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.

Sorry...guess I should include my system details: Front: RF-7s Center: Buying RC-7 Rear: RF-3s Receiver: Onkyo TS-DX898 Thanks

I'm trying to decide between the RSW-15, RSW-12, and RW-12 subwoofers. I'll probably only use the sub for DVD's (need a rumble sometimes) but thus far I tend to think subs subtract from music. Maybe I've never heard one calibrated properly, but I've been to many HIFI shops. I always end up asking them to turn the sub down/off when listening to music. I'm thinking the RSW-15 is overkill for me. So it's probably the RSW-12 or the RW-12. RSW-12 costs a lot more. One difference is that it has front firing passive radiator in addition to the rear firing sub. Any opinons on these subwoofers?

RF-3's as surrounds... Yeah pretty much what Carl said. I'm no expert in HT, but I didn't like the way the RS-7s sounded when it came to music. I didn't think they really added anything of value...they work great for surround sound on DVD's though. Music is pretty much everything for me. IMO, if you're just want HT, you're spending way too much when you buy Klipsch. There's probably some $1000 HT in a box that will do the trick. Music is what makes Klipsch worth the money. Oh yeah...I got the RF-3's for $450 too A good price always helps the decision along

Thanks for the great advice everyone. It looks like it's "get the RC-7" hands down. That's exactly what I'll do. Thanks

Okay, thanks. You're right, another RF-7 is out of the question. Guess I'll go with the RC-7. Here's another dumb question: Does anyone eliminate the center all together, and run the dialogue through the 2 front speakers? Would that work? I'm asking b/c I bought these speakers for music. IMO they're extreme overkill already for just HT with my room size. I also want to listen to high res music, but I don't know much about it except that it sounds awesome at the HT stores. What role does the center play in high res music? I really appreciate the advice.

I've been slowly assembling my system. RF-7s up front, RF-3s as surrounds, still need a center channel. Should I get the RC-7 or RC-35? My room is only 14ft W x 15ft L x 11ft H. I think I'm probably already over doing it with the speakers, but I love the way bigger drivers play music. IMO there's no substitute for big drivers when it comes to bass. But I don't need a center channel for music, only videos. So I don't really need the bigger drivers do I? Klipsch recommends the RC-7 with the RF-7s, but it's huge (and expensive), and I'm not sure I need something that powerful. Will the RC-35 still match my other speakers well? RC-7 or RC-35 ??? Thanks for the help, Kurt

okay... So what I said was true about the DAC's, unless I want to listen to high res. music right? Thanks for the info, that helps a lot. I guess I need to do a bunch of reading on high res music...I really want to buy this stuff only once. Maybe I should summon my patience and look at separates too. If I go separates....the amp doesn't get outdated right? Just the processor/preamp. By the way, what is the difference between a processor and a preamp? Well I gotta go read about i-link and high res. music...

All the replies are awesome. You guys kick butt! Well I get the RF-7's delivered today. I just bought some used RF-3's to use as rear surround speakers. Someone please tell me that was a good idea. I've read that monopole speakers sound better for music than bipoles (it's all about the music for me). But I have to admit that the purchase was based more upon lust than logic Found em on ebay for $450. The seller lived only a few miles away so I could pick them up and not pay shipping. I figured I'd end up spending that much on the rear surrounds anyway...they might as well be towers (Tim Allen power grunt). So I'm going to have a room full of speakers, but there's still no noise! Gotta get a DVD player and a receiver. Gotta do it before the lust completely takes over. Must make good decision while I still can! Everyone has told me separates, but I've never owned any of this stuff before. I'll have to figure out how to wire what I even have! Basically I don't think I'll have the mental fortitude to wait and research separates (I don't even know that much about AV receivers yet). I think I'll start easier. I'm thinking Denon DVD 4800, 5800, or 5700 or maybe a Onkyo TX-DS898 (ebay) and a Denon 2200 or 2900 DVD player. Do I need to drop $$$$ on a DVD player (I want a universal one). They just feed 1001010101010 to the receiver's DACS right? What do the really expensive players (denon DVD 5900) offer in terms of sound quality that the others don't?

I'm thinking about picking up a Denon 4800 or Denon 5800 off ebay. I got to thinking about how much all this will cost....not sure I can justify it. I think I'm learning that the trick to being perfectly happy and content with the system you have is to simply not listen to other stuff that costs twice as much. I was thinking about stepping down to the RF-5's (my room really isn't that big, and the RF-5's are still fantastic), but I found the RF-7's for $1000 open box. I want a good HT system that I won't have to replace for a long time, but I don't want to spend $10K and I'm not really an audiophile. Anyway, I'm thinking a good used high end AV receiver of yesterday might do the trick. There's lots of competition in the market right now for AV receivers which have driven the prices down a lot, expecially when they're a few years old. What does everyone think of this? With that said, do I need the RC-7 and RS-7 to complete my surround system, or will the smaller RC-3 and RS-3 work well? My room is only 15W*14L*11H. I think I'll get the RSW-12 instead of the RSW-15. I bet the 12 could shake my house apart, probably don't need the 15 for my room size. I live in a townhome as well...I do have to play things at polite levels. I did some reading around on the speaker wire. I think I'll go with 12 guage lamp cord as suggested on this site. Now for the Universal DVD player. I really don't want a million separate components. I want one player that plays everything well. I've done a lot of reading, and I've heard good things about the Denon 1600, 2900 and 5900. The 5900 costs too much unless I can find it used or something. I've heard that as long as you get a decent player, it doesn't affect the quality of the sound much. Here's a good question for you guys. Where does sound quality come from? For example here's my entry level opinion: 65% speakers 25% Receiver (amp+preamp) 8% DVD player 2% Other (cables,etc) This would serve as a guide in allocating my HT budget. As always I appreciate the advice, Kurt

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went back to Barrett's and listened to a few receivers. I guess this is just one big learning experience for me. First I never thought I'd spend more than $500 on speakers. Then I didn't think a receiver could really make a difference. Like I said, big learning experience. I listened to a $700 Denon A/V Receiver (don't remember the model #). Anyway I can't tell you what was missing, but it made the RF-7's sound like ****. Then I listened to an Adcom amp + preamp pair (GFA 7607 + GTP880). This is the receiver they demo the RF-7's with. Night and Day difference. They're on clearance for $2000, but I've never dreamed I'd spend $2000 on a whole system, much less on something that can't make noise by itself, or even read a CD. So how much did you RF-7 guys spend on your receiver/preamp+amp?