Billiardicus

Is the Onkyo TX-DS898 really that bad? I believe it's Onkyo's second best receiver next to the 989.

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a 2 channel amp just for my mains (RF-7s). I have a Onkyo TX-DS898 I'd use for the pre-amp. Is anyone doing this? Seems like it might be the best of both worlds. Separates for the mains which do most of the work without paying $$$$ for a 5 channel amp. Any recomendations for a 2 channel amp? I haven't done this sort of thing before...anything I need to know? Thanks for the help!

The satellite box I have came free with my satellite package. unfortunately, the best it has for video is S-video, and it doesn't have any digital audio outputs. I guess I'll buy an S-video cable and run that directly to my TV (Sony 46" HDTV) from the satellite box (no point in running the signal through my AV receiver, just have to buy more cables). I was mostly hoping for better sound though. But I guess I'll have to buy a different satellite box for that...and then it would have to be programmed to work with dish network. I'll call dishnetwork and see if it's possible to get a satellite box with a digital audio out.

Okay this is helping... So S-video and composite video only carry VIDEO signals? Same for component video right? So even if I used the S-video connection, my audio won't improve right? My only option for audio is the left and right (white and red) connections. I don't think there's a digital audio out, but I'll check again when I get home.

Thanks for the help. I believe the satellite box has 3 different outputs. The coaxial type (can't hook that to my AV receiver), s-video, and composite video (red, yellow, and white right?). I'm using the composite video interconnects that came with it right now. I was wondering if I'll notice a difference if I used the s-video hookup. I'm asking because I noticed the sound and picture quality was not as good as DVD, but I suppose it won't be anyway. But I don't want to go buy more interconnects if they won't really make a difference. One more question...I could use s-video from the satellite box to my receiver, and then component from my receiver to my TV...but won't be any better than s-video all the way right? Maybe I should draw pictures

I faxed SVS my system and room set up, and Tom recommended the 20-39pci. Does anyone have any experience with this sub? How does it compare with the rsw-15 or rsw-12? I know those subs cost twice as much, but svs claims their subs beat subs costing much more. My system: RF-7's front RF-3's surround RC-7 center (haven't bought yet, but will get eventually). My room is 14W * 15L * 11H I typically listen to music and movies 10 to 30 db below reference levels. Thanks for the help!

Well I got my satellite dish set up. Here's my question: Right now the interconnects are the cheap cables the satellite receiver came with. The best interconnect hookup it's got is s-video. Should I get some s-video cables? The reason I'm asking...well the signal is transfered from the dish to the receiver in that black coaxial cord...supposed to be the worst interconnect. So will using s-video from the satellite receiver to my AV receiver really help anything? Also: I noticed that even though the video and audio is "digital," it's not DVD quality. The picture isn't nearly as good (depending upon the broadcast), and the sound isn't as good either. Is this due to compression?

Hi all, I've got another newbie question for you guys: Are new DVD's recorded in Dolby Digital/DTS or do you have to buy specially recorded ones? I noticed that some of them state "surround sound" while others don't. Just got my Denon 2200, and now it's time start a DVD collection. I don't want to waste money on DVD's that don't have surround sound. Thanks

I'm only going to hook up satellite to my living room. I have only 1 TV, and I don't see that changing, so I'll only need 1 receiver. I guess I'll have to talk to the satellite company about the cable. If they'll have to install new stuff, maybe it's not worth it. I don't want them butchering my new home, and I'm not paying out $$$ for professional installation either.

Well the good news is that my townhome already has cable installed, so hopefully Dish Network can just set up the dish and use the cables that are already routed throughout my house (4 rooms). What's already done looks very professional. I don't want to go with the cable service because Comcast cost a lot more than satellite and gives you less. Sound quality is a big issue. I don't claim to be an audiophile, but there's a big difference between FM and CD quality in terms of clarity. When you're listening to good stuff, you can "see" the instruments based upon the sound. I can't see much when I'm listening to FM. It feels like there's some insolation between me and music. Thanks for all the replies. You guys are awesome!

Okay, I'll keep the "butcher" away from my stuff. But what is the quality of the music? Is it CD quality? FM stereo quality?

Hi everyone, I'm looking go with Dish Network for satellite service. I noticed that you can buy channels where they broadcast "digital music." It's a whole lot of commerical free music channels, something for all tastes. My question: What is the quality like? Is it worth an extra $10/month? While I'm on this, will the satellite guy know how to hook up the system so that the audio goes through my receiver and to my speakers? I'm new to all this... Thanks for the advice, Kurt

Thanks for the replies everyone. I got to listen to the RSW15, RSW10, and RW12 yesterday (sadly no RSW12) My opinions thus far: I don't like the RW12. Very boomy, that's about it. The RSW10 amazed me; it sounds a lot bigger than it is. I'm not sure it's going to be enough though. As for music...The RF-7's really didn't seem to benefit much with a sub. They're pretty darn capable on their own. The sub really made a difference in movies though. I'll take the advice and read up on the SVS and HSU subs as well.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry I left out my room info. 14ft W x 15ft L x 11ft H As for separates...I'm going with the receiver for now because this is honestly my first sound system. I trying to buy stuff only once (hence the speakers), but I still have a lot to learn. I figured I'd get a used receiver since they lose their value quickly. I'll learn with this receiver, and then decide if I need separates later (receiver is still being shipped to me). Separates are a huge investment, so I really want to know what I'm doing before I go there. A few more questions: 1. Do I need a Klipsch subwoofer? I've heard that you should stick to the same brand for good matching, but is the sub an exception? If so, is there a better sub for the money than Klipsch? 2. I've heard that the RSW-15 drops off below 30hrz. Is this true? The RF-7's are supposed to go to 32 hrz. This doesn't make sense. The reason why I'm considering the rsw-12 in place of the rsw 15 is because: 1. My room is small 2. I really don't like a lot of low frequency bass. I hate having things rattle and shake. It's okay for an explosion in a movie or something, but I hate it during music.

I'm looking to buy a RSW-15 or RSW-12. Any color is fine. I'm located in the Chicago area; I will pick up and pay cash. Email me Billiardicus@hotmail.com if interested.