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Ready to pull the trigger on a new A/V Receiver... good choice?

post #1 of 22
2/20/12 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
Hello All,

I work for Sony and get great discounts on their products and wanted to get your thoughts on their STR-DH820 receiver? also looking at their SA-VS110 speakers.

From what I have read the reciever is good for the money but haven't been able to find much info on the speakers.

Here are the links for both:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666303777

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666268236

Let me know your thoughts and if you think I would be better going with something else.

Thanks,

Jeff
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post #2 of 22
2/20/12 at 2:50pm
What is the budget? Even with a discount, you'd probably be better off going with something else. Sony's basic packages aren't bad, but they aren't great either, so kind of depends on what you are looking to get out of it as well.
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post #3 of 22
2/20/12 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
I have an old Panasonic 5.1 receiver that I bought back in the early 90's and it is starting to die, so before it does I wanted to replace it. I would like to keep the price under $600 for both receiver and speakers.

This will be used mainly for TV and Movies as well as connecting a WD streaming player to it. I have 2 young kids so going to the movies is rare so trying to bring the movies home. Don't need to go really loud with the sound but would like the option too kill my hearing if needed smile.gif

I liked the receiver because of the 4 HDMI inputs, 2 zone audio outs, and the fact I can get it for $272. The speakers I am open to suggestions but right now I can get those for $228.

Let me know if you think this will meet my needs or if I should drop one or both ideas and go with something else.

Thanks,

Jeff
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post #4 of 22
2/20/12 at 5:02pm
Sony makes very good displays and dvd players but their receivers and speakers are usually not recommended very often. The receivers aren't really that bad and they do offer a lot of features for the money, it's just there are usually better options available. Newegg.com has the Pioneer 821 for $329 - $140 ($189) with a Promo Code but it ends today.

As for the speakers, that set looks very entry level to me. Do you have any other options that you can apply your discount to?

If you want to stick with Sony then a couple of pairs of SS-B1000's and a SS-CN5000 center with an SA-W2500 would be a little better then the one you suggested.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-B1000-8-Inch-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B000OG88KY/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1329785705&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-CN5000-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B000OGA81Q/ref=sr_1_6?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1329785638&sr=1-6

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SA-W2500-Performance-Line-Subwoofer/dp/B000OL3QTW/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1329785778&sr=1-2

This receiver and speaker/subwoofer package from Onkyo (RC-360, HT-540)through ac4l.com are factory refurbs but come with a one year factory warranty.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKSKSHT540/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-7.1-channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKHTRC360/Onkyo-HT-RC360-7.2-Channel-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html
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post #5 of 22
2/20/12 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the great feedback, looks like I have a lot to learn.

So looks like I can do better on the speakers, but I am still confused if I can get more bang for my buck with the receiver. Of course sounds quality is at the top of the list but will the sound from the STR-DH820 be that bad?

Last thing I want to do is spend $272 on something that's crap but really need to stay under the $300 mark for the receiver
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post #6 of 22
2/20/12 at 6:07pm
It's not that it will sound like crap, it's mostly the amp section isn't that great. It only consumes 240 watts and weights less than 19 lbs. They cram a lot of features into their receivers and to get all that for that price something has to give. Usually it's the amplifier section. But as long as you don't want to really crank it up and your speakers are of at least average sensitivity then it should work out well for you. The speakers will really detrmine how good your setup performs. Spend your money there.

My pick for a low cost receiver is the Denon 1612 which ac4l.com carries as refurbs for $219. New they are around $350. But again, focus on the speakers.
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post #7 of 22
2/20/12 at 6:45pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks Gene,

Looks like my wife has chimed in and likes the multi room (zone 2) of the Sony 820 so right now that is taking the lead at $272

I agree that the speakers is where I need to focus on. I don't really have the room for floor speakers so what would you recomend?
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post #8 of 22
2/20/12 at 6:50pm
Thread Starter 
Looking at the Onkyo TX-NR509 or the Denon 1712, how do you think these compare to the Sony STR-DH820

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/CompareTo.aspx?compareItems=01|580TXN509B&compareItems=01|158STDH820&compareItems=01|033AV1712&g=10420
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post #9 of 22
2/20/12 at 7:06pm
Thread Starter 
How about these speakers: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers/SP-PK21BS
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post #10 of 22
2/20/12 at 7:17pm
Vanns.com used to sell this system from Boston Acoustics (also through Amazon) for $199! But they've raised the price and they're out of stock frown.gif http://www.amazon.com/Boston-Acoustics-CS2310B-Classic-System/dp/B001GIOSWG/ref=sr_1_38?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329793858&sr=1-38

Here's the Onkyo HT-540 7.1 speaker system which I linked to above but is new instead of a refurb. $199 shipped.. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/544299412/onkyo-sks-ht540b?v_c=netelixir&ne_ppc_id=705&ne_key_id=10980270&ne_sadid=8364647207

Or the other Sony speakers I mentioned.

The other popular speaker packages are the Energy Take Classic and RC-Micro speaker systems. They were very recently on sale for under $300 but it looks like you missed it. These are also available without the subwoofer. The Harman Kardon and martin Logan speaker/subwoofers are also popular but over your budget. Do a quick search for more info. If you decide to up the budget for the speakers/sub (I know, not likely) then let us know as the options increase with the price.
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post #11 of 22
2/20/12 at 7:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Stevenson View Post

How about these speakers: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers/SP-PK21BS

those are very good for the price. The subwoofer is average at best but you can buy the speakers by themselves from Pioneer and get a better sub elswhere.


One of these would be a bit better.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-633
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-635
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post #12 of 22
2/20/12 at 7:49pm
Thread Starter 
Would you go with the Pioneer over the Boston Acoustics or Onkyo?
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post #13 of 22
2/20/12 at 8:01pm
I'd take the Pioneers over the Bostons because they're bigger and over the Onkyo because they're better. But that Onkyo 7.1 system is pretty hard to beat for the price.

Newegg.com also has the Polk Monitor series at great prices, but you just missed the good sale prices on these as well. Prices are about $20-$30 a pair higher today then yesterday. But they seem to fluctuate constantly so keep looking.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=100006922&isNodeId=1&Description=polk+monitor&x=7&y=13
Two pairs of Monitor 30's and a CS1 would be a nice system. Quality wise they're comparable to the Pioneers but sound quite a bit brighter. The Pioneers are softer, warmer sounding speakers and maybe a pinch better. But just a pinch.
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post #14 of 22
2/20/12 at 8:18pm
Thread Starter 
Gene, you are a ROCKSTAR!

Right now I am between the Pioneers (SP-PK21BS) and the Sony speakers (SS-CN5000, SS-B3000, and SA-W3000)

Are they even in the same boat?
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post #15 of 22
2/20/12 at 8:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Stevenson View Post

Gene, you are a ROCKSTAR!


Aw, c'mon, Jeff...Gene's got a big enough head as it is!  laugh.gif

 

Just kidding.  Gene has been a huge help to new members here for a very long time.  He IS a rockstar, indeed.

 

And, Jeff, welcome to the forum!  welcome.gif 

 

Once you get your gear, be sure to stick around and check out all the great info here on how to get it look and sound the best and which releases will show off your new gear to its best capabilities!  thumbsup.gif

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post #16 of 22
2/20/12 at 8:24pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks Mike!
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post #17 of 22
2/20/12 at 8:50pm
The Pioneer's are better than the Sony's. But it doesn't mean you'll like the way the sound better. If you have a Best Buy near you then go give them a listen. They carry both. rock.gif

Only issue might be that all of these speakers are a little less than efficient at about 86 db on the spl meter. Hopefully that Sony receiver can power them to an acceptable level. I think it will but it's worth mentioning.
Edited by gene c - 2/20/12 at 9:59pm
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post #18 of 22
2/20/12 at 9:27pm
You can also check the Clearance Outlets at Vanns.com, Onecall.com as well as jr.com, tigerdirect.com and wwstereo.com (http://wwstereo.com/Home-Audio/Speakers/Speaker-Bundles). Look under Speaker Packages. And those who are looking for very small satellite speakers might want to check out the HSU Ventriloquist http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vt-12.html
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post #19 of 22
2/20/12 at 11:45pm
Hurry! Grab the Pioneer 821-K at Newegg for 190.. That's an amazing deal. Gogogo. (Someone already mentioned this but this is a great receiver at a steal)
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post #20 of 22
2/21/12 at 9:34am
Here's another one that looks like a decent deal on a budget:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?SID=u438793t3971446f9fp0dd0c0s701&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&ItemList=Combo.836446
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post #21 of 22
5/8/12 at 2:18am
Hi all,

although I am a new user within the HTF I'd like to mention, that I own a SONY STR-DH820 for approx. 6 weeks now.
I replaced my Harmann-Kardon AVR355 with this SONY.

The receiver is absolutely great and works pretty fine.
Of course, youl'll find better AVRs but in this price category the reveiver seems to be the best choice for me.
I use it in combination with my PS3 (as BD player) and connected it to my Canton Movie loudspeaker system.
The sound is absolutely great when using the SONY certified HD-DCS and the integrated sound optimizer.

Regards,
Gerhard
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post #22 of 22
5/9/12 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff Stevenson View Post

Thanks Mike!

Jeff...did you ever make a decision?
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