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General discussion

Selecting a Receiver

Jan 12, 2005 12:17PM PST

Hello everyone,
My question is whether I can use a receiver that is meant for a 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound system with only a 5.1 speaker system. I have already purchased the Harman Kardon HKTS14 surround sound speakers, which has 5 speakers and a subwoofer, but now I have to find the perfect receiver. I was not sure if there are different software in the receivers that would not sound too nice when only 5 speakers are plugged into the receiver when it should be more. Anyone have a receiver they would recommend? I'd like to keep it under $350 and it needs to be silver. Happy (Everything else I have is already silver so I wanted to keep the aesthetics pleasing.)

Thanks for the help!!

Greg

Discussion is locked

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receivers
Jan 13, 2005 1:39AM PST

Greg:

Pretty much any receiver you buy will have options to deselect the rear centre(s) or ambiance speakers. It shouldn't make any difference to the sound. That said, I'd buy something that allows you to add a rear centre if you so decide in the future - this fills in the soundstage and makes for more convincing movies in larger rooms, but it isn't critical.

As far as receivers go, I like Denon and Yamaha (75+ watts/channel should suffice). The little Panasonic XR50 digital is nice too - it's slimline and comes in silver. Did you listen to the HKs before you bought them? What receiver were they using at the store? Many folks like Harmon receivers, but I'm not sure what they have in your budget range.

Have fun.

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Final choices for a receiver...
Jan 14, 2005 10:02PM PST

Bent, thanks a lot for the advice! Based on that I have narrowed my selection down to these that follow.

JVC RX 6042S
http://reviews.cnet.com/JVC_RX_6042S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30866308.html?tag=pdtl-img

***JVC RX F10S
http://reviews.cnet.com/JVC_RX_F10S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-31164820.html?tag=pdtl-img

Kenwood VR 7080
http://reviews.cnet.com/Kenwood_VR_7080/4505-6466_7-20804652.html?tag=pdtl-img

Kenwood VR 806S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Kenwood_VR_806_S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30989952.html?tag=pdtl-img

***Kenwood VR 8060 S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Kenwood_VR_8060_S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30893271.html?tag=pdtl-img

Onkyo TX SR601
This one was out of stock, so not really sure of the price, but
I like, of course the silver one.

Panasonic SA HE 100 S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_SA_HE100S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30098990.html?tag=pdtl-img

Panasonic SA XR 50 S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_SA_XR50S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30998566.html?tag=pdtl-img

Panasonic SA HE 200 S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_SA_HE200S_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-30100394.html?tag=pdtl-img

Pioneer VXS D814
http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_VSX_D814_S/4505-6466_7-30998834.html?tag=pdtl-img

Sony STR DE895 S
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Receiver_STR_DE895_S/4505-6466_7-30469027.html?tag=pdtl-img

Sony STR DA 1000ES
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_STR_DA1000ES/4505-6466_7-30422608.html?tag=pdtl-img

Yamaha HTR 5750
http://reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_HTR_5750_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-31105500.html?tag=pdtl-img

Yamaha RX V650
http://reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_RX_V650_AV_receiver/4505-6466_7-31076581.html?tag=pdtl-img

The ones with the *** are the most aesthetically pleasing to me.

Thanks so much,

Greg

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list
Jan 15, 2005 3:11PM PST

Greg - it was my pleasure. I see you use the word "narrowed" rather loosely :^]

If you're buying online, I guess it's a crapshoot. Read the reviews and pick the one that best suits your requirements and preferences. I think that your best course of action would be to go to a real store and audition as many of these as you can and then buy from them.

I haven't had any good experiences with modern JVC and Kenwood products. That's not to say there aren't any - just that I haven't heard any that I'd drop cash on. Pioneer makes pretty good DVD players (I have two), but their entry-level receivers have never inspired me. Same goes for Sony at this price level.

I helped a fellow set up his Yamaha RXV650 the other night and it sounded darn good. I've owned two previous-generation Yamahas (595a and 995) and they were fine receivers. I have a Denon 3802 and am happy with it - the new xx05 series are very well-reviewed. I have the predecessor to the digital Panasonic XR50 (the XR25). It is surprisingly good and works well with electronics and speakers considerably above its price range.

Keep in mind that you may want to upgrade your speaker package at some point in the future. It pays to invest in a solid receiver now, as it is the foundation of a convincing HT set-up.

Cheers
Ben

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Onkyo is choice I've made
Jan 25, 2005 10:00AM PST

I've had three different Onkyos and upgrade as features change. I've been into HT for 8 yrs. now and have heard and studied and asked alot in the past. You cant go wrong choosing anything Onkyo. Yamaha is a close second.Hope this helps.

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Sony strde597
Mar 7, 2005 2:35AM PST

I got this 6.1 system about 2 months ago and last week I finally got a rear center speaker. For the money you can't go wrong. Its usually 199 an goes on sale once in a while at Bestbuy for 149 w/out rebates. If you search around you'll find it in sylver. There are a few dvd's that are made with 6.1 or 7.1, but this receiver is a 6.1 so you are covered for the future or atleast a few years.