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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 219 Registered: Jul-04 | I have an Onkyo 501 6.1 receiver. Real measurements are about 0.06% thd into 4ohms or 8ohms, and about 46 watts per channel. So, what is to be gained by getting a "better" receiver? For a small room, but with b speakers on often. Usually I care more about sound quality when playing classical. I like a forward sound but have fairly forward speakers (Axiom M22, Ascend 170). Home theater is only an after thought for me. 90% for music. Is this one of them "you gotta go listen for yourself" deals once you get to a certain wattage and certain thd? I could probably come up with $400 towards a new receiver. Would prefer $300 or less, though. Thanks |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1137 Registered: Mar-05 | I'm afraid a $300-400 AV receiver is probably not going to give you massive improvement, Don. Unless you are willing to go refurb with Harman Audio at eBay (full original HK warranty)...you should be able to land an HK 235 or 335 in that price range. For 90% music though I'd lean towards integrated 2-channel amps like this: http://www.hipposaudiovideo.com/nadc320bee.htm ($400 msrp so you can probably haggle down to $300-350) or even better, http://www.hipposaudiovideo.com/nadc352.htm > So, what is to be gained by getting a "better" receiver? Crystal-clear, rich, full sound that NAD is famous for especially their 2-channel gear. Posted wattage and THD for most low-end receivers like Onkyo, Sony, Yamaha, etc. is more often than not dubious. Your ears WILL hear the difference between that NAD and the other mass-market receivers in the $500 and under price range. |
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Zorro Unregistered guest | In addition to Edster's suggestion for NAD gear, you should try http://www.saturdayaudio.com or http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=YO&Category_C ode=NADAMP Both are very professional and are authorized NAD dealers as well. Just another option I also agree with Edster that if music is your priority a HT receiver would not be the way to go. |
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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 220 Registered: Jul-04 | The specs on the onkyo are from a review where they tested the receiver. They are far below what Onkyo says in watts but better than onkyos claim for thd, which is probably pointless to rejoice in anyway since I probably can't hear the difference between 0.08 and 0.06% thd. Yes, I was considering stereo - since it would be better quality for the dollar. Thanks for the suggestions. |
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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 221 Registered: Jul-04 | So, a real significant difference in quality? Worth $400 or so dollars? I think I hear you saying that, just checking. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1157 Registered: Mar-05 | Yes, well worth $400 if you are a music lover. And you can offset part of the cost by eBaying the Onkyo receiver...might be able to get up to $100 for it. THD specs are even more meaningless than inflated RMS specs, Don. The only time you'd ever hear a difference is by comparing receiver A with 25% THD and receiver B with 5% THD let alone .05% THD. Of course nobody makes a receiver with 25% THD. Fifteen dollar clock radios, maybe! ; ) |