Okay, ONKYO Electronics Owners...Sign in and Show Us Your Gear!

[Mike LoManaco]

Those of you "true blue" Onkyo enthusiasts proud of your setup, let us know what you're runnin' and what it looks like in your racks!

My '605 has been runnin' strong since day one with no HDMI handshake hiccups at all, and although I am not bitstreaming TrueHD or Master Audio yet to it, the multichannel PCM passthrough seems to be working fine. :D

[concealer404]

My Oinker M-5150, and my old TX-SR503 that has since left us.

The M5150 is being put through the ringer by Nik right now, attempting to drive some bigass SDAs. :) Seems to be doing decently. I need to research if it's bridgeable. We both decided it was a pretty good sounding amp yesterday.


http://www.feoa.net/modules/Coppermine/albums/userpics/23944/bracing%20003.jpg

[Serendipity]

Here ya go:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34294&d=1216047272
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34315&d=1216053960
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34313&d=1216053938

[millerman 3732]

I would by no means consider my self a ''true blue Onkyo enthusiast'' but I've been running my 805 as a preamp about a year and a half with no problems so far.

here's and older photo, I've added a few things since it was taken.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z179/millerman3732/IMG_0987.jpg

[Gadabout]

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/565_4_big.jpg?rand=564153044

There is a 705 in the left center slot of the rack acting as a pre /pro. I have an older pre amp too, but I'm refinishing the Ez-as-Pi speakers. That pre is going in the guest room with those speakers. So, no pictures of the Pre amp yet.

[Mike LoManaco]

My Oinker M-5150, and my old TX-SR503 that has since left us.

The M5150 is being put through the ringer by Nik right now, attempting to drive some bigass SDAs. :) Seems to be doing decently. I need to research if it's bridgeable. We both decided it was a pretty good sounding amp yesterday.


http://www.feoa.net/modules/Coppermine/albums/userpics/23944/bracing%20003.jpg

Nice, Concealer! Thanks for the pics!

I loved Onk's two channel amps...

[Mike LoManaco]

Here ya go:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34294&d=1216047272
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34315&d=1216053960
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34313&d=1216053938

Thanks, Appadv!

You gots an Onk DVD changer too, eh? Nice...

I'm also running an APC power protector...

Your next upgrade HAS to be the display!!!

[Mike LoManaco]

I would by no means consider my self a ''true blue Onkyo enthusiast'' but I've been running my 805 as a preamp about a year and a half with no problems so far.

here's and older photo, I've added a few things since it was taken.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z179/millerman3732/IMG_0987.jpg

Nice! Thanks Miller!

Did you find your 805 to not have enough power that you needed to add the Outlaw? I would think that unit would ROCK...

[Mike LoManaco]

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/565_4_big.jpg?rand=564153044

There is a 705 in the left center slot of the rack acting as a pre /pro. I have an older pre amp too, but I'm refinishing the Ez-as-Pi speakers. That pre is going in the guest room with those speakers. So, no pictures of the Pre amp yet.

Thanks, 'Gad!

Nice setup...seems a good deal of you are running your Onks as pre pros...wish I could do that with my '605 but it doesn't have preouts...the 90 watts per channel seems to be okay for now.

[Serendipity]

Thanks, Appadv!

You gots an Onk DVD changer too, eh? Nice...

I'm also running an APC power protector...

Your next upgrade HAS to be the display!!!

Display? I already have an Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080UB projector with a 100" screen.

[kuntasensei]

I'd take a pic of my setup, but I'm about to move my Onkyo 705 to its new home in an equipment stand... and I'm still pondering an amp purchase to give my RTi70/CSi40 front soundstage a little more oomph.

[Mike LoManaco]

:confused:
Display? I already have an Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080UB projector with a 100" screen.

Oh...I was looking at the screen in your pic...did I not see that right? Is that a Sony? I didn't see a screen and projector in your setup...

[Mike LoManaco]

What do you guys use to clean your gear? I'm always doing a full cleaning of our place on a weekly basis, almost, and when it comes to getting at the equipment in the rack, I just brush the 605 and my other gear over with a paper towel that has a bit of Endust on it, giving the aluminum faceplate(s) a bit of a shine -- how do you guys clean your gear?

And do any of you Onkyo receiver owners use the "IntelliVolume" feature for any input source? I am running both my "CD" and "DVD" inputs on "+10dB" which gives the amp more of a push at lower volume readouts -- much like a power amp's sensitivity control...

[Paden501]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3745283661_5520278264_b.jpg

Here's my setup.
I use my Onkyo TX-DS777 as a pre/pro and also to power the center and surrounds right now (I'm 1 amp short of a picnic right now).
The Pioneer SA-7700 powers my Monitor 5s as the L/R channel.

I also have the Onkyo DX-C340 disc changer on the first rack. The only thing not pictured here is my pioneer PL 516 turntable.

[Serendipity]

:confused:

Oh...I was looking at the screen in your pic...did I not see that right? Is that a Sony? I didn't see a screen and projector in your setup...

HT System:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34292&d=1216046367

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34290&d=1216046367

[Serendipity]

Bottom pic is of the projector setup:


5.1 System:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34313&d=1216053938

2 Channel:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34570&d=1217294941

[Serendipity]

Two Onkyo pieces from the surround setup:


Onkyo TX-SR500 and DV-CP500

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34289&d=1216046367

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34290&d=1216046367

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34291&d=1216046367

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34292&d=1216046367

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34293&d=1216046367

[Serendipity]

The following is of the Onkyo 2ch setup with the TX-SR702...


2ch system in bookcase:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34298&d=1216047272

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34297&d=1216047272

[Serendipity]

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34288&d=1216044857

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34287&d=1216044857

[kuntasensei]

You're using a 4x3 screen for that Epson?

[Serendipity]

You're using a 4x3 screen for that Epson?

Yes, I know it's a waste but I rarely ever watch 16x9 content on the Epson. The PJ is in the 2ch rig which is exclusively used for CD's/music videos/Concert DVD's.

So essentially the Epson is projecting black bars off the left and right edges of the screen, haha :)

If (in the current configuration) I were to watch something in 16x9, part of the pic would be on the wall! :eek: Of course there's lens shift and zoom which I've used before - roll up the screen 25%, lens shift up and zoom out so that it fills the screen. But again it's rarely used in 16x9.

[MLZ]

I'll take pics when I get my camera returned

I think Onkyo and Polk play very nicely together :cool:

For HT and background music in my family room:

ONKYO TX-SR603X
Roku SoundBridge M1001 (Networked to my Compaq PC to access WMA Lossless Music Library)
Panasonic DVD-F86K DVD / CD
Polk RM6800 5.1 speaker set
Panasonic TC-26LX70

For 2-channel in my den:

ONKYO A-9555
SONY CDP-XE400 CD Player
Compaq Windows XP PC feeding WMA Lossless rips via foobar2000 / ASIO4ALL
SilverStone EB01 USB DAC
Canare Star Quad 4s11 Speaker Cable - Biwired
Polk RTi8 speakers

[greymatter]

http://www.photosnag.com/img/4210/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gifhttp://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/565_4_big.jpg?rand=564153044


what a monster! nice thread// getting motivated to go shopping:)

[dorourke07]

Just getting into the game after many years. I'm starting off with the Onkyo TX-SR706 powering a pair of LSi9's. I love laid back sound for music and ithe setup has done well with HT. Stands are on the way for the LSi9's and I need to figure out my next move. So far I'm veryy happy I went Onkyo and Polk. FYI - The Bose center channel is not hooked up, the wife thought it looked strange without it since it had been there so many years. Wasted time on junk.

[cnh]

Welcome to Club Polk Dorourke..!

Eventually, you might want to consider adding a 2 channel power amp (with the Onkyo as a Pre/pro) for those Lsi9s because the Onkyo does not have quite enough power reserves to really make those 4 ohm speakers 'sing'.

cnh

[dorourke07]

That's what I am learning in this forum, can't believe that amount of knowledge that is available here. I was thinking a sub or center next but now I am drifting towards an amp.

[Mike LoManaco]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3745283661_5520278264_b.jpg

Here's my setup.
I use my Onkyo TX-DS777 as a pre/pro and also to power the center and surrounds right now (I'm 1 amp short of a picnic right now).
The Pioneer SA-7700 powers my Monitor 5s as the L/R channel.

I also have the Onkyo DX-C340 disc changer on the first rack. The only thing not pictured here is my pioneer PL 516 turntable.

Nice, Paden...thanks for sharin' the pics.

I, too, have an "open rack" system like most of you guys, in which my gear sits in a Bell'O "audio tower" with glass shelving and I have the pieces of gear double stacked to each shelf -- the cable management has ALWAYS been a bitch on this stand/rack. To manage it, I had to cable tie bundles of them together as they go into the wire holes on the side of the unit, but even this is a bit unsightly. I HATE open racks...

Do you guys that have many of your wires and cables showing plan on hiding them better, or does this not bother you in your systems?

[Mike LoManaco]

Bottom pic is of the projector setup:

I didn't see the projector pic in your first post -- you say the first pic is of your HT, but isn't that a smaller Sony display? Do you use both these screens in your HT?

[Mike LoManaco]

I'll take pics when I get my camera returned

I think Onkyo and Polk play very nicely together :cool:

Agreed, MLZ! I've been using this combo for many years now, with different models of Onk and Polk, and the only complaint is really that the Polks could play a bit louder/have a better sensitivity rating...


For HT and background music in my family room:

ONKYO TX-SR603X
Roku SoundBridge M1001 (Networked to my Compaq PC to access WMA Lossless Music Library)
Panasonic DVD-F86K DVD / CD
Polk RM6800 5.1 speaker set
Panasonic TC-26LX70

For 2-channel in my den:

ONKYO A-9555
SONY CDP-XE400 CD Player
Compaq Windows XP PC feeding WMA Lossless rips via foobar2000 / ASIO4ALL
SilverStone EB01 USB DAC
Canare Star Quad 4s11 Speaker Cable - Biwired
Polk RTi8 speakers


Nice! ;)

[Mike LoManaco]

what a monster! nice thread// getting motivated to go shopping:)

Didn't mean to start a thread that would cost you money...:(:(

That's all part of this hobby -- UPGRADEITIS affects us all...:mad:

But thanks for mentioning it was a nice thread; glad to see all the proud Onk/Polk owners struttin' their stuff! :D

[Mike LoManaco]

Just getting into the game after many years. I'm starting off with the Onkyo TX-SR706 powering a pair of LSi9's. I love laid back sound for music and ithe setup has done well with HT. Stands are on the way for the LSi9's and I need to figure out my next move. So far I'm veryy happy I went Onkyo and Polk. FYI - The Bose center channel is not hooked up, the wife thought it looked strange without it since it had been there so many years. Wasted time on junk.


First, Dor, let me also say welcome to the forum, and thank you for your pics!
That's one clean setup you have there with the 705 lookin' sleek in the middle...

The LSi9s are the bookshelves you have in the cabinet, left and right, yes? I see that you are waiting on stands for them...my R20s and R15 surrounds are on Sanus System stands, but my next upgrade will be to floor standing towers -- I had a pair of JBL towers before these Polks, and I'm never fighting with putting together speaker stands again!! :mad::mad:

I too can appreciate the "laid back" sound of music my 605 and Polks create; I really don't have a problem with my receiver being used in two channel stereo for CD playback.

[Mike LoManaco]

Welcome to Club Polk Dorourke..!

Eventually, you might want to consider adding a 2 channel power amp (with the Onkyo as a Pre/pro) for those Lsi9s because the Onkyo does not have quite enough power reserves to really make those 4 ohm speakers 'sing'.

cnh

I think the '705 will power those LSis just fine; don't forget Onkyo's WRAT technology algorithm built into these things! ;)

[cnh]

I think the '705 will power those LSis just fine; don't forget Onkyo's WRAT technology algorithm built into these things! ;)

Mike the thread is great but even my Onkyo 805 which towers over the 705 in weight and power...can't power LSIs they way they WANT to be powered....lots of threads/posts on that--at CPolk. 4 ohm speaker...too much for Onkyos in general.

cnh

[dorourke07]

I'm not really sure what kind of power they are getting. I am using the bi-amp feature and the 4ohm setting, but you never see the "bottom end" woofers move. However, I am switching to stands because the cabinets rattle on deep bass, especially in HT mode.

The Lsi9's are on thier sides with tweeters up in the cabintes. I guess I could have just got 2 Lsic's but I plan on building a system and long run these will become surrounds and towers will be in the front. No hurry though, great sound from onkyo and polk.

[Mike LoManaco]

I'm not really sure what kind of power they are getting. I am using the bi-amp feature and the 4ohm setting, but you never see the "bottom end" woofers move. However, I am switching to stands because the cabinets rattle on deep bass, especially in HT mode.

The Lsi9's are on thier sides with tweeters up in the cabintes. I guess I could have just got 2 Lsic's but I plan on building a system and long run these will become surrounds and towers will be in the front. No hurry though, great sound from onkyo and polk.

Funny; my R20 and R15s sound fine (8 ohm ratings) powered by my 'SR605; do you have your Onkyo "set" to power 4 ohm loads?

[dorourke07]

The system sounds great(my opinion). I don't think I am missing anything. When I first set up the 706 and walked through each menu, one of the requirements of bi-amping was to use the 4ohm selection. This was one of the spec's I wanted when I got the avr, since I knew I wanted the 4ohm speakers. I was never a big fan of Denon and my knowledge doesn't run deeper than the mass market brands so that's about all I looked at. The speakers create a seemless wall of sound at the front of the room. Dave Mathews never sounded so good. I'm getting the audio bug and need to buy something else. This could impact the marriage......

[kuntasensei]

Funny; my R20 and R15s sound fine (8 ohm ratings) powered by my 'SR605; do you have your Onkyo "set" to power 4 ohm loads?

You don't really "set" your Onkyo to power 4 ohm loads. When you set it to 4 ohms, you're engaging a current limiter so that it doesn't overheat the amp section from driving 4 ohm speakers. Why? Because it's not designed to properly power 4 ohm speakers.

Receivers in general really shouldn't be used to push 4 ohm speakers, and you'll get FAR better sound with external amplification.

Also, bi-amping essentially gains you nothing with the Onkyo, since each amp channel is drawing from a common store of power.

[kuntasensei]

I'm not really sure what kind of power they are getting. I am using the bi-amp feature and the 4ohm setting, but you never see the "bottom end" woofers move. However, I am switching to stands because the cabinets rattle on deep bass, especially in HT mode.

The Lsi9's are on thier sides with tweeters up in the cabintes. I guess I could have just got 2 Lsic's but I plan on building a system and long run these will become surrounds and towers will be in the front. No hurry though, great sound from onkyo and polk.

So you know, you'll get WAY better sound from those LSis once you get them out of those cabinets and onto stands. Putting speakers in cabinets usually plays hell with the midrange. SET THEM FREE! Nice setup you have there though.

[wutadumsn23]

You don't really "set" your Onkyo to power 4 ohm loads. When you set it to 4 ohms, you're engaging a current limiter so that it doesn't overheat the amp section from driving 4 ohm speakers. Why? Because it's not designed to properly power 4 ohm speakers.

Receivers in general really shouldn't be used to push 4 ohm speakers, and you'll get FAR better sound with external amplification.

Also, bi-amping essentially gains you nothing with the Onkyo, since each amp channel is drawing from a common store of power.

Agreed Curt. While I love Onkyo's (my 806 is the pride of my system) it would not be able to power the LSi series to their "potential" If you think they sound good now, send them a few hundred watts from an external amp and see what they are really capable of. Nice setup btw and I will be adding my system to this thread soon.

-Jeff

[Serendipity]

I didn't see the projector pic in your first post -- you say the first pic is of your HT, but isn't that a smaller Sony display? Do you use both these screens in your HT?

The projector is NOT in the HT system.

It's in the 2ch with the Definitives.

[comfortablycurt]

Agreed Curt. While I love Onkyo's (my 806 is the pride of my system) it would not be able to power the LSi series to their "potential" If you think they sound good now, send them a few hundred watts from an external amp and see what they are really capable of. Nice setup btw and I will be adding my system to this thread soon.

-Jeff

You might want to double check who made that post...lol;)

[comfortablycurt]

Funny; my R20 and R15s sound fine (8 ohm ratings) powered by my 'SR605; do you have your Onkyo "set" to power 4 ohm loads?


That's a whole different beast. The R20's and R15's are both 8 ohm loads...the 605 should be able to driver those without even batting it's eyes.

The LSi9's are a 4 ohm load....and from time to time dip below 2 ohms. That's a MUCH harder load to drive. Most AVR's aren't really going to be to power them efficiently.

[Serendipity]

I didn't see the projector pic in your first post -- you say the first pic is of your HT, but isn't that a smaller Sony display? Do you use both these screens in your HT?

Yes, the first pic (labeled 5.1 System) is of the HT, which uses an Onkyo TX-SR500 receiver and a Sony XBR as the display.

The second pic, labeled 2 Channel, uses an Onkyo TX-SR702, Definitive speakers, and Epson 1080UB as the display.

[goingganzo]

i run 2 items a older onkyo 787 and a newer 705

[wutadumsn23]

You might want to double check who made that post...lol;)

Oops, lol. My bad, props to kuntasensei instead. Thanks Curt *mumbles* jackass, lol.

[kuntasensei]

Yes, the first pic (labeled 5.1 System) is of the HT, which uses an Onkyo TX-SR500 receiver and a Sony XBR as the display.

The second pic, labeled 2 Channel, uses an Onkyo TX-SR702, Definitive speakers, and Epson 1080UB as the display.

No matter how many times I read that, it still seems so backwards! ;)

[Serendipity]

No matter how many times I read that, it still seems so backwards! ;)

Why? The 5.1 system (a.k.a. surround system) is the Home Theater; The stereo system has two speakers... 2 channel.

[concealer404]

Why? The 5.1 system (a.k.a. surround system) is the Home Theater; The stereo system has two speakers... 2 channel.

I think he's referring to the projector being on the stereo setup, rather than the home theater. ;)

[Serendipity]

Well, I could move the projector upstairs and use it in the 5.1 system, or set up a surround system to go along with the projector.

However, the 2 channel is used for mostly music listening, so I don't know what benefits I would get going 5.1 for music...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Gadabout]

what a monster! nice thread// getting motivated to go shopping:)

You can see the setup in the sytem showcase (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=85070), if your interested in more details.

Scott

[CaligulaPolk]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7114.jpg

will take pics more on my onkyo 805 with led lights later :D and I need to buy TV stand asap.

[Serendipity]

I think he's referring to the projector being on the stereo setup, rather than the home theater. ;)

BTW, who says projectors have to be used for Home Theater?

It's also a giant PC display for music on the HTPC to be played through the 2 channel.

[rayslifecycle]

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/481_44_big.jpg?rand=452426872

Anyone Ever Hear of the TX-SV545?
- I bought it used for 50 bucks from my landlord in 2002.

It does have stereo audio and video switching for several components.
It has Pro Logic processing.

It has analog 5.1 inputs, but no digital processor for 5.1 sound and the remote has no button to switch to that input - you have to use the button on the face plate. As a result I bought my DVD player which did the decoding allowing me to watch DVDs in 5.1 - but all other inputs were stereo preocessed into Dolby ProLogic.

It has been a great Receiver.

[ViperZ]

I am a happy owner of Onkyo TX-SR805 :) Will post pics when I'll get back home from Houston. (all my latest photos are of my 2-channel setup, not HT, hehe).

[kuntasensei]

I think he's referring to the projector being on the stereo setup, rather than the home theater. ;)

Not just that... I would swap the receivers too. :D

[Serendipity]

Not just that... I would swap the receivers too. :D

So you think the TX-SR702 should be in the 5.1 rig and the TX-SR500 for the 2 channel?

Not sure if the SR500 would power the DefTechs adequately??

[Serendipity]

Actually, I should swap players too.

The Toshiba HD-XA1 is currently in the 2ch rig for playing concert DVD's, it should be in the HT instead.

[kuntasensei]

So you think the TX-SR702 should be in the 5.1 rig and the TX-SR500 for the 2 channel?

Not sure if the SR500 would power the DefTechs adequately??

Dynamic power on the 500 is 85w, which should still handle transients well enough compared to the 115w of the 702. If you're strictly running 2-channel, I doubt you'd notice a difference between the two... whereas I think you'd definitely notice the difference of having more power to spread between your 5 channels in the 5.1 rig. My only concern with swapping them would be the difference in the DACs.

[Serendipity]

Yes I am strictly running 2-channel.

Was concerned because the 4 ohm DefTechs are already hard to drive, plus the DACs in the 702 are better.

Since I have a dedicated CDP, tape deck, and DVDP for the 2 channel system, I could hook up everything with analog and eliminate the receiver's DACs, but the amplifier section of the 702 is better IMO.

[kuntasensei]

I'm sans digital camera at the moment, so here are some crappy cell phone pics of my living room.
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1562/ht3b.jpg
Onkyo 705 to the left there, CSi40 center in the middle on a StudioTech HF3 stand that's resting on carpet spikes, Samson 1000 rackmount amp and ART-351 EQ on second level left, Comcast HD-DVR and Panasonic DVD-S97 on second level right. I'm going to move the 705 down to the bottom level left of that stand, with an Emotiva XPA-3 planned to go next to it. You can see the bottom of my 100" Elite screen.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8079/ht1s.jpg
Sorry for the poor quality. The black tube to the left is my SVS 20-39CS+ (dB12.3 driver, 500w from the Samson 1000) standing next to my left RTi70 main. To the right of the center stand is my Xbox 360 and SF4 fightstick.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7087/ht2f.jpg
View of the back wall. RTi28s for rear surrounds, carefully angled and mounted tweeter-down to get the best imaging at the couch (which is only about 14" from the back wall, but I still get great rear imaging). On the side walls (not visible in this pic) I have another pair of RTi28s. White box on the shelf there is my Sanyo PLV-Z2000, which I've calibrated to D65 from 10-90 IRE using an EyeOne Display LT and HCFR (red blows out above 90 IRE, but skin tones are spot on so it's cool). If you look along the edge of that window under the projector, you can see the ghetto-ass wire going to the Buttkicker under the couch (500w from the second channel of the Samson 1000). Couldn't run a wall plate that low because of the way that wall is constructed, so I had to improvise and use a white wire channel to hide it, with a wall plate mounted under the projector shelf. :)

So there you go. It isn't pretty, but it sounds freakin' AMAZING. :D

[Serendipity]

Nice pics you got there! How is the SVS sub?

Seeing how everyone is using a 705/805/806, I might just go with an Onkyo 806 for the 2 channel rig and put the 702 upstairs.

[kuntasensei]

Man, the SVS was one of the best purchases I've made. I used to run those RTi28s as mains before I snagged the RTi70s here at the forum, and the SVS really filled out the sound. I got the 20-39CS+ back when they first came out, so I still had the original TC Sounds driver in mine. Upgraded to the dB12.3 recently and couldn't be happier. I haven't been tempted to replace the SVS in 4+ years and I don't see me feeling upgradeitis any time soon. At least for the sub. ;)

As for your 2-channel rig... if you're happy with the 702, it has pre-outs. I think you'd be happiest getting a 2-channel amp that can handle 4 ohm loads and bring those Deftechs to life. Even something low cost like an Emotiva UPA-2 would be a vast improvement. If you poke around the used market, you'll probably find something even better.

[Serendipity]

As for your 2-channel rig... if you're happy with the 702, it has pre-outs. I think you'd be happiest getting a 2-channel amp that can handle 4 ohm loads and bring those Deftechs to life. Even something low cost like an Emotiva UPA-2 would be a vast improvement. If you poke around the used market, you'll probably find something even better.

I tried an amp with the 702 and it sounded WORSE than with the Onkyo powering the Deftechs.

Which leads me to believe I need a pre, the Onkyo doesn't sound too good as a pre.

[smglbrth]

Many, many Onkyo components over the years. In fact, I can't remember them all. I still use a DV-SP545 DVD player (which I thought was going out but now it's working again) and a TX-DS787 for HT. No pics as my camera is on the fritz.

One thing I will say about Onkyo is that I've never had a bad one or had one go bad in all this time. I always had to get something else so sold most of it.

Oh ya, I do have an ES-600Pro in the closet. Anyone remember those? That was for all of us "suckers" who wouldn't give up our good 2 channel rigs for the "whimpy" HT receivers at the time. I always thought it was a cool piece of gear though.

[kuntasensei]

I tried an amp with the 702 and it sounded WORSE than with the Onkyo powering the Deftechs.

Which leads me to believe I need a pre, the Onkyo doesn't sound too good as a pre.

Out of curiosity, what amp did you pair it with? I've heard nothing but good things about using Onkyos with external amplification. You might have just gotten an amp that you didn't like the sound of.

[kuntasensei]

One thing I will say about Onkyo is that I've never had a bad one or had one go bad in all this time. I always had to get something else so sold most of it.

I had the amp section in a 601 die on me, but that was after like 3 years of hard use. Replaced it with a 603, then sold that to a friend and got the 705. Both the 603 and 705 are still going strong.

[emoxley]

http://thumb14.webshots.net/t/62/662/8/88/13/2617888130049420614MrhxNj_th.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2617888130049420614MrhxNj)

and an overall image:

http://thumb14.webshots.net/t/74/74/5/36/23/2986536230049420614wRJciO_th.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2986536230049420614wRJciO)

[Mike LoManaco]

The system sounds great(my opinion). I don't think I am missing anything. When I first set up the 706 and walked through each menu, one of the requirements of bi-amping was to use the 4ohm selection. This was one of the spec's I wanted when I got the avr, since I knew I wanted the 4ohm speakers. I was never a big fan of Denon and my knowledge doesn't run deeper than the mass market brands so that's about all I looked at. The speakers create a seemless wall of sound at the front of the room. Dave Mathews never sounded so good. I'm getting the audio bug and need to buy something else. This could impact the marriage......

LOL -- I JUST got married this weekend, so I know what you mean about "impacting" it as she has been putting up with the HT obssession the entire time she dated me!

As far as I can tell, my '605 doesn't have a "ohm" selection as I stand corrected about "setting" the receiver to a certain "mode;" but I do have the "Speakers Type" option in the setup menu which can set for Normal (my selection) or Bi Amping.

[Mike LoManaco]

You don't really "set" your Onkyo to power 4 ohm loads. When you set it to 4 ohms, you're engaging a current limiter so that it doesn't overheat the amp section from driving 4 ohm speakers. Why? Because it's not designed to properly power 4 ohm speakers.

Receivers in general really shouldn't be used to push 4 ohm speakers, and you'll get FAR better sound with external amplification.

Also, bi-amping essentially gains you nothing with the Onkyo, since each amp channel is drawing from a common store of power.

You said "set" it to 4 ohms; as far as I can tell, there is no such option on the '605 unless you simply connect 4 ohm speakers TO it.

The bi amping deal "claims" that you can take the extra back channels not being used and "apply" the amp power to the two front mains when they have dual binding posts -- since I never really used speakers with this type of connection, I don't have a great deal of experience with bi amping. My speakers are currently set to "Normal" in my 605's setup menu...

[Mike LoManaco]

So you know, you'll get WAY better sound from those LSis once you get them out of those cabinets and onto stands. Putting speakers in cabinets usually plays hell with the midrange. SET THEM FREE! Nice setup you have there though.

Yes, it's often misperception that "bookshelf" or "monitor" type speakers should actually be placed in a bookshelf or cabinet -- this does play havoc with all kinds of frequency issues as there's a resonance factor that's introduced from placing the speaker inside another "enclosure" of sorts. Bookshelves and monitors should be placed on stands. Unfortunately, the Sanus Systems stands that house my R20s and R15s simply suck, and I've gone through a few pairs of them already. My next purchase will be floor standing towers. :D

[Mike LoManaco]

While I love Onkyo's (my 806 is the pride of my system)

Agreed Jeff -- I too love the brand and their gear; hence, the reason for starting the thread! Although not "high end" in any way (but a really nice receiver for the money considering it was one of the first on the market to decode the new formats) I too find the 605 the pride of my system and I love using it every day. Even at lower price points, the company builds solid stuff.

[Mike LoManaco]

That's a whole different beast. The R20's and R15's are both 8 ohm loads...the 605 should be able to driver those without even batting it's eyes.

Yes, I understand this -- I was trying to make a different point about the reply; it's lost on me now though!


The LSi9's are a 4 ohm load....and from time to time dip below 2 ohms. That's a MUCH harder load to drive. Most AVR's aren't really going to be to power them efficiently.

Understood.

[Mike LoManaco]

i run 2 items a older onkyo 787 and a newer 705

Nice! Thanks for adding your thoughts and description of what you're runnin', Ganzo!

[Mike LoManaco]

No matter how many times I read that, it still seems so backwards! ;)

I'm lost on what powers what and goes with what from his pics and descriptions, too...:confused::eek:

[Mike LoManaco]

You can see the setup in the sytem showcase (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=85070), if your interested in more details.

Scott

Nice, nice stuff in that setup -- I see you have some Bell'O racks? My gear sits in an open Bell'O "audio tower" rack as well, and my TV is on a matching Bell'O stand...

How do you like their stuff?

[Mike LoManaco]

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7114.jpg

will take pics more on my onkyo 805 with led lights later :D and I need to buy TV stand asap.

Thanks for the pics, Calig!

Nice setup -- why do you feel you need a new stand? Is it just the style, or something else?

[Mike LoManaco]

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/481_44_big.jpg?rand=452426872

Anyone Ever Hear of the TX-SV545?
- I bought it used for 50 bucks from my landlord in 2002.

It does have stereo audio and video switching for several components.
It has Pro Logic processing.

It has analog 5.1 inputs, but no digital processor for 5.1 sound and the remote has no button to switch to that input - you have to use the button on the face plate. As a result I bought my DVD player which did the decoding allowing me to watch DVDs in 5.1 - but all other inputs were stereo preocessed into Dolby ProLogic.

It has been a great Receiver.

Nice and thanks for joining the thread to share!

...you HAVE to do something about shelving that gear though...:eek::eek:;)

[Mike LoManaco]

I am a happy owner of Onkyo TX-SR805 :) Will post pics when I'll get back home from Houston. (all my latest photos are of my 2-channel setup, not HT, hehe).

Thanks Viper! And thanks for sharing your gear with the thread!

Indeed, I would love to see your pics when you get back -- I am going on my honeymoon so I'll be away too, but I, too, will try and post pics of the system I use to do my reviews.

[kuntasensei]

You said "set" it to 4 ohms; as far as I can tell, there is no such option on the '605 unless you simply connect 4 ohm speakers TO it.
The 60x line is not 4 ohm certified, and there's no option because you shouldn't ever try to run 4 ohm speakers on them. 70x and up are 4 ohm certified, but use current limiters to prevent the amp section from burning up. They are no substitute for full-on amplification with enough cooling and power to handle 4 ohm speakers.


The bi amping deal "claims" that you can take the extra back channels not being used and "apply" the amp power to the two front mains when they have dual binding posts -- since I never really used speakers with this type of connection, I don't have a great deal of experience with bi amping. My speakers are currently set to "Normal" in my 605's setup menu...
Here's the thing... Bi-amping with two separately powered amp channels makes sense. On the Onkyo, however, all channels derive their power from a common pool (which is why the rated power with only 2 channels driven is so much higher than with all channels driven). It's not like bi-amping using two of the channels on the receiver will give you any more potential power output in real-world usage... because it's the entire power system on a global level that's running out of juice. The system will still hit audible distortion at the same level of power regardless, which is why there's really no reason to bother.

[Mike LoManaco]

The 60x line is not 4 ohm certified, and there's no option because you shouldn't ever try to run 4 ohm speakers on them.

I have to double check, but I don't think my manual agrees with this...I'll check though.


Here's the thing... Bi-amping with two separately powered amp channels makes sense. On the Onkyo, however, all channels derive their power from a common pool (which is why the rated power with only 2 channels driven is so much higher than with all channels driven). It's not like bi-amping using two of the channels on the receiver will give you any more potential power output in real-world usage... because it's the entire power system on a global level that's running out of juice. The system will still hit audible distortion at the same level of power regardless, which is why there's really no reason to bother.

Yes, I understand the power is being "pooled" from the overall current available from the unit, but since I don't have those types of speakers, I don't even bother anyway; the setup menu is set for "Normal" speaker operation, meaning I "should" be getting those "rated" 90 watts per channel in 2 channel or stereo mode (or whatever those real ratings come to). At any rate, music in two channel stereo seems loud enough, and so do film soundtracks through the mains.

[kuntasensei]

Mike, if you check Onkyo's specifications page for each receiver, there's a check mark next to "4 Ohm Certified" that indicates which receivers handle 4 ohm speakers. The 60x series pretty much never has been 4 ohm certified by Onkyo.

Not saying you couldn't connect 4 ohm speakers to it... but you'd be doing so at risk of burning up the amp section. Lower ohm speakers = higher wattage = more heat generated, which is why the 70x series and above implement current limiters for 4 ohm speaker use. That's also probably why my 705 came with dual temperature-activated fans under the amp section's heatsinks. :P

[Serendipity]

I'm lost on what powers what and goes with what from his pics and descriptions, too...:confused::eek:

What is so difficult about this? It's not rocket science!!

The HT system has an Onkyo TX-SR500, Sony XBR TV, and 5.1 speakers. Hence, 5.1 surround sound.

The 2 channel system has an Onkyo TX-SR702, Definitive Technology speakers, and Epson 1080UB projector with 100" screen.

Is that so hard to understand?

[CaligulaPolk]

Thanks for the pics, Calig!

Nice setup -- why do you feel you need a new stand? Is it just the style, or something else?

I just moved into new house and new state. I sold almost everything in PA (wife and i want new stuff)

Im gonna buy contemporary tv stand and rt a line for the HT :D

the table i use is temporary. It doesnt look right in my new house. You gotta to see other neighborhood furnitures.. WOW... i feel poor not having stuff we used to have. Just wanted new furniture:D

[dorourke07]

Congrats on tying the knot. Since she knew about the habit ahead of time, she should have nothing to complain about now........I am coming up on ten years, so the this might be a tougher sell.

[Mike LoManaco]

I just moved into new house and new state. I sold almost everything in PA (wife and i want new stuff)

Gotcha. I too moved from the East Coast; did you move far?


Im gonna buy contemporary tv stand and rt a line for the HT :D

the table i use is temporary. It doesnt look right in my new house. You gotta to see other neighborhood furnitures.. WOW... i feel poor not having stuff we used to have. Just wanted new furniture:D

But isn't the stuff you have in the pic on a stand, not a table?

[Mike LoManaco]

Congrats on tying the knot. Since she knew about the habit ahead of time, she should have nothing to complain about now........I am coming up on ten years, so the this might be a tougher sell.

Thank you!!

10 years, huh? Jesus...I wonder what I'm gonna be like after that time...:(:o

[dorourke07]

Its that time in life were you find yourself thinking if you can get to Home Depot while the kids are at soccer practice and still have time to cut the grass after dinner, its been a good day. Not pretty!

[Mike LoManaco]

Its that time in life were you find yourself thinking if you can get to Home Depot while the kids are at soccer practice and still have time to cut the grass after dinner, its been a good day. Not pretty!

I don't plan on having young Jedi for awhile...if ever...:o

[rayslifecycle]

Nice and thanks for joining the thread to share!

...you HAVE to do something about shelving that gear though...:eek::eek:;)

http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/481_42_big.jpg?rand=180265639

I know it looks a little shakey - but it is the remnants of a very fun shelf I built in Arch school - and it is very stable. Originally it had a cacophony of cables strung through as well - but after moving for the past 15 years - it is in a bare bones state - fairly soon - It will be getting a re-vamp.

The Verticle supports are 2: 6" Steel Tubes Welded to an 18" Tractor Flywheel.
The poplar arms are Bolted on using 5/16-18 threaded Rod and can be leveled using the turnbuckles.
All the Pivots have neoprene bushings in them.
All the shelves are made of 1/2"tk Slate.


Very Heavy and Very Stable

more pics of this room here

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=88673

[slowpolky]

Here's my 607 with the llz height speakers are placed above the screen

[dkmuch]

The poplar arms are Bolted on using 5/16-18 threaded Rod and can be leveled using the Imperial Star Destroyer's tractor beam

There, I fixed it for you.

[Mike LoManaco]

Thanks, everyone, for continuing to show your Onkyo gear!

What happened to Polky? :(

[rayslifecycle]

There, I fixed it for you.

Thanks - I didn't think anyone would believe me if I said it myself........

[Mike LoManaco]

What are you guys talking about?

[kuntasensei]

So, Mike... you started the thread. We ever gonna see pics of your setup? I'm sure readers of your reviews would be especially interested to see your rig.

[Mike LoManaco]

Back off already, 'Kunt...I know exactly what you are trying to do with the baiting already. Find someone else to jump on every time they lay a comment or thread down, alright? :rolleyes:

[kuntasensei]

I was serious, Mike. You started the thread. Just figured you'd eventually join in the picture posting.

[Mike LoManaco]

I was serious, Mike.

No, you weren't. Why would you possibly want to see a picture of my "measley, cheap and ineffective-for-professional-reviews" 605 in my rack? It doesn't make sense. :rolleyes:

[kuntasensei]

Actually, I want to see your setup for the exact reason I stated in the F&F thread: To see if I can assist you with your low dialogue issues. Perhaps seeing your setup would help the members here advise you on potential issues that could be causing the problems you report in your reviews.

Regardless, you started this thread and other members including myself have shown their Onkyo setups. Just figured you wouldn't have a problem showing your own.

[McLoki]

I have an Onkyo 777 that is now powering some RTI6's in my bedroom. (used to be the power in my main system, then a pre-pro when I added my amp - replaced with an NAD T163)

I always had issues with the DTS decoding in the Onkyo and never really thought DTS sounded better than DD while it was running. (the NAD cured that problem and brought others of its own... :p)

Anyway - not sure if the issue was my unit or the decoder built into that vintage....

Michael

[Ricardo]

I find it very strange that having started this thread asking other members to post pictures, there are no pictures of LoMANACO's Onkyo. Maybe he doesn't have any.

[Mike LoManaco]

Yes, Indeed...

Ricardo has chimed in YET AGAIN to antagonize and keep a bad vibe going in a thread -- this is getting predictable and pathetic. The pattern: Sees a response by 'Kunt, trying to pick yet another kind of fight because I do Blu-ray and DVD reviews on the site...IMMEDIATELY joins in with a reply attempting to feed the flame.

I'll focus my reply efforts on the member who responded regarding his Onkyo gear and say this in reply to the flame mongers: There's nothing in my setup that would cause the dialogue intelligibility issues (in terms of something blocking the center channel in its positioning, or in its positioning from the display; it's on a shelf on the stand a couple of inches below the display on a Bell'O glass and powder-coated aluminum stand blocked by nothing) and for whatever reason Ricardo doesn't THINK I have Onkyo equipment (as if HIDING that or lying about such a brand would be beneficial in any way) I do have what's in my signature, piece for piece.

[Mike LoManaco]

I have an Onkyo 777 that is now powering some RTI6's in my bedroom. (used to be the power in my main system, then a pre-pro when I added my amp - replaced with an NAD T163)

I always had issues with the DTS decoding in the Onkyo and never really thought DTS sounded better than DD while it was running. (the NAD cured that problem and brought others of its own... :p)

Anyway - not sure if the issue was my unit or the decoder built into that vintage....

Michael

Hey, Loki:

Thanks for the comments! That's really odd about the DTS decoding in the Onk; I never had any issues with this is any receiver I ran of theirs -- it may have just been, as you suspect, an issue with the decoder in that vintage Onk. Indeed, I can tell which DTS tracks sound better than Dolby Digital on my system! ;)

[Ricardo]

Yes, Indeed...

Ricardo has chimed in YET AGAIN to antagonize and keep a bad vibe going in a thread -- this is getting predictable and pathetic. The pattern: Sees a response by 'Kunt, trying to pick yet another kind of fight because I do Blu-ray and DVD reviews on the site...IMMEDIATELY joins in with a reply attempting to feed the flame.



Mike, don't overestimate your importance; I am not following you nor anyone else here. Just find it curious that you haven't posted any pictures of your gear. That's all.

[kuntasensei]

I'll focus my reply efforts on the member who responded regarding his Onkyo gear and say this in reply to the flame mongers: There's nothing in my setup that would cause the dialogue intelligibility issues (in terms of something blocking the center channel in its positioning, or in its positioning from the display; it's on a shelf on the stand a couple of inches below the display on a Bell'O glass and powder-coated aluminum stand blocked by nothing) and for whatever reason Ricardo doesn't THINK I have Onkyo equipment (as if HIDING that or lying about such a brand would be beneficial in any way) I do have what's in my signature, piece for piece.

How low is it sitting on the stand? And how far back? Do you have it angled up toward ear level at your listening position? Do you have it pulled forward so the front of the speaker clears the edge of the shelf? Are you using any kind of isolation to prevent the speaker from resonating with the glass shelf? Sounds to me like there could be a lot there that could potentially cause dialogue intelligibility issues... which is why I wanted to see a pic of your setup. But if you don't want to show a pic of it, perhaps you could just answer the above questions and we could make suggestions. That's what the forum's here for.

[McLoki]

Hey, Loki:

Thanks for the comments! That's really odd about the DTS decoding in the Onk; I never had any issues with this is any receiver I ran of theirs -- it may have just been, as you suspect, an issue with the decoder in that vintage Onk. Indeed, I can tell which DTS tracks sound better than Dolby Digital on my system! ;)

I have never heard a DTS track that sounded as good as the DD track on the 777. I have heard other (newer) Onkyo AVR's that did not have a hint of this problem though - so the problem was clearly my unit or its vintage....

[Mike LoManaco]

Anyway,

Getting back to the thread topic and overall creative input from everyone -- and thank you all for that! -- I had a question for you Onk owners...

The company usually swatches all kinds of stickers on the front of their (mainly) receivers, announcing the wattage ratings, what HDMI version is onboard, etc. etc...my '605 didn't have ANY of Onkyo's infamous stickers on its aluminum front panel when I unpacked it -- and it was definitely new, wrapped in the original packaging. I thought I may have accidentally gotten a refurbished one, being that even my older '600 came with a sticker on the faceplate, but is it common for some of their stuff to now come without stickers? Do some of their receivers and amps ship without the stickers on the front panels? Have any of you unwrapped your Onkyos to find no stickers?

[Mike LoManaco]

I have never heard a DTS track that sounded as good as the DD track on the 777. I have heard other (newer) Onkyo AVR's that did not have a hint of this problem though - so the problem was clearly my unit or its vintage....

Strange. But interesting.

[cnh]

I believe Kunatsensei, Mike.

I've run my M-series with both an Onkyo 605 and an 805. With a CS2 center there have never been any problems with getting enough out of the center channel...in fact I have to tune down the CS2 to get a better balance with the M70 towers.

cnh

[SoundArtillery]

LoManaco is kinda like Obama not showing his birth certificate . . . why not just end the discussion?? If anything, it will increase your credibility. I enjoyed your reviews when I was previously just lurking, but now I am left wondering whether your setup may have issues. As a reader, I'd appreciate seeing your rig. Just my 2 cents.

[Mike LoManaco]

I believe Kunatsensei, Mike.

I've run my M-series with both an Onkyo 605 and an 805. With a CS2 center there have never been any problems with getting enough out of the center channel...in fact I have to tune down the CS2 to get a better balance with the M70 towers.

cnh

I don't know what this is in reference to, but I really don't believe my CSi center is to blame; it's not that it doesn't deliver blaring on-screen anchoring action when necessary, there are just some discs that are much, much quieter in dialogue output as compared to others -- JUST dialogue output, that is. Even with the center being 2dBs hotter than the other channels, some films' dialogue is difficult to make out DEPENDING ON THE SCENE. This is what I report on in my reviews.

[Mike LoManaco]

LoManaco is kinda like Obama not showing his birth certificate

That's a bit unfair and below the belt; my "not showing" my Onkyo receiver and other gear in pictures doesn't automatically make me out to be some kind of "dodger" who is claiming to have thousands upon thousands upon thousands of dollars of esoteric gear of which I cannot prove...did I say I was running six Conrad amps and Crestron control modules all over my house, but I wouldn't show pictures of all that? No. I said I am running an Onkyo 605 -- a receiver which has plenty of power for my immediate listening room needs and features onboard decoding of the new codecs via HDMI 1.3a, so it is doing what I need it to do right now. Nothing to hide here; it's an Onkyo receiver. :rolleyes: Between getting back from my honeymoon and settling back in with my freelance job assignments and my home based business, I haven't had a chance to get fresh pictures of the setup posted.


why not just end the discussion?? If anything, it will increase your credibility.

What? How so? What does the credibility have to really do with anything? The discussion was merely about people leaving pictures and comments about their Onkyo gear in their rigs -- how will telling people to stop posting pictures of their gear "increase my credibility"?


I enjoyed your reviews when I was previously just lurking, but now I am left wondering whether your setup may have issues. As a reader, I'd appreciate seeing your rig. Just my 2 cents.

I appreciate when you read my reviews. Thank you -- as for my setup, I can tell you that many of the films I have found to be horribly weak in dialogue has been agreed with by other reviewers and enthusiasts I know; one that stands out in my mind is "CONSTANTINE" on DVD. Warner's Dolby Digital track, when this came out and I did the review on it, exhibited a horrendously low center channel delivery -- and many people agreed with me, so I couldn't have been "dreaming" this or imagining it. To this day, I STILL think it has a poor dialogue delivery, bordering on whisper quiet in sequences with Keanu Reeves. This doesn't happen with EVERY title I play in my system -- so please don't think that the setup of my "measley" TX-SR605 or lack of its pictures is in some way interferring with what I am providing you here. Seeing my rig isn't suddenly going to make you go "wait...I believe now! His 605 is awesome! It rocks! It's what's needed for home theater software reviews! HE HAS PROVEN IT!" so please, come on and be sensible. It has been accepted by my freelance employers that my particular gear is "suitable enough" for analyzing the soundtracks on all media discs right now -- VIDEO discs, that is, whether it be DVD or Blu-ray, even though Master Audio is not available to me via my Panasonic BD player. For these titles, I indicate where I needed to run the core DTS track for analysis.

[dorourke07]

I don't understand the issues, post or don't post pictures; I learned a lot about Onkyo gear from people with similiar equipmetn and taste. Thanks for the thread.

[SoundArtillery]

Hey, thanks for the response. Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. I have just a humble system as well. I'm only 2.0, but I like putting money into 2 channel until I can afford to get the same quality from 5.1.

My concerns are not so much about your gear, just your general setup. I believe you are hearing what you write, I'm just wondering whether there are other reasons other than the engineering of the soundtrack itself.

[Mike LoManaco]

I don't understand the issues, post or don't post pictures; I learned a lot about Onkyo gear from people with similiar equipmetn and taste. Thanks for the thread.

Hey Dor,

I totally understand where you're comin' from here; like you, I just wanted to learn more about how folks have their Onkyo gear installed, situated, displayed, etc. just for fun and informative comparison. The pictures have indeed assisted with the main goal of the thread. Unfortunately, as usual, the topic has spiraled out of control because of personal vibes here -- but that's okay. As long as I continue to try and keep the topic on course, we're all good -- did your Onkyo come with the stickers on the front, as they usually do?

[Mike LoManaco]

Hey, thanks for the response. Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. I have just a humble system as well. I'm only 2.0, but I like putting money into 2 channel until I can afford to get the same quality from 5.1.

No problem, Art. ;) Just didn't think my situation was the same as Obama's. :rolleyes:


My concerns are not so much about your gear, just your general setup. I believe you are hearing what you write, I'm just wondering whether there are other reasons other than the engineering of the soundtrack itself.

Fair enough. Indeed, my center channel is positioned towards the sweet spot, on a shelf below my display (a Bell'O stand with glass shelves) with nothing blocking it or in the way of its radiation (sound waves) -- exactly where most people rest their center channels with stands such as this. And as I said, it does NOT happen on EVERY single title; just a handful I demo which seem to exhibit quiet dialogue output in spoken sequences.

[CaligulaPolk]

Mike, i am wondering why dont you show your onkyo picture? do you own a camera or onkyo at all? am not calling you a liar or whatever. I am very curious with your setup as I have showed you mine. I find this lil weird for OP to request forum members to show their onkyo and doesnt show his when he says he has one. What is the issue that your not showing here?

Am not trying to rile you, just wondering...... I would love to see your setup because i wanted you to see mine...


My son broke my onkyo bottom door on the front, the latches is broken :( The door wont shut, im using masking tape to shut the door. I may take it to the shop (onkyo provided that info for shop in Clearwatger) and have them to fix it. I called onkyo this afternoon and fortunatelhy for me warranty covers it.

TIME TO GET ME TV STAND ASAP!!! I wish money grows on tree..

[dorourke07]

Hey Dor,

did your Onkyo come with the stickers on the front, as they usually do?

Yep, there are 9 across the bottom; every software and input/output is listed

[kuntasensei]

Yeah, the three Onkyos I've owned have all come littered with stickers, which I immediately remove. I appreciate the stickers on a showroom model since it makes the features obvious, but... if I bought it, I know what it does and don't need all that tacky crap on the face.

And I hope I didn't cause others to dogpile on you for not showing your gear, Mike... but despite what you might think, I am just trying to help you with your issue, and I do wish that you would have at least attempted to enter into a dialogue where users here (myself and others) could attempt to help you out. And since your CSi30 is on a glass shelf, I'd still like to know how you're angling it toward ear level and if you're isolating it from the glass shelf in any way (since glass shelving resonates and reflects like all hell).

But enough about all that... Anyone else got some Onkyo gear they're willing to show off?

[comfortablycurt]

Unfortunately, as usual, the topic has spiraled out of control because of personal vibes here -- but that's okay. As long as I continue to try and keep the topic on course, we're all good --

I fail to see how the thread "spiraled out of control"...:confused:

All that happened was some people asked for some pictures of your setup...and you started freaking out on them over it...

It is kind of odd though...you post a thread asking people for pictures of their Onkyo gear, yet you don't post any pics of your own.

Don't take me wrong, no offense is intended here, I'm just curious as to what the problem is that caused this thread to "spiral out of control"...



On another note...

My 606 came riddled with a bunch of stickers across the front panel, and it was a refurb. I immediately removed them...before even hooking it up. All they do is clutter up the front panel. It's bad enough that the "HDMI" "Dolby Digital" "DTS MA" "True HD" logo's etc. are silk screened on permanently. That's one thing I love about the Pio Elites...the front panels are actually clean, and not a bill board.

Perhaps yours was built on a Monday and some guy with a hangover forgot to put the stickers on it...lol

[CaligulaPolk]

i leave my stickers on.. i like the way it is.



appadv, wont your fan wire/plastic tube melt into onkyo as your laying it on top of your onkyo??

[Mike LoManaco]

Mike, i am wondering why dont you show your onkyo picture? do you own a camera or onkyo at all? am not calling you a liar or whatever. I am very curious with your setup as I have showed you mine. I find this lil weird for OP to request forum members to show their onkyo and doesnt show his when he says he has one. What is the issue that your not showing here?

Yes I do own a camera AND an Onkyo, which I have stated NUMEROUS times already...did you not see what I wrote about just getting back from a long honeymoon and the fact that I am not trying to "hide" an Onkyo receiver from anyone? You make it seem like Onkyo is some sacred entrance into the temple of Zahar or something by asking "Do you even OWN one?"


Am not trying to rile you, just wondering...... I would love to see your setup because i wanted you to see mine...

I don't think that's why you asked -- I think everyone is jumping on this bandwagon as 'Kunt so perfectly nailed in his statement after the initial comment was made.

[Mike LoManaco]

Yep, there are 9 across the bottom; every software and input/output is listed

Weird; my 605 came with none -- but my 600 came with one on the faceplate.

What model did you have again?

[CaligulaPolk]

I don't think that's why you asked -- I think everyone is jumping on this bandwagon as 'Kunt so perfectly nailed in his statement after the initial comment was made.

im curious for myself not for others... Whats your problem?

took and post my pics took me few minutes... ??? I took few minutes for you to enjoy looking at the picture as you requested..

[Mike LoManaco]

I fail to see how the thread "spiraled out of control"...:confused:

It was a figure of speech; didn't realize someone would look so in-depth into it. Perhaps "gotten off course" would have been better.


All that happened was some people asked for some pictures of your setup...and you started freaking out on them over it...

That is ABSOLUTELY and utterly untrue -- I never "freaked out" over it; that's ridiculous. I find it curious that no one really gave a rat's ass about my stuff early on in the thread -- they were just more content with providing pictures of THEIR setups with enthusiasm -- but when Ricardo and 'Kunt started posting their harrang about my gear, EVERYONE else got involved and started taking it personally, as you are now, about my setup.


It is kind of odd though...you post a thread asking people for pictures of their Onkyo gear, yet you don't post any pics of your own.

Don't take me wrong, no offense is intended here, I'm just curious as to what the problem is that caused this thread to "spiral out of control"...

As I said: The comment was heavy-handed; perhaps gotten off course was better suited. Furthermore, I will post pics when I get a chance to unpack the camera from the trip and take better shots of the rack.


On another note...

My 606 came riddled with a bunch of stickers across the front panel, and it was a refurb. I immediately removed them...before even hooking it up. All they do is clutter up the front panel. It's bad enough that the "HDMI" "Dolby Digital" "DTS MA" "True HD" logo's etc. are silk screened on permanently. That's one thing I love about the Pio Elites...the front panels are actually clean, and not a bill board.

Perhaps yours was built on a Monday and some guy with a hangover forgot to put the stickers on it...lol

This is interesting, Curt -- your refurbbed 606 came with the stickers, but my brand new one didn't. Aside from the comical commentary regarding the Onkyo engineer with a hangover (which was funny), I am beginning to wonder why they put stickers on some, not on others...I actually like the stickers, believe it or not! :eek:

Does anyone else know if Onk usually selects which ones will ship with stickers or not?

[Mike LoManaco]

im curious for myself not for others... Whats your problem?

I don't have a "problem;" I am just saying it seemed odd that you and everyone else suddenly wants to see the gear after the commentary was made by Ricardo and 'Kunt.


took and post my pics took me few minutes... ??? I took few minutes for you to enjoy looking at the picture as you requested..

I'm not quite sure I follow you here, but I DID appreciate the pic you posted and enjoyed looking at it; I will try and do the same when I have a sec to unpack -- which I still haven't done yet!

:)

[comfortablycurt]

I don't think anyones really "jumping on the bandwagon". I honestly hadn't even realized you had never posted pictures of your own setup until Kunta mentioned it. Upon noticing that, I found it kind of curious. I don't think anyones really trying to bash you or anything.

I for one, fully believe that you own Onkyo equipment.;)

[CaligulaPolk]

I don't have a "problem;" I am just saying it seemed odd that you and everyone else suddenly wants to see the gear after the commentary was made by Ricardo and 'Kunt.



I'm not quite sure I follow you here, but I DID appreciate the pic you posted and enjoyed looking at it; I will try and do the same when I have a sec to unpack -- which I still haven't done yet!

:)

no offense to ricardo or kunt, their post has nothing do with my wondering why you have not shown your setup.I was curious for myself because your the only person who started this thread for our pics and we have showed our setup and I AM CURIOUS ABOUT YOURS AS YOU WERE WITH MINE! NOTHING DO WITH RICARDO OR KUNT's POST.. I ENJOY LOOKING AT ELECTRONICS OR HOW THEY SETUP THEIR STUFF.


if you have problems with these gentlemen, dont take out on others who shares same interest as yours.. my advice

[Mike LoManaco]

I don't think anyones really "jumping on the bandwagon". I honestly hadn't even realized you had never posted pictures of your own setup until Kunta mentioned it. Upon noticing that, I found it kind of curious.

THAT'S exactly what I am getting at.


I for one, fully believe that you own Onkyo equipment.;)

Whew! Thanks! :):cool:

[Mike LoManaco]

no offense to ricardo or kunt, their post has nothing do with my wondering why you have not shown your setup.I was curious for myself because your the only person who started this thread for our pics and we have showed our setup and I AM CURIOUS ABOUT YOURS AS YOU WERE WITH MINE! NOTHING DO WITH RICARDO OR KUNT's POST.. I ENJOY LOOKING AT ELECTRONICS OR HOW THEY SETUP THEIR STUFF.

That's fine.


if you have problems with these gentlemen, dont take out on others who shares same interest as yours.. my advice

You're really not understanding me. I am not "taking it out on" anyone -- I am merely saying that it seemed curious to me (as "curious" is used by everyone on this site when they're trying to make a point, as 'Curt did above) that everyone seemed to garner a huge interest in seeing my stuff after the aggressive tones, comments and remarks by those two gentlemen were made -- ONLY after that. It seemed as if everyone was simply saying "Yeah....come to think of it....do you REALLY own Onkyo equipment?"

Can't you see that from my perspective at least? It seemed odd. I don't see anything "esoteric" or "exotic" about the brand whatsoever which would warrant comments such as not believing someone has such gear -- I didn't mention I own a yacht or six-figure mansion just off the coast of Paraguay and then say "oh, and yeah...I have six hundred McIntosh amps powering fourty thousand subwoofers in my home theater room in this mansion..." without being able to back it up with pictures (which someone could fake, too).

I merely state in my signature that I own a homely Onkyo TX-SR605 and I don't really have anything to prove here; I will post pics when I can. :rolleyes:

[CaligulaPolk]

I posted that in other thread but thought id share gear menu & settings in here since it applies to show gear :D

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7686.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7687.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7688.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7689.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7690.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7691.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7692.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7693.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7694.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7695.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7696.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7697.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7698.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7699.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7700.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7701.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7702.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7703.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7704.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7705.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7706.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7707.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7708.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7709.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7710.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7711.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7712.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7713.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7714.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7715.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7716.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7717.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7719.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7720.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7721.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7722.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7723.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7724.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7725.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7726.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7727.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7728.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7729.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7730.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7731.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7732.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7733.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7734.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7736.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7737.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7738.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7739.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7740.jpg

[leroyjr1]

old Onkyo 805


http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/leroyjr1/IMG_0076.jpg?t=1250057505

[CaligulaPolk]

old Onkyo 805


http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/leroyjr1/IMG_0076.jpg?t=1250057505

nice meeting ya leroy 805

[Mike LoManaco]

I posted that in other thread but thought id share gear menu & settings in here since it applies to show gear :D

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7686.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7687.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7688.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7689.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7690.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7691.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7692.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7693.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7694.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7695.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7696.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7697.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7698.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7699.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7700.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7701.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7702.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7703.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7704.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7705.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7706.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7707.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7708.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7709.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7710.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7711.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7712.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7713.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7714.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7715.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7716.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7717.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7719.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7720.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7721.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7722.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7723.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7724.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7725.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7726.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7727.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7728.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7729.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7730.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7731.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7732.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7733.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7734.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7736.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7737.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7738.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7739.jpg
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/PolkNewbie/100_7740.jpg

WHEW!
THANKS FOR THAT, CALIG!

That's amazing that you shared all this -- thank you; makes me want to go and check my 605's settings right now! (Which I do like an OSD freak every other day)...:o:o

That picture in the speaker setup menu you provide which indicates "Ohm impedance"...is this just a THX Onkyo thing? My '605 doesn't have this option; just Speakers: NORMAL or BI AMP. I'd be curious to hear back from you on this.

You keep your speakers at THX cutoffs of 80Hz across the board? I do as well. :D

One other thing I noticed: You keep HDMI AUDIO OUT set to ON? Doesn't this prevent audio from coming out of your surround setup speakers, and just deliver it to the TV's speakers?

[Mike LoManaco]

old Onkyo 805


http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/leroyjr1/IMG_0076.jpg?t=1250057505

Hey Leroy...

Thanks for the pic. How did you customize your 805's display to read like that? This must be yet another option available to higher-level-model owners...:(:(

How "old" is that 805? Looks like part of their new design...:confused:

EDIT: Looks like there's a screen edit function on Calig's Onkyo too which allows for customizing the inputs...ahhh...the benefits of a better receiver...

[CaligulaPolk]

WHEW!
THANKS FOR THAT, CALIG!

That's amazing that you shared all this -- thank you; makes me want to go and check my 605's settings right now! (Which I do like an OSD freak every other day)...:o:o

That picture in the speaker setup menu you provide which indicates "Ohm impedance"...is this just a THX Onkyo thing? My '605 doesn't have this option; just Speakers: NORMAL or BI AMP. I'd be curious to hear back from you on this.

You keep your speakers at THX cutoffs of 80Hz across the board? I do as well. :D

One other thing I noticed: You keep HDMI AUDIO OUT set to ON? Doesn't this prevent audio from coming out of your surround setup speakers, and just deliver it to the TV's speakers?

Tv sound still on, i usually turn it off becuz wife said it echos when both is on. (this setting was before i got rt800 and i will set hdmi audio out off)

I noticed that when i set it on, cable remote will control onkyo volume, i dont know if it has something do with it being set on?


you can customize your input names. I dont think yours can.. time for you to upgrade

[Mike LoManaco]

Tv sound still on, i usually turn it off becuz wife said it echos when both is on. (this setting was before i got rt800 and i will set hdmi audio out off)

Here's just a bit of advice on that: NEVER run your surround system AND your TV's speakers at the same time. This destroys the natural soundfield, unless you are not using a center channel. If you have to run audio to your TV, ALWAYS keep the volume all the way down on the TV's speakers.


I noticed that when i set it on, cable remote will control onkyo volume, i dont know if it has something do with it being set on?

If you have a surround system, keep the HDMI AUDIO OUT set to OFF...


you can customize your input names. I dont think yours can.. time for you to upgrade

That's ALMOST reason enough to upgrade -- I can't stand that when I watch Blu-rays, the display reads "DVD" for the input...:(:(

[CaligulaPolk]

Here's just a bit of advice on that: NEVER run your surround system AND your TV's speakers at the same time. This destroys the natural soundfield, unless you are not using a center channel. If you have to run audio to your TV, ALWAYS keep the volume all the way down on the TV's speakers.


Yeah i already know that, i forgot to turn it off. i usually turn down the tv sound all the way and turn up volume on onkyo :D didnt know it caused echo til my wife told me so i never use tv sound. I think leroy helped me before when i didnt have my rt800 speakers. I bought 800's few weeks ago. The settings i am using is few months old.


I keep my eyes on UMC-1 and see how reviews are. Maybe upgrade later... use 805 for 2 channel or small ht in library room.. maybe, i dunno

[Mike LoManaco]

Yeah i already know that, i forgot to turn it off. i usually turn down the tv sound all the way and turn up volume on onkyo :D didnt know it caused echo til my wife told me so i never use tv sound. I think leroy helped me before when i didnt have my rt800 speakers. I bought 800's few weeks ago. The settings i am using is few months old.

Indeed; always keep those TV speakers OFF!

[kuntasensei]

That picture in the speaker setup menu you provide which indicates "Ohm impedance"...is this just a THX Onkyo thing? My '605 doesn't have this option; just Speakers: NORMAL or BI AMP. I'd be curious to hear back from you on this.

As I explained to you in another thread, your 60x series doesn't have the impedance setting because the 60x series isn't 4 ohm certified. They only give you that option on the 70x series up, though all it really does when you set it to 4 ohms is apply a current limiter to prevent the amp section from overheating. I still maintain that you should never run 4 ohm speakers off a receiver anyway.

I'm curious, actually... and maybe you can answer this for me, Mike. Does your Onkyo have fans underneath it? My 705 has dual temp-controlled fans for the amp section's heatsinks (though I've never heard them come on), and I wonder if maybe the 60x series is only cooled passively. That could explain why there's no 4 ohm option - because there's inadequate cooling of the amp section.

And for the record, I was never being antagonistic toward you, nor was I ever implying that you didn't own the gear you claim to. I've repeatedly offered to help you with your low dialogue issues and wanted to see your setup. Having owned a CSi30 in the past, I just don't see why you're having to bump it +2dB, which is why it's such a curiosity to me. Hopefully, we can help once you get a chance to snap some pics.

[kuntasensei]

I posted that in other thread but thought id share gear menu & settings in here since it applies to show gear :D

Wait... what model is that? When did they add tone controls for each set of channels? That's awesome! My 705 only has 'em for the front channels.

Dammit, guess I need to upgrade. Heh...

[kuntasensei]

That is ABSOLUTELY and utterly untrue -- I never "freaked out" over it; that's ridiculous. I find it curious that no one really gave a rat's ass about my stuff early on in the thread -- they were just more content with providing pictures of THEIR setups with enthusiasm -- but when Ricardo and 'Kunt started posting their harrang about my gear, EVERYONE else got involved and started taking it personally, as you are now, about my setup.

For the record, go back a page and read my posts. I never once harangued you about your gear. I just asked if you were going to show pics of your setup because I wanted to understand your low dialogue issues and try to help. I can't help what other people said after that or your reaction to it, but I certainly wasn't standing here like Bugs Bunny, screaming "dogpile on the rabbit, dogpile on the rabbit!"

I've helped a lot of people here with their setups, particularly with the Onkyos. I helped write the extensive FAQ for the 705 over at AVS (particularly the Audyssey setup portion), so I'm always willing to share my knowledge with others. Still offering to do the same here if you want to improve the sound of your system.

[concealer404]

I appreciate when you read my reviews. Thank you -- as for my setup, I can tell you that many of the films I have found to be horribly weak in dialogue has been agreed with by other reviewers and enthusiasts I know; one that stands out in my mind is "CONSTANTINE" on DVD. Warner's Dolby Digital track, when this came out and I did the review on it, exhibited a horrendously low center channel delivery -- and many people agreed with me, so I couldn't have been "dreaming" this or imagining it. To this day, I STILL think it has a poor dialogue delivery, bordering on whisper quiet in sequences with Keanu Reeves. This doesn't happen with EVERY title I play in my system -- so please don't think that the setup of my "measley" TX-SR605 or lack of its pictures is in some way interferring with what I am providing you here. Seeing my rig isn't suddenly going to make you go "wait...I believe now! His 605 is awesome! It rocks! It's what's needed for home theater software reviews! HE HAS PROVEN IT!" so please, come on and be sensible. It has been accepted by my freelance employers that my particular gear is "suitable enough" for analyzing the soundtracks on all media discs right now -- VIDEO discs, that is, whether it be DVD or Blu-ray, even though Master Audio is not available to me via my Panasonic BD player. For these titles, I indicate where I needed to run the core DTS track for analysis.

Constantine is one of those movies that needs to be watched at reference level. IF you have the gear to handle it without breaking up. I doubt i do at the moment, but i did.

At reference level everything is clear, and the impact and other effects are breathtaking, with sheer slam, clarity, and the surround processing.

But i agree.... it's not a movie that's easy to watch at low to moderate volume on ANY setup, even on a TV using the built in speakers. But i'd say it gives a very accurate dynamic range between Constantine's low speaking voice and the explosions/devils/whatever.

It's not the best for most people due to various constraints. But personally? I'd rather see MORE movies mixed like this.

[CaligulaPolk]

Wait... what model is that? When did they add tone controls for each set of channels? That's awesome! My 705 only has 'em for the front channels.

Dammit, guess I need to upgrade. Heh...

805.. looks like you need to upgrade :D

im not sure about new model OS settings would be same or slightly different

[cnh]

805.. looks like you need to upgrade :D

im not sure about new model OS settings would be same or slightly different

The 805 is a 'nice' unit....and those shots are a great walk-through of the set up menus...Caligula.

I have both a 605 (my first--HD-sound decoder). And the 805 as well. I still think that for the price/feature ratio--the 805 is the ALL-time Onkyo best AVR. It will be a long time before they match that again. An AVR that could be had for less than 600 (sale price--even 500) and compete with most any AVR in the sub 1500 dollar class (MSRP)....power and sound-wise. I don't use the video upconvert nonsense...so the 875 didn't mean anything, didn't add much. Got mine refurb from Onkyo for an absolutely 'ridiculous price'--almost less than you would pay for a 606 on sale! Are there better AVRs, yes, but you can't argue with the Onkyo's weight 50+ pounds--as heavy as anything else except for flagships AVRs costing 5-7k.

No stickers on the refurb, Mike, Curt!

cnh

[Mike LoManaco]

Constantine is one of those movies that needs to be watched at reference level. IF you have the gear to handle it without breaking up.

Absolutely agreed.


At reference level everything is clear, and the impact and other effects are breathtaking, with sheer slam, clarity, and the surround processing.

But i agree.... it's not a movie that's easy to watch at low to moderate volume on ANY setup, even on a TV using the built in speakers. But i'd say it gives a very accurate dynamic range between Constantine's low speaking voice and the explosions/devils/whatever.

It's not the best for most people due to various constraints. But personally? I'd rather see MORE movies mixed like this.

Well, I am glad someone else recalled this -- the Dolby mix on that disc indeed has a quiet timbre to it, so much so in fact that unless you're cranked to reference level, much of the impact of this film is going to be missed. I agree with that. Once at an adequate level though, the slamming LFE and overall dynamics of this track are staggering -- one sequence I recall in particular is when the "possessed Mexican" who is holding the "spear of destiny" abducts Rachel Weisz from the elevator shaft towards the end. There is a moment of deep, gutteral LFE which almost bottomed out my PSW10 when I demoed "Constantine" for review. :eek:

[Mike LoManaco]

The 805 is a 'nice' unit....and those shots are a great walk-through of the set up menus...Caligula.

I have both a 605 (my first--HD-sound decoder). And the 805 as well. I still think that for the price/feature ratio--the 805 is the ALL-time Onkyo best AVR. It will be a long time before they match that again. An AVR that could be had for less than 600 (sale price--even 500) and compete with most any AVR in the sub 1500 dollar class (MSRP)....power and sound-wise. I don't use the video upconvert nonsense...so the 875 didn't mean anything, didn't add much. Got mine refurb from Onkyo for an absolutely 'ridiculous price'--almost less than you would pay for a 606 on sale! Are there better AVRs, yes, but you can't argue with the Onkyo's weight 50+ pounds--as heavy as anything else except for flagships AVRs costing 5-7k.

No stickers on the refurb, Mike, Curt!

cnh

Thanx for your thoughts on the 805 and for the info on the stickers, cnh.

I still wonder if that's just an "Onkyo thing" in that they pick and choose which models are going to ship with the stickers...

[concealer404]

Absolutely agreed.



Well, I am glad someone else recalled this -- the Dolby mix on that disc indeed has a quiet timbre to it, so much so in fact that unless you're cranked to reference level, much of the impact of this film is going to be missed. I agree with that. Once at an adequate level though, the slamming LFE and overall dynamics of this track are staggering -- one sequence I recall in particular is when the "possessed Mexican" who is holding the "spear of destiny" abducts Rachel Weisz from the elevator shaft towards the end. There is a moment of deep, gutteral LFE which almost bottomed out my PSW10 when I demoed "Constantine" for review. :eek:

I don't think it was by accident, either.... it really added to the overall "creepiness" of the movie. :)

[Mike LoManaco]

I don't think it was by accident, either.... it really added to the overall "creepiness" of the movie. :)

That may be -- and that subtle "quiet softness" dominating the track indeed seems intentional to add a taut edge -- but I had a real problem with the dialogue stem on this disc (which I own because I enjoyed the film); most of Reeves' dialogue delivery was simply inaudible during most of it (I suppose not a negative) and it became tiring after awhile to raise and lower the master volume to compensate, as action and dialogue came and went.

Another disc, surprisingly, that had this "issue" was Star Wars Episode III -- the Dolby EX track had a subdued, restrained quality to it, especially in the dialogue. It was agreed upon by enthusiasts and reviewers alike that the sound team responsible for Episode II was not the exact same crew for III, and some corners got cut for that track -- subtle, but noticeable.

[comfortablycurt]

I've noticed the same thing regarding Episode III. The sound track really isn't as good as I and II. Not even just the dialogue, but the surround encoding in general. Things don't seem to flow quite as smoothly as they could have. The movie itself is DAMN good...but the soundtrack didn't quite live up to expectations.

Now the podrace scene in Episode I...that's a masterpiece of the surround sound format.;)


Mike-I think I put the stickers from my 606 on the box that it came in...I'd be glad to ship them to you...lol j/k

[Mike LoManaco]

I've noticed the same thing regarding Episode III. The sound track really isn't as good as I and II. Not even just the dialogue, but the surround encoding in general. Things don't seem to flow quite as smoothly as they could have. The movie itself is DAMN good...but the soundtrack didn't quite live up to expectations.

Now the podrace scene in Episode I...that's a masterpiece of the surround sound format.;)

Agreed, 'Curt...and how about when the senator's ship explodes in the beginning of Episode II? WOW -- that sequence bottomed out my PSW10 until I thought it was going to blast through my floor; had to go back and make major trim adjustments on that one! :eek:


Mike-I think I put the stickers from my 606 on the box that it came in...I'd be glad to ship them to you...lol j/k

Now I may just take you up on that......:eek::eek::p

[kuntasensei]

I've noticed the same thing regarding Episode III. The sound track really isn't as good as I and II. Not even just the dialogue, but the surround encoding in general. Things don't seem to flow quite as smoothly as they could have. The movie itself is DAMN good...but the soundtrack didn't quite live up to expectations.

Now the podrace scene in Episode I...that's a masterpiece of the surround sound format.;)

I know I'll get slammed for saying this, but I'm just not a fan of Ben Burtt as a sound designer, at least for whiz-bang surround action. I think he handles music-heavy material well... but man, I wish Gary Rydstrom was still at Skywalker Sound!

[kuntasensei]

Agreed, 'Curt...and how about when the senator's ship explodes in the beginning of Episode II? WOW -- that sequence bottomed out my PSW10 until I thought it was going to blast through my floor; had to go back and make major trim adjustments on that one! :eek:

Because my SVS 20-39CS+ is passive with external amplification, I didn't have a subsonic filter. That scene seriously was the first time I ever feared for the safety of my subwoofer. I didn't QUITE clack the driver against the former... but damn, it made a noise I never want to hear again! And if you think the sound of a PSW10's soft bottoming is scary, you don't want to hear a big mama like the SVS hit overexcursion! I quickly set a subsonic filter at 18Hz (though I'm bypassing it for my Buttkicker).

[kuntasensei]

That may be -- and that subtle "quiet softness" dominating the track indeed seems intentional to add a taut edge -- but I had a real problem with the dialogue stem on this disc (which I own because I enjoyed the film); most of Reeves' dialogue delivery was simply inaudible during most of it (I suppose not a negative) and it became tiring after awhile to raise and lower the master volume to compensate, as action and dialogue came and went.

Now ya'll have me wanting to go back and watch this again. I don't recall the dialogue being all that low. Then again... I think I watched it somewhere near -15dB from reference too, which may be why. I do remember that movie having some serious dynamic range though.

[kuntasensei]

805.. looks like you need to upgrade :D

im not sure about new model OS settings would be same or slightly different

I was thinking about stepping up to a 906, actually... but then I saw the new Denon flagship model and thought, "Man, I should go 9.1 and throw in some front speakers for Dolby Pro-Logic IIz." (Whether I will or not depends entirely on how insane I am at any given moment.) :D

[cnh]

Insanity is with us "all"! The Onkyo 907 will probably have that feature in any case....if it is already there on the 607.

Thankfully, I'll be away for about a year. So no chance of being tempted either way...and by the time I get back to my gear...I'll have missed it so 'much' that it will take months before I get the upgrade bug back?

cnh

[CaligulaPolk]

Insanity is with us "all"! The Onkyo 907 will probably have that feature in any case....if it is already there on the 607.

Thankfully, I'll be away for about a year. So no chance of being tempted either way...and by the time I get back to my gear...I'll have missed it so 'much' that it will take months before I get the upgrade bug back?

cnh

going to be roommate with bubba?

[Mike LoManaco]

Yes...the dialogue was horrendously hushed on Constantine...

Any Onkyo owners want to start sharing some speaker level calibration settings, too?

[kuntasensei]

Any Onkyo owners want to start sharing some speaker level calibration settings, too?

What do you mean? Our level trims? Considering that's so dependent on speaker sensitivity, placement, room acoustics, etc., it'd be so different for everyone that the info would be useless. Plus, if you use Audyssey, the speaker levels are trimmed specifically for how each channel is EQ'd (which you can't see, because it is equalizing hundreds of points for each channel, at least on the MultEQ XT version; 2EQ isn't quite as robust).

I'll gladly post all my values, but I'm not sure what use it would be to anyone.

[Mike LoManaco]

Of course it wouldn't be of use to anyone; the reason would be just to share the trim values with one another. :)

[concealer404]

Now ya'll have me wanting to go back and watch this again. I don't recall the dialogue being all that low. Then again... I think I watched it somewhere near -15dB from reference too, which may be why. I do remember that movie having some serious dynamic range though.

Yeah, depending on speakers i ran at the time, i was usually -15dB to reference. I haven't watched it in a while though. You probably didn't notice any dialogue problems at -15.

If you've got the ears and the gear for it, bump it up some, it's ridiculous. I haven't seen a movie in years with that kind of range. Maybe the new Batman.

[kuntasensei]

Of course it wouldn't be of use to anyone; the reason would be just to share the trim values with one another. :)

Okey dokey then.

L +2
C -1
R +2
RS +2
RBS -1
LBS -1
LS +2
SUB -4

[concealer404]

I run:

R: +2
C: 0
L: +2
LS: +4
RS: +4
CS: 0
Sub: 0

Due mainly to my mishmosh of speakers.

[kuntasensei]

Yeah, my levels are primarily because my center is 1dB higher sensitivity and 1ft closer than my mains. And my side surrounds are 8-10ft away and my rears are like 3ft (and sharply angled down). Subwoofer level is -4 because I had to balance my subwoofer amp's gain with the Buttkicker's.

[Mike LoManaco]

Yeah, depending on speakers i ran at the time, i was usually -15dB to reference. I haven't watched it in a while though. You probably didn't notice any dialogue problems at -15.

If you've got the ears and the gear for it, bump it up some, it's ridiculous. I haven't seen a movie in years with that kind of range. Maybe the new Batman.

Yes...at -15 from reference, there isn't going to be much that will be missed -- BUT, even cranked,this film had some intelligibility issues in places from what I recall.

[Mike LoManaco]

Thanks for the speaker values, guys.

[concealer404]

Yes...at -15 from reference, there isn't going to be much that will be missed -- BUT, even cranked,this film had some intelligibility issues in places from what I recall.

Hrmmmm.... i hate to jump on the setup issue bandwagon.... But what you're running is FAR better than what i used, and i had no problems at any point with intelligibility.

[SoundArtillery]

I never have any intelligibility issues and I am only running two channels.

[kuntasensei]

Hrmmmm.... i hate to jump on the setup issue bandwagon.... But what you're running is FAR better than what i used, and i had no problems at any point with intelligibility.

Yeah, I don't remember anything being unintelligible... and when I watched it, I think I was still using my CSi30, which is what Mike has. The CSi40 does do way better with dialogue than the 30 did though. Since it has been so long since I've watched it, I can't really say for sure that there were no dialogue problems, but I do remember that movie having insane dynamic range.

Still... my neighbors can't hear my system even at insane levels, so I tend to crank it. :P

[concealer404]

Yeah, I don't remember anything being unintelligible... and when I watched it, I think I was still using my CSi30, which is what Mike has. The CSi40 does do way better with dialogue than the 30 did though. Since it has been so long since I've watched it, I can't really say for sure that there were no dialogue problems, but I do remember that movie having insane dynamic range.

Still... my neighbors can't hear my system even at insane levels, so I tend to crank it. :P

I was using uhmmm....

Polk 11TLs for mains
Paradigm Titan V.3s as center and rear center
Infinity SM115s as r/l surround
(2) Mirage Omni S8s

It was a BITCH to even get to sound halfway decent. Ridiculously bass heavy.

[Mike LoManaco]

Hrmmmm.... i hate to jump on the setup issue bandwagon.... But what you're running is FAR better than what i used, and i had no problems at any point with intelligibility.

I wasn't running this setup in my sig when I reviewed Constantine; but it's been universally accepted this disc had some dialogue issues.

I fail to see how what I was running was "better" than what you had in any case -- are you certain?

[kuntasensei]

I wonder if it's less of a problem with the mix than it is that Keanu mumbles a lot in it. Maybe I didn't have a problem understanding him because I listen to mumbling idiots all day. :)

[Mike LoManaco]

I wonder if it's less of a problem with the mix than it is that Keanu mumbles a lot in it. Maybe I didn't have a problem understanding him because I listen to mumbling idiots all day. :)

LOL...I know what you mean about listening to mumbling idiots all day...

But the other actors had a difficult time delivering audible dialogue as well, from what I recall.

[kuntasensei]

I can't decide whether to pull the DVD of Constantine back out or just wait to get the BD next month when I get my Oppo.

[Mike LoManaco]

I can't decide whether to pull the DVD of Constantine back out or just wait to get the BD next month when I get my Oppo.

Are you pulling the trigger on the Oppo BD player? I just read the review of it in the latest issue of Home Theater, just delivered yesterday, and I may buy it myself. It got GREAT reviews by Kris Deering, if I'm not mistaken, on BD and DVD upscaling...looks like it's going to be the deck to beat for $500.

[kuntasensei]

Are you pulling the trigger on the Oppo BD player? I just read the review of it in the latest issue of Home Theater, just delivered yesterday, and I may buy it myself. It got GREAT reviews by Kris Deering, if I'm not mistaken, on BD and DVD upscaling...looks like it's going to be the deck to beat for $500.

I'm still ruminating over it... but I can see it happening. I'm still using a Panasonic RP-91, which by all accounts is an excellent upscaling DVD player. I haven't really wanted to make the jump to Blu-Ray that much, but then I think "Well, I have a receiver that does the lossless codecs and a projector that does 1080p with deep color" and it starts to make more sense.

A friend brought his Oppo BDP-83 over to try to convince me to buy his (to prevent his wife from killing him for spending the money), and watching that sucker in action and finally seeing the lights for the lossless codecs flicker to life on my 705 immediately made me think, "Crap... I'm not buying his because I want to see what his wife does to him when she finds out, but I'm gonna end up with one of these."

I still have a few DVD-A discs and know of a few SACDs that I've wished I could play, so the Oppo seems like it would satisfy a whole lot of my evil upgradeitis. So yeah... I've got some throwaway money coming next month. I'm pretty sure I'm getting the Oppo.

[concealer404]

I wasn't running this setup in my sig when I reviewed Constantine; but it's been universally accepted this disc had some dialogue issues.

I fail to see how what I was running was "better" than what you had in any case -- are you certain?


I think people just don't watch it loud enough. ;) Just sharing what i thought about it, no worries.

I think that you you have now is probably better than what i listed.... at least matched better. Might not reach the sheer volume i could, but i'm sure it's much more balanced.

[hearingimpared]

I wasn't running this setup in my sig when I reviewed Constantine; but it's been universally accepted this disc had some dialogue issues.

I fail to see how what I was running was "better" than what you had in any case -- are you certain?


I think people just don't watch it loud enough. ;) Just sharing what i thought about it, no worries.

I think that you you have now is probably better than what i listed.... at least matched better. Might not reach the sheer volume i could, but i'm sure it's much more balanced.

I just watched Constantine again and Mikes right about the dialogue issues. I had the volume up very high too. I had to put the subtitles on to get it all.

[Mike LoManaco]

I just watched Constantine again and Mikes right about the dialogue issues. I had the volume up very high too. I had to put the subtitles on to get it all.

Thanks for confirming this, 'Impared! ;):)

[Mike LoManaco]

I'm still ruminating over it... but I can see it happening. I'm still using a Panasonic RP-91, which by all accounts is an excellent upscaling DVD player. I haven't really wanted to make the jump to Blu-Ray that much, but then I think "Well, I have a receiver that does the lossless codecs and a projector that does 1080p with deep color" and it starts to make more sense.

Indeed; you aren't running a Blu-ray player yet?


A friend brought his Oppo BDP-83 over to try to convince me to buy his (to prevent his wife from killing him for spending the money), and watching that sucker in action and finally seeing the lights for the lossless codecs flicker to life on my 705 immediately made me think, "Crap... I'm not buying his because I want to see what his wife does to him when she finds out, but I'm gonna end up with one of these."

You know something? As crazy as this all sounds, so many people -- me included -- have been desperate to see the "TrueHD" and "Master Audio" lights illuminate on their current generation Onkyo receivers since the launch of the BD format (or subsequent "win" of the "format war" by the BD camp) on the front panel displays...early BD players, like my Panasonic DMP-BD10A, did not bitstream these new codecs, and so only "MULTICH" showed in the receiver's display. I can TOTALLY understand the itch to see the orange "DTS HD MA" logo and listening mode flicker onto the Onkyo's screen...I'm waiting to see mine finally come to life after I get a player that will bitstream the damn TrueHD and Master Audio codecs...


I still have a few DVD-A discs and know of a few SACDs that I've wished I could play, so the Oppo seems like it would satisfy a whole lot of my evil upgradeitis. So yeah... I've got some throwaway money coming next month. I'm pretty sure I'm getting the Oppo.

I hear ya...hopefully gonna get the Oppo (or maybe the current model Panasonic that happens to be out, based on reviews) from the wifey for the holidays, or when we move...

This Oppo is supposed to be THE player to beat right now, ESPECIALLY for the price.

[kuntasensei]

Nah, I stayed out of the HD format war... but since that's over, I guess I'll make the jump. A big factor (and I know this is dorky) was that I saw that Star Trek was coming on BD in November... and damn, I'd love to hear that in all its lossless glory!

So yeah, I think it's pretty much a done deal. Already spec'd out the price of the player plus Wall-E, Transformers, King Kong, Serenity, A Bug's Life, Iron Man, and 2 Nickel Creek SACDs. That ought to keep a smile on my face for a bit. :)

[Mike LoManaco]

Interesting; yeah, I will probably get the OPPO as well, based on the review Home Theater gave it, although it seems this deck is going to be pretty difficult and challenging to set up/calibrate.

[kuntasensei]

Not from everything I've read. Its setup wizard looks easy as hell. No matter though... I'm a tweaker at heart, so the more options, the better!

[Mike LoManaco]

Weird; I read and heard the opposite. :confused:

[kuntasensei]

Yes, there are a ton of options in the setup menu, but initial setup is very quick and easy for most people. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEwkBwtP1k

[Mike LoManaco]

Thank you -- I see the Setup Wizard you're talking about, and I am watching it now, yet it still seems a bit daunting to me; for example: Does the "Auto" HDMI resolution, as on my Panasonic now, control DVD AND Blu-ray output? The picture controls...does that middle "Normal" position indicate no sharpness, etc. is being used? This doesn't seem nearly as simple as my 'BD10A...

[Mike LoManaco]

Also -- in the AUDIO SETUP section, you can only set HDMI audio streams to BITSTREAM or PCM, but it doesn't seem to separate DOLBY TRUEHD, DTS MASTER AUDIO, etc...ALL HDMI audio codecs are lumped in with one another; that seems weird to me...

[kuntasensei]

That initial setup is just the basics. There should be individual settings for all of that stuff in the actual setup menus, but the basic setup wizard looks like it gets you up and running very fast outside of some tweaking here and there.

[Mike LoManaco]

Oh, so there is a way to go beyond the wizard and get deep into the settings? That's refreshing, because it didn't seem like many of those parameters made much sense -- such as lumping ALL surround codecs together and putting them under "HDMI" to then select "BITSTREAM" or "PCM;
I mean, what if you want, say, Dolby Digital bitstreamed, but TrueHD PCM'ed yet both are coming over HDMI? It didn't seem possible under that video you supplied...

[kuntasensei]

Not to revive an old thread, but I just pulled the trigger on the Onkyo TX-NR1007 while Newegg had 'em for $999.99. Ought to be a nice step up from my TX-SR705 (which a friend bought as soon as I mentioned it), and I plan on getting some speakers to use as height channels within the next week or so. I'll snap some pics and post my impressions once I get it all set up.

[bigaudiofanatic]

My Oinker M-5150, and my old TX-SR503 that has since left us.

The M5150 is being put through the ringer by Nik right now, attempting to drive some bigass SDAs. :) Seems to be doing decently. I need to research if it's bridgeable. We both decided it was a pretty good sounding amp yesterday.


http://www.feoa.net/modules/Coppermine/albums/userpics/23944/bracing%20003.jpg

I like your case might I ask where did you get it?

[concealer404]

The rack you mean? It's a Planet3 unit, i got it from Fry's, you should be able to order it at a bunch of places. I'm not sure what the going rate is for it anymore, but i do know that the matching TV stand ran about $280. :p

[Mike LoManaco]

Concealer's rack reminds me a bit of my Bell'O "audio tower" which is L-shaped and also has unconcealed shelves and backs; although I have done the best with cable management, my next rack will not be open like this. I cannot stand even seeing a little of my cables, no matter how well they're tied or channeled...

[anamorphic96]

I'm not an official Polk owner but figured I should contribute since I have been posting in this neck of the woods.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000383.jpg
My mighty Onkyo TX-SR506.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000767.jpg
I have since removed the bricks from under my center channel as they did not seem to make a big improvement. I will be getting MoPads in the near future and angle it up a little. The TV will be on a stand just over the center.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000768.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000762.jpg
I recently added room treatments to deal with a slap echo problem. Which is now solved and things sound much better.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000758.jpg
I could not forget Henry as he is one my partners while watching movies.

The rest of the gear consists of -
Paradigm - Mini Monitors v.1 - L/R
Paradigm - LCR350 - Center
Energy - C1 - Surround Speakers
Marantz DV-4001 - Upconverting DVD Player
Velodyne SMS-1 - Subwoofer EQ
HSU Research STF-2 - Subwoofer
Nintendo Wii - Game Console
Vizio 37" LCD TV - 1080P

So thats my system.

[Mike LoManaco]

I'm not an official Polk owner but figured I should contribute since I have been posting in this neck of the woods.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000383.jpg
My mighty Onkyo TX-SR506.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000767.jpg
I have since removed the bricks from under my center channel as they did not seem to make a big improvement. I will be getting MoPads in the near future and angle it up a little. The TV will be on a stand just over the center.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000768.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000762.jpg
I recently added room treatments to deal with a slap echo problem. Which is now solved and things sound much better.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/P1000758.jpg
I could not forget Henry as he is one my partners while watching movies.

The rest of the gear consists of -
Marantz DV-4001 - Upconverting DVD Player
Velodyne SMS-1 - Subwoofer EQ
HSU Research STF-2 - Subwoofer
Nintendo Wii - Game Console
Vizio 37" LCD TV - 1080P

So thats my system.

I thought you were running something more powerful than that Onk -- this is your main AVR?

[anamorphic96]

Yes. But it does just fine and gets plenty loud for me. I have my eye on the 608 or 707 as my later upgrade this year.

It was room treatments or new receiver with my tax return. So I decided on room treatments as they would provide the biggest improvement in sound with the money I had.

[comfortablycurt]

Yes. But it does just fine and gets plenty loud for me. I have my eye on the 608 or 707 as my later upgrade this year.

It was room treatments or new receiver with my tax return. So I decided on room treatments as they would provide the biggest improvement in sound with the money I had.


Damn!...the 608 is out already? It seems like the 607 just came out.

Looks like we're already getting AVR's out with support for the latest pointless technologies.:rolleyes: Interesting that the 6 series has THX Select2 Plus certification now. They've also finally got 1080p upscaling in it. Looks like the 6 series has finally been improved a bit. Still no preouts though...which makes it entry level in my book.

It's using the Burr Brown DAC's...so it sounds like Onkyo's been listening to all of the people who prefer the 805's still. It's also got HDMI 1.4 now...with 3D compatibility.


I'd skip the Onkyo 6 series if you're looking to upgrade. It won't really be much of an upgrade over your 506. I'd step up to at least the 7 series...if not the 8 series. Keep in mind that the 6 series doesn't have preouts, so no external amplification.

Amplification wise, the 6 series would give you next to no advantage over the 5 series.

[anamorphic96]

Damn!...the 608 is out already? It seems like the 607 just came out.

Looks like we're already getting AVR's out with support for the latest pointless technologies.:rolleyes: Interesting that the 6 series has THX Select2 Plus certification now. They've also finally got 1080p upscaling in it. Looks like the 6 series has finally been improved a bit. Still no preouts though...which makes it entry level in my book.


I'd skip the Onkyo 6 series if you're looking to upgrade. It won't really be much of an upgrade over your 505. I'd step up to at least the 7 series...if not the 8 series. Keep in mind that the 6 series doesn't have preouts, so no external amplification.

Amplification wise, the 6 series would give you next to no advantage over the 5 series.

I tend to agree with you and will probably go with the 707 when the prices start dropping. I don't really need much power especially with an 80hz crossover point. Thats why I was considering the 608. The 506 gets louder than I need it to and never struggles to keep up.

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.

[comfortablycurt]

I tend to agree with you and will probably go with the 707 when the prices start dropping. I don't really need much power especially with an 80hz crossover point. Thats why I was considering the 608. The 506 gets louder than I need it to and never struggles to keep up.

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.

Yeah, those are the big drawbacks to the 5 series. They lack a lot of the processing capabilities of the higher level models.

What speakers are those that you're using?

How do you like the Velo SMS-1? I'm planning on eventually integrating some stereo subs into my 2 channel rig...and have tossed around adding a sub EQ eventually.



Also, keep in mind that more power provides more benefits than being louder. It's also able to reproduce sound at lower volumes with much more authority, and is able to handle large dynamic swings much more efficiently. For instance...during a passage with quiet dialogue, you might be using a total of 2 watts from your amp...and then a huge explosion hits, and taps into your amps full reserve. A higher powered amp will have more power on tap, and will be able to reproduce the dynamics of that explosion with a lot more headroom, and less distortion.

[anamorphic96]

Yeah, those are the big drawbacks to the 5 series. They lack a lot of the processing capabilities of the higher level models.

What speakers are those that you're using?

How do you like the Velo SMS-1? I'm planning on eventually integrating some stereo subs into my 2 channel rig...and have tossed around adding a sub EQ eventually.

I guess you didn't read my gear list. ;):D Paradigm Mini Monitor v.1 with matching Paradigm LCR-350.

The SMS-1 is one of the best purchases I have made. Boy did it tighten up the bass. I'm within 3db all the way down to 25hz with a slow roll off to 20hz. Then it drops off sharply. I really understand why people love HSU subs. Clean tight linear bass.

The video function is the main reason I chose the SMS-1. Seeing everything in real time makes adjustments really easy.

[Mike LoManaco]

Yeah, if you go onto Onk USA's site, you'll see a plethora of new models that aren't even out yet, for 3D support, HDMI 1.4 and such -- the site even lists them as "Coming Soon."

The 608 is on that Coming Soon roster...

[steveinaz]

What do you guys use to clean your gear? I'm always doing a full cleaning of our place on a weekly basis, almost, and when it comes to getting at the equipment in the rack, I just brush the 605 and my other gear over with a paper towel that has a bit of Endust on it, giving the aluminum faceplate(s) a bit of a shine -- how do you guys clean your gear?...

Mike, don't use paper towels, they will scratch plastic display faces. Use a chamois with warm water, wrung well. I've used this method for years and my equipment always looks as new. A chamois can be used on everything safely---HDTV screens, speaker cones, case work, wood, metal, plastic.

Sorry for the de-rail...

[Mike LoManaco]

Mike, don't use paper towels, they will scratch plastic display faces. Use a chamois with warm water, wrung well. I've used this method for years and my equipment always looks as new. A chamois can be used on everything safely---HDTV screens, speaker cones, case work, wood, metal, plastic.

Sorry for the de-rail...

Thanks, Steve!

No de rail at all, my friend! Thanks for the tip!

Yes, I have since begun using this method (funny you mentioned it in this thread) of warm water on a lint free cloth to clean the dust, even on the aluminum faceplates of the gear. :)

Is there anything you specifically use on your HDTV screen, outside of this aforementioned method? My rear pro's screen is pretty loaded with smeary fingerprints and such, but it's made from a coated anti-glare material that doesn't seem to clean at all with those "screen cleaner" fluids...

Do you recommend the warm water method for the screen, as well?

[anamorphic96]

I don't have an issue with finger prints as I don't touch my equipment and only use remotes. However I dust things with a swiffer and use compressed air to get dust of the buttons and knobs. Works perfectly and leaves no residue.

[steveinaz]

Is there anything you specifically use on your HDTV screen, outside of this aforementioned method? My rear pro's screen is pretty loaded with smeary fingerprints and such, but it's made from a coated anti-glare material that doesn't seem to clean at all with those "screen cleaner" fluids...

Do you recommend the warm water method for the screen, as well?

I use the same chamois well wrung on my dlp screen. I would recommend buying a "dedicated" chamois (LOL) as car brake dust can destroy display faces and other easily scratched surfaces. It also works well on speaker grills, as there is no lint. I don't use ANY cleaning products on my equipment.

[steveinaz]

I don't have an issue with finger prints as I don't touch my equipment and only use remotes. However I dust things with a swiffer and use compressed air to get dust of the buttons and knobs. Works perfectly and leaves no residue.

Be careful with compressed air as well, typically it has moisture in it that can corrode potentiometers, switches, etc. Ever notice how canned air creates frost---then the frost melts and you are left with....you guessed it, water.

[billbillw]

I do something similar to Steve, but I use a large microfiber polishing cloth instead of a chamois. I use it on all my electronics, including my RPTV screen, my plasma screen, my LCD computer monitor. Sometimes, I even use a bit of mild dish soap if my goal is to remove some extra greasy toddler finger prints. Just don't ever let any liquid run down the screen. If you do and it gets to the bottom, the back side of the lenticular screen will act like a siphon and pull the liquid up into the crevasses leaving dark stains. The stains eventually dry out and clear up, but you are pretty much stuck with them until they dry. Like anything, just use caution and don't over do it. To much pressure can remove surface coatings even with the most delicate cloth.

[kuntasensei]

The HD audio, video processing and upgraded Audyssey will be nice to have though. I also like the THX processing modes. Especially the RE-EQ function. It does a better job than Onkyo's Cinema Filter function.
Now that you mention it... it just occurred to me that my 1007 is curiously absent of Onkyo's Cinema Filter function. Maybe they've ditched that altogether in favor of RE-EQ (which is still there).

[anamorphic96]

Now that you mention it... it just occurred to me that my 1007 is curiously absent of Onkyo's Cinema Filter function. Maybe they've ditched that altogether in favor of RE-EQ (which is still there).

Any Onkyo with THX processing loses Cinema Filter. As the re-eq is more accurate to whats used in commercial cinemas. Granted the roll off is not as extreme as in a cinema. I really wish it was adjustable like the Pioneer system.

[kuntasensei]

Any Onkyo with THX processing loses Cinema Filter. As the re-eq is more accurate to whats used in commercial cinemas. Granted the roll off is not as extreme as in a cinema. I really wish it was adjustable like the Pioneer system.

I don't use it anyway. The Audyssey rolloff is better. But then, considering it's a refinement of Tomlinson Holman's original work with THX, I guess it would be.

But... what rolloff in a cinema? The whole point of it in home gear is to compensate for near-field listening because movies are mixed to the theatrical standard. There is no rolloff in the theater. It isn't necessary in a theatrical space.

[anamorphic96]

I don't use it anyway. The Audyssey rolloff is better. But then, considering it's a refinement of Tomlinson Holman's original work with THX, I guess it would be.

But... what rolloff in a cinema? The whole point of it in home gear is to compensate for near-field listening because movies are mixed to the theatrical standard. There is no rolloff in the theater. It isn't necessary in a theatrical space.

Actually all commercial cinemas roll of the high end starting at 2k with a 3db roll off per octave.

This link will explain things really well.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_2/feature-article-curves-6-2002.html

[kuntasensei]

Actually, the cinemas themselves don't roll off anything; the X-curve is a mixing standard. The other issue you have is that lossless master quality audio on Blu-ray is typically encoded from the original master layback, meaning the X-curve isn't necessarily applied to the mix (whereas many DVD soundtracks... not the same story). That's what makes technology like Audyssey so nice in the home, because it actually analyzes the frequency response in the room and applies Tom Holman's updated rolloff based on the work he and his crew at USC have done since THX's Re-EQ was spec'd.

[anamorphic96]

Actually, the cinemas themselves don't roll off anything; the X-curve is a mixing standard. The other issue you have is that lossless master quality audio on Blu-ray is typically encoded from the original master layback, meaning the X-curve isn't necessarily applied to the mix (whereas many DVD soundtracks... not the same story). That's what makes technology like Audyssey so nice in the home, because it actually analyzes the frequency response in the room and applies Tom Holman's updated rolloff based on the work he and his crew at USC have done since THX's Re-EQ was spec'd.

Actually the cinemas do roll off to the to the standard set forth in the link I posted. Did you look at the link I posted. ;) It clearly talks about the roll off that's applied and why it used in commercial cinemas and screening rooms.

I have been in the cinema industry for thirteen years. Three of which where doing projection and sound work. I can assure you all cinemas are eq'd the same way using the X-Curve. It's called a B-chain alignment and its part of any sound system or processor installation in a theater.

[comfortablycurt]

Kunta-If I ever set up a dedicated HT...you're coming to help me set it up! Plane tickets and steaks are on me!!...lol

[kuntasensei]

Actually the cinemas do roll off to the to the standard set forth in the link I posted. Did you look at the link I posted. ;) It clearly talks about the roll off that's applied and why it used in commercial cinemas and screening rooms.

I have been in the cinema industry for thirteen years. Three of which where doing projection and sound work. I can assure you all cinemas are eq'd the same way using the X-Curve. It's called a B-chain alignment and its part of any sound system or processor installation in a theater.

You sho right, sir. Though I was totally familiar with Florian's article ('cause I've read everything at that site), I forgot that they do equalization when they first set up the cinema processor in theaters. That's what I get for posting here after a long night of drinking.

And curt, I'm no pro. I was just interested enough in all this stuff to read WAY too much about it. I've read manuals for DD encoders, Dolby's white papers, academic papers from the Audyssey guys, and recently a 68 page article from the Grammys on sound mixing. Why? Because though I might not have the most expensive gear in the world, I'm gonna make sure I understand everything I can about proper setup and wring the most out of what I have. At least until I get a few pitchers of Yuengling in me, at which point I apparently forget it all. :p

Oh, and while I'm not gonna post the pics in the thread, I did just update my member's gallery with crappy cell phone pics of my setup if anyone wants to see my living room 9.2 setup. I assure you it's nothing special... but sounds fantastic!