StephenM

At the moment, it's showing at $480. Even if you add in a 3 year warranty, it's another $33. IMO, it'd be hard to do much better.

FWIW, I wouldn't write off Onkyo just because of a few negative forum posts. Were talking about a company that sells quite a few units worldwide; there will be duds. Of course, the same could be said of any major manufacturer. The question is will they stand behind the product, and Onkyo (and the rest) are pretty good about it. In any case, I'd suspect the onkyo and marantz I linked to would get the job done. I suspect comparable denons and yamahas will too.

I don't think you could go too far wrong with these choices either: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR807/Onkyo/TX-NR807-THX-Select2-Plus-135-watts-x-7.2-Network-Receiver/1.html http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html#!more

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR3007/Onkyo/TX-NR3007-THX-Ultra2-Plus-140w-x-9.2-Network-Receiver/1.html Factory refurb, THX Ultra 2 Certified, Factory Warranted, most of the modern niceties (no 3D though), and better than 50% off retail.

FWIW, everything you wanted to know about THX http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_13_1/feature-article-thx-1-2006-part-1.html

In the Klipsch lineup, I would add the KW-120 THX subwoofer as being a solid (albeit expensive) choice. As mentioned, there is no particular reason to stay with Klipsch in the subwoofer realm, especially as these days they're tending towards smaller, "spouse friendlier" models. In any case, there is no shortage of people trying to sell large and in charge high quality subwoofers including Hsu Research, SVS, JL Audio, Velodyne, Elemental Designs, Rythmik, etc etc etc.

Well that depends on what you're trying to drive with the Onkyo. With RF-7s and their nasty impedance swing, I wouldn't expect the best performance. My RF-5s on the other hand only dip down to 4 ohms (as stated by Klipsch's customer support), and given that the 707 I own is designed and tested to be stable down to 4 ohms on the front channels, and is tested to deliver a 12.5 amp peak into said load, I'm reasonably confident that it does just fine. That the low end is taken up by a subwoofer doesn't hurt either. If you asked me if I thought upgrading to a UPA-2 would make any significant difference in my system, I'd say no. It wouldn't give any useful headroom, and since my speakers are within my receiver's ability to drive effectively, it won't help there either. As far as the OP goes, his Denon is of course a different animal than our TX-SR7xx receivers, being a fair bit heavier and costlier, and in a series reasonably well known for good quality. Moreover, the OP isn't complaining that the speakers sound "weak", just that he doesn't have enough clean power. I have a hard time believing that an amplifier rated at 125wpc @ 8 ohms weighing 30 pounds is going to give significantly more clean power than a 38 pound receiver rated for 120wpc @ 8 ohms when driving two channels, even into a reasonably difficult load like the RF-83s. Given that a doubling of power yields a 3dB increase in volume, how much do you think he'll gain with the upgrade? 1-2dB if he's lucky??? Hence my recommendation for a big jump in power if he's so inclined. Of course, I'd still suggest that the subwoofer path is probably a better first step. And for what its worth, yes I've heard "good" amplifiers.

Should also note that the Fathom is only one of the subs I recommended. I also suggested the SVS Ultra (1600 in cylinder at the moment) as well as planting the idea of DIY.

I'm not so sure about that. The AVR-3805 is no lightweight, and if it's only driving two channels, I'd be willing to wager it would give a good accounting of itself against the UPA-2. In terms of raw power output, he would gain next to nothing in terms of extra headroom. At least with the XPA, he would gain a couple db worth of extra power. Well the theory is that by offloading 80Hz on down to a subwoofer, you are less likely to damage your speakers and amplifier. I could be wrong, but the reason I'm recommending the costlier equipment is because he seems to want to dial it to 11 and maybe to 12 (eat that Spinal Tap).

He may want an amplifier after he purchases a subwoofer (or not, who knows), but I wouldn't recommend skimping on the subwoofer at all. I mean, you're recommending he add a $430 12" small sealed subwoofer to speakers that were 5 times more expensive and with considerably more cone area. Thats a pretty big mismatch in my book. The reason I recommended the subs I did is because they have a pretty good shot at keeping up with the RF-83s in quality and quantity. The Emotiva on the other hand is liable to run out of gas before he even gets really going! As far as amps go, the least I'd recommend would be something along the lines of an Emotiva XPA-2. Given that the Denon AVR in question is no slouch by any means, he might as well make a significant upgrade if he's going to plop down the cash.

I wouldn't get rid of the Denon by any means; it does have outputs to drive an external amplifier if that's what you want to do. Adding a subwoofer would be a good first step, something along the lines of an SVS Ultra or JL Fathom. If you're into DIY, that's always an option too. As mentioned, a good sub (with bass management from your Denon) gives a significant boost to the bottom end and takes a lot of strain off your Denon and RF-83s.

The RF-83 does dip down to 2.8 ohms, which is fairly low, and can cause amplifiers/receivers to act up when pushed. A high quality, properly integrated subwoofer can certainly take considerable load off the Denon, as well as the RF-83s, and improve the sound quality of the system overall. Not to worry, the RF-83s aren't whats screaming for mercy. Maybe both. How much more clean volume do you need, and how much time and money are you willing to spend to get there?

Presuming you want to use the 608 to drive a pair of surrounds, you would hook up the surround left preout jack to the cab/sat left input jack on the 608 using the white cable and the surround right preout jack to the cab/sat right input jack using the red cable. Just one cable for each channel; no adapters necessary. Since the 608 does not have multi-channel inputs, I don't believe there is a way to get more than two channels out of it, but others can chime in.

Less any bass management, yes. Since the 608 doesn't appear to have multi-channel analog inputs, you are limited to using it as a stereo amplifier, using say cab/sat left(white) and right (red) inputs, at least via the preouts.

As far as red vs white, traditionally white is the left channel and red is the right channel, although there is no physical difference between the cables themselves. Out of curiosity, what do you mean the preout is just one RCA? Typically there is one RCA per channel.

About -25 to -20.

FWIW, I own an APC C10 that I got for about $40 (regularly >$200) when they were clearing them out at Tigerdirect. As near as I can tell, its about a $10 surge protector in a fancy case with pretty lights. I noticed no improvement in picture or sound. However, its nice to look at I guess. For $40, I'm satisfied; I would not pay anything near retail though.

Starting from scratch... 1. I'd first have to get an idea of what I wanted to come up with a budget, which goes to item 6 of hitting up the local dealers and listening to what I would consider affordable. Time? Depends on how much I'm willing to save each month to get to the goal, but if I had the opportunity to start over I'd try to just make it a one and done deal and do it reasonably quickly. 2. I'd probably go with new or preferably factory refurbished for whatever I could. 3. I'm not really an audiophile so I suppose I lean more towards column B "something that sounds good"; however, I'm still in my prime [] 4. More than I'd care to admit. I regularly ogle the shiny new speakers on Klipsch's website. 5. I'd buy and sell as little as possible. And no, I probably wouldn't buy without first hearing the equipment. 6. As mentioned, the old fashioned way.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Sony would be my bet. Not the exact model, but superficially there are some definite similarities. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SS-MF650H-3-Way-Floorstanding-Speakers/dp/B00029U12Q

For what it's worth, even a THX Select certified receiver has certain requirements in terms of amplification (albeit not as stringent or costly as THX Ultra). Namely it must be stable into a 4 ohm load for the fronts and 8 ohms for the surrounds, and it must be able to swing a 12.5A peak on the front channels and 6.25A peak on the surrounds. Regarding the RF-5s, I settled on a THX Select II receiver because I had e-mailed Klipsch and verified with them that the RF-5 had a minimum impedance of 4 ohms, and could thus be satisfied that the receiver would drive them adequately.

IMO, the SiV sales people are just trying to make a sale. The Quintets aren't known for being inordinately difficult speakers to drive, and the Denon should be more than up to the task of getting the job done. I would also add that from a tonal matching standpoint, the Denon (assuming its the same one I saw on BB's website) has Audyssey MultiEQ. Among other things, this setup routine will set speaker distances, equalize them, and do its best to correct room issues. So long as you take the time to set it up properly, I see no reason the Denon couldn't give you very good sound.

FWIW, I'd have some interest; unfortunately, I'm actually scheduled to have oral surgery the day before.

If you like the sound of the RF/RC-7s, you might take a look at the RF-5s, either new or used. Used, I was able to score a set for $500 in good shape. Of course, the newer models are more attractive (wood veneer all around as opposed to a plastic front baffle on the old models), and there is the new speaker smell. They are still inside your budget at $1500 a pair. On their own they do provide a fairly full, robust sound, and should satisfy you until you complete the 5.1 or 7.1 system. For the receiver, I'd definitely recommend something with pre-outs; it gives you options later down the road, even if you deign not to use them. Personally, I've found this Onkyo to be a pretty solid buy, especially for the relatively low price. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR707/Onkyo/TX-SR707-Thx-Select2-Plus-100-watts-channel-7.2-Receiver/1.html And, now that I'm done plugging my system, I'll leave you in peace. []

Just keep in mind the caveats associated with some of these amplifiers http://www.audioholics.com/education/amplifier-technology/switching-amplifiers-the-technology-and-the-issues