Picking the proper receiver

[Turd Furguson]

Hello every1. I have been lurking in the audio forum for a while trying to gather some information but am kind of stumped in a few fields. One being receivers and speakers. But lets deal with the receiver first.

I noticed that a lot of ppl here recommend the HK AV230. Now what exactly makes that more special over a receiver that does not do the visual. I dont know if this makes sense exactly as I see some receivers that don't deal with visual receiving but soley sound.

I am just looking for what the perks are of A/V receivers compared to the others.

Thanks.

[stratcatprowlin]

I think you mean like whats the difference between multichannel recievers and stereo models? I dont exactly understand when you said "visuals".

BTW,your package is on the way:)

[Turd Furguson]

Well what I am a little confused about is there a big difference b/t using a receiver with Svideo in compared to hooking it just straight to a TV.

I am only going to be using a receiver for my Gamecube and passing my PC through to it.

I hate being a nub once again. :(

[stratcatprowlin]

Oh,ok. No,the Quality of the picture will be practically identical.just try to use the shortest cables you can.Like under 15 feet.

[Ryan T]

If your just gonna have one video source going to your TV I say hook the game cube up directly to the TV. You probably wont notice a difference either way but its one less S-video cable to have if you go direct. A lot of people like the AVR 230 because of its decent power and features/upgradability. It has 8 channel pre amp inputs fo any future 7.1 channel sound formats. It also has 8 channel pre amp outputs. So if you ever need more power you can use separate amplifiers and have the 230 control them.
Overall I really like H/K receivers. They seem very solid and well built. There are other great brands to also consider. Denon, Onkyo, Marantz, Sony ES (the non ES receivers are generally crappy), Sherwood newcastle, Pionner elite, yamaha, etc. Really just look for a good brand that has the features you want.



Ryan

[Turd Furguson]

Ah that is good news to hear as I am looking to start my HT setup here soon. But what should be the minimum wattage I should be looking for in a 5.1 setup for each channel. I would like 45 would be in the minimum.

Also, is it possible to hook up PC speakers to a receiver without blowing them? I have some Klipsch PM 4.1's.

[Ryan T]

First off in regard to the watts. It really doesnt matter two much. Any decent receiver will have plenty of power for you. A lot of companys fudge on their power ratings anyways. So really dont worry about it too much unless your getting a super budget receiver :).

It is possible to hook the klipsch promedia speakers to the receiver. I would really suggest you get some mroe capable speakers though. There are a lot of good inexpensive speakers out there that i think you will be more pleased with than the pro medias.

Ryan

[Turd Furguson]

The Klispch would be a temp situation but thanks. I will have to decide on what I want then ask for opinions once I narrow everything down.

Thank you.

[Ryan T]

no problem, were here to help :D.

Provided the kilpsch accept standard speaker wire (+ and - terminals at the back of the speakers) which i think they do you should be fine. They arnt bad speakers but for any decent sized room they will run outta omph pretty quick compared to most decent HT speakers.

Ryan

[Turd Furguson]

I was looking at some of those speakers that Maxvla has his setup. 400 bucks seems high but I bet they are worth it.

[stratcatprowlin]

I saw the speaker wire those Klipsch speakers come with.Very flimsy,like 24 gauge or something rediculous like that.I would upgrade them to some decent 16 or 12 gauge wire.You may or may not hear a difference but at least they wont be flimsy anymore.
I personally use 12 gauge wire with bananna plugs for maximum fidelity and best connection.

[Ryan T]

I was looking at some of those speakers that Maxvla has his setup. 400 bucks seems high but I bet they are worth it.

Well I dunno if you mean for the total system or not but they can be found on ebay for about $70 shipped per pair. Its a very reasonable price and they are good speakers. I dont think you'll will find anything for the same price that is much better.


Ryan

[Turd Furguson]

Wow I seen where they retail for almost 400. I need to pay close attention to ebay then.

[Azzkiller]

I was looking at some of those speakers that Maxvla has his setup. 400 bucks seems high but I bet they are worth it.

Well, IMO if you have a limited budget, I dont think it would be best to spend most of the money on a reciever. I would probably look into spending around 200 dollars on the reciever, and the rest of your budget on speakers.

[Turd Furguson]

I am going to be doing 1 item at a time eventually as I need a receiver first them I will pick up my better speakers at a later time.

[stratcatprowlin]

Really,I dont see the use of buying a reciever to hook up pc speakers to it.The pc speakers are already amplified.
I understand the order in which you want to buy,but you might as well wait and buy the reciever and new speakers together.

[Turd Furguson]

Visited BB today and saw the receiver I think I am going to get. Yamaha 6.1. Not very many plugins in the back but it would have the optical in for the sound which is what I need and coaxial also. 150 bucks to boot....plenty of power. Now to determine exactly what speakers I need to get. :(

[shard]

harman Kardon HKB6's they kick A and they are cheaper then hell, they are the same ones the Maxvla has and if you get them from the right place, like here stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio, you will be able to find some steller deals, and they are all factory warenteed, so no worries. and for a sub, i would say either just get a damn fine sub, like what Maxvla has, or go Do it yourself, and have the crap knocked out of you for realy cheap. I personaly am doing DIY, just do to the fact that 15" subs rule, and when you have a realy good one, you can do some damage. hehe

the one that maxvla has is the Velodyne CHT-10, its a 10" sub that Maxvla Says rocks his world. and its ported, perfect for games and movies. or you can get the step up, the CHT-12, it has a 12" sub and it will hit a bit deeper, however you like your bass.
all this can be found here http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=velcht12&store=&catid=4203
hmm I cant seem to find the 10" version, but its only about 30 bucks cheaper, and i would get this one in a heart beat

[lithker]

i recently made some upgrades to my ht system
Sherwood RD6108 5.1 reciever from circiutcity 4th of july sale for $99.99
JBL E250P 12" POWERED SUBWOOFER from here (http://www.deal-stop.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=E250P) for $205.00 plus $19.99 ship
100 ft. of 16gu wire $20 at radioshack

i really recommend the sub its got tons of power. it sells for $499.99 at BB and people still love it for that price read the reviews at epinions.com

btw please buy this wire at wal-mart im curious but lazy clicky (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2168511) :p