Home Theatre Best Value Av Receiver And Small Speaker Mix

[speedy]

(Onkyo's Australian pricing is crap BTW - the TX-NR636 is available for as little as $NZ747 from JB Hifi there...)

That works out at $669AUD - what a rip off by JB's in Aust selling the same for $1,199AUD here, a massive price difference of $530 more. That is absolutely outrageous! Who would pay that for a 636?

See Aust JB HIFI: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/tv-home-entertainment/onkyo/onkyo-tx-nr636-7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-with-hdmi-2-0/587570/

See NZ JB HIFI: http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-sku-270432/

(I'm sure I saw it online earlier today on the Aust JB site for about $987 or so - what are they up to? Same price as the Sony STR-DN1050 now)

It should be the other way around as market volume much smaller in NZ. We are continually taken for suckers in Australia for electronics!

Edited August 31, 2014 by speedy

[MELso]

Alas, after more digging the Dolby Atmos speaker promotion does not extend to online sales in Europe (http://www.de.onkyo.com/assets/Atmos-Speaker_dt_final_01.pdf - 'Online Käufe sind von dieser Aktion ausgeschlossen'). I'm not really concerned though because my main aim was to buy a shallow receiver (<33.5cm deep) that had wireless built in and reasonable power for less than $600 (I broke my budget ever so slightly). I'm still waiting for Computer Universe to ship it though (it should arrive in stock today)...

Having said that, if you DO want the speakers, Bing Lee is doing the receiver for under $1k... http://www.binglee.com.au/onkyo-tx-nr636-black-7-2ch-network-a-v-receiver

It's still galling to pay that when you consider that JB in NZ has/had an ex-GST discounted price equivalent to $A578, yet Bing Lee charges a discounted ex-GST price here of $907. Given the plug's the same, the voltage is the same, the firmware's the same and the consumer protection laws are the same (indeed, the consumer guarantees originated in NZ), we're being taken for a ride here.

Edited September 3, 2014 by surroundfan

[speedy]

Alas, after more digging the Dolby Atmos speaker promotion does not extend to online sales in Europe (http://www.de.onkyo.com/assets/Atmos-Speaker_dt_final_01.pdf - 'Online Käufe sind von dieser Aktion ausgeschlossen'). I'm not really concerned though because my main aim was to buy a shallow receiver (<33.5cm deep) that had wireless built in and reasonable power for less than $600 (I broke my budget ever so slightly). I'm still waiting for Computer Universe to ship it though (it should arrive in stock today)...

Having said that, if you DO want the speakers, Bing Lee is doing the receiver for under $1k... http://www.binglee.com.au/onkyo-tx-nr636-black-7-2ch-network-a-v-receiver

It's still galling to pay that when you consider that JB in NZ has/had an ex-GST discounted price equivalent to $A578, yet Bing Lee charges a discounted ex-GST price here of $907. Given the plug's the same, the voltage is the same, the firmware's the same and the consumer protection laws are the same (indeed, the consumer guarantees originated in NZ), we're being taken for a ride here.

Sorry you missed out on the freebie Dolby Atmos speakers....

Well, I finally picked up some second hand Klipsch Quintet speakers with a sub-woofer at a good price! Thanks all for your advice!

See speakers: http://www.klipsch.com.au/quintet-iii/details

See sub 10" looks exactly like this one: http://www.klipsch.com.au/sub-10-subwoofer/details

...now I need to get a wireless/4k/upscaling/HDMI AV receiver...tried for a couple second hand but missed out. I think I will get one new but might hang back a few days as I have got a gut feeling a sale or two might just come in next Monday (just a hunch). If not I think I know where to get one....

Edited September 3, 2014 by speedy

[speedy]

That works out at $669AUD - what a rip off by JB's in Aust selling the same for $1,199AUD here, a massive price difference of $530 more. That is absolutely outrageous! Who would pay that for a 636?

See Aust JB HIFI: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/tv-home-entertainment/onkyo/onkyo-tx-nr636-7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-with-hdmi-2-0/587570/

See NZ JB HIFI: http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-sku-270432/

(I'm sure I saw it online earlier today on the Aust JB site for about $987 or so - what are they up to? Same price as the Sony STR-DN1050 now)

It should be the other way around as market volume much smaller in NZ. We are continually taken for suckers in Australia for electronics!

I see how JB HIFI resolved that price difference problem! Not by dropping the Aussie JB price but by raising the NZ JB price > now not $747NZ ($669AUD) but raised to $996NZ - unbelievable! You can see how hurried the correction was as the price tag says "was $888NZ (now) $996NZ" what a laugh! They must be reading this thread!!! Get real JB HIFI bring down the Aussie price ASAP to $669AUD on special to show your contrition...... I know it was $747NZ as I printed a hard copy (reduced from $888 to $747)

See current JB add again: http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-sku-270432/

[speedy]

I see how JB HIFI resolved that price difference problem! Not by dropping the Aussie JB price but by raising the NZ JB price > now not $747NZ ($669AUD) but raised to $996NZ - unbelievable! You can see how hurried the correction was as the price tag says "was $888NZ (now) $996NZ" what a laugh! They must be reading this thread!!! Get real JB HIFI bring down the Aussie price ASAP to $669AUD on special to show your contrition...... I know it was $747NZ as I printed a hard copy (reduced from $888 to $747)

See current JB add again: http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-sku-270432/

JB's in NZ has come back down to $747NZ again in the same day - whats going on? I am not imagining things because I have taken hard print copies. Go figure! Maybe Fathers Day going ons... http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/7-2-channel-network-av-receiver-sku-270432/

PS I have emailed JB HIFI to ask them to explain the reason for the difference and to give the same equivalent price in Aust. See if I receive a reply.

Edited September 4, 2014 by speedy

[speedy]

Whats the better speaker cable to get for satellite and bookshelf speaker mix off a mid range AV receiver?

See terms like 10AWG to 20AWG or 18 Gague (2 x 40 Strand / 0.12mm per strand) or mercury - whats better?

See: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/tv-home-entertainment/tv-accessories/studio-acc/studio-acoustics-18g-speaker-cable-6-0-metres/51312/

See: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/High-Quality-Speaker-Cable-16-AWG-50m-Oxygen-Free-COPPER-16awg-SC1650-/171085420115?pt=AU_Television_Accessories&hash=item27d57c5653

See: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Speaker-Cable-20-AWG-9m-20awg-Oxygen-Free-High-Performance-SC209-/181150424219?pt=AU_Television_Accessories&hash=item2a2d681c9b

also mercury cable

see: http://www.selby.com.au/nr-mercury-av-14awg-speaker-cable-5m-cpspk15.html

On speaker wire, I understand the bigger the AWG the smaller the cable > does that mean thinner copper wire?

Seems back to front on HDMI cables - on HDMI isn't it the larger the AWG the thicker the cable or did I get that wrong??

See: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ultra-Premium-HDMI-Cable-Gold-Plated-V2-0-3D-High-Speed-Audio-Ethernet-1m-10m-/390645849363?pt=AU_Electronics_Accessories_Power_Boards_Cables&var=&hash=item5af44e9d13

Looking for something not to hard on the eyes but very good

Rear surrounds will need about 5m-6m each front speakers about 1m-2m each (5 to 7 speakers all up) - probably 25m to 35m all up

thanks

Edited September 5, 2014 by speedy

[speedy]

Would this Bunnings cable be as good as any?

See: http://www.bunnings.com.au/studio-acoustic-30m-16ga-speaker-cable_p4360364

How would it compare with these:

Sounds cheap enough: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50-Metre-16AWG-99-9-OFC-Speaker-Cable-For-Hi-Fi-Home-Theatre-Sound-System-/161106926024?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item2582b899c8

Selby cable: http://www.selby.com.au/cables/speaker-cable/pre-cut-bulk-lengths/ugly-16-awg-speaker-cable-252-strands-ug16.html

Electrodirectbuy: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/25m-Speaker-Cable-16-AWG-1-3mm2-speakercable-cord-roll-reel-1-3-mm-25-meter-/261337235823?pt=AU_Television_Accessories&hash=item3cd8e9c16f

They all claim 16awg (guage) - or is it that cables ain't cables?

Edited September 9, 2014 by speedy

[speedy]

I think I'll get 50 meters of this cable (about the cheapest I could find for 14AWG quality in the 50m size from au.webshoppingmall on eBay):

See: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/50-Metre-14AWG-99-9-OFC-Speaker-Cable-For-Hi-Fi-Home-Theatre-Sound-System-/161106924376?pt=AU_Hi_Fi_Speakers&hash=item2582b89358

Went to Bunnings to check out their cable, but one strand was copper colour and the other strand was a kind of silver in colour, so not sure it was all copper.

See: http://www.bunnings.com.au/studio-acoustic-6m-14ga-speaker-cable_p4360362

[speedy]

My gut feeling was right when I said that JB's actually raising the price of their most popular sellers probably meant that they were going to have a sale:

JB's just started a 20% off sale on their receivers > Onkyo tx-nr636 down to $959 > Sony STRDN1050 down to $959 (other cheaper receivers also went down)

See: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/deals/tv-home-entertainment/hot-deals-on-receivers1/?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=jb-au-20140911-price-blitz-barcode

If your a mail out JB member you cut out a coupon and get a further 5% off the above already discounted prices. It's interesting to see how JB's works the public - jacks the price up 15% from their normal price fr a week, then offers a 20% (+5% extra if member) discount. The net result being only 5% to 10% off in reality.

I point out that Bing Lee on the Onkyo Tx-NR636 came down from their normal price of $999 with an offer of $850, so still cheaper than JB's discounted prices.

See: http://www.binglee.com.au/onkyo-tx-nr636-black-7-2ch-network-a-v-receiver

[speedy]

Finally purchased what I think was my BEST VALUE FOR MONEY AV RECEIVER:

The Onkyo TX-NR626 brand new for $599 (heavily discounted price included delivered to my door) (normally about $850 to $1088)

See: http://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_components/av_receivers/tx-nr626/index.html

See:

The main rivals were Yamaha RX-V677 > Denon x2000/3000 > Sony STR-DN1040 > Onkyo TX-NR636 (latest model)

I bought it because
* for $599 it is loaded with features that the others can't get near price wise

(didn't need the other extra features on the latest much more expensive Onkyo TX-NR636)

Note: Harvey Norman is still selling it for $1088 http://www.harveynorman.com.au/tv-blu-ray-home-theatre/home-theatre-speakers/av-receivers/onkyo-7-2-channel-network-av-receiver.html

* terrific WIFI and Bluetooth combination > really want to be able to flick music around from my internet and iphones, smartphones, etc. Any manufacturers not putting in WIFI and Bluetooth nowadays is basically asking for sales loses. Just about every man and his dog has an iPhone or compatible device to flick music and videos around with. The WIFI airial appears to be built into the inside of the receiver (very tidy). Not an ugly airial sticking up from the rear like on the Yamaha (or even Sony).

* it has PHONO connection (which Yamaha and Sony and possibly the Denon don't) which will allow me to connect my old Phono turntable (record) player. I have stacks of old quality vinyl records

* it has not only 4K bypass but 4K upscaling (but I will have to check if it is digital and analogue upscaling or only digital upscaling - will eventually let you know). Also 3D capable

* love the many one touch buttons at the front to activate BRay /DVD / TV / Phono / Tuner / PC / PVR / AUX / ETC - and the good thing about it I'm told is you can change the connected equipment designations via the remote. Ability to rename the inputs (e.g. "PS3")

* has more than enough connections at rear for me - including 6 HDMI in and 2 HDMI out

* it can run 7.2 speakers and a sub-woofer. Even though you can't run 7.1 in your main system and a pair of speakers in a second zone at the same time, the Onkyo has enough connections for you to hook up all of those speakers and toggle between them in the menu system. That's nice because other receivers like the Denon AVR-E400 would require you to physically connect/disconnect speakers to pull that off. The dual-HDMI outputs is also very nice, and something lacking on the Denon. So if I only want 5.1 I can run a second zone in another room or outside running different streaming (different audio sources). With independent volume settings. This extra zone might work great with wireless quality speakers? > have to look into that!

* will allow connection of banana plugs with speaker cables to connecting posts, instead of awkward (usually) frayed wires

* The former problems associated with the HDMI board and HDMI connections I'm reliably told by the Onkyo importer and one retail outlet apparently has been fixed up on the 626 and 636 models (but was a problem on the 606 and 616 models). Apparently this 626 has a very good reliability rating > none returned in one retail outlet who has sold quite a few > trusting this is correct

* it has 3 years full Australian warranty - not 2 like some others

* a great digital screen (front panel menu) which tells you everything your doing without having to rely on your TV being on (like some) (visual wifi / bluetooth indicators, commands, current status, current setting, etc). With 3-Mode Display Dimmer (Normal/Dim/Dimmer)

* I am told it has a more "smoother in the middle sound" not overly trebly or basey like the Yamaha, but I won't know for sure till I hook it up

* easy to use remote and reasonably easy to use receiver

* USB connector at front for memory stick, etc music source connections

* I'm told it has plenty of power and "even with it being much louder the dynamics were still there" . Won't know for sure till I get it working.

* it feels solid and heavy which could indicate its got some good internal guts

* has a decent heat sink and quiet fan (I'm told)

* AM radio as well as FM radio (some don't have AM) - with AM and FM antenna airial inputs - with 40 FM/AM Random Presets

* plenty of internet radio - plays Pandora, Spotify, Rhapsody, Tune In and others.

* Eco Hybrid > Hybrid Standby Mode provides ‘HDMI through’ functionality and maintains a local network connection while the receiver is essentially powered down. This allows the user to watch TV without turning the whole surround system on > thus saving power

So for a lower mid range AV receiver with so many features - this unit for $599 has to be the best bang for buck going at present

Thanks DTV Forum because your site assisted me to the best price for this unit. Much appreciated DTV. (Not sure if that price is still on offer - expired I think)

Edited September 11, 2014 by speedy

[speedy]

Gotta now get a Toslink Optical cable, some banana plugs and speaker cable before I can give it a whirl

[jutta]

Not sure who said the Yamaha was bassy or trebly........

Hope you enjoy though, it's a great buy at that price!!

[speedy]

Not sure who said the Yamaha was bassy or trebly........

Hope you enjoy though, it's a great buy at that price!!

One of the reviews I read online...

Probably not worth saying much more, all of the above is highly subject to me actually hooking the 626 up and seeing how good or bad it is in real usage with my own judgement

Hey! I note that both BingLee has also come down in price for the Yamaha RX-V677 to $999. I think that is down from $1199. If you could knock that down $750 to $800 that would be a bargain worth getting as it is slightly better than the Onkyo TX-NR626 for reliability from reading other reviews. But for me, any more than $750 for this Yamaha is not worth it over the 626 Onkyo for $599

See: http://www.binglee.com.au/yamaha-rx-v677-7-2ch-av-receiver

Edited September 12, 2014 by speedy