Need honest opinion - feedback - pros/cons

[Pycroft]

Hi all...

I am, as many know, relatively new to the hobby. My equipment (For mostly home theatre use):
Onkyo 606
Monitor 50's (Fronts) 30's (Surrounds) CS1 (Center)
Def. Tech Prosub 800
Denon CD Player

Now, here is the help required section...I know to eventually upgrade my speakers, I will need a new receiver - I have heard that I should look for one that preferably has pre-outs so I can hook in extra amplification. Now, I saw on sale on the forums an Onkyo 801 - I am assuming it is an older version of the 805/806 which is currently out. I have read that many find that a very nice receiver. My question is - what would I expect by using that instead of the 606 I have (With current speakers), and if you can comment on the potential it has for upgrades. For example...I believe the 801 does NOT have HDMI, where my current does...also it does not support True HD, where my current does. Would the extra power/preouts, etc. be an upgrade, or would I be better with what I have? I know my speakers are not the highest quality polks, and it will probably be some time before I upgrade. Please consider this a 'general' question, because this will probably not be very influential in my actually purchasing the receiver, unless it is a big upgrade...I am quite happy with what I have. I also see other receivers every once in a while (Here and other places) that have the same issues - more power, potential, but older without HDMI/True HD, and I'm never sure if it's better.

Thanks for the input.

Pycroft

[dudeinaroom]

IMO, I would not do it If you mainly watch movies, and have HD and use the HDMI, or plan to. I'd hold tight. Now if you have cash to burn, skip the receiver, and go pre/pro and amp(s). Then the sub, followed by speakers if you feel you have to. If your listening levels are loud enough for you, and you don't change your speakers( not including your sub) I would say no less than 125-150 W\CH of separate amplification. If you end up with less efficient speakers, you would need more power for the same results, keep that in mind when you buy an amp. If you're going to upgrade your speakers, you might wanna go a little higher on the wattage so once you get the new speakers you're not kicking yourself, because you just got the amp x time ago and it's not enough for the new speakers. Plus, if you go with a pre/pro you don't have to replace everything, just get a new pre/pro with the new features, or new format compatibility.

Like I said, IMO.

later,
dude

[dudeinaroom]

Yeah, you know what happened.

[wutadumsn23]

+1 on what dude said. If you use the HDMI and are able to take advantage of the new HD codecs, I would see this as more of a downgrade than an upgrade. Better off keeping the 606 for now and looking for something that supports HDMI and has pre-outs. I have an 806 and it is a very solid unit and at around $600 is hard to beat IMO.

-Jeff

[McLoki]

So you are saying you MAY upgrade your speakers at some point in the future and you MAY choose speakers that need separate amplification. Based on that - you are thinking of selling your AVR that is working fine for you right now and getting something with Pre-Outs?

You already crossed the AVR bridge - don't go back to it now for something that MAY happen. Enjoy your system for however long you choose to and when the time comes to upgrade your speakers - get your listen on. If the speakers you choose require separate amplification, get a pre/pro or new AVR then. Their may be new features out that you want by then anyway and for darn sure - there will be more AVR's on the used market that support the new HD codecs and HDMi.

My strong vote is stop beating yourself up for choices you have made. Learn from them (research next time) and go on.

You put together a nice budget system - put the money you were going to spend on a new AVR towards a netflix subscription and enjoy it.

Michael

[NewHTguy]

I had a 605 and thought it was great to push my R50s and CS2. For Monitor 50s I would think the 606 is plenty. Wait until you NEED more power. Any move that you make now is likely to be less than ideal because you don't know what you need.