HDCP 2.2 Like bluetooth, but whatever... honestly idgaf. Like separates, but again... whatever. Suggestions?
|
|
#
¿
Jan 26, 2017 03:35
|
|
|
LmaoTheKid posted:CEC sucks. Just get a harmony. This is unfortunate because the wife really wants to be able to use the remote that came with our Samsung TV. I'm not opposed to getting myself a Harmony remote though. any recommendations on which one?
|
|
#
¿
Jan 26, 2017 18:25
|
|
|
Scrapez posted:Harmony Hub with companion remote (the one without a touchscreen) Thank you. This exactly answers the question I meant to ask, but didn't. As for HT setup I'm seriously reconsidering going full Atmos (or even 5.1.4). This isn't my forever home, the room setup is open concept and flows into a kitchen where there are a lot of hard surfaces. There's no good way for me to do any sort of sound management/soundproofing/absorption because the wifey would lose her loving poo poo. The only space I have to set up an actual theater is also weird and frankly just not worth it. I still want a nice receiver to implement 3.1 and maybe eventually 5.1. The speakers will be top notch the receiver will most likely be replaced in a couple or three-ish-or-so years when we move and I can build a proper mancave for recording/casting/entertainment. It turns out all I really need CEC for is volume and input control. Wife doesn't care about anything else. Given this, my tastes in receivers haven't changed much, nor has my budget. I'd still like to come in under $4000 (the less the better) all in: 3.1 speakers + receiver. Audio fidelity is my primary objective. So this should be easily doable with some headroom for an Nvidia shield and BluRay player, with maybe some left over for other toys. I'm still considering Denon, Marantz, or Emotiva separates. Do you all have any suggestions about what brands to look at besides these? Or have I sufficiently narrowed it down already? Edit: I'm also very open to speaker suggestions if you've got some. GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 07:45 on Jan 27, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Jan 27, 2017 07:38
|
|
|
Fog Tripper posted:I need to start installing stuff. I am an admin at a high end installer, and at times clients dump their "old" stuff on us when doing upgrades. I lost track of things piling up in my garage (waiting for me to finish my basement, which I am wiring a bit for AV). Today one of our guys ask me if I want an amp... or 6. Eh, well they're not worthless. Maybe a local department store could use one for their PA or music system? Snag all of them and put them up on craigslist. They look to be fetching some money on ebay. At the very least they've got great quality parts and decent cases that could be used for a DIY amp. Edit: it looks like there's bridgeable channels and that you can turn a 12 - 50w channel amp into a 6 - 100w channel amp. so there's that. GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 22:24 on Jan 27, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Jan 27, 2017 22:20
|
|
|
Holy gently caress I have been looking into HDMI-CEC / Anynet+ for hours now and ALL OF IT IS loving RETARDED AND USELESS. However, I'm an idiot and forgot about this handy dandy little feature I'm going to disk around with it tonight and see if it'll work with my Rotel (doubtful).
|
|
#
¿
Jan 28, 2017 00:29
|
|
|
LmaoTheKid posted:Told you  Yeah you were right. IT's alright though. I got my Samsung Smart TV remote to work with the Rotel.I couldn't just add the Rotel... The volume wouldn't work until I also joined it with the Verizon box in the TV's SmartHub menu or whatever it's called. Considering this, in addition to the fact that this townhouse just does not have a layout that's not worth even attempting to cram surround sound into, I'm gonna pass on a home theater until I move. I'll probably spend that money on some Ascend Raal tweeter Sierra towers for the living room and filling my garage walls with open cell foam.  jonathan posted:http://www.wilsonaudio.com/products/alexandria-xlf Jesus those fuckers are huge. Hashtag Banterzone posted:Are there any signs that android auto compatible stereos are going to get cheaper? It seems ridiculous that I have to buy a $500 DVD player to get a stereo that will display google maps and spotify. Are you talking about car stereos? GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 19:44 on Jan 28, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Jan 28, 2017 19:41
|
|
|
KOTEX GOD OF BLOOD posted:I am trying to find a good desktop-sized integrated amp under $400 with a 24-bit DAC and holy poo poo what a clusterfuck! This should be a way easier decision than it is. What is 'desktop sized' exactly? As for wattage: How loud do you plan on cranking up the volume / how loud do you play your music? How big is your room? How close do you sit to the speakers? This explains a lot about determining what you need Most of my normal listening is done at 1 watt so I don't need 30 of them. Specifying a 24-bit DAC puts you firmly into $audiophile$ territory and finding that integrated into an amplifier is probably causing most of your woes. Why can't you just get a separate DAC? Is this going to connect to your computer? The DAC on your desktop is probably more than sufficient. Something like the TEAC 301 might be what you're looking for?
|
|
#
¿
Feb 1, 2017 20:23
|
|
|
Full Circle posted:It occurs to me that the Emotiva TA-100 seems to tick all your boxes: Not sure if that's considered 'desktop sized' or not though. It's full rack width at ~17" (19" maybe?) it looks like. The Emotiva Mini X A-100 might be more up his alley but he'd have to get a separate DAC and still it's a bit large when compared to something like the PS Audio Sprout.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 1, 2017 20:34
|
|
|
KOTEX GOD OF BLOOD posted:Yeah, people are complaining that the D 3020 gets too hot and that could be why it dies so quickly, that's what happens when you try to stuff a 3020's equipment into that small of a box I guess? So... let's see where we are at so far: A proper Integrated Amp is too big. NAD - dies apparently PS Audio Sprout - Not enough watts and $100 too much money Audioengine - too dinky The Pro-Ject Audio Box - sketchy TEAC - worse than NAD Too large/cheap/weak: Lepai 2024, SMSL SA36, SMSL Mini5, SMSL SA50, SMSL A2, Griffin Twenty, SMSL SA98, Yamaha RS201, SMSL Q5 pro, Behringer A500, TEAC AI-101DA, Onkyo A-9010 IDK dude. You're either being too picky or just asking too much. There's only so much amp you can cram in to something with the footprint of a post card. Anything else I can think of with a small footprint is either going to be over $500 or not have a DAC. Dayton APA150 or Dayton DTA-120 - no DAC The Denon PMA 50 is going to be exactly what you're looking for, but might still not pack the punch your speakers require for cranking up the volume. Bottom line is your speakers are tough to drive. The TEAC AX-501-B would fit the bill but it's $900. Edit: oh yeah I forgot about the Parasound ZAMP. It's a great little amp, no DAC, and they're not new so there's that. GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 22:58 on Feb 1, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Feb 1, 2017 22:54
|
|
|
Aeka 2.0 posted:I'm halfway set up with Atmos and I need some kind of recommendation. I bought some SVS elevation prime speakers as front heights. While the sound image has expanded, it isn't really hitting above my head since they are front heights. So I need to get some narrow fire ceiling speakers that I plan on firing directly down on the listening position. I hear ceiling speakers fill the attic with sound and that sound can loudly be heard in other rooms, which nobody really wants. So is there a backing that I can use or could I build recess boxing into the ceiling and use bookshelfs or what really are my options? Originally I tried mounting the primes on the ceiling but it just looked bad. Backer boxes are cool and good. You shouldn't focus so much on getting "narrow fire" speakers though. That's not how Atmos works. You actually want something with a wide dispersion. AcousticFrontiers posted:ANY room, even those with quite high ceilings, that uses ceiling Atmos speakers firing straight down requires that those speakers have very wide coverage.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 2, 2017 17:11
|
|
|
Does it sound like a jet landing when that fan comes on?
|
|
#
¿
Feb 3, 2017 23:09
|
|
|
Nostalgia4Dogges posted:It's really big and in retrospect probably doesn't have any mounting holes in the back at all That center speaker needs to move forward to the front edge of the console and the towers should be in line with it. That console's surface is acting as a first reflection point and probably ruining your sound, particularly vocal clarity. I don't know what those towers are but if they're rear ported they need to be out away from the wall as well.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 8, 2017 18:27
|
|
|
Wibla posted:What about DYNAMIC RANGE?! HEADROOM!
|
|
#
¿
Feb 27, 2017 21:11
|
|
|
Not sure if this is precisely the right place but  the Acurus DIA 100 is the best goddamn integrated I have ever heard for under $1000 (used).It's easily on par with a Krell 300i.  It's only 100w (at 8ohms) but even when pushed to it's limit it delivers every ounce of power effortlessly. I tried it with several different speakers and cable combinations and even with some stupid short 10AWG speaker wires there was no high freq rolloff. I first tested it with some 22AWG twisted solid core phone cable and it was a bit warmer but still very acceptable at reasonable listening volume. It can even manage to push my vandersteen 2ce signatures with no trouble. Transparent is probably the best single word I can use to describe the amp. I set the crossovers to 0 and kept it there and seriously enjoyed it. If you all want I can really put it through it's paces with my SL-1200 MKII, Reel-to-Reel, Rotel CD player (or Playstation) and phone and report back, but my initial impressions are surprisingly loving good for what I initially assumed was going to be a cheap amp for my garage stereo.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 28, 2017 05:07
|
|
|
KozmoNaut posted:I would put my $40 Yamaha RX-495RDS up against it, any day of the week. I will say the Vandersteens laziness is very apparent when hooked up to this amp. Death metal need not apply. However, Tony Sly's 12 Song Program really hits the spot. Do you have any recommendations for towers? I've been eyeing a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers (with the RAAL ribbon tweeter) for a while, but I don't really want to buy them blindly, and I'm curious what else I should be looking at.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 28, 2017 18:01
|
|
|
KozmoNaut posted:See, that's sort of my issue with speakers like the Vandersteens. I want to listen to all kinds of music, not just "lazy" audiophile-type music, slow jazz and stuff. Oh man, I kind of want to let you borrow my B&O Beovox s80.2 They're really weird. Sweet spot; they're fun. Slightly out of the sweet spot; irksome. Across the room; fun again. Initially you think they're scooped, but then you realize there's just huge random peaks and valleys in their response across the spectrum. The dome mids are the greatest thing about them. As for audiophile music, that's kinda the only thing I intended on using the Vandersteens for when I bought them. That and (no joke) podcast listening. They're REALLY good at voices. I'd never spend the money on a new pair, but I snagged a pair of 2ci for $400 and later my 2ce signature for $500. For that kind of money they're totally worth it. Wibla posted:Anyone got opinions on/experiences with dual concentric speakers? KillHour posted:Go to a best buy with a magnolia in it. Also look at aperion - they do the in home demo thing. I didn't know Aperion did the same. I'll check them out too.
|
|
#
¿
Feb 28, 2017 18:46
|
|
|
Panty Saluter posted:nearfield monitors. speaking of... Check out my current TV watching situation: (sorry, AWS is hosed at the moment so I'm just linking directly to the images on google photos) https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d...Q=w766-h1021-no https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/f...=w1362-h1021-no  it sounds terrible
|
|
#
¿
Feb 28, 2017 22:07
|
|
|
Panty Saluter posted:I'm more concerned with the Stone Age Motorola cable box Verizon. and yeah me too. Don't get me started. Despite my many suggestions, the wife hasn't returned or exchanged it, and we're still paying to rent it every month. Just as much as a new one.  I don't watch cable so IDGAF
|
|
#
¿
Mar 1, 2017 00:17
|
|
|
Somebody stop me.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 3, 2017 16:45
|
|
|
Panty Saluter posted:thats a good start but now is no time to quit I didn't say quit. I said stop. Not pictured; a dozen-ish turntables (the 2 technics sl-1200 are the only working ones), 2 Rotel RX-1052 and RCC1055, a pair of Technics SB-X10, a pair of DBX soundfield V, and a a pair of Vandersteen 2ci with the lead bases. The reason I need to stop is that I might be moving soon. I couldn't resist picking up that Acurus DIA-100 and those Beovox MC120.2 though. I'm already giving away the Vandersteen 2ci, SB-x10, and some other junk. I'm about to post those DBX up on craigslist for free. I'll be back for advice on new towers after I get a house. If I'm lucky I'll get to put in a full-on theater.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 3, 2017 20:44
|
|
|
Dogen posted:My cats don't care about my stereo. Am I doing it wrong? If you can't hit the brown note, then yes apparently.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 4, 2017 00:32
|
|
|
Already posted in the audiofool thread, but after spending some time listening, I think it really belongs here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BRexXMXlw-j/ I paid <$450 after tax and shipping from amazon for this little Teac AX-501. Honestly, I'm surprised how well this little Class D amp performs. Considering the price, it is a very sensible buy in my opinion. I can't wait for my UD-501 to come in so I can hook it up to the balanced inputs. If anyone is looking for a small footprint amp for their desktop or needs something smaller because lack of room space, this amp is certainly a viable option to be considered. Besides, servo controlled volume knobs are rad as hell.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 13, 2017 19:23
|
|
|
Rocko Bonaparte posted:Hey I want to set up speakers for my back yard. I have roughly a 100x100 ft area that I want to cover in this to have some background music while swimming, barbecuing, and such. For backyard listening I've always been a fan of JBL jrx-series and crown power amps.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 21, 2017 23:24
|
|
|
KS posted:Hah, a 70V system. That would be weird for home use. They're great for background music (think grocery stores) because you can wire speakers in series all day using thin cables at long lengths and there are no impedance limitations. I've never heard one sound very good. I think the transformers suck for sound quality. Yeah constant voltage systems are good for paging a cleanup to aisle 2, and not much else imo. Then again, trying to throw a bunch of sound out across a whole backyard isn't really audiophile territory anyway.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 22, 2017 02:19
|
|
|
KozmoNaut posted:Carver amps Carver makes (made?) some really good poo poo. I had a Carver bass amp and a couple power amps and they were heavy as gently caress but they could pump out some serious sound.
|
|
#
¿
Mar 22, 2017 15:31
|
|
|
Waltzing Along posted:Hoping for some input. Do you have a budget and do you already have an amp or receiver to power the speakers or do you need the DC player to have that built in? Kef Q100's are excellent speakers. I hope you got them on sale. They're currently $300 on Amazon. FWIW I'm going to buy this: http://audio.teac.com/product/pd-501hr/ To go with my UD-501 and AX-501 so I have a nice little micro component stack for my desktop/office. But if you want something more affordable, TEAC also sells this They also have an all in one cd player/receiver http://audio.teac.com/product/cr-h101/ A 5 disc carousel http://audio.teac.com/product/pd-d2610mkii/ And a single full size CD player http://audio.teac.com/product/cd-p1260/ Currently I'm using my Rotel RCD-1072 with my RX-1052 and it's alright. It sounds about the same as my RCC-1055. Comedy option: you could get yourself an original Playstation
|
|
#
¿
Apr 24, 2017 17:57
|
|
|
qirex posted:If I was going to build a 2 channel system I'd probably look at the NAD C338 or Cambridge Audio SR20. Those TEAC things are in my opinion severely overpriced. Speaking of which if I was really going to push the boat out I'd get a Naim Uniti Star but that's only if I got a giant surprise bonus at work or something. Those are really great suggestions actually. How do you feel about the Acurus Aries or Creek Evolution 50A I was tossing around the idea of getting one or the other. They can both be found on eBay for <$1000 The Classe CAP-151 is also a solid buy for $600~$700ish if you can manage to find one GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 18:00 on Apr 25, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Apr 25, 2017 17:58
|
|
|
BigFactory posted:I wonder if NAD realizes that putting an all black unit on an all black background isn't the best way to market their product. I had to tilt my monitor just to see the thing. Maybe that's the point? "Little amps are not meant to be seen or heard."
|
|
#
¿
Apr 25, 2017 19:55
|
|
|
codo27 posted:I'm really trying to make sense of the numbers re: receivers and speakers, I read the OP and a receiver buying guide but still a little lost. Just snagged a pair of Klipsch RF-62s second hand which are rated for 125w/500w peak @ 8ohms but my receiver only puts out 60w @ 8ohms. I want something that will power these and similar grade speakers once I upgrade from the little nothings that came with the receiver. Idgaf about anything beyond 5.1 or atmos, but I'm a little intrigued by multi zone and bluetooth would be necessary. What is the receiver for me? Those Klipsch are pretty efficient. Unless you're sitting particularly far from them, I doubt you'll be listening at much more than 1 watt anyway. http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/truth-about-matching-amplifier-power audioholics posted:If you own speakers and you have ever… Unless you're buying used, finding a receiver with multi zone is going to make it more expensive. Keep an eye on http://www.accessories4less.com/ and see what tickles your fancy. If you were going to buy something today, I'd recommend: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx3100w/denon-avr-x3100w-7.2-ch-x-105-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html It's a great compromise between price / quality / features. It'll give you the multi-zone outputs you want (both pre-outs and powered) and still have enough channels left over to do a surround setup should you want it. Edit: Scrapez posted:If you don't need atmos and want zone 2 flexibility, I'd recommend this Integra. It has both powered zone 2 and variable zone 2 preouts if you want to use an external amplifier on zone 2. ^^what he said.
|
|
#
¿
May 17, 2017 19:41
|
|
|
Agrikk posted:I've been thinking about redoing the audio setup in my house and I need help wrapping my head around setups and configurations and what technology exists these days... You're overthinking it. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/harmony-remotes
|
|
#
¿
May 17, 2017 23:00
|
|
|
codo27 posted:Why do receivers still all have basic digital front displays? Like I mean I don't need anything like that old Kenwood car deck I had with a little graphic of a car that turned when I turned, but I'd like to see a fancier appearance beyond the old digital clock look They don't. You're just too poor, plebe.
|
|
#
¿
May 25, 2017 05:41
|
|
|
Olympic Mathlete posted:That Cyrus one looks like a cheap car stereo from the 90s The first time I saw one I legit thought it was a CB radio.
|
|
#
¿
May 25, 2017 18:49
|
|
|
qirex posted:Once you get CEC working it's magic and you'll never want to go back to switching inputs manually like some kind of caveman. It's a trap! CEC never actually works properly.
|
|
#
¿
Jul 13, 2017 16:44
|
|
|
I can use my Samsung smart TV remote to control the volume on my rotel receiver. But only if the input is set to my verizon receiver OR has just been switched from my verizon receiver. So If I was just playing videogames and want to watch netflix, I have to switch to the Verizon box before switching to the TV netflix app. It doesn't work at all on one particular input no matter what is plugged in there. 
|
|
#
¿
Jul 13, 2017 19:59
|
|
|
qirex posted:All cable/satellite boxes are garbage and always will be. Even Tivo doesn't support CEC with their new 4k boxes. Yeah but it has nothing to do with the cable box itself, other than nothing works unless I switch to the cable box first then to the input I want.
|
|
#
¿
Jul 13, 2017 20:32
|
|
|
Scrapez posted:You can run signal over cat6 but you need cat6 to HDMI baluns on each end of the run. It is used for long runs as HDMI is only good for maybe 50 feet at 4k resolution. Even then you better have some drat good cables (High speed/Cat2). Most will only go like 18~25 feet. Edit: depending on your hz and bitdepth of course. http://www.hdmi.org/learningcenter/faq.aspx#44 GnarlyCharlie4u fucked around with this message at 22:14 on Jul 13, 2017 |
|
#
¿
Jul 13, 2017 22:11
|
|
|
JUST MAKING CHILI posted:Welp, the battery in it is dead and replacements are $200. You sure? What's the model number on the battery? You can just take them out of the cart and replace the batteries, not the whole carriage.
|
|
#
¿
Jul 26, 2017 21:57
|
|
|
qirex posted:My understanding is that UPSes don't run off the battery unless they need to. That said they will work just as well as a power conditioner because power conditioners don't really do anything of value. For the most part this is right. But there are different types of UPS
|
|
#
¿
Jul 28, 2017 18:16
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 26, 2024 09:03 |
|
|
JUST MAKING CHILI posted:Is $139.99 a good deal for this sub? Probably? But I couldn't tell you for certain. I never really hosed around with lovely subwoofers. One thing you will never regret is spending the money on a proper sub like an SVS
|
|
#
¿
Aug 1, 2017 21:12
|
|