Which 5.1 Ch Ht Receiver < $600 ?

[TassieDevil]

Hi all,

For some, please forgive the fact that U may have seen me post the same questions (albeit slightly tweaked) on various forums. I'm just trying to avail myself of a larger and more varied audience.

I've been a reader of these forums for some time, but now I need a little advice. A lot of advice, actually...

I'll apologise in advance for the short essay..

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I'm starting research on a home theatre surround receiver/processor for my first (and probably only) HT setup. My budget is around $500 if possible but I will stretch to $600 (or perhaps a bit more) if I deem necessary.

Speaker-wise I'm going to be running some new Whatmough Audiolabs M30 mains, an M5 for centre channel, and my old Richter Merlins (monitors on stands) as my rears.

I have a good quality integrated amplifier already, but I think that's only suitable for 2ch music. I'm not sure if it's possible to use my old NAD amp (3240PE) together with the new system (perhaps use the new receiver as a pre-amp for the floor-standing main speakers ?) but if it is possible, I'd like to do it. The "quality" I've enjoyed to date with my 2ch music is relatively important to me so I'd like to keep that the priority if I can. As such, receivers weak in this area may not be a good choice for me.

I'm not all that familiar with terminology and features on receivers so I really don't know what the bare minimum or essential features are that one should look for, let alone the desireable ones. Any guidance in that area would be appreciated !

I can however, list the requirements that I am aware of. These are (not necessarily in order of importance):

- Plain ol' 5.1 channel (need not be 6.1/7.1). Why waste money on features I'll never use ?

- Black or dark chassis colour available (I hate silver !)

- Must have binding posts/banana plugs for all main 5.1 speaker connections (not spring-loaded wire clips).

- Must have at least 50W true power output per channel (70-80 or more would be good).

- Must be able to manually control individual speaker volumes (do most receivers now cater for this ?)

- Must have a manually adjustable crossover (perhaps a range of presets?) control between the sub and at least the main speakers (do they have them for all ?).

- Beyond that, as many features (such as "environments") as possible, I guess...

Nice extras would be:

- Have an RS232 connector for integration with PC/software.

- On-board setup routine for system calibration.

My interest in the RS-232 is simply because I've recently learned about the freely available "Room EQ Wizard" software and have bought a cheap Radio Shack SPL meter for measurements. I believe folks use this to send filter information to their receiver or their "Behringer Feedback Destroyer", but I dunno if this is a "must-have" feature. I've seen receivers with "LAN" connectors on them as well... perhaps these have a similar function ? The ability to have a "networkable" receiver for a media-centre role is quite attractive, but definitely not necessary.

Perhaps the ability to control individual speaker crossover frequencies is common throughout many brands/models.. I have no idea. But I'll probably need this feature because I don't actually have a sub yet, and may not be buying one. This system is in a fairly small lounge room which currently has horrible standing waves and reflections - already things are sounding too "boomy" and will do so until such time as I can build suitable room treatments (eg bass traps). Unfortunately I could not have a worse situation... my set up is sideways across a room that's 15'6" (L), 11'6" (W), 8'1" (H).

I also haven't really mentioned the video side of things as yet. Apart from my 3 new speakers (Whatmoughs), all my gear is about 18 yrs old, including my telly. It doesn't even have RCA connectors, so at the moment, both my DVD's video AND audio signals are being routed through my dying JVC Hi-Fi VCR then to the telly & hi-fi respectively. I have no idea what I'll need in the future regarding video capability, although it's most likely that I'll never be able to afford HD equipment (I'm on a pension and can't work). At some point I guess my telly will die and I'll be looking for a replacement - so I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. At this stage I have no idea if I'd buy a CRT or an LCD.

In my research so far, I've also noticed quite a few sites which are supposedly "Authorised Clearance Centres" for manufacturer's refurbished equipment (in particular Yamaha & Onkyo). Whilst I'd generally prefer to buy new and with a decent warranty, I may find I can't get what I want within the budget. I can be a little flexible when it comes to budget, but we're not talking an extra $750 of flexibility here... so I'm happy to be considering older or outdated models, and even refurbished or good 2nd-hand gear. I'd love to hear PPL's opinions specifically on refurbished models that may be available currently.

So, for a receiver, am I asking too much for this kind of money ? Please feel free to offer any constructive suggestions/info on brands/models or how much $$$ U think I'd be looking at to get what I want. So far I've learned that Denon and Cambridge Audio receivers are apparently nice for music, but there may not be much of a choice within my budget.

Thanks in advance for your help.. Any advice is very much appreciated...

TassieDevil

[wheelz]

I think for that price you would be best of with either of the basic yammies rxv-459 ,but i really think you should read the 2 0r 3 hundred posts that have been answered on here about this exact same topic over the last 6 months.

[TassieDevil]

I think for that price you would be best of with either of the basic yammies rxv-459 ,but i really think you should read the 2 0r 3 hundred posts that have been answered on here about this exact same topic over the last 6 months.

Thanks for your prompt reply !

I've read a lot of FAQs on more than just this forum. To be honest, I'm sick of reading FAQs and "similar" posts (because I don't think they're "similar enough") and feel it's time to start asking direct questions of my own. And most of the posts I've seen both here and elsewhere are for either gear which is in the cheaper area (sub $500), or "under $2000-$3000", normally meaning between $1500-$2000.

I have not seen many posts regarding receivers in the $500-800 range, which I guess is what I'm looking at. Nor, incidentally, do any of the other posts match my personal situation, which is what I'm seeking advice on. And... FAQs and posts become dated. Markets and products change constantly. I apologise if I seem a little abrupt, but I'm a little frustrated. I've tried to provide as much info as possible from the start, and I've asked a LOT of questions, yet most reponses so far answer very few of them, and have been very thin on the reasons as to why they've made their suggestions. "Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime", if U like.

Thanks for your suggestion nonetheless. I've noticed that model during my research. I've read elsewhere that the "basic" Yamaha receivers are a bit weak when it comes to 2ch music. I'm guessing U either disagree, or U don't think my speakers/gear are good enough for it to really be a worry ?

[wheelz]

Thanks for your suggestion nonetheless. I've noticed that model during my research. I've read elsewhere that the "basic" Yamaha receivers are a bit weak when it comes to 2ch music. I'm guessing U either disagree, or U don't think my speakers/gear are good enough for it to really be a worry ?

I dont think you'll find any 5.1/7.1 amp for $500 that does 2ch music well tho i thought you said you had an amp you were use for 2ch and just wanted something for sourround sound.

ps.im pretty sure the cheaper recievers dont have pre outs

[TassieDevil]

... i thought you said you had an amp you were use for 2ch and just wanted something for sourround sound.

Hard to decipher what you're saying here, so I'll reiterate.

I have a good 2ch amp currently. I need to buy a surround receiver for HT. My speakers will, I expect, need to be wired to my receiver. I'll have a good 2ch amp sitting there doing nothing, and I'd rather it be used in the process if at all possible. I'm not sure if that means needing a receiver with pre-amp outputs (after reading the "FAQ" here I expect it does ?), or simply an amplifier switching device of some kind so I can use the receiver with the mains when using as a HT, and use the 2ch amp with the same mains when listening to music.

At this point, many of my questions remain unanswered.

[TassieDevil]

Hunter Valley, NSW, actually...

Thanks for the comment on how Whatmough tests... I'll keep it in mind..

[byte-me]

To be honest I would seriously have a look at one of these.

Yamaha RXV-659B

It gives you everything on your list of requirments except the RS232 interface which I personally would find of little importance anyay as it is almost redundant as an interface because of speed limitations.

The bonus of this unit for you would be:

It has more power than you require which might save an intermediate upgrade if required.

It has pre-outs for all channels if you decide to add a power amp at any stage.

It does have 7.1 so will future proof it if you decide to go the extra speakers.

2 channel audio is quite good, while probabkly not as good as dedicated 2 channel it is a good balance between 2 channel and Surround.

It would take you right to your budget limit but better to spend $700 now than spend $500 now and then think in 12 months time you would like something a little better or with a few more features.

Just my opinion.

[Gutty]

^^^^ And being that it does have pre-outs, you can easily incorperate your current 2ch amp for music.

[nico6]

I'd agree with others, and byte-me re the rx-v659. The eastwood hifi link also contains a review of the previous Yammy models , RX-Vn57, and describes the 657 as the sweet spot in this range back then, and it probably still is with the later 659 and 661 models.

[alfalfa]

You need a receiver with pre outs.

I was looking for a cheap receiver with pre outs and found that pioneer made some with a lots of features for the price (like auto calibration). Their power amplifier sections may not be the most musical but if you are using the preouts to your 2 channel amp then this isnt an issue.

The vsx 816 is the lowest model in the current range with preamp outputs. It retails for $899 (seen for $629 on ebay).

On ebay you will sometimes find older models like the vsx815 and vsx915 for much lower. They also have preamp outputs.

Eg this one for $489 brand new (and its black)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Pioneer-VSX815-Home...1QQcmdZViewItem

The next cheapest option would be older models like a marantz sr4500 or a yamaha rx-v657. Both $699 from www.eastwoodhifi.com.au

[hornblower]

Hard to decipher what you're saying here, so I'll reiterate.

I have a good 2ch amp currently. I need to buy a surround receiver for HT. My speakers will, I expect, need to be wired to my receiver. I'll have a good 2ch amp sitting there doing nothing, and I'd rather it be used in the process if at all possible. I'm not sure if that means needing a receiver with pre-amp outputs (after reading the "FAQ" here I expect it does ?), or simply an amplifier switching device of some kind so I can use the receiver with the mains when using as a HT, and use the 2ch amp with the same mains when listening to music.

At this point, many of my questions remain unanswered.

I shall no doubt be shouted down but have a look at the Sherwood range(or even Sherwood Newcastle which could be too expensive). My old Sherwood is actually a Marantz in disguise (or is it the other way round). JB seem to stock a decent range as does Eastwood HiFi.

hornblower

[TassieDevil]

Hi all,

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who made suggestions and gave advice. I finally found a Yamaha RX-V659 (they're getting very hard to find new now). A bloke at JB HiFi was helpful and had to get me one from another store elsewhere in the state. Had the unit within 24 hours of giving the go-ahead. $791 new, and I spent an extra $74 to get the warranty extended to 5 yrs.

I'd also like to give a bit of a plug for Terry Anderson HiFi at Charlestown, NSW. When I was doing my research for a range of receivers and began making phone calls to regional dealers, the responses from the stores ranged from "vaguely helpful" to "you've told me you're not going to spend enough money-type snobbery", something that still seems to be alive and well in the industry Out of the many different dealers I contacted, Terry Anderson (he answered the phone himself, not another staff member) was the only one who truly listened to my situation and offered tons of superb advice. In fact, the phone call lasted almost half an hour. Whilst I feel a little guilty that I didn't end up spending my money with him (he couldn't get the item I finally decided on anyway), I cannot hesitate to recommend him to others. Excellent service... something that's really nice to experience in this day and age of untrained and disinterested store staff. I'd like to publicly thank him for his time and effort.

On the RX-V659, so far I've got all my speakers (just 5, no sub remember !) connected to the receiver, and I'm very impressed with it's HT performance. The jury is still out regarding it's 2ch music capability, but I will admit that at this stage it does sound bright. At some point soon I'll hook up my old NAD 3240PE to the pre-amp outs and swap the main speakers over to the NAD and see how that goes.

Worst of all is that my Whatmough main speakers are only a few months old so I'm not really used to them yet... and in conjunction with the new receiver, I'm not sure how hard everything can be driven. I've got the LFE being provided by the mains, and I'm amazed at how well they do the job. Can anyone advise what limit I could push to ? So far, I'm not game to go beyond -12dB...

[davep]

Hit up the Basic Audio Callibration sticky. I can run my setup, which is a fairly cheap yammy amp, at 0 dB without problems. Although I'm sure the neighbours might disagree