Speakers/Audio Reciever

[Shozuki]

I posted a while back pretty convinced what my new set-up would be. But its all change as im waiting on the new Sony X4500 series TV to be released before I upgrade.

I figured this would be the perfect time to reconsider all of my options.

First thing, I need some speakers. I was told to consider the Sony SA-VE835ED 5.1 Speaker set, and you know having heard it set-up in the Sony Centre I thought it sounded immense and looked pretty swish. Only problem is that there discontinued and so I need to look elsewhere, recommendations please? Preferably small, discreet speakers that sound good.

Next thing is the Audio reciever. Again, I was certain I was getting the Onkyo TSXR606 for ?400, now i've gotten scared. Is this good enough? Should I spend more? Should I consider a higher range Onkyo like the TXNR905? or something else entirely? Is the price difference justifiable? Let me know what you think.

Lastly, the TSXR606 says is has upscaling to 1080i (the only scaling it will do is for the Wii) so 1080i is fine. My concern (and probably a silly one) is if I connect my PS3 to it say via HDMI which is set to 1080p is the Reciever going to change the signal to 1080i? or just allow the signal to pass through taking what it needs to produce sound...?

phew, that was alot. Appreciate the help people!

[Spatial]

I've got the 606 (recently bought it for totally redoing my gaming setup). I'm not an audiophile but from a `man in the street` point of view I'd totally recommend it - it's a fantastic unit for the price and I love it.

If you've got a great set of speakers to go with it then you'll have no complaints at all.

If you want small and discreet then the Kef KHT1005.2's get a lot of recommendations. There's a 5.3 version too which are newer and better but much more expensive. I went for the Q-acoustic 1010i's myself but they might be a bit more bulky than you'd like.

Two downsides with the Onkyo range you might already know, but they need to be stressed are:-

a) the thing is a beast - it's bloody huge and you'll need a lot of space to put it because:

b) it runs really hot. All amps produce a lot of heat but I mean this one is, really hot. The internal temp monitor has hit 50 degrees with me at one point within an hours use and while the amp was still running fine it was really hot to the touch.

Onkyo recommend leaving at least an 8 inch gap all around the unit and they aren't kidding. Of course unless you've got a lot of space that probably won't be practical. They don't give a maximum operating temp (but the thing's fitted with a safety cut out and it's never done that for me so must have been within tolerance) but it's something to think about it before you buy the thing (I had to jury-rig a cooling solution with fans to go in my display unit).

As for 1080p, it's my understanding that if you set it to pass through it will allow it to be displayed with no problems as it lets the TV do the image management. I've not tried it myself, but I'm sure I've read somewhere that it will.

Main advice is to go and demo all the stuff you like the look of. Audio is so subjective depending on the listener and the set-up that I wouldn't buy stuff blindly unless there really is nowhere within 100 miles that will let you test it.

Hope this is of some help.

[Shozuki]

Thanks for the info mate, seems like the TSXR606 is indeed the way forward then. Need to find somewhere to try those KEF speakers, although the man at the Sony Centre called to tell me he can get the SA-VE835ED. So having liked those so much might just get them.

Thanks again

[Shozuki]

picked up the TSXR606 today, still unsure on the speakers, looks like KEF ones are the front runners but not sure if I should save a few quid and get the 5.2 or the new 5.3's thoughts?

[Spatial]

Obviously the 5.3's will be newer tech and probably have various tweaks to their design etc to make them sound better, but when I was looking around I noticed they're about £300 more expensive in some places.

I'd say it depends on your budget.

[Shozuki]

well I can afford either, but its always nice to save a few quid if possible. One thing is for sure I dont want to have to think about upgrading any time soon. By that rational its probably worth just going for the 2005.3's.

Difference is:
2005.2 £400
2005.3 £700

But at this stage its not really an issue, are we agreed then just go for the 2005.3's?

@ Spatial101 you seem to know your stuff, do you think im making a wise decision on the TV?

[Spatial]

I wouldn't go that far, it just so happens that I've been doing a lot of research for changing my AV equipment.

Sorry, I've no idea on the TV as I've been happy with my Toshiba LCD for some time. Someone on here should be able to help you tho.

If you're budget stretches to the 5.3's then I say go for it. I'd still have a test listen to both if you can arrange it - always best when shelling out that sort of money to make sure you're happy.