Noob alert - time to buy real equipment.

**meStevo** · 12-08-2009 05:18 PM

So I've been a homeowner for about 2 weeks, and it's time to install the receiver/surround speakers, but it's a hand me down JVC system and I think I've got the money for a new one.

As a relative newbie to this stuff, the Onkyo 507 should be a pretty good start?

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR507 5.1-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver (Black): Electronics

Also, there a good set of speakers people could recommend? I hear nothing but good about Klipsch, and something like these would be a signifigant upgrade to the old ones I have, with their speaker clamps on the back all breaking and stuff in the move from being old and brittle - [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Synergy-Quintet-Theater-Speaker/dp/B00009L1UX"]Amazon.com: Klipsch Synergy Quintet III Home Theater Speaker System (Set of Five, Black): Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417k%2B1ldjPL.@@AMEPARAM@@417k%2B1ldjPL[/ame]

Thanks!

**teachsac** · 12-08-2009 07:39 PM

You might consider the Denon receivers, also. The 1610 is around the same price as the 507. IMO they have a cleaner power section and sound. Having owned the Integra line, I was not too overly impressed with the brand. I like Klipsch Speakers.

S~

**vurbano** · 12-08-2009 07:55 PM

Denon AVR790 is the equivalent of the 1910 at a lower price 499.00 at US appliance
AVR-790 Denon 7.1 Ch. Home Theater Receiver with DTS-HD / TrueHD Decoding

Everything you would ever want to know about the 790:

*OFFICIAL* Denon AVR 1910/790 Owner's Thread - AVS Forum

**jayn_j** · 12-08-2009 08:44 PM

I own both Denon and Onkyo. IMHO, teachsac is correct that the Denons are better built and give a cleaner sound. However, Onkyo brings on important features at a generally lower price point. I have been satisfied with both.

I am also a big fan of Klipsch. However, be advised that the Quintet III is their bargain line and you won't get as full a sound as everyone has been talking about. I still think they are a good value, but you need to recognize them for what they are. In particular, they need to eventually be mated to a good subwoofer. At a minimum the larger Klipsch. Preferably, a mid line selection with some serious power in the amp and a cutoff that extends around 100 Hz. The Quintets will start dropping off rapidly around there. Go ahead and get the Quints, but start to budget the sub.

As a point of comparison, I am running some large heritage speakers as my mains (KG-5) and still back it up with a 12" Velodyne running 2000 W for the sub.

**HiDefRev** · 12-08-2009 09:34 PM

I think you'll be perfectly happy with the Onkyo and Klipsch package. The good thing about it - you can upgrade as funds permit. You'll also have time to play around with the mulitude of features on the Onkyo and familiarize yourself with them. Then you can decide which features you like and in what direction you want to go with your upgrades.

**raoul5788** · 12-08-2009 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by jayn_j

I own both Denon and Onkyo. IMHO, teachsac is correct that the Denons are better built and give a cleaner sound. However, Onkyo brings on important features at a generally lower price point. I have been satisfied with both.

I am also a big fan of Klipsch. However, be advised that the Quintet III is their bargain line and you won't get as full a sound as everyone has been talking about. I still think they are a good value, but you need to recognize them for what they are. In particular, they need to eventually be mated to a good subwoofer. At a minimum the larger Klipsch. Preferably, a mid line selection with some serious power in the amp and a cutoff that extends around 100 Hz. The Quintets will start dropping off rapidly around there. Go ahead and get the Quints, but start to budget the sub.

As a point of comparison, I am running some large heritage speakers as my mains (KG-5) and still back it up with a 12" Velodyne running 2000 W for the sub.

I'll bet your neighbors just love you!

**raoul5788** · 12-08-2009 09:53 PM

meStevo
Just a note about speakers. They are VERY subjective! The above posters really like Klipsch speakers. I don't. That doesn't mean they aren't a good product. In fact, they are a very good one. I just don't happen to like their sound. That's the subjective part of speakers. You should go to a good local store where you can listen, and preferably, take home for a weekend, the speakers you want to buy. They are likely to sound much different in your home than they do in the store. At least make sure the store has a flexible return policy. There are lots of very good speakers out there. I would suggest checking out Paradigms or Definitive Technologies, but that's just me! Good luck and make sure to let us know what you end up with.

**meStevo** · 12-09-2009 12:33 AM

Ya, this stuff is new to me (to the point that some of the posts above this one barely make sense), so I'll be doing some shopping around locally too before I buy. Those speakers I linked normally around that price level? Decent price for that MSRP.

I've got a weak sub that i'm going to use, but since I have to hang/mount the surround speakers, I'm going to make it worth my while to do so.

**jayn_j** · 12-09-2009 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by raoul5788

I'll bet your neighbors just love you!

Brick house, tall shrubs, and we actually don't run it that high. We are also lucky enough to be on the garage side of both neighbors.

**jayn_j** · 12-09-2009 12:47 AM

Originally Posted by meStevo

Ya, this stuff is new to me (to the point that some of the posts above this one barely make sense), so I'll be doing some shopping around locally too before I buy. Those speakers I linked normally around that price level? Decent price for that MSRP.

I've got a weak sub that i'm going to use, but since I have to hang/mount the surround speakers, I'm going to make it worth my while to do so.

I got buried in the details, but I second Chip's comments. Klipsch's have a very distinctive sound than many don't like. Many say they are OK for HT, but way too bright for music. Personally, I like the crispness. It brings out dialog, and I have learned how to tame it for music.

Taking the speakers is best, but at the very least find places where you can relax and do serious listening. Adjust to your tastes. Try to use a similar amplifier and make sure your amp has enough power to drive the speakers without driving them into saturation. You will know if this happens when the sound becomes harsh and suddenly loud.

Bring along some material you like to see and listen to. You will be more comfortable with it, but more importantly, it will be consistent as you move between the stores.

One more thing about receivers. Make sure that the receiver can process the sound from the HDMI. Some cheap receivers will just switch the video and require a different audio connection. Also a good feature to check out is upconversion of component and composite video to HDMI. That will allow a single connection from your receiver to your TV. This is on the Onkyo 607, but not the 507 and is the main reason I upgraded.