cdifani Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Guys: I'm transforming my barn loft into living quarters. It's been a 3 year project, but the end is near! I've got everything I could possibly think of built in. As part of that, I've got almost 5 miles of wires in my walls. And this is a single master suite, one office, nice kitchen, and great room, 1800 sq ft creation. The roof is vaulted (as you would imagine a barn roof would be), and the rooms are not square boxes. In fact the word "square" isn't in my vocabulary. My barn is somewhere past 90 years old, so it's "settled". First of all, I have a AV equipment room (vented with it's own isolated filtered power service). And I've run IR repeater wires from the two serious television areas (7.2 and 5.1). There's a Breathe audio whole house sound system (4 zones) for radio/music. All my speakers (Polk) are in enclosures, which were built into the walls, or ceilings. That's the physical environment. In terms of myself, 30 years as a fireman, and I can no longer hear the high frequencies... Too many sirens, pump engines, aircraft, and all that other industrial noise. Which is why I went with "good" speakers. Now, for the point of my request. I need a decent receiver. I'd like a 2 zone receiver. In fact I'd love a 2 zone 7.1 and 5.1 receiver. But I also don't want to spend more than my car cost on it... Each television viewing area is connected to the equipment room with RG8, HDMI 1.3, digital audio, component video, and the usual PC connections. The speakers are all connected with 12 gauge stranded speaker wire. I would really appreciate some recommendations for a receiver. I don't have to have the "latest and greatest". In fact I don't want one of those. I'm also wondering if I only need a switch box of some sort that can switch the receiver outputs between the two television viewing areas rather than a 2 zone receiver. Since there's only two of us in my home, and I'm the only "remote control friendly" person, I want to keep things as simple as possible. I also don't have any problems with used equipment. As for inputs, I need 4 HDMI inputs (Blue Ray DVD, Patriot Media box, Roku, HTPC), ethernet RJ-45, and I think that's all. I also have XM radio, but that's routed thru the whole house audio system. If the 2 zone receiver isn't possible, than a two output HDMI switch would be a necessity.... I think. After reading what I've written, I also realize that I probably need a good remote control. Something that can handle 4 or 5 devices. So if anyone can suggest a reliable, but not incredibly complex, remote control, I will appreciate that also. My goal is a "good system", a receiver at $500 or less. More than that is a waste of money due to the wear and tear on me over my life. Based on what I've described, if anyone can suggest a solution for me, I'll be forever grateful... or until senior senility sets in... Thanks, Chris Difani, cdifani@comcast.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 My goal is a "good system", a receiver at $500 or less I think that killed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted May 16, 2011 Moderators Share Posted May 16, 2011 Hey Chris. I see you made it to the Klipsch forums. Welcome! How's the Polk XM working out for ya? Sounds like you have a really sweet setup in your barn. Would love to see some photos of it here in the forums. We all enjoy checking out other people's setup. Unfortunately, I'm not up on receivers or I would offer some advice. Willland will likely pop in here and give you some advice on that. I happen to disagree with fritz that you cannot find a "good" receiver for under $500. I bought my Yamaha used in Mint condition for $400. At the time I bought it, it was probably 1 - 2 years old and the previous owner paid $1200 for it. Many of the guys around here use Denon, Yamaha, Marantz, Onkyo and Harmon Kardon. The Onkyo will give you probably the best bang for your buck and they are awesome for home theater. I just searched my local Craigslist for Onkyo HDMI and this Onkyo TX-SR707 looks like it would fit the bill nicely. Before my Yamaha, I had the Onkyo TX-SR703 and I loved it for HT, it just wasn't as good for 2ch as I would have liked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 You have gone to a great deal of trouble to set the stage for a world premier system, and you are skimping on the most important component? The receiver you want would be in the $750-900 range. I would recommend the Marantz SR5005. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted May 16, 2011 Moderators Share Posted May 16, 2011 You have gone to a great deal of trouble to set the stage for a world premier system, and you are skimping on the most important component? As I stated before, you can still find a good receiver for under $500. Here is the Marantz SR5005 you recommended AND a Logitech Harmony 880 remote for $550. Link Edit: I just re-read the ad and I was mistaken on price. He's asking $520 for the Marantz. I'm sure you can get it for under $500 and if you buy both, my guess is you could probably walk away paying $550 or less and you would have both items you are looking for. I use the Harmony One and love it. Great remote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finallygotmyheresies Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 I waited for a sale and bought a new Harmony One for $160 from Best Buy. I absolutely love it! Easy but time consuming to setup(45 min) but after that operation is a breeze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Personally, i would like to know what speakers you have right now. More so than that, i would like to know if you have a current model tv or something a bit older. I am asking you this because the quantity and quality of power you may need comes into play with the model speakers you have. Your tv is another to play attention to because they are updated so rapidly. Receiver suck because you can't separate the amp from the processor. If the amp dies it leaves you with a processor. If you buy a unit with multi channel preamp outs then you could always buy an outboard amp. If you dont have the multi out, your dead in the water. If the processor dies or becomes outdated/obsolete you SOL. Receivers for the most part only put out around 50% of their rated power. Yeah, im not lying, you can find tons of reviews from qualified magaziones and technicians that coroborate this. Its all in the marketing and the audio companies know how to fool 99% of the population. Now, onto the good. Receivers are awesome because you have 2 cars under one roof. Its great for people who want to keep thiungs abit more simple and for those who dont necessarily want to break the bank. I said above that the power is usually 50% of what its rated. Well, for most who have what i would coin an economical system, aka something not overboard, 50-60 watts can be a lot of power and certainly sufficient for most klipsch speakers. For other brands....not so much. Klipsch is very efficient ovcerall. Other options: Use craigslist, you can find used power amplifiers that may be 5-10 years old that will last you another 10-20. Personally, i like gear thats about 5 years old when it comes to used receivers or power amps. If they are older than that, i really dont want to pay too much for them, that is just where my personal cost/performance/age ratio is. You can find used processors or buy a receiver with multi out preamps to run outboard amps. All of this also hinges on how up to date you want or need to be with your technology. Do you need 3d capable HDMI? etc etc. $500 is on the bottom end of mid-range for brand new. This doesnt mean you are going to get a crappy receiver. In fact, its in a pretty sweet spot for good cost/quality receivers. Denon/Onkyo/Harman Kardon are my 3 fav brands that i have dealt with in the past as far as receivers go. Marantz is a step up. The receiver is the heart of your system or your pre/pro amp combo. You can be frugal with the extras but dont skimp on what you actually need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 16, 2011 Share Posted May 16, 2011 Chris, Welcome to the forum. For $500.00, you should be able to find an upper mid level receiver that will meet your needs. Scan your local craigslist and check out audiogon.com. "Last years" models are a super bargain. Logitech Harmony remotes are the way top go. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR708/Onkyo/TX-NR708-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdifani Posted May 17, 2011 Author Share Posted May 17, 2011 Guys: Thank you all for your time, your advice, and your knowledge. I really appreciate all of your responses. From what information I've received already, I've ordered a Logitech Harmony remote. Maybe by the time I get a receiver, I'll have the remote figured out! There's been some requests for additional information so I'll add to what I've already said. I'm not doing 3D video. My preferred TVs (42 and 47) will be LG, or Samsung, or one of the other major brands. 120Hz, good contrast, and LCD are my requirements. My speakers are all Polk made, via Parts Express. They're rated at 50 to 100 watts depending on location or function. They're all wired with 12 gauge stranded copper with no parallel runs with the house AC power lines, or the network Cat 6 cables. I kept things as separated as possible, and where a cross was required, I kept things at 90° or 24 inch separation. The HDMI cabling is 1.3, 22AWG CL2 certified, rated at 350MHz. I've run HDMI throughout the entire loft, to all 8 possible TV locations, as well as the two main viewing areas. Each of the two main viewing areas have center channel dual speakers, a 12" subwoofer, and 8 inch 2 way rights and lefts for the front, middle, and rear areas. I also ran digital audio cabling, component video, and the basic PC VGA cables. Along with RG8 throughout the place. For my Ethernet, I ran Cat 6 everywhere... from my eBay 24 port switch, to every room and closet upstairs and down. I figured I just could not have too many cables! Each speaker is installed in it's own enclosure. While many of the "built in" speakers are simply hung off of the sheetrock, I constructed a MDF enclosure within the framing, or the rafters. I glued the enclosure, caulked the speaker wire passage, and filled the interior space with fiberglass. It's not perfect, but a lot better than hanging a speaker off sheetrock. I've installed my television mounts already, bought from Monoprice. The speaker wire also came from Monoprice. In fact I got a majority of my components from Monoprice. And every piece I bought from them has met, or exceeded my requirements. Excellent vendor, and wonderful prices. Only problem can be with limited stock on hand. Which means you need to plan ahead... On the recommendations for receivers that I've "received" so far, if you could, please give me a model number to go with the make. I'm so uneducated about the current state of electronic affairs, it's not funny. In fact the last time I dealt with this kind of thing, I was building my Heathkit receiver, and my ported bass reflex enclosures that I filled with JBL speakers! I suspect that dates me... really dates me! I hope this is enough additional information to help you give me your best recommendations on a receiver. As I've said before, a unit that's dependable, and funcitonal, that can provide 7.2 surround will be great. But "new", that's not a requirement! Something that is still reasonably technically current, that still has a good service life, that would be just what I'm looking for. Thanks again for all the advice, and recommendations! Chris Difani (cdifani@comcast.net) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 On the recommendations for receivers that I've "received" so far, if you could, please give me a model number to go with the make. As I've said before, a unit that's dependable, and funcitonal, that can provide 7.2 surround will be great. But "new", that's not a requirement! Something that is still reasonably technically current, that still has a good service life, that would be just what I'm looking for. Click on these two links. 1) Marantz SR6004 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6004/Marantz/SR6004-110w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html 2) Onkyo TX-NR708 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR708/Onkyo/TX-NR708-7.2-Channel-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html Either one of these receivers are factory reconditioned and come with a mfr's warranty. Almost new with warranty but with a much better price. Better than used with no warranty. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted May 17, 2011 Moderators Share Posted May 17, 2011 Thx for the suggestions Bill. I knew you could provide some good advice on receivers. I think either of those would work out great for ya Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psg Posted May 17, 2011 Share Posted May 17, 2011 All my speakers (Polk) are in enclosures, which were built into the walls, or ceilings. In terms of myself, 30 years as a fireman, and I can no longer hear the high frequencies... Too many sirens, pump engines, aircraft, and all that other industrial noise. Which is why I went with "good" speakers. Stopped readig right there. [] This is a Klipsch forum after all. I like harman-kardon receiver and have bought refurbs on their ebay store at http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio with satisfaction. They don't seem to have great deal at this point... I bought an AVR-254 for $250 a year ago; works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 I've been planning to post a Yamaha RX A1000 for sale here for $675.It's spotless, like new, latest firmware(which updates itself). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted May 18, 2011 Moderators Share Posted May 18, 2011 I've been planning to post a Yamaha RX A1000 for sale here for $675.It's spotless, like new, latest firmware(which updates itself). Very nice, wish I had the $. [Y] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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