Thanks, just clarifying. My Integra that died was pretty old, didn't even have HDMI inputs. So even though it was a solid piece,I doubt I have heard any where near the sound from my DVD's yet. |
IMO, THX is pretty much meaningless. As to whether the Audyssey multi-Q room correction is worth the extra $, it's your money so it's gotta be your call.
Marty |
The Onkyo I'm looking at has Audysey but is not THX certified, is that a big deal? |
Marty, Thanks and I understand where you're coming from. My place is very small and my home theatre set up surrounds my tv in one corner. My two channel rig takes up most of the wall that runs away from that corner (right side as you face the tv. In other words my place is so crappy I wonder how much I really need? I do however want my movie sound to be more than just satisfactory. A local high end store has trhe Inegra 20.4 for 699.00. That's two hundred more than I wanted to spend. These Onkyo receivers I mentioned are 299 from a big box store. |
Zar,
There are several important features on AVRs, and everyone's gotta set price priorities. Personally, I value Audysey multi-Q room correction very highly. This includes room correction for the subwoofers. Opinions vary, but I'm completely sold on this software.
You should double check the models you list for this feature. I believe that the TX NR 709 is the lowest priced AVR with this feature. There are several other technologies from Audyssey on the less expensive models, but it's full range multi-Q that's the deal breaker for me.
Marty |
Marty, I hope you see this. I can get either the Onkyo HT RC 360 or 460 for around 300 bucks. Do you have an opinion on these? Anyone else seeing this I would appreciate any input. Thanks. |
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Marty, my room is pretty small. I will experiment with the extra speakers once I get something. Thanks. |
The best place to start IMHO - if the room is big enough - front l&r plus side l&r plus rear l&r, along with center and sub(s). That's a straight 7.1 (or 7.2 if you have 2 subs) on the back of the Onkyo AVR. |
Marty, thanks for all that info. I realized I have two extra speakers ( Ireplaced them with Yamaha mini monitors for the left and right front speakers. My rear or surround speakers are small Energy. The spares are the same. What do you suggest? I was thinking of two sets of left and right fronts. Thanks again. |
I run my new 9.2 channel Integra 50.4 AVR in the family room in a 5.1 configuration (front L&R, rear L&R, and center - no side channels) with subs and 2 additional height channels. My front L & R are Silverline Sonatinas and they sound quite good for music (on the rare occasion that this system is used for music).
However, the room came pre-wired with 2 speakers pretty high up in the walls next to the TV nook and 2 more near the back of the room in the ceiling. I assume they were intended as front L & R and rear channel speakers.
Since I use the Silverlines as front L & R, and I had the 2 built-in speakers that were already in the walls beside the TV nook, I decided to use that built-in "front" pair as height channels and the back pair as rear channels. They were already there so I figured I might as well use 'em. I didn't install built-in side speakers because they weren't already there and it didn't seem important to add 'em.
In my more elaborate HT, the 7.2 channel Integra is run in a straight Front L&R, Side L&R, Rear L&R, CC, dual sub 7.2 set-up. If the room is big enough, the extra 2 side channels are uselful. The height channels in a 9.2 can also be fun, but IMHO, neither is essential.
Marty |
Marty, Amazon has it listed for 499.00! Here is a dumb question. My Integra was 5.1, this is 7 channels. Do I need to get more speakers? Can I just hook up my previous gear and be cool? Sorry I must sound ike an idiot. |
I got the price with a quick Google search. I don't recall exactly which store had it listed for $549. My guess is that if you find one, any other will match it, so Google on!
Marty |
Marty, thanks for that input. So is Best Buy where I can find it should I choose? |
I'm an Onkyo/Integra fan. I use Integra AVRs in my Home Theater Room and in a much smaller, video-centric set-up in my family room. I also use an Onkyo Pre-Pro in my more elaborate two-channel system because I'm hooked on room correction.
The Onkyo TX-NR 709 is available at <$550 from big box discounters and it features full-range Audyssey EQ (including the critical subwoofer correction). If you have more to spend, you might look for something from a premium brand, but the 709 is an excellent option for the +/- $200 premium vs. repairing your existing AVR. |
Paraneer and all the other guys that responded, thank you for the advice and honesty. I will get a new piece. I was using it for movie playback only (Whatever I buy will be used the same way, I have a separate two channel rig for music only) and have been more than leaning towards getting something new since it went down. Thanks again everyone for responding. |
A few things I'd add. First off, I ultimately agree with Rlwainwright. The technology has really advanced and what you get with new receivers and pre-pros is fantastic--especially room correction.
However, I'm not sure what you're using the receiver for. Are you considering any new sources that are HDMI enabled or are you happy and everything you're doing is just analog?
My sense is that the repair price is somewhat fair; however, you may be able to get a used one for that price and for a few hundred more, you'll get something brand new that really makes a big difference for you and gets you current with the technology. |
PS: The Sherbourn also has automatic room correction and plenty of analog and digital inputs to handle all of your connectivity needs, now and in the future...
-RW- |
I would not repair it. I would instead look for a more modern replacement like the newly-available Sherbourn 8100 AVR. You'll get better amplification - a *true* 80 watts/ch. ALL channels (7) driven, decoding of the latest codecs - Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS HDMA, and even Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, it has a 5-year warranty. $799.
http://www.sherbourn.com/collections/theater/products/sr8100
-RW- |
I will be brutally honest with you and tell you now. Don't repair it. Your AVR is not worth the price of the repairs. The repairman probably knows this too but is hoping you say yes. Its a job for him as no one ever repairs electronics unless they know how to do it themselves. Its called planned obsolescence and especially applies to AVR's and Flat Screen TV's.
Your Integra is outdated. It has no HDMI inputs and cannot decode the latest lossless formats, Dolby True HD & DTS Master. Use the $317 toward the purchase of a new AVR.
Now, aren't glad you came here and asked? |
