5.1 Digital Gaming Questions

[Schlep]

Standard phone cable would be horrid for speaker wire. Standard phone cables are 26 gauge copper (usually), while most copper in use in HT's is 12-16 gauge.

[Prometheus]

anoyone got a good suggestion for a nice reviever under 500. Actually it should probably be under 400 since I might get it for xmas. I checked out the new Sony 6.1 and it seemed very nice. 3 component inputs = component for all systems. Yay! Any suggestions for a nice reciver and even speaker suggestions would be great too.

I have my eye one the JBL SCS150SI home theater package. Any feedback on this also would be great.

[Schlep]

In that price range, for a receiver, I'd go with a Denon AVR-1803 or 2802. I don't know that much about the AVR-1803, so you may want to check HTF to make sure there aren't any glitches, etc. Both the 1802 and 2802 are/were solid contenders. The 1803 can be had online for about $350 and the 2802 for about $450. I tend to stay away from Sony receivers because of past amp issues they've had (running too hot, powering off at sound peaks, etc).

As far as speakers go, those JBL's are a bit of a mismatch for the receiver you mentioned and the receivers that I suggested. Buying a $500 receiver just to buy $300 speakers is a bit backwards, imo. I'd personally save up enough so I could pick up a good set of Energy Take 5.2 (or newer now?) if I were wanting to go entry level. If I could eek out a bit more cash, I'd be looking at Definitive Technology ProCinema 80.6 system, PSB Image, or possibly some low end Klipsch (I personally think they're a bit bright, but you may like them).

The best combination, imo, would be the Denon 1803 with the Def Tech ProCinema 80.6 as Denon and Def Tech work very well together. That whole package would set you back about $1100 total. If that's too scary, the Energy Take 5.2 are a couple hundred dollars cheaper. Also, don't be afraid to buy 1 component at a time. Getting everything at once may seem great, but the itch eventually comes along for you to upgrade your equipment, especially if you bought something you didn't really want because it was all you could afford at the time.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention...LISTEN BEFORE YOU BUY!!#$@. I love Definitive Technology speakers, but that doesn't mean you will. People I know online have heard similair speakers to mine (and the ones I'll be buying soon) calling them muddy and unresponsive while I think they're tight and crisp when setup correctly. Likewise, they'll go on and on about their Klipsch, but I feel like my ear is being raped when I listen to them. Most high end stores will let you do an in-home demo, and if they won't, they don't want your business. Know before you buy.

[Tones]

I love the reciever that I have, the Pioneer VSX D811S. Component switching, 7.1 inputs, 6.1 pre-outputs, 3 optical ins (on on the front), 2 digital coaxial ins, DD-EX, DPLII, and DTS-ES, etc.

It is a very versatile player, and I highly reccomend it. It can be found for as little as $300 or so online, but at most major national retailers, it is about $400. I bought mine at Best Buy, just so I would know it was in my hands, and I could easily return it.

[Despair]

I have same receiver as Tones does, and I was lucky to find it from reliable retailer on Ebay for $280 So far I'm very happy with it.

It also comes in two colors, regular black and silver, and I wish they had silvers where I got mine

[Tones]

I prefer black, as everything that I own is black... except my DVD player. I prefer the unobtrusive look. One thing I prefer about the previous series (VSX-D810S) is the amber LED. I had the VSX-D710S for a few weeks, and I really liked the warm amber glow.

[Despair]

Well, Black is fine by me too, since most of my equipment is also black. But my wife wanted it to match our Wega and speakers, which are silver/metallic

[Melf]

Originally posted by Schlep

I tend to stay away from Sony receivers because of past amp issues they've had (running too hot, powering off at sound peaks, etc).

Really? I've had my Sony STR-DE 485 for about 4 months now and I've used the hell out of it. It's never given me any problems.

[Despair]

My old receiver was Sony, and its been working great for the last 5 years. Even after being flooded with water

[Schlep]

It might also depend on what level you listen to your material at, do you guys listen at 105dB when you're watching movies? I'm glad you haven't had any problems.