In great need of av receiver advice

by GDsgrpe Jul 6, 2009 3:36PM PDT

HI, I'm in desperate need of help with av receivers, I have a new onkyo tx sr706(my second one, the first was tinny & distorted), I thought it was high current but it sounds so ordinary. I also have an HK ave 254 I just got as well to compare, it clearly states it is a HC, I'm however just setting it up & I must admit that I like designated ports, the HK requires that being a novice I have to go through the whole manual & the receiver has too few connections, so some thing will have to sit out if I keep it, even after I get a new HDTV or get a hub.

I have polk lsi9 bookshelf & centre & a set of old energy pro 22 that sound better than the polks or the energy cf-50 towers I took back.
I had an awful low current jvc that died but the 706's is really only slightly better, which makes zero sense to me. I must be doing something wrong!!!

I'm picking up the Energy RC-70 line to compare with the lsi9, I know it is an unfair comparison but the I like these speakers & they are on sale & I really would like to hear what other speakers sound like with these receivers.
I have to choose a system & take the rest back.
My TV is going to be the panny 50 or 54" v10 we just got them up in Edmonton a week ago.
Any ideas about the 706? is it high current??, advice on the av 254? Perhaps some thing new??
I like all the bells & whistles on the 706. What I really want is awesome sound & a receiver that has a lot of the new options & can handle all the new components & bring out the best in them.
I really hope someone has some advice for me, thanks, take care & be safe, Tracy

Discussion is locked

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breadth of device

by Pepe7 Jul 7, 2009 6:04AM PDT

Is it my imagination, or are the Onkyo receivers more designed as 'swiss army' knives (tons of ports/tons of decoders/modest price) than absolute best-in-class for their audio performance(?) I am a huge fan of Onkyo for their overall value, but you might get punchier bass (for example) from an H/K. (Is anyone else at that price point even mentioned a 'high current' rating?) Anyway, a lot of what people are looking for audio-wise is subjective of course. Hopefully the audio gurus will chime in here and help you with more specifics .

cheers,
Pedro

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The problem is that

by jostenmeat Jul 7, 2009 6:17AM PDT

the Lsi series require serious amplification. I'm not even sure that ANY receiver can do justice to them. Now, I'm not a fan of this line, but I also have never heard them with proper amplification. I am NOT one of those persons who will always say that amps make or break a system; I do believe this series is somewhat uniquely difficult in comparison to other popular lines.

If you really want to stick with them, try ordering an outboard amp. Some three channel amps are made by Emotiva, maybe an older Anthem.

Or a few monoblocks, like those made by Outlaw.

You are looking at roughly $600-800, ballpark, new. Just hook em up to the 706's preouts.

I believe* the Lsi9 is about 4 ohm nominal, with around a 2.5 minimal, and to make matters all the more worse, I think it deals with very difficult phase angles (voltage/current) at over 20 degrees.

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Id like to correct myself

by jostenmeat Jul 7, 2009 7:58AM PDT

the phase angles of the lsi9 are said to be benign. i think difficult angles come at much higher numbers. sorry.

otherwise ultimate av measurements state: "The impedance remains below 4ohms from 42 to 72Hz, and again from 150 to 290Hz".

there is high current, and then there is high current. to get the latter, you will need an outboard amp. the above measurements also stated 87db sensitivity which is on the lower side as well.

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Sounds like you are on the right track

by sntholiday Jul 7, 2009 6:57AM PDT

Hi Tracy. I unfortunately do not have any experience with the two receivers you are asking about, but ultimately it comes down to what sounds best to your ears. It sounds to me like you are on the right track, listening to different combinations of receivers/speakers to find what sounds best to you. The Onkyo tx sr706 appears to be a very capable receiver but if you dont like the sound you dont like the sound, and I wouldn't pay that much for a receiver that doesn't sound good to my ears. HK receivers are usually very musical. Are you listening to a majority of music or movies? That may influence your decision. I prefer the sound of Yamaha receivers for both music and movies, but that is my preference.

In great need of av receiver advice

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