Best receiver for my new PS3 (and Energy surround speakers?)

dsimmelink · 02-03-2009, 03:45 PM

I'm trying to finish my home theater setup and could really use some solid advice on finalizing my speakers and receiver selection. This is going in my small living room. I am on somewhat of a budget so I'm looking for deals while still keeping true quality in mind.

I am using a new PS3 as a blu-ray player. I am aware that it won't pass on the TrueHD signal (or other HD signals for that matter). Instead it decodes it and sends it on as PCM. Therefore I assume I don't really need a receiver that can handle TrueHD? So I guess I am looking for something with enough power to handle this speaker setup (unless anybody has any other advice on what I should purchase instead.. but I do like the look of these and what I have read about them so far) and really show off what they are capable of.

Right now I am looking at an Energy surround speaker setup, consisting of:

(2) C-300 Front LR
(2) C-50 Bookshelf
(1) C-C50 Center
(1) ESW-8 Subwoofer

The C-300s are rated at:
Frequency Response 40Hz-20kHz +/- 3 dB
Recommended Amplifier Power up to 125 watts.

The C-50s are rated at:
Frequency Response 71Hz - 20kHz
Recommended Amplifier Power 20-100 W /channel

The C-C50 is rated at:
Frequency Response 60Hz-20kHz +/- 3 dB
Recommended Amplifier Power up to 100 watts

The ESW-8 is rated at:
Frequency Response 3Hz-150Hz +/- 3dB
Amplifier Power Output 200 Watts

If anybody would give me some help with where to go next as far as receivers I would really appreciate it!!!

Thank you much!!

IdahoPhil63 · 02-03-2009, 06:27 PM

So, whats your budget then?

dsimmelink · 02-03-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoPhil63

So, whats your budget then?

Well it's kinda flexible I guess depending on the deals I get... I *could* spend up to 1k on speakers and receiver but would much rather spend around 500ish. Of course the Energy speaker system is 500 already so I guess I'm looking at a receiver for less than 500 if I go that route.

I've been reading up on the Onkyo HT-S6100 and HT-S7100 too as they appear to be quality setups at a price that I would much rather stomach right now. They are also 7.1 setups so that is appealing as well.

Before I found the HT-S6100 all-in-one systems, I was looking at the Onkyo TX-SR606 to power the Energy speaker system but wasn't sure if it would have enough juice to power them effectively.

So again, like I said, I'm up for any and all suggestions.

Thanks!!

**kamspy** · 02-03-2009, 11:30 PM

Denon.

I haven't had any luck at all with the *06 series. A lot of people have though, so it's worth a try to save some money.

m_vanmeter · 02-04-2009, 08:44 AM

The Energy "C" series speakers are relatively efficient speakers, you should have no problem driving them with the Onkyo SR606, Yamaha V663, or Pioneer 1018...or other a/v receivers in this price class that handle full HDMI audio and process the lossless HD codecs.

dsimmelink · 02-04-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m_vanmeter

The Energy "C" series speakers are relatively efficient speakers, you should have no problem driving them with the Onkyo SR606, Yamaha V663, or Pioneer 1018...or other a/v receivers in this price class that handle full HDMI audio and process the lossless HD codecs.

Thanks for the feedback. The only reason I mentioned that is because I actually called Energy yesterday and talked to one of their support guys and he said that if possible I should try and get a receiver that comes close to the maximum recommended wattage for my front speakers (the C-300s) which is 125W.

**PFC5** · 02-04-2009, 03:35 PM

The higher the receiver power rating the less it has to be pushed to the higher volumes and it is usually distortion that kills speakers more than power over time. If you have more power then you do not have to turn the volume up as high and then the distortion levels will be lower.

I think a Denon/Yamaha receiver that outputs 100 watts per channel will be fine to power those Energy speakers which BTW, are owned by Klipsch.

dsimmelink · 02-04-2009, 05:22 PM

PFC5:
Wow thank you for the great explanation. That really helps make things clearer in my head.

Do you recommend any specific models of Denon or Yamaha receivers which would do the trick nicely for these?

Ones suggested so far that look nice are:

Yamaha RX-V663BL (95W x 7, $499.99 at Newegg)
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K (rated at 130W x 7 but reported to actually be 110W x 7. Odd. 499.99 at Newegg)
Onkyo TX-SR606 (90W x 7, $397.98 at Vann's)

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks again!

**kamspy** · 02-04-2009, 05:35 PM

Here's a Denon that will get you in the game for under $250

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receiver.../42009214.aspx

dsimmelink · 02-04-2009, 06:06 PM

Thanks kamspy,
I see this is "Denon Recertified". I've never bought anything reconditioned before. Do you have experience with this?

Does it mean that these are receivers that broke and were returned under warranty or just ones that, say, had been opened up but are still virtually brand new but had to be examined by Denon to be official?

I also see that it is unavailable right now. Hmm....

caliberconst. · 02-05-2009, 12:00 AM

I would go with the yamaha rx-v663. If I was building a $1,000 surround sound right now that is the exact setup that I would buy. Yamaha is pretty tough to beat IMO.

dsimmelink · 02-05-2009, 01:52 PM

Thanks caliberconst,

That Yamaha looks pretty good too... can be found at good prices as well!

OK, here is another issue I REALLY want to avoid... I am a Guitar Hero man.

So one BIG issue with timing based games such as these is minimizing any delay from source (xbox 360 in this case) to destination (screen and speakers) let alone keeping the two in sync.

I see the Yamaha RX-V663BL does Auto Lip-Sync Compensation to keep things in sync. However I believe it is this that may contribute to the delay when playing games such as these.

When I am playing guitar hero, I am listening to the music and I want to strum when the sound comes out of my speaker which makes logical sense. Well if there is a delay somewhere in the processing of all this info, I may hear the music later than it is really being pumped out of the 360 so when I strum it is too late and I miss notes. (Also the delay can be noticeable on screen when I press buttons and there is an obvious delay when they respond on screen.

The games do have a calibration feature but that doesn't solve the initial problem of the delay being created by the equipment.

Does anybody have any experience in eliminating all delays involved with gaming with a surround speaker system??

Thanks again!

Bigloww · 02-05-2009, 02:05 PM

Sorry to add another receiver to the mix, but 1 other I would recommend in addition to the receivers below is the Harmon Kardon AVR-354. Very nice receiver for it's $500 price tag IMO.. Worth giving a "hear" IMO....

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...3864019&sr=8-1

caliberconst. · 02-05-2009, 02:14 PM

OK, here is another issue I REALLY want to avoid... I am a Guitar Hero man.

So one BIG issue with timing based games such as these is minimizing any delay from source (xbox 360 in this case) to destination (screen and speakers) let alone keeping the two in sync.

I see the Yamaha RX-V663BL does Auto Lip-Sync Compensation to keep things in sync. However I believe it is this that may contribute to the delay when playing games such as these.

I dont think this will add to the problem, thats kinda why it is there, to fix it, not make it worse. my rx-v1400 does not have the auto lip sync, but it does have a manual adjustment and it works great with my direct tv recordings that are almost always off.

dsimmelink · 02-05-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigloww

Sorry to add another receiver to the mix, but 1 other I would recommend in addition to the receivers below is the Harmon Kardon AVR-354. Very nice receiver for it's $500 price tag IMO.. Worth giving a "hear" IMO....

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...3864019&sr=8-1

No no, I'm always open to any suggestions.

However I see that receiver only outputs 75W per channel. It does look very nice but unfortunately I'm looking for a bit more "oomph" to power my speakers. Thanks though!

02-03-2009, 03:45 PM	#1
dsimmelink HD/HiFi Overload Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Age: 29 Posts: 139	Trying to decide on ideal receiver for my new PS3 (and Energy surround speakers?) I'm trying to finish my home theater setup and could really use some solid advice on finalizing my speakers and receiver selection. This is going in my small living room. I am on somewhat of a budget so I'm looking for deals while still keeping true quality in mind. I am using a new PS3 as a blu-ray player. I am aware that it won't pass on the TrueHD signal (or other HD signals for that matter). Instead it decodes it and sends it on as PCM. Therefore I assume I don't really need a receiver that can handle TrueHD? So I guess I am looking for something with enough power to handle this speaker setup (unless anybody has any other advice on what I should purchase instead.. but I do like the look of these and what I have read about them so far) and really show off what they are capable of. Right now I am looking at an Energy surround speaker setup, consisting of: (2) C-300 Front LR (2) C-50 Bookshelf (1) C-C50 Center (1) ESW-8 Subwoofer The C-300s are rated at: Frequency Response 40Hz-20kHz +/- 3 dB Recommended Amplifier Power up to 125 watts. The C-50s are rated at: Frequency Response 71Hz - 20kHz Recommended Amplifier Power 20-100 W /channel The C-C50 is rated at: Frequency Response 60Hz-20kHz +/- 3 dB Recommended Amplifier Power up to 100 watts The ESW-8 is rated at: Frequency Response 3Hz-150Hz +/- 3dB Amplifier Power Output 200 Watts If anybody would give me some help with where to go next as far as receivers I would really appreciate it!!! Thank you much!! Last edited by dsimmelink; 02-03-2009 at 03:53 PM.

02-03-2009, 06:27 PM	#2
IdahoPhil63 Define interesting. Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 136	So, whats your budget then? __________________ Toshiba 65" HDTV Toshiba HD-A3 Yamaha HTR-5150 Nakamichi RX-202 Jvc XL-V311 Xbox 360(GT; WarZombieKing) Definitive Technology BP-7004 surround system Monster Cable all around

02-04-2009, 03:35 PM	#7
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	The higher the receiver power rating the less it has to be pushed to the higher volumes and it is usually distortion that kills speakers more than power over time. If you have more power then you do not have to turn the volume up as high and then the distortion levels will be lower. I think a Denon/Yamaha receiver that outputs 100 watts per channel will be fine to power those Energy speakers which BTW, are owned by Klipsch. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

02-05-2009, 12:00 AM	#11
caliberconst. waylin rules Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 229	I would go with the yamaha rx-v663. If I was building a $1,000 surround sound right now that is the exact setup that I would buy. Yamaha is pretty tough to beat IMO. __________________ Panasonic 50x1 Toshiba Hd-A2 PS3 Denon 557 Comcast dchx3400 hd dvr Yamaha RX-V1400 7.1 Center Polk cs1 Fronts Polk R-300 Surrounds Polk R-150 10" ENERGY esw-10

02-05-2009, 02:05 PM	#13
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,133	Sorry to add another receiver to the mix, but 1 other I would recommend in addition to the receivers below is the Harmon Kardon AVR-354. Very nice receiver for it's $500 price tag IMO.. Worth giving a "hear" IMO.... http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...3864019&sr=8-1 __________________ Commit to the Indian.. *In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..*

02-03-2009, 11:30 PM	#4
kamspy Esteban Moderatoro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati,OH Good Posts: 12 Posts: 13,045	Denon. I haven't had any luck at all with the *06 series. A lot of people have though, so it's worth a try to save some money.

02-04-2009, 08:44 AM	#5
m_vanmeter WD4JCM in KY Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 669	The Energy "C" series speakers are relatively efficient speakers, you should have no problem driving them with the Onkyo SR606, Yamaha V663, or Pioneer 1018...or other a/v receivers in this price class that handle full HDMI audio and process the lossless HD codecs.

02-04-2009, 05:22 PM	#8
dsimmelink HD/HiFi Overload Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Age: 29 Posts: 139	PFC5: Wow thank you for the great explanation. That really helps make things clearer in my head. Do you recommend any specific models of Denon or Yamaha receivers which would do the trick nicely for these? Ones suggested so far that look nice are: Yamaha RX-V663BL (95W x 7, $499.99 at Newegg) Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K (rated at 130W x 7 but reported to actually be 110W x 7. Odd. 499.99 at Newegg) Onkyo TX-SR606 (90W x 7, $397.98 at Vann's) Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks again!

02-04-2009, 05:35 PM	#9
kamspy Esteban Moderatoro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati,OH Good Posts: 12 Posts: 13,045	Here's a Denon that will get you in the game for under $250 http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receiver.../42009214.aspx

02-04-2009, 06:06 PM	#10
dsimmelink HD/HiFi Overload Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Age: 29 Posts: 139	Thanks kamspy, I see this is "Denon Recertified". I've never bought anything reconditioned before. Do you have experience with this? Does it mean that these are receivers that broke and were returned under warranty or just ones that, say, had been opened up but are still virtually brand new but had to be examined by Denon to be official? I also see that it is unavailable right now. Hmm....

02-05-2009, 01:52 PM	#12
dsimmelink HD/HiFi Overload Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Spokane, WA Age: 29 Posts: 139	Thanks caliberconst, That Yamaha looks pretty good too... can be found at good prices as well! OK, here is another issue I REALLY want to avoid... I am a Guitar Hero man. So one BIG issue with timing based games such as these is minimizing any delay from source (xbox 360 in this case) to destination (screen and speakers) let alone keeping the two in sync. I see the Yamaha RX-V663BL does Auto Lip-Sync Compensation to keep things in sync. However I believe it is this that may contribute to the delay when playing games such as these. When I am playing guitar hero, I am listening to the music and I want to strum when the sound comes out of my speaker which makes logical sense. Well if there is a delay somewhere in the processing of all this info, I may hear the music later than it is really being pumped out of the 360 so when I strum it is too late and I miss notes. (Also the delay can be noticeable on screen when I press buttons and there is an obvious delay when they respond on screen. The games do have a calibration feature but that doesn't solve the initial problem of the delay being created by the equipment. Does anybody have any experience in eliminating all delays involved with gaming with a surround speaker system?? Thanks again!

02-05-2009, 02:14 PM	#14
caliberconst. waylin rules Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 229	OK, here is another issue I REALLY want to avoid... I am a Guitar Hero man. So one BIG issue with timing based games such as these is minimizing any delay from source (xbox 360 in this case) to destination (screen and speakers) let alone keeping the two in sync. I see the Yamaha RX-V663BL does Auto Lip-Sync Compensation to keep things in sync. However I believe it is this that may contribute to the delay when playing games such as these. I dont think this will add to the problem, thats kinda why it is there, to fix it, not make it worse. my rx-v1400 does not have the auto lip sync, but it does have a manual adjustment and it works great with my direct tv recordings that are almost always off. __________________ Panasonic 50x1 Toshiba Hd-A2 PS3 Denon 557 Comcast dchx3400 hd dvr Yamaha RX-V1400 7.1 Center Polk cs1 Fronts Polk R-300 Surrounds Polk R-150 10" ENERGY esw-10 Last edited by caliberconst.; 02-05-2009 at 02:18 PM.