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Is There Greener Grass For Me?

I have owned an Onkyo TXSV515PRO for about 15 years. I have upgraded most other components in a modest AV system, but not the Onkyo. We use the AV system for audio only as it relates to TV programming and DVD play – there is no CDP involved – all music being played in a separate, dedicated 2-channel room.

Currently, the system consists of:
TV - Mitsubishi WS-65413 – 65” projection
Front Speakers – PSB Stratus Goldi’s
Rear Speakers – PSB Alpha Mini
Center Channel (own but not currently used) – PSB 9C
DVD - Zenith DVB318

Now. I am not trying to assemble a SOTA system in any way, shape, or form. However, I do not care much for the separation provided by the Onkyo, especially front to rear balance (regardless of how the speakers are positioned). Too, if something like a great performance on Soundstage or an audio DVD is used, the sound is a bit thin when cranking the volume. I’ve had these speakers in two-channel systems and they are not exactly what I’d call thin. As such, I am wondering if I could improve things much by using a different power/processor – or maybe given the level of all else I should just leave things alone.. I’d STRONGLY prefer a one-piece unit, as opposed to separates, due in part to space limitations. Don’t need a tuner which is provided in the Onkyo receiver. Appreciate suggestions in the $2K new, $1K used range. Obliged to all for their consideration – whether or not you choose to respond.
4yanx

Showing 3 responses by elevick

elevick
2,638 posts
 
Your Gold's have no need for a sub. Nice speakers all around. However, keep in mind that with 5.1 sound, by routing all of the bass to the front speakers, you may be overtaxing your amp. Bass is very power hungry. Even though the Golds can handle it, you may get better sound with 50-100 quality watts and spending the difference on a sub?
I agree with TIC that a 202 will crush your Onkyo! However, I hate the remote... Also, DPLII is very nice to have compared to original pro-logic.
Other nice receivers out there are Denon, Rotel, Arcam, NAD & Marantz. You could get some decent seperates for $1k to 2k also. Check out spearit-sound. NAD gear is a steal there and will make you wonder why you didn't scrap the Onkyo years ago.
Would you do better spending $1900 on an NAD amp/pre-pro combo or on a B&K 505 receiver and a $700 velodyne sub? Good question??? My opinion would be to get the best you can at that time and leave room to upgrade, ie buy the seperates now and add a sub in the future if you need it!
elevick
2,638 posts
 
The research is part of the fun...

Don't shy away from 7.1. Even if you don't intend to use it, most units have it available. To avoid 7.1 would stick you with a unit 5+ years old in most cases. The newer DAC's plus DPLII make it worth getting newer gear.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
The tuner doesn't really get in the way in most units. So, internally a pre/pro/amp won't be much different than a receiver. TIC's suggestion of the Arcam is great. It and the B&K 507 are way beyond most of the average receivers.

If you are using this for tv (cable or dish) DPL II should be a priority! Your system will end up defaulting to DPL II any time a signal isn't 5.1. DPL II is way beyond DPL. For that reason, some of the components that you may consider to be of lesser audio quality may do a nice job with TV than some older high end units (ie B&K 202 vs a new NAD/Denon/Marantz/Rotel/Adcom/sony ES). Also, newer units seem to have a lot more power these days.

One thing to be careful of is size. Check your cabinet or shelf first. Many units are so wide and deep that once you hook up all of the connections, they don't fit. Sqeezing everything into 1 box makes it huge. Seperates are usually a little more compact and can be split up.

My last comment is that almost any newer receiver for $1000 will crush your older onkyo. Borrow a demo and see what you are missing.
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