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Any mid-priced Receivers Worthwhile???

I auditioned an Onkyo Integra DTR-5.1 receiver today, driving small Paradigm satellites with an M&K subwoofer. The system sounded quite good spacially and in terms of its frequency range, but it had a little too much lower-treble presence for my liking. I'd like to take the plunge into surround sound, but so far, all the low and mid-priced receivers I've heard have exhibited this flaw to varying degrees. Right now I have good 2-channel sound using the venerable NAD 3020 integrated amp. I don't want to regret going to 5-channel surround. Perhaps the treble zing was in the speakers and not the Integra, I can't say for sure. So, my question is: are there any mid-priced receivers that won't bore holes through my skull during the length of a 2-hour flick, or can I only achieve natural sounding HT with high-priced gear?? Thanks in advance for any and all insight!
plato

Showing 5 responses by plato

plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Hi Argent,

Thanks for the tips. I am presently using some Yamaha 3-way tower speakers, with aluminum-cone drivers that sound pretty good, though I may get something mo-better. Speakers are not really the problem; finding a good-sounding amp/processor that won't break the budget is my concern. I may stay with my 2-channel rig or maybe go for a preamp/processor like the Adcom GTP-760 and do it right. I have a glut of good amplifiers lying around. Then again, I'd like to keep my HT "clutter" to a minimum because my bi-amped high-end audio system is complicated enough. With a good pre/processor like the GTP-760 is the volume of the respective front, rear, and center-channel speakers independently adjustable (It sure ought to be)? Thanks!
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Sugarbrie,
That sounds intriguing -- how do you control volume to all the channels that way? Do you run the 2-channel preamp outputs (from the HT receiver) into the front high-quality amp and then program the receiver to power the center and surround channels only?
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Regarding my last post, I think I would sell one of my 2-channel amps and get a 3-channel model, then use a powered sub. I could use a separate preamp/processor to control it all. I would want decent audio quality from the center speaker and surrounds also...
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Mezmo and Bbroussard,

Thank you for the excellent suggestions. It seems like a lot of people are saying good things about the Marantz HT receivers, so I am going to check them outand probably go that route. Thanks for your help! Happy Easter!
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Guys,

Many thanks for the interest and for all the great suggestions. I'm going to put the NAD T751 on my short list as well. Charles, I've had the opportunity to hear the NAD 3020 with a lot of different equipment and it has never failed to exceed my expectations. It's really a great little piece. In my HT system I have a Pioneer DV333 DVD player, a Hitachi 43" HDTV-ready rear projection TV, and a pair of Yamaha NS-A100XT 3-way tower speakers with two 6.5" woofers, 4" midrange and aluminum-dome tweeter (all aluminum-cone drivers with butyl surrounds). They seem to do a nice enough job considering their cheap $299/pr price -- tight punchy bass & a crisp, smooth, detailed mid-top. My main stereo speakers are the InnerSound Eros ESL hybrids, so I do have a decent point of reference. Happy Easter to All!!!
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