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Receiver Advice Appreciated


Jah-MaN

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Hi all. I'm not only a newb on the forum, but I'm just starting my descent into the seemingly endless abyss of knowledge and information that makes up all things HT, so if it sounds like I don't know what I'm talking about, it is because I don't.  For better or worse, I experienced my brother-in-law's HT setup (It was all Klipsch, although not sure of the model. Definitely high-end, though).  Needless to say, I was hooked and wanted to move in to his theater room. I loved the clear, crisp, brightness (if that makes sense) of his Klipsch setup and decided that was the route for me. Since I'm on a much lower budget, I've been shopping around for used lower-end used equipment (I'm starting with nothing).  After months of patiently pricing gear, reading as much as I could in order to make a somewhat informed decision (I was hoping for a deal on the Reference line), and waiting for a deal I couldn't refuse, I finally found one on a used 5 speaker RF-15 setup. I also separately purchased 2 KSB 1.1 bookshelf speakers for the rear surround. I just need a sub and receiver and I'll be golden on the audio setup. Since I got a screamin deal on the speakers, I am way under budget for both, so I'll be able to spend the money on the receiver that will do the speakers justice. That said, I'm hoping to stay within the $300-$400 price range on a used receiver that would retail for $800 -$1000 new. I'm not too hung up on prices and am willing to go over if it is worth it, but that gives you an idea of my budget and what I'm looking for.  And I want something with at least 2 HDMI ports. I know that sound preference is subjective, but can you at least let me know what to expect with different receivers or steer me in the right direction of what might best compliment my setup? I've read good things about Denon's and they are definitely in my price range, but I also read that they are not ideal for Klipsch because they only contribute to the brightness of the sound (to a fault) and that it is best to pair Klipsch's with a receiver that produces a more "warm" sound. Can you shed some light on the accuracy of this? Any, and all, input is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Jah-Man,

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

I've read good things about Denon's and they are definitely in my price range, but I also read that they are not ideal for Klipsch because they only contribute to the brightness of the sound (to a fault) and that it is best to pair Klipsch's with a receiver that produces a more "warm" sound. 

 

I tend to like receivers, amps, etc. that produce a more neutral sound and have always felt that Denons tend to be of the neutral-warmish variety, which is not a bad thing IMO.  Some folks even like things a bit brighter for HT and warmer for music.  Component/speaker matching is most important and the room acoustics will play a role in determining that also.  It is hard to say what would be best for your setup and room.

 

Others will chime in soon and probably counter everything I just said.  Hence the reason this hobby of ours is so subjective.

 

Bill

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Haha. Thanks for the feedback. That's very helpful. And the more opinions/insight, the better.  I'm a music junkie and will definitely be utilizing it for blasting my vinyl as well.  So, that is a good point to consider. I would say that I fall in the category of liking my music with a warmer tone (hence the vinyl love) and HT a bit on the bright side. That said, sounds like Denon may be a good fit. Forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean by component/speaker matching? I'm guessing that's a loaded question, so can you point me towards good reference material to learn about it? Thanks.

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Forgive my ignorance, but what do you mean by component/speaker matching? I'm guessing that's a loaded question, so can you point me towards good reference material to learn about it? Thanks.

 

 

Not loaded, just more things to consider.  It is all about synergy.  If the source material and source component does not jive well with the preamp/amplifier or receiver which may not mate well with the speakers, then more experimentation might be in order.

 

This may help get you get started.

 

http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/common-mistakes

 

Bill

Edited by willland
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TwistedCrank,

 

Thanks for your reply. First off, I failed to mention that my center is a RC25 and surrounds are RS25's. Anyway, are you not a fan of this line? You won't hurt my feelings. Haha. I'm trying to keep it as low budget as possible but still have a respectable setup that I'll be satisfied with (that's very vague, I know).  Considering I'm rocking one of those crappy Bose-in-a-box setups right now, that won't take much. Haha. I was set on Klipsch from the start, but given the prices of the different models I was finding, the low-end of the Reference Series seemed to be the most Klipsch I could afford. I wanted to stay away from the Ion's and Synergy as the reviews I read on those were not as favorable as the Reference (again, this could be totally inaccurate). Just curious, which direction would you have steered me in? For the record, I got all 5 Reference speakers from a pawn shop for $265. They were listed for $290 and I got them down $25. The grill cloth on a few of them had some damage (no doubt the work of a feline) and they had a few nicks and dings here and there, but after I cleaned them up, it isn't noticeable. I also got rid of my wedding band from my previous marriage for $65 and left there spending $200 for all 5 speakers. I've seen the towers alone going for $300-$400 a pair on E-Bay, so I figured this was a no-brainer. And I got the rear KSB 1.1's off of EBay for $80 for the pair. So, I'm very pleased to only be out $280 with the setup I currently have. And I figure that if I'm discontented or want to upgrade down the road, I should easily be able to sell them for more than I paid.

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http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/43689/fs-sherbourn-sr-120

 

Absolutely the best receiver I have ever heard.....or ownded for that matter. There is a reason I own four of them. $3000 new, there is one listed at the link above on the Emotiva forum. Nuts, only $350.

 

All the bells and whistles outside of Atmos and tons of power. A full rated output of 125 wpc for the front three and 75 wpc across the other four channels. Not the 140 wpc crappy BS ratings the other manufacturers claim for one or two channels driven. Absolutely blows any Yamaha, Denon, Marantz or any other receiver out of the water as far as specs and amazing soundstage it produces. My Yamaha RX-V2700 with 130 wpc couldn't hold a candle to this monster and at $350 you will never find anything to compare it to.

 

Oh, and to top it off, it sounds amazing through Klipsch speakers!

 

http://www.ecoustics.com/products/sherbourn-sr-120-av-receiver/

Edited by teaman
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You got some pretty good deals. I am a big fan of Marantz and think their AVRs work well with Klipsch. I have 4 RB 61 IIs that I picked up in a couple good eBay deals. They sound great to my ears with the Marantz for TV, movies and music. The newer ones all come with several HDMI ports. I have the SR5008 which is recently discontinued. You might find a new one in that range if you look around.

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Thanks, teaman. That's a ringing endorsement if I've ever heard one. Haha. Checked out the thread, looks like someone already snatched that one up?

Nope, that was me inquiring to see if he still has it. Pretty sure he does!

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By the way, one of the SR-120's are listed on Ebay right now for $799 and BIN price of $1050.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sherbourn-SR120-7-Channel-175-Watt-Receiver-/131583430481?hash=item1ea2fbcf51

 

When I listen in my house to this receiver I literally have the volume dial set around 10-15 and (the dial goes to 100 or more, never attempted to pass 40). I can hear it in my front yard at 10...

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