AV Receiver?

[harold280z]

I'm looking to upgrade my 5 yoear old Sony receiver which runs my bedroom sounds system. I like Sony and have looked at their STRDA 3200ES. I think this receiver will warm up my RTi8's. I want good power but no need to over power the bedroom. I've also looked at Pioneer's VSX 81TXV I like that one also.......which is better?

My bedroom sounds

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/closeup.php?userid=73547&pic=331_4_big.jpg

Sony Bravia 40XBR1
RM202 center
RTi8 fronts
T20E backs
PSW10 sub

[ND13]

I don't think I'd put any Sony AVRs in the WARM sounding category...that's just from my experience with Sony gear. If you're looking to WARM up your RTis, I'd look more in the line of HK, Marantz or Denon.

[harold280z]

I don't think I'd put any Sony AVRs in the WARM sounding category...that's just from my experience with Sony gear. If you're looking to WARM up your RTis, I'd look more in the line of HK, Marantz or Denon.

I've never given the receiver's any thought maybe I'll give the a look

Thanks

[MSALLA]

If it is just for music I would stay with a straight two channel stereo reciever.
AVR's don't seem to have the same sound quality for music as a good stereo reciever.

[harold280z]

If it is just for music I would stay with a straight two channel stereo reciever.
AVR's don't seem to have the same sound quality for music as a good stereo reciever.
I need the AVR's for my system, movie's, TV, I-pod & CD's. I'm really looking for one with 2 HDMI inputs & 1 output for under 800.00. Has to warm up the RTi8's

[bobman1235]

I need the AVR's for my system, movie's, TV, I-pod & CD's. I'm really looking for one with 2 HDMI inputs & 1 output for under 800.00. Has to warm up the RTi8's

HDMI in a receiver is pretty cutting edge, good luck finding that for 800 bucks without stooping to another Sony lower level thing. I'd say go used but anything more than a year old isn't going to have the inputs you're looking for.

[zombie boy 2000]

Run, don't walk...

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4097700&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.HK+AVR445

Better yet, wait for used and get it cheaper.

Warm presentation.... check.
2 HDMI inputs.... check.
1 HDMI output.... check.
"The Bridge" (an input specific to an IPod docking station, also made by HK)... check.

All for under 800 ducets.

[harold280z]

Run, don't walk...

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Id=4097700&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.HK+AVR445

Better yet, wait for used and get it cheaper.

Warm.... check.
2 HDMI inputs.... check.
1 HDMI output.... check.
"The Bridge" (an input specific to an IPod docking station, also made by HK)... check.
Only 65 watts pch....hummm might sound nice how about more watts 120 to 130 pch...I know I'm asking a lot
Thanks

[zombie boy 2000]

Trust me on this one...

HK watts will bowl over 150 watts from Sony any day of the week.

Someone back me up on this:)

[MikeC78]

I need the AVR's for my system, movie's, TV, I-pod & CD's. I'm really looking for one with 2 HDMI inputs & 1 output for under 800.00. Has to warm up the RTi8's

I don't really understand this?? You want something to "warm" up the RTi8's?? There is really no answer for this with electronics, unless you change the speakers.

You can sure make the 8's sound better, no doubt about it, but to change the overall signature tone of the speakers is not going to happen.

[MikeC78]

ZB,

Yes... I'd take HK watts over anything Sony on any day of the week!:)

[ND13]

The HKs 65 watts will be more than enough. You need to be looking into how much current is being delivered.

[zombie boy 2000]

All electronics have a sonic signature. Demo the same speakers on an Onkyo and then a Harman Kardon and this will become very apparent. As far as warming up the Rti8's -- many have tried and many have failed:D But with my experience, HK's generally have a warmer presentation. Some people actually find it to be too soft or laid back. I disagree, but to each their own.

[ND13]

To warm them up, he may need to throw one of those MF tube buffers inline somewhere.

[bobman1235]

Only 65 watts pch....hummm might sound nice how about more watts 120 to 130 pch...I know I'm asking a lot
Thanks

As others have said, H/K measures their wattage way more conservatively than someone like Sony. 50 watts out of an H/K is equal to probably twice that from a Sony or Pioneer.

If you want true 120-130 wpc, you're going to need an external amp or a 2500 dollar receiver.

[zombie boy 2000]

To warm them up, he may need to throw one of those MF tube buffers inline somewhere.

Now we're cookin' with oil:D

[harold280z]

To warm them up, he may need to throw one of those MF tube buffers inline somewhere.

Ok I'm going to tweeters & listen I know they carry Yamaha I'll also look at the HK's

Thanks for your help!

[zombie boy 2000]

Well.. keep in mind that Yamaha is probably the worst possible choice you could make if you're looking to "warm up" the Rti8's. But they're your ears, so good luck and happy listening at Tweeters!

[harold280z]

I don't really understand this?? You want something to "warm" up the RTi8's?? There is really no answer for this with electronics, unless you change the speakers.

You can sure make the 8's sound better, no doubt about it, but to change the overall signature tone of the speakers is not going to happen.

Maybe warm up is the wrong choice of words to use. I think I need more power at lower volume while playing music from a CD or from my I-pod. Well as I said my AV receiver is a Sony & its over 5 yrs old not a ES. With that said I'm open to looking at more.

Thanks for the help

[MSALLA]

Ok I'm going to tweeters & listen I know they carry Yamaha I'll also look at the HK's

Thanks for your help!

I like Yamaha and own Yamaha, but if you want to warm up your Rti-8's stay with Denon or H/K. The Yamaha's run alittle brighter then some. If you can move up to the 1000.00 to 1200.00 range you will have alot more to choose from.
Listen to the Yamaha, don't take my word for it, but from my experiance this is how I feel.

[zombie boy 2000]

I'm not bustin' on Yamaha... trust me. My Dad's swears by Yamaha for HT and it does have a lot of "punch", so to speak. "Bright" is another word that comes to mind....

Anyway, how much are you going to be using your set-up for music vs HT?

[ND13]

Bright sonic signatures=Yammie, Oink, Sony, Pioneer
Warm sonic Sigs=H/K, Denon, NAD, Marantz, B&K

Haven't heard the outlaw yet.

[harold280z]

Ok Pioneer EliteVSX81TXV 110 watts 2 HDMI inputs 1 HDMI output Price 550.00 plus 79.00 for 1 HDMI cable from Tweeters. Enough power for my system?

[MSALLA]

Ok Pioneer EliteVSX81TXV 110 watts 2 HDMI inputs 1 HDMI output Price 550.00 plus 79.00 for 1 HDMI cable from Tweeters. Enough power for my system?

Plenty of power, but I can't comment on the sound as I have never had one.

[harold280z]

I'm not bustin' on Yamaha... trust me. My Dad's swears by Yamaha for HT and it does have a lot of "punch", so to speak. "Bright" is another word that comes to mind....

Anyway, how much are you going to be using your set-up for music vs HT?

Should be about 90% HT after all this set up is in my bedroom 10% music. Humm bright could be good!

[bobman1235]

Ok Pioneer EliteVSX81TXV 110 watts 2 HDMI inputs 1 HDMI output Price 550.00 plus 79.00 for 1 HDMI cable from Tweeters. Enough power for my system?

Please don't spend that much on an HDMI cable. Ther'es no reason they should be more than, oh say, 20 bucks (http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-6-Foot-Digital-Male/dp/B0007MWE2S/sr=8-1/qid=1163175556/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9091183-4651157?ie=UTF8&s=electronics)

[harold280z]

Please don't spend that much on an HDMI cable. Ther'es no reason they should be more than, oh say, 20 bucks (http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-6-Foot-Digital-Male/dp/B0007MWE2S/sr=8-1/qid=1163175556/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9091183-4651157?ie=UTF8&s=electronics)

Thanks for the link!

[MikeC78]

Check out MonoPrice also, good prices there as well.

[MSALLA]

Should be about 90% HT after all this set up is in my bedroom 10% music. Humm bright could be good!

Bright is the opisit of warm.

[Polkersince85]

Trust these guys on the HK stuff, I have an older AVR-85 that will sling a pair of Monitor 10's against the wall.

[harold280z]

Well i got the AV receiver Pioneer Elite VSX82TSX 130 watts pch 3HDMI inputs 1 HDMI output Did the demo made the RTi8's sing. Thanks for your help! I did go over the budget a little 893.00 total cost.

[cfrizz]

Congrats Harold! Welcome to Club Polk!

[MikeC78]

Nice!! I have last years model 74 and was pretty happy with it paired with the 8's. Enjoy, that is one heck of a receiver for the money.

[MSALLA]

Good buy. Glad your happy with it.

[zombie boy 2000]

Good deal! Glad you got something you can enjoy.

[Zoom E]

Well.. keep in mind that Yamaha is probably the worst possible choice you could make if you're looking to "warm up" the Rti8's. But they're your ears, so good luck and happy listening at Tweeters!

I just bought the Yamaha RXV659, and it sounds wonderful paired with my RTi8s. A huge improvement over my 16 year old Sony STRAV920.:rolleyes: I checked out the HK635 also, and while it did have a richer sound, it was a bit pricey.

[MSALLA]

Yamaha makes a good product but they have a bright sound to them.

[dkg999]

Starting with the RXV1400/HTR5790 series they toned down the brightness. I have a HTR5660 in a bedroom system and the amplifier section in it is very bright. The HTR5790 I have for the main HT system has a much nicer sound, and the preamp/decoder section seems pretty decent. I use all external power amps, which coupled with the preamp/decoder section in the 5790 works pretty well.

[Dannieboiz]

sorry to bring back such an old thread, but I would like an updated review of this reciever after your 3 months of owning them..

Would anyone trade a Denon AVR 3802 for the VSX-81TXV???

[cfrizz]

Hi Dannie. Seeing as I have a 3802, unless I wanted all the newer extra bells & whistles which I probably wouldn't use anyway the answer for me would be no. If you can utilize the HDMI & whatnot then go for it.

sorry to bring back such an old thread, but I would like an updated review of this reciever after your 3 months of owning them..

Would anyone trade a Denon AVR 3802 for the VSX-81TXV???

[Dannieboiz]

the only reason I'd consider is the HDMI... don't think there are any Denon AVR that's <$500 with HDMI upconverting.

[Deadof_knight]

The H/Ks are a real good deal ...Im a Denon man myself but no.2 would be H/K


Ive heard several Yamahas and ...youve read it already no need to repeat it.

[Sherardp]

just went through the same experience youre going through with an upgrade for the bedroom. Sony STRDG 1000, HDMIs and everything else you need. I like mine and Im on driving a pair of Rti4s in a 2 channel setup

[TN_Polk_Lover]

I like Yamaha and own Yamaha, but if you want to warm up your Rti-8's stay with Denon or H/K. The Yamaha's run alittle brighter then some. If you can move up to the 1000.00 to 1200.00 range you will have alot more to choose from.
Listen to the Yamaha, don't take my word for it, but from my experiance this is how I feel.
I have an older Yamaha receiver in my 2-channel system in the living room. It is connected to Polk RTi38's on Sanus Natural Foundations stands. This puts the tweeters at 34" from the carpeted floor. The LR is fully carpeted with heavy weight carpet and there is a large sofa and love seat fairly close to the system. I've always played these speakers with this receiver, I've never compared it to anything else. To me, this system sounds very, very good. Is it bright? well I don't know. Maybe I prefer bright?

I remember from previous threads years ago that Mantis agrees with what others have said here. I remember him telling me one time that Yami's sound bright with the Polk RTi series and the Denons sound less bright. If I remember correctly, he works for Tweeter and has a lot of first hand experience with this.

But I do have a question, if anyone knows. Have all Yamaha's always had a bright signature, or just the more recent HT receivers? In other words, does my older R9 have a reputation for being bright? Also, does the same apply to older Yamaha 2 channel amps? I have a Yamaha MX600U amp powering my RTi70 towers in my listening room / office. BROG (Bonus Room over Garage).
I'm driving the Yami amp with the pre-outs from my new Denon 3806 HT receiver.

[MSALLA]

I have a Yamaha 2 channel receiver from 1981 and it's not as bright as my 2500. It's been packed away and I can't remember the model.

[Joco1114]

Hi,

I would like to buy a polk set. (RTi10, Fx3, PSW505, CSi3) But I cant decide about the AV receiver. There are 3 possibilities: Denon 2807, Pioneer AX2AS and Marantz SR7001. I heard all with other speakers, all was nice, but I cant decide.

Can you help me?

Joc

[MSALLA]

Hi,

I would like to buy a polk set. (RTi10, Fx3, PSW505, CSi3) But I cant decide about the AV receiver. There are 3 possibilities: Denon 2807, Pioneer AX2AS and Marantz SR7001. I heard all with other speakers, all was nice, but I cant decide.

Can you help me?

Joc

Denon is always a safe choice.

[Joco1114]

Any other opinion?

A Yamaha V2700 for example?

Joc

[johnADA]

DAC types will give a receiver its sonic signature. But not all of it.
But your warm, bright type characteristics are from the amp section.

Let me use a analogy that I understand to explain this.
Automotive is a big hobby to me and engines are built for different purposes to achieve and end resullt for what type of racing their in.
Horsepower and Torque is a measurement used when building power in and engine.
You can have all the horsepower in the world, but the vehicle will be slow to get moving. On the other hand you could have all the torque in the world, it'll move much easier, but not with great speed. In drag racing, since its short and sweet and ET's are wanted you want high H.P. and high torque outputs, but in circle track racing over distance, torque numbers are lower and H.P. number are greater, ratio changes.

Same applies to amp sections. To make low frequency tones you need alot of torque and amp that doesnt fade away, if it does fade away the system goes bright since high frequency tones dont take much power to produce.

Everyday name brands, Sony, Pioneer, Yamaha and more offer H.P., same 100watts RMS, but no torque. Onkyo, Denon and others better torque at the same RMS rating. Onkyo's, Denons upper lineups along with H/K's offer even more torque equaling the warmer sound you hear.

Thats why separate amps are gone to for some. Their job is just amping, nothing else so they "should" offer the best torque.

If you dont understand auto engines, this is over your head, but thats how and analogy was offered to me since my best knowledgeable hobby is drag racing.

[G-2]

Thanks for the Great Analogy, sure helps us! We wanted to mention Integra as we've been super pleased with ours.

[LuSh]

John,

The brightness of an amplifier can't be rooted back to the current draw. If this was true amp's such as krell and bryston would be considered warm. With the exception of Krell's older Class A amp's I don't think anybody would consider Krell warm. The torque vs horsepower is a decent analogy however.