Audio component advise for new HD Monitor owner - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

NotEd · 01-13-2005, 04:57 PM

So, back in this thread I had been looking for advise on buying my new HD Monitor. So far, so good, with the new Toshiba 51H84 I bought based on comments from you folks and a bit of research on my own.

Now for Xmas the wife gave me about 60% of an audio system. Here is the report on that from the previous thread.

Quote:

The amp she gave me is the Sony STRDE697 Audio / Video Receiver. The we have my new SS-MF550H 3 Way, Floor Standing speakers and SS-CR350H Center/Rear Speaker Package . Basically it was a very Sony oriented setup. Funny, because the only item she knew I wanted was actually the Onkyo TX-SR602. Still it looks like it'll do what I want, so I'll be happy with what I've received. Now I've got to find a decent, inexpensive rack to store everything in, too.

Now, I still haven't set this up or even opened the boxes, as the room in question is only barely able to fit the stuff in and I haven't bought the sub or speaker wire yet. I am also having second thoughts about the amp, as I have been reading it is OK, but very difficult to set up. I am wondering if I should exchange it and use the credit toward the Onkyo TX-SR602 I mentioned above or another receiver. I tend to analyze big purchases like this to death (which drives her crazy, BTW), but I feel that since I actually had research the Onkyo unit already I had my doubts about the Sony, which I am more unfamiliar with.

So, any thoughts? Does anyone actually have the Sony unit or have experience with it so as to allay my fears? Also, does anyone know a good, budget subwoofer that I could look at?
Thanks again for the continued help, BTW.

I 8 Piglet · 01-13-2005, 07:16 PM

I have the 675 which is the same model, two generations old. It does a very adequite job. I wouldnt say toss it, but if you can exchange it for the Onkyo, I would probably go that route. I actually considered replacing my older model for the sr602, but mainly for the component switching and 6.1 decoding.

Bottom line, at least IMHO, if you can return it without much trouble, go that route. If doing so is not possible or would create waves on the home front, stick with the Sony, you wont be disapointed.

snipsnapsappy · 01-13-2005, 07:22 PM

I would say the speakers would be weaker than the amp in that system, but I am guessing the spouse would not be too happy if you traded in the speakers she got you.

Speakers are a purchase that should be done by you with an incredible amount of research and listening.

Shadowman82 · 01-13-2005, 11:30 PM

Yeah definetly a somewhat unresearched purchase here . Sony makes good TVs but their Audio equipment is adequate but not great for the price that it costs .

Definetly it would be a good idea to get another receiver , perhaps from the likes of Denon , Oynko , Marantz , Pioneer , Yamaha , Harman Kardon etc.

Now as for the speakers Sony are also adequate there for what they charge but you would be much better served with speakers from names like Athena , Energy , Paradigm , Klipsch , Axiom Audio (online only but very good bang for your buck ) .

As for the subwoofer don't get a Sony sub . Ideally you would turn to either svsubwoofers (online only ) or HSU subwoofers as they are probably best value and performance wise . You could also buy subwoofers from Energy , Paradigm , Klipsch and Axiom . The Athena sub are fairly cheap and will offer you a better value than the Sony but they can't rival the performance of those found in the other companies I mentioned .

If you don't have a big subwoofer budget svsubwoofers is about to release an entry level 10 inch sub for just $349 US , it will offer very good performance for that price level , in fact for that price it's very likely you won't find anything better .

I believe I paid roughly $550 US for my 12 inch svsub and it is a force to be reckond with .

I 8 Piglet · 01-14-2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

If you don't have a big subwoofer budget svsubwoofers is about to release an entry level 10 inch sub for just $349 US , it will offer very good performance for that price level , in fact for that price it's very likely you won't find anything better .

Bare in mind that the 12" Sony sub can be had for $100, that is a significant difference to some folks, and it may performe well enough to suit their tastes.

NotEd · 01-14-2005, 06:08 PM

Hmmmm. I may be stuck with everything, as I got a nasty look when I brought up the fact I was bouncing around ideas round here.

Too bad. I really was looking forward to the Onkyo and almost bought the 601 they had Xmas '03 when Circuit City made the horrible pricing mistake. Still, I can't blame her for the choices she made as the American consumer has had "Sony is the Best" drilled into their heads so often it's almost become second nature.
So unless I can come up with a compelling reason to exchange the receiver I'll have to live with it for now. ("Honey, I just read that the Sony causing Toshiba monitors to explode! Really! One minute you're hooking up the component cables, the next all that's left is a pair of smoking shoes next to a little HD crater." )

Anyway, thanks for the sub leads. I only really have experience with the Infinity surround system I use at work, so I am far from an expert in them. As it is I almost bought a dinky 8" Yamaha sub that Amazon had in their Friday sale last week. Frankly I'm glad I didn't as I think in the end I'd be too disappointed in their performance to enjoy the new system.

Shadowman82 · 01-14-2005, 11:52 PM

Well since the Sony speakers that were listed were not exactly cheap I would imagine that you have more of a budget for the sub than $100 . If you wish to spend that little for a sub then you might as well not have one at all .

Maybe you can't exchange the speakers and receiver but for the sub definetly look into the SV model I mentioned . That 10 inch sub will surely sound much better than 12 inch models from the likes of Sony . I am extremely satisfied with my SV purchase . They also have a very helpful and knowledgable customer service on their site . You could give them the dimensions of your room and they can recommend a suitable model for you .

NotEd · 01-18-2005, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Well since the Sony speakers that were listed were not exactly cheap I would imagine that you have more of a budget for the sub than $100 . If you wish to spend that little for a sub then you might as well not have one at all .

Maybe you can't exchange the speakers and receiver but for the sub definetly look into the SV model I mentioned . That 10 inch sub will surely sound much better than 12 inch models from the likes of Sony . I am extremely satisfied with my SV purchase . They also have a very helpful and knowledgable customer service on their site . You could give them the dimensions of your room and they can recommend a suitable model for you .

Actually, Shawdowman82, the audio components were all a gift from my wife, as the first post said. Actually the amount of debt that I am in right now makes it very unlikely that I will be able to buy a sub right now at all. As it is I have to see how much books will cost next semester (I am just starting grad school on the 23rd) to see if I can afford to upgrade the receiver (she made the mistake of giving me the receipt from J & R for the unit and I am now seriously considering seeing if they will take an exchange for the Onkyo). If I do that even a $100 sub will be out for a few months.

I will measure the room and check out SV, though. At least it would give me a better idea of how much I have to start putting aside for the purchase.

Shadowman82 · 01-19-2005, 10:45 PM

Good idea . You're better off saving your money for a good sub then just getting the cheapest one you can find . You can life without a sub and still have a surround system for some time at least .

NotEd · 01-21-2005, 06:43 PM

And apparently I'll have to live with the Sony amp and no sub for the time being. It is apparently too far outside the return period for J&R to exchange the amp for the one I really wanted. Damn, and I had found a good reason for the exchange too (one more component in on the Onkyo which would be useful when the ReplayTV is added in

).

Oh well, I'll live with what I've got and move the Sony into the living room when I can afford to upgrade to something better.
Too bad too, since J&R had the Onkyo on clearance.

Iguana Man · 01-21-2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotEd

And apparently I'll have to live with the Sony amp and no sub for the time being. It is apparently too far outside the return period for J&R to exchange the amp for the one I really wanted. Damn, and I had found a good reason for the exchange too (one more component in on the Onkyo which would be useful when the ReplayTV is added in

).

Oh well, I'll live with what I've got and move the Sony into the living room when I can afford to upgrade to something better.
Too bad too, since J&R had the Onkyo on clearance.

Question: Does it sound good (or even ok?) ??? If so.....don't sweat it man. Upgrades will come and when they do...we will be here to share your newfound joy. Your wife may not, but hey...like I said, we are here for her...I mean YOU. (

)

JK....enjoy man!

Shadowman82 · 01-22-2005, 10:15 PM

Well you could just abuse the Sony parts after the warranty has expired which would be a good excuse to get something new once they break . (Just kidding)

NotEd · 01-24-2005, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

Question: Does it sound good (or even ok?) ??? If so.....don't sweat it man. Upgrades will come and when they do...we will be here to share your newfound joy. Your wife may not, but hey...like I said, we are here for her...I mean YOU. (

)

JK....enjoy man!

Hey!

Actually I have no idea if it sounds good. The room is still only 75% unpacked. I hope to have it hooked up in a week or two, but right now I still don't have:

speaker wire
a rack for my components
a working connection to my home network (for the ReplayTV, which I just hooked in this weekend while I was mostly snowed in).

This is why she went out and bought me the stuff to begin with, as I will drag my heels and delay things forever. Frustrates her quite a bit, I think.

As it is I am starting grad school tonight, so I'll have to see how much free time that leaves me to get things in order.

Shadowman82 · 01-26-2005, 01:40 AM

Ah yeah connection speaker wire is always a pleasure .

NotEd · 01-26-2005, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Ah yeah connection speaker wire is always a pleasure .

Ah, but I do have one thing in my favor. While I am renting (meaning no permanent installs, drilling holes, etc) the room my gear is in does have a drop ceiling. I am thinking about just running everything above the tiles if I can get it up there with minimal tile damage.

Now I just have to estimate lengths for the wire and such. I got one of those sonic tape measures for Xmas this year, so I figure I can work out the distances fairly easily. I just have to figure the best spot for whatever rack I buy for the gear and how that is going to affect the placement of the monitor and front speakers.

Shadowman82 · 01-26-2005, 10:57 PM

Well yeah a suspended ceiling would allow you to route wire through if you can remove it without a problem . But actually what I meant is depending on the speaker terminals the receiver has connection the wire can be a real pain in the butt .

NotEd · 01-27-2005, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Well yeah a suspended ceiling would allow you to route wire through if you can remove it without a problem . But actually what I meant is depending on the speaker terminals the receiver has connection the wire can be a real pain in the butt .

Oh, I gotcha. Yeah, I don't know about the receiver, but I got a chance to unpack the tower speaks for the front last night. Luckily they look like they can accommodate banana plugs.
Hopefully the receiver can as well, as thats the way I want to go.
Then I'll just pick up some Panduit to run the cables through down the walls. I may not be especially good at neat wiring, but I'm at least going to take a stab at it this time.

Shadowman82 · 01-27-2005, 10:35 PM

I don't know what kind of connectors Sony Receivers have either . I once heard they're frustrating though that may depend on the model .

NotEd · 01-28-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

I don't know what kind of connectors Sony Receivers have either . I once heard they're frustrating though that may depend on the model .

Well I check one out at Best Buy last night and it seems to have fairly standard screw down style connectors, so it might be able to handle banana plugs. (Why I don't just open the box, I don't know. Maybe I'm hoping J&R will take it back after all.

)

Actually I hadn't heard anything about physical connectivity being a problem. The biggest complaint that I recall on the unit is that it is a bitch to program and doesn't really sound all that great. So no big problem there....

Shadowman82 · 01-28-2005, 11:30 PM

Oh yeah that's right I also heard that the Sony receivers are a hassle to set up and that they don't sound that great though of coarse that depends just how big your Audio demands are .

NotEd · 01-31-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Oh yeah that's right I also heard that the Sony receivers are a hassle to set up and that they don't sound that great though of coarse that depends just how big your Audio demands are .

Well the room isn't that large, so I don't really need much power. Still I would rather have had a unit that was easier to program. The last audio equipment I had even close to this scale was a hugemungous Sharp POS stereo that I bought in the late 80s. Hence my reluctance to get stuck with some other piece of garbage.

Shadowman82 · 01-31-2005, 10:24 PM

Well generally most receivers have ample power , what is meant by Sony not sounding that great is more related to fidelity and distortion .

NotEd · 02-01-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Well generally most receivers have ample power , what is meant by Sony not sounding that great is more related to fidelity and distortion .

Ah, well, that's a wholly different matter. Nothing I've ready when researching things mentioned any problems with fidelity or distortion issues, so I'm hoping to have gotten lucky on those counts.

Shadowman82 · 02-02-2005, 02:20 AM

Well it's not something the average consumer would be concerned about . It's not like the Sony receivers are going to be crackling or anything but receivers from other brands will just give you better performance . It really depends if you have never owned high end gear then you may not even notice anything .

NotEd · 02-02-2005, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadowman82

Well it's not something the average consumer would be concerned about . It's not like the Sony receivers are going to be crackling or anything but receivers from other brands will just give you better performance . It really depends if you have never owned high end gear then you may not even notice anything .

I'm sure. Although if the Sony does crackle I've finally got a good reason to return it! (Albeit for another Sony, probably.)

Well, I may not have owned any high end gear, but I use it all day at work. Mostly Yamaha amps, though. Anyway, it is possible that I'll notice the difference. Especially if it's really extreme.

Iguana Man · 02-02-2005, 10:12 PM

Aww for crying out loud....set it up and enjoy! Unless you're cranking the piss outta of it you should be fine.

When you set it all up don't forget to post it and pics over in the "Your Home Theater" forum!

(PS..is it setup yet?

)

Shadowman82 · 02-02-2005, 10:26 PM

Yeah Iguana Man is right , it's probably only at higher volumes where you would notice a big difference .

01-13-2005, 07:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
I 8 Piglet Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: missing NYC hardcore :(	I have the 675 which is the same model, two generations old. It does a very adequite job. I wouldnt say toss it, but if you can exchange it for the Onkyo, I would probably go that route. I actually considered replacing my older model for the sr602, but mainly for the component switching and 6.1 decoding. Bottom line, at least IMHO, if you can return it without much trouble, go that route. If doing so is not possible or would create waves on the home front, stick with the Sony, you wont be disapointed. __________________ "I have respect for Beer!" - John Nash "He was a wise man, who invented beer." - Plato My HT v2.1: with x1 screen shots New screen shots 2/4/04 \| My DVD Collection as of 12/15/04

01-13-2005, 07:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
snipsnapsappy Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Shell Beach, CA, USA	I would say the speakers would be weaker than the amp in that system, but I am guessing the spouse would not be too happy if you traded in the speakers she got you. Speakers are a purchase that should be done by you with an incredible amount of research and listening. __________________ I balked, now the proud owner of both formats. I am now bi-partisan. I enjoy what both red and blue have to offer. My Theater MySpace

01-14-2005, 06:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
NotEd NotActor Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Spittin' distance from Washington, DC	Hmmmm. I may be stuck with everything, as I got a nasty look when I brought up the fact I was bouncing around ideas round here. Too bad. I really was looking forward to the Onkyo and almost bought the 601 they had Xmas '03 when Circuit City made the horrible pricing mistake. Still, I can't blame her for the choices she made as the American consumer has had "Sony is the Best" drilled into their heads so often it's almost become second nature. So unless I can come up with a compelling reason to exchange the receiver I'll have to live with it for now. ("Honey, I just read that the Sony causing Toshiba monitors to explode! Really! One minute you're hooking up the component cables, the next all that's left is a pair of smoking shoes next to a little HD crater." ) Anyway, thanks for the sub leads. I only really have experience with the Infinity surround system I use at work, so I am far from an expert in them. As it is I almost bought a dinky 8" Yamaha sub that Amazon had in their Friday sale last week. Frankly I'm glad I didn't as I think in the end I'd be too disappointed in their performance to enjoy the new system. __________________ "We fear change." -Garth Algar My horribly neglected DVD list Last edited by NotEd : 01-14-2005 at 06:11 PM.

01-21-2005, 06:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
NotEd NotActor Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Spittin' distance from Washington, DC	And apparently I'll have to live with the Sony amp and no sub for the time being. It is apparently too far outside the return period for J&R to exchange the amp for the one I really wanted. Damn, and I had found a good reason for the exchange too (one more component in on the Onkyo which would be useful when the ReplayTV is added in ). Oh well, I'll live with what I've got and move the Sony into the living room when I can afford to upgrade to something better. Too bad too, since J&R had the Onkyo on clearance. __________________ "We fear change." -Garth Algar My horribly neglected DVD list

02-02-2005, 10:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
Iguana Man Ex-BadHumor Man Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Jersey, USA	Aww for crying out loud....set it up and enjoy! Unless you're cranking the piss outta of it you should be fine. When you set it all up don't forget to post it and pics over in the "Your Home Theater" forum! (PS..is it setup yet? ) __________________ Get outside and have fun! Nacho Website Focus

01-13-2005, 11:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Yeah definetly a somewhat unresearched purchase here . Sony makes good TVs but their Audio equipment is adequate but not great for the price that it costs . Definetly it would be a good idea to get another receiver , perhaps from the likes of Denon , Oynko , Marantz , Pioneer , Yamaha , Harman Kardon etc. Now as for the speakers Sony are also adequate there for what they charge but you would be much better served with speakers from names like Athena , Energy , Paradigm , Klipsch , Axiom Audio (online only but very good bang for your buck ) . As for the subwoofer don't get a Sony sub . Ideally you would turn to either svsubwoofers (online only ) or HSU subwoofers as they are probably best value and performance wise . You could also buy subwoofers from Energy , Paradigm , Klipsch and Axiom . The Athena sub are fairly cheap and will offer you a better value than the Sony but they can't rival the performance of those found in the other companies I mentioned . If you don't have a big subwoofer budget svsubwoofers is about to release an entry level 10 inch sub for just $349 US , it will offer very good performance for that price level , in fact for that price it's very likely you won't find anything better . I believe I paid roughly $550 US for my 12 inch svsub and it is a force to be reckond with .

01-14-2005, 11:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Well since the Sony speakers that were listed were not exactly cheap I would imagine that you have more of a budget for the sub than $100 . If you wish to spend that little for a sub then you might as well not have one at all . Maybe you can't exchange the speakers and receiver but for the sub definetly look into the SV model I mentioned . That 10 inch sub will surely sound much better than 12 inch models from the likes of Sony . I am extremely satisfied with my SV purchase . They also have a very helpful and knowledgable customer service on their site . You could give them the dimensions of your room and they can recommend a suitable model for you .

01-19-2005, 10:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Good idea . You're better off saving your money for a good sub then just getting the cheapest one you can find . You can life without a sub and still have a surround system for some time at least .

01-22-2005, 10:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Well you could just abuse the Sony parts after the warranty has expired which would be a good excuse to get something new once they break . (Just kidding)

01-26-2005, 01:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Ah yeah connection speaker wire is always a pleasure .

01-26-2005, 10:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Well yeah a suspended ceiling would allow you to route wire through if you can remove it without a problem . But actually what I meant is depending on the speaker terminals the receiver has connection the wire can be a real pain in the butt .

01-27-2005, 10:35 PM	#18 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	I don't know what kind of connectors Sony Receivers have either . I once heard they're frustrating though that may depend on the model .

01-28-2005, 11:30 PM	#20 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Oh yeah that's right I also heard that the Sony receivers are a hassle to set up and that they don't sound that great though of coarse that depends just how big your Audio demands are .

01-31-2005, 10:24 PM	#22 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Well generally most receivers have ample power , what is meant by Sony not sounding that great is more related to fidelity and distortion .

02-02-2005, 02:20 AM	#24 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Well it's not something the average consumer would be concerned about . It's not like the Sony receivers are going to be crackling or anything but receivers from other brands will just give you better performance . It really depends if you have never owned high end gear then you may not even notice anything .

02-02-2005, 10:26 PM	#27 (permalink)
Shadowman82 Actor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada	Yeah Iguana Man is right , it's probably only at higher volumes where you would notice a big difference .