|   HT sound system: Energy Take5.2; Yamaha vs Marantz receiver | Mike from Canada
May 7, 2002 10:14 AM | | Hi guys:
As a newcomer to HT, I am trying to put together a reasonably priced sound system. I recently made the jump to the digital age with the purchase of a Panasonic RV32 DVD player, which I have piped through my late 80's stereo. It sounds very nice, but I want the whole surround sound atmosphere in my living room (12' x 14').
Initially, I ruled out the idea of the satellite & sub speakers as I enjoy listening to 2 channel stereo and was looking at full range speakers such as Paradigm Monitor 7 or PSB Image 5Ts. I also thought that if I used full range front speakers, I could leave out a subwoofer for now (esp. since I live in an apartment and would rather not disturb my neighbours too much). Unfortunately, once you add in a matching centre channel and forward firing rear speakers (the dipoles are too expensive right now), the cost for speakers alone is equal to what I want to spend on the speakers and receiver.
So here is my idea of a reasonable compromise: Energy Take5.2 w/ S8.2 sub paired up with either the Yamaha RX-V630 or the Marantz 5200. The Denon 1802 is another possible choice, but is only a 5.1 receiver while the other two are 6.1 models. All three receivers are fairly similar, with the Yamaha having more features but slightly less power. The Marantz has on-screen programming (is this a major selling point?).
My questions for you: Which receiver would you pick and why? Would you personally use a satellite/sub speaker system for HT and music? I should note that although I quite enjoy music, I do not have a golden ear, nor am I a hardcore audiophile. 5.1 vs 6.1 - is it worth it to be able to upgrade to that should I move to a larger apt or house?
I still have to thoroughly audition the above setup to make my final decision, but if anyone has comments or concerns or other recommendations, I would love to hear them.
Thanks,
Mike |
| Loads of decisions! | midfiman
May 7, 2002 11:20 AM | | Well first off, in a 14' by 12' room, i would go enroute the sub/satellites. Any floorstanders would be too big (IMO) for a room that size. In the future, you can buy floorstanders for the fronts to replace the two satellites in front. As far as the recievers go, they are all going to be excellent choices. You have picked three fine recievers. There's only really one way to tell which one is the best FOR YOU. Buy the energy speakers. Bring them home and set them up the way you want. Then hook up each reciever to them. You can ALWAYS return the recievers in your local store, so that is not a problem. Seems like the long way to find an answer but really, it's the only right way since everyone has different ears. And no one on this site will be able to tell you what this setup will sound like in your room except for you.
6.1 is a nice feature, but I would put sound quality above this feature in your priorities. In other words, if you like the sound on one of the 5.1 recievers better than the 6.1, go for the 5.1 instead. There is a difference in 5.1 and 6.1, but not HUGE! |
| Loads of decisions! | Mike from Canada
May 7, 2002 3:19 PM | | Thanks for the input midfiman! Any advice/tips for the auditioning process?? I am planning on bringing a couple of my favorite CDs that will (hopefully) explore the dynamic range and response of the speakers, and of course the audio stores have a vast selection of DVDs to choose from (Gladiator, Matrix, etc). Sound quality comes first, but what other characteristics should one listen/look for? User friendliness of the receiver? I suppose the best way to learn is to just roll up the sleeves and start tweeking various settings, etc.
Thanks again,
Mike |
| Rules of thumb (IMO) | midfiman
May 8, 2002 5:54 AM | | I think that when you listen to them, you have to understand, that:
A. Anything you hear in the store will sound COMPLETELY different with the same equipment at home. Don't ask why, just trust me.
B. If you're doing an AB of two recievers, you should use the same speakers. Using different speakers makes it very hard to calibrate since different speakers have different sound characteristics. For example, you can't compare a Yamaha/Klipsch combo to a Denon/B&W combo and say the Yamaha sounds better since the treble is better. You have to use the same pair of speakers.
C. Really the best way is the find speakers you like, set them up in your room where you want them, then try different recievers for several hours/days and then decide.
Good luck! |
| re: HT sound system: Energy Take5.2; Yamaha vs Marantz receiver | Soundman
May 7, 2002 3:23 PM | | Here is an alternative system that may save you some bucks. Perhaps you can get a better receiver? In a room the size of yours, these should work great since I am using them in a 21 x 15 foot room with great results for movies and music. Also check out the savings on receivers as well. Hope this helps.
http://www.electronicsemall.com/acresarhomth.html
http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/acousticresearch_hc6.htm
http://www.accessories4less.com/advscripts/prodlist.asp?area=66 |
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