Hello all knowing WW

I searched through some threads, and didn't really find anything about this. Of course, there's always a chance that the search feature didn't pick up something, but that would have been a first

I have a question. I'm in the market for a receiver setup that will allow me to hook up my home system, and also give me the ability to have an outdoor speaker setup.

Basically the only sound system I've ever had was a set of speaker for the comp, and running my tv through a CD player that had a view speakers. I am very [new] at this topic, and therefore really don't know anything about it.

Could any of you point me in a good starting direction?

Currently, in the living room, I have a 360, wii. dvd player, TWC cable box, stereo, and tv. I would love to be able to set all of that up to have audio through it, but to have that many connections would probably cost $texas, but not sure.

One of these days I'd want to set up surround sound in that space, but that's not the biggest priority right now. Basically the first project is outdoor speakers, then i'd move to surround sound inside at a later point.

I would like for the receiver to have some staying power, so I wouldn't have to replace it when I do add SS.

5/15/2008 11:31:43 AM

i've got the onkyo 605 and it rocks.

5/15/2008 11:40:54 AM

It looks like you want something with dual speaker zones and HDMI switching.

5/15/2008 12:02:53 PM

... like the Onkyo 605, for example.

5/15/2008 12:21:18 PM

The Onkyo 605 looks like a good choice. I've been eyeing a multi-room receiver myself lately and it has been on the list along with the Yamaha RX-V663. The only thing that I would be reserved about the 605 is that it has passive HDMI switching, meaning that you have to have a separate connection for audio.

Can you verify that, FanatiK? Do you have HDMI for video and optical/coaxial for audio? It's probably not that big of a deal to run a 2 meter optical cable along with the HDMI, but I just feel like its a bit redundant.

5/15/2008 12:56:58 PM

the RX-V663 is an awesome receiver.

5/15/2008 1:10:38 PM

the HDMI on the 605 handles audio. Uncompressed audio, at that (so it will decode DTS-HD and the likes).

5/15/2008 1:26:12 PM

Go with a Denon or a Sherwood Newcastle. I've been in the market too and these seem to be highly touted.

5/15/2008 2:13:51 PM

I looked on here http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/ and a few of their setups recommend the V663

Where can you get this? CC or BB? I didn't see it on their websites...how much is it? Still around $550 or so?

5/15/2008 2:15:09 PM

you can get the v663 at crutchfield.

5/15/2008 3:19:22 PM

are you looking for a starter receiver or an affordable pro set-up?

5/15/2008 3:46:06 PM

are you saying the v663 is just a starter?

basically I want a good receiver as a foundation to continue to add to my setup as the years go on

5/15/2008 8:49:25 PM

i've got a pair of polk atrium 45's on my porch, which are currently driven by a stereo reciever with "b" speaker outs in my living room. but it pushes 130 watts RMS and that is a bit much for those.

i'd like to get that yamaha, or some receiver in that category/price range, and the mirage nanosat 5.1 package. personally, i would be happy with that setup for however long it will last. i think it's a nice middle ground between "home-theater-in-a-box" and the beginning of "going nuts" with home theater sound.

5/15/2008 9:47:30 PM

I have an RX-V series and i love it...

5/15/2008 9:59:01 PM

If you're looking for something to last ... I'd look into something upgradeable like NAD's T175/T973 combo.

I'm definitely a fan of separates.

If you really want a receiver, look into Onkyo's high-end components -- Integra. The DTR-8.8 has everything you could ever want or need.

5/15/2008 10:25:12 PM

honestly i expected far less posts before someone suggested spending upwards of two grand for an amp.

5/15/2008 10:59:22 PM

5/15/2008 11:13:16 PM

What about the outdoor speakers? Is Polk the way to go?

5/16/2008 9:42:39 AM

I like mine. They sound clear and will get plenty loud enough to let the neighbors know your playlist, but they don't have a lot of low-range sound, obviously. I got the lowest end model (the Atrium 45's) because they were $150. You can certainly get better outdoor speakers for more money, but that was what I was willing to spend for the minimal usage I get.

5/16/2008 10:46:25 AM

I would do this one. Using code AFLDEN498 makes the Denon 2308 $498

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=DENAVR2308CI

5/16/2008 11:05:59 AM

^ ftw

5/16/2008 11:07:33 AM

^^ Do any of you have this receiver?

[Edited on May 16, 2008 at 11:35 AM. Reason : .]

5/16/2008 11:22:57 AM

The Onkyos and Yamahas are nice and often recommended.

Check out accessories4less.com for great deals on Marantz. You can get a refurbed Marantz for less than those above, or new for a little bit more. Marantz is a step above for not much more.

I have the Marantz SR4001 and its doing everything i need. Accepts 7.1 LPCM over HDMI and can matrix 5.1 to 7.1. Sounds fantastic.

also, theaudiovideosource.com has sick deals on Infinity speakers. I got the bigger Infinity Primus line and i'm really happy w/ them.

[Edited on May 16, 2008 at 11:51 AM. Reason : ghhh]

5/16/2008 11:50:19 AM