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Advice for starting over with Hme Theater

#1
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8/14/09 at 6:07am
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I posted in another spot, but was told this is the right forum:

I have a 55 inch HD Sony, a PS3, and an old receiver (Sony DAV-DX150). I learned through another forum that the receiver will not allow me to play Blue Rays through the surround sound like my old DVDs.

Which receiver should I look into buying, relatively affordable? It needs to play the PS3 games and DVDs through my speakers, as well as allow me to watch regular Directv and listen through the speakers.

I've heard that Onkyo makes a good system, but wasn't sure which model is best.
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#2
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8/14/09 at 8:04am
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Hi Jason,

Are you planning to use the speakers that came with the Sony?

You are correct that Onkyo makes very nice and affordable receivers.  Since you have a PS3 for Blu-Ray, you can get the 507 or above.  I normally recommend the 706 or above, but it depends on your budget.  How much do you have to spend on the receiver (and are you looking at speakers, too).
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#3
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8/14/09 at 8:16am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ClarkKent View Post

I've heard that Onkyo makes a good system, but wasn't sure which model is best.
Their best? Be prepared to spend some money. Amazon.com usually has some of the best prices. See here: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR906-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B001AMUFG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250262314&sr=1-1

Onkyo makes very good stuff, at all price points. I have an Onkyo. Their cheapest one, that decodes the HD audio formats from blu ray movies is the TX-SR507. See it here: http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR507-5-1-Channel-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001VEI290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250262517&sr=1-1
It's only 5.1 though. If you're wanting 7.1/7.2, the next step up is good (TX-SR607).

I'd stay away from the home theaters in a box (all in one systems), like you have now. You are now having the problem, you'll find with HTIB systems (not enough digital inputs). No reason to jump from the pan into another pan!
Good luck!

Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#4
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8/14/09 at 9:38am
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So an Onkyo SR800 or something like it would allow me to connect the PS3 and the TV into the system to hear it in surround sound?
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#5
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8/14/09 at 10:03am
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If you only have a few hundred, for everything, as you stated in your other thread, it's going to be really, really tight, with limited options.  Can't really get the Onkyo receiver, as the entry level 507 we usually recommend is $330 just by itself.  You could get the Onkyo HTS-3200 HTiB for ~$350, although it has the annoying limitation of not being able to do audio via HDMI.

For $400 total, you could perhaps get a Sony DH700 receiver from Amazon for ~$200, and a Dayton 5.1 package from parts-express.com for ~$200.  That's probably what I'd do on a limited budget.
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#6
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8/14/09 at 12:12pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ClarkKent View Post

So an Onkyo SR800 or something like it would allow me to connect the PS3 and the TV into the system to hear it in surround sound?
Yes, it will play in surround sound, but only in regular DD and DTS. It will not play the HD audio from blu ray movies. Having a blu ray player (ps3), I'd think that you'd want to listen to the HD audio. If you don't care about HD audio, it will work fine for regular surround.

The 800 has no HDMI inputs, so if the tv is 1080p, and you want to watch blu ray movies in 1080p, you'll need to run the HDMI from the ps3, straight to the tv, and an optical cable from the ps3, to the receiver for surround sound. Then, when you switch from a movie to the tv program, you'll need to switch the receiver AND the tv's input. Same thing, going from tv program to a movie in the ps3. If you can handle this, it shouldn't be a problem.

Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#7
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8/14/09 at 1:59pm
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 I ask because someone is selling theirs on Craigslist. But if you think it will be too much of a hassle with the hook ups, I can wait for another receiver.  Any suggestions?
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#8
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8/14/09 at 2:08pm
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The Onkyo 800 is several versions behind.  The 807 will be out soon.  I would not get anything older than the 805 (or any x05 model).
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#9
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8/14/09 at 2:10pm
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 Thanks for the advice. Is there something else you would suggest that would fit my needs?
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#10
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8/14/09 at 2:45pm
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 My cousin suggested the Bose 321 Series II system. Probably too expensive new, but could possibly find it cheaper if used. How is that system? Or perhaps a Yamaha because it allows for XM radio?
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#11
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8/14/09 at 3:01pm
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Quote:
Thanks for the advice. Is there something else you would suggest that would fit my needs?
We already gave you several suggestions. Haven't you been reading them?
Or are you "trolling"? Asking about Bose makes me wonder. If you've done any reading here at all, you have to know we DO NOT recommend Bose for anything!
Not worth the money, even if it's free!
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#12
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8/14/09 at 3:20pm
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Avoid Bose, overpriced, underperforming.  Also the 321 is not a surround system, it's only stereo.  Yamaha is fine, but like the Onkyo series, the ones worth buying are $300+ just for the receiver without any speakers.  Yamaha and Onkyo both make decent HTiB packages that include speakers (Onkyo HTS-6100, Yamaha YHT-591) but they are $550+.  They have cheaper ones that are OK, but give up on HDMI audio (maybe not so huge a deal, but it does effectively give fewer inputs for expansion, and the receivers sometimes have fewer setup options to accommodate possible future speaker upgrades).

The Sony receiver I mentioned is just about the cheapest standalone receiver that has modern capabilities, decent # of inputs, satellite radio ready, accepts HDMI audio. The only other is the Pioneer 519, but that has fewer HDMI inputs.  I wouldn't recommend anything else unless you are willing to move to a $600-700 budget instead of "a few hundred" for everything.

Quote:
The Onkyo 800 is several versions behind.  The 807 will be out soon.  I would not get anything older than the 805 (or any x05 model).
David, he was surely asking about the HT-SR800 HTiB, not the ancient TX-SR800 receiver.  The 80x receivers are way out of his budget range.


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#13
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8/14/09 at 3:25pm
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Quote:
We already gave you several suggestions. Haven't you been reading them?
Or are you "trolling"? Asking about Bose makes me wonder
I think it's a bit much to jump on a newbie poster asking about Bose and assume they are a troll.  Newbies to home theater forums wouldn't know.  Of course if newbies spent a lot of time reading old threads, then they could probably figure out something to do without posting at all, and the basic forum would be pretty dead.
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#14
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8/14/09 at 3:30pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Moxley View Post


We already gave you several suggestions. Haven't you been reading them?
Or are you "trolling"? Asking about Bose makes me wonder. If you've done any reading here at all, you have to know we DO NOT recommend Bose for anything!
Not worth the money, even if it's free!

For someone who is supposed to help, you're pretty lousy at it. If I knew more, I wouldn't have to ask an "expert" like you for help, so apologies if I ask rookie questions. I asked about Bose because I thought it was a good brand, not because I'm trolling or ignoring comments. If you are the type of person offering help, this will be my last post on this website

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#15
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8/14/09 at 3:41pm
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Hey Ed,

Thanks for driving away members.  

I think you owe the poster an apology.  He was seeking advice, was
not aware of our stance on Bose speakers, and you were very rude to him
to the point where he has written us to say he is leaving.

That kind of behavior on this forum is UNACCEPTABLE. 
Ronald J Epstein
Home Theater Forum co-owner
Email me at: repstein@hometheaterforum.com 
To View My Massive DVD Collection Click Here
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#16
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8/14/09 at 3:50pm
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I think I made myself clear. I was getting on him more for asking if there was something else we could recommend. How many recommendations does he need? We told him the cheapest things and the most expensive, that would handle the ps3, as well as the DirecTv. I feel we had answered his question.

You mentioned earlier about his "other thread". Where is it? In another section? He's been looking around the site, other than here. He's HAD to see everyone's opinions of Bose. Yet he still asks about them. And one that's not even surround.

He mentioned CL, so it could well be the TX-SR800 for cheap. He was explained how HTIBs don't have the inputs, that most want. So, why would he turn around and ask if another HTIB would do what he wants, unless he's ignoring the answers we give, and just keeps asking questions.

It all just seems funny to me. The questions he's asking, and how he's asking them, makes me think he's a troll. I apologize if he's not, but.............
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#17
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8/14/09 at 3:50pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Tu View Post
David, he was surely asking about the HT-SR800 HTiB, not the ancient TX-SR800 receiver.  The 80x receivers are way out of his budget range.

 

Could be, but he did mention buying it from Craig's list.  A 6 or 7 year old receiver used would be only a few hundred dollars....

Hopefully he returns to make it clearer.

My Home Theater
Our DVD Collection
Dolby and DTS Plaques (downloads)
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#18
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8/14/09 at 4:02pm
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Ok...............
I APOLOGIZE if I upset you!
It's just the way things went down, raised flags to me.
If you're sincere, and not a troll, I definitely apologize. I don't want to run anyone off.........
Sorry.
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#19
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8/14/09 at 4:43pm
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Here's a link to ac4l.com's line of Onkyo products. Many are "factory refurbished" but in my experience they look and perform as new and come with a 1 year warranty. And the prices are very good. Seperate receiver and speakers almost always perform better then htib's and receiver/speaker packages but those are often the right chioce for those looking for a more basic system.

Virtually any name brand receiver (Denon, Harman Kardon, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc) will allow you to listen to tv, dvd's and BluRays in surround sound thru a digital connection but as was already explained BluRay goes a step further and offers "HD" sound, namely DolbyTruHD and DTS Master Audio. But you need the right combination of BluRay player and receiver to get this new HD sound. If you think this might be something you're interested in let us know and we'll guide you in the right direction. If not, regular DD and DTS can sound very good as well. Just depends on which features you may be interested in and how much you want to pay. 

"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#20
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8/15/09 at 7:16am
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 I appreciate the responses. And I assure you, I'm just a noobie looking for some kind advice. I checked out the refurb websites and saw that Overstock.com is selling a Yamaha HTR-6040B. Would this suit my needs? Could I use my speakers with this receiver?
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#21
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8/15/09 at 7:36am
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Why would you want an old receiver that's 3 generations behind, when a new one with current tech is the same price?  Don't buy old-tech new/refurbished for the same price as new tech.  If you are willing to go with older tech, actually save money, buy a $50-70 DD/DTS receiver on craigslist/ebay, definitely don't go over $100.

The speakers can be reused, except for the sub (actually more a "bass module" than a true sub), with any receiver.  Well, you could use the sub if you kept the old receiver around as a sub amp.  But don't do this, the speakers aren't very good, replacing them will give you much, much better results.
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#22
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8/15/09 at 10:56am
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For the same money as the 6040B you can get the Onkyo-506 which is last years model and comes with Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Hdmi (video only). This would be a much better buy.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#23
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8/15/09 at 11:00am
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I think my problem is I do not understand which models are the newest, which are the oldest, and which are in my range to buy now. I don't mind buying something that's not the top of the line, but you are right, 3 generations behind is too far.
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#24
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8/15/09 at 12:19pm
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There's nothing wrong with vintage gear if it suites your needs. Both my receivers are more than 5-6 years old. The Onkyo HT-SR800 htib is a few years old but would have been a good fit for you. It came with better speakers than simularly priced newer models do. But if you're buying a receiver by it's self then usually it's the newer the better.

If you want a new one on the cheap the Pioneer-519 is another one to consider. Amazon has it for $188.

"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#25
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8/15/09 at 12:56pm
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Quote:
I think my problem is I do not understand which models are the newest, which are the oldest, and which are in my range to buy now

It's not that difficult.  If you want to find out which models are current, you just go to the manufacturer's web sites, which are easily found on Google.  Their products lists will only have current models, possibly last year's models.  Older models will only be in their support pages or "archived products" pages.  You can usually tell which are the newest ones pretty easily, model #s are usually incremented in some way.  E.g. Onkyo TX-SR505->506->507.  Pioneer VSX-817-818-819.  Yamaha RX-V661->663->665 (HTR line, which used to have identical models w/ different numbers than the RX-V line, was discontinued).  Sony is usually same but sometimes they change series letters STR-DG710 -> STR-DG720 -> STR-DH700

For prices, just search on amazon or some place like shopper.com

There's really no need for you to do this, as we've already given you all of the few reasonable choices for new gear given your low budget.  Unless you want to double your budget, you'll just be wasting your time. Unless you are looking for used gear, < $100.  There's nothing hugely wrong with old models, but manufacturers drop features lower in their lines and drop prices with new models every year, so unless the price difference is huge it's not worth it, just get the new model.  Stores tend to base their sale price on the original price of the older model which was higher to begin with, so there's little/no price advantage for new/refurbished.  Going used, < $100 for the receiver in your case, that would be OK if you are willing to give up on HDMI audio.  For the speakers I still recommend a new set. 

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