Pioneer VSX-520 and existing speakers

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gcorgnet

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 498143 26-Jul-2011 17:55
OK, HN gave me the option of getting a cash refund and since their $990 Denon package was out of stock, I took the refund option. I am now looking at buying a receiver again but it can be from any store. As someone suggested, the Onkyo TX-SR309B seems quite good. Could anyone tell me if this will require me to plug an digital output (coax spdif) on top of the HDMI? I think some receiver just don't let you provide the sound + picture through one single HDMI cable. Not sure where to look to get the answer to that question... So I am leaning towards the Onkyo with the hope of being able to resuse my old speakers for now, and then buy an entry level speaker pack later on. I had a look on jbhifi and their cheapest pack doesn't look too flash and is already $750... What would be the minimum cost for an entry level but decent 5.1 speaker pack? Thanks, Guillaume

1798 posts

Uber Geek

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Reply # 498173 26-Jul-2011 18:56
The Onkyo is HDMI 1.4a and play all the lossless formats, so you won't need an extra optical cable. The specs do state that it's 'Continuous 6ohm rated', but not 'Certified 4ohm performance'. Your speakers are 3 or 4 ohms... And interestingly enough, JB's website stated the amp is 100W, but the US Onkyo site says it's 65W at 8ohms, or 90W at 6ohms. Either the NZ amp is more powerful, or someone's not telling the truth? Rounding up? http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR309&class=Receiver&p=s http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/5-1-channel-home-theatre-receiver-sku-214.../ Again, I really wouldn't run your current speakers - and as most amplifier companies exaggerate / gloss over their specs... yeah. Don't do it.

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 498332 27-Jul-2011 07:43
Dunnersfella: The Onkyo is HDMI 1.4a and play all the lossless formats, so you won't need an extra optical cable. The specs do state that it's 'Continuous 6ohm rated', but not 'Certified 4ohm performance'. Your speakers are 3 or 4 ohms... And interestingly enough, JB's website stated the amp is 100W, but the US Onkyo site says it's 65W at 8ohms, or 90W at 6ohms. Either the NZ amp is more powerful, or someone's not telling the truth? Rounding up? http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR309&class=Receiver&p=s http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/jb-hi-fi-home-audio/receiver/onkyo/5-1-channel-home-theatre-receiver-sku-214.../ Again, I really wouldn't run your current speakers - and as most amplifier companies exaggerate / gloss over their specs... yeah. Don't do it. Thanks for the advice. Could anyone suggest a decent entry level speaker pack, then? Thanks, Guillaume

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 498335 27-Jul-2011 08:14
Just replying to my own question here: I just saw they had a HT in a box type system that seemed pretty decent at JB HIfi: http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/home-theatre/onkyo/home-theatre-system-sku-23993/ It seems to handle the HD AUdio formats, be 3D ready, and have Audio Return CHannel and Passthrough. What's best is that you get the whole thing with speaker and cabling for $664, which will surely please the missus. Will it be able to take the sound directly from HDMI or will I need an coax/optical cable? Can anyone see anything wrong with it? Upgradeability maybe? Thanks, Guillaume

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 498444 27-Jul-2011 12:04
So nothing to say about the HTS3405B system? How would it compare with the Denon system offered by Harvey Norman for $990. From what I have seen, the Onkyo receiver is better than the Denon (more features such as passthrough, ARC, etc) so perhaps the Denon speakers are better? They definitely look bigger (not sure if it is even an indicator of quality but I have a feeling it might be somehow related) and when I tried them at HN last night, the sound was pretty good...

1798 posts

Uber Geek

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Reply # 498753 27-Jul-2011 23:39
Well, why do you want a home theatre system? As a feature rich toy to play with? Or something to make your content sounds as good as it possibly can? Take your pick, because at your budget - I suspect you'll only get one, not both.

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 498780 28-Jul-2011 07:55
Dunnersfella: Well, why do you want a home theatre system? As a feature rich toy to play with? Or something to make your content sounds as good as it possibly can? Take your pick, because at your budget - I suspect you'll only get one, not both. I would be using the system primarily for watching movies and also a bit of music from time to time. (but by no means an audiophile). I realise that my budget could not let me buy a top of the line system but what I am after is a decent system with the following features and a reasonable sound: - HD Audio - HDMI Audio - Passthrough (if possible) I don't want to spend more than $1000. I know that is not a lot for a HT system but that is all I have to work with. I actually came across the following system at JBHifi:http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/home-theatre/onkyo/home-theatre-system-sku-24243/ I think (I would have to check again) that it comes with a TX-SR309B receiver which is good feature-wise for what I want. The speakers sounded reasonably good last night when I tried them at the store. The only thing that freaks me out is the huge sub-woofer. Any thoughts on that system? Thanks

263 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 499984 31-Jul-2011 12:33
Thanks to everyone how participated to this thread. I ended up buying a set of Wharfedale speakers (RS-10) that were on special. I will now need advice on what receiver to pair these speakers with but will create a new thread for this. Thanks, Guillaume

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