How does the sound quality from this receiver compare with using surround receiver with channel selector/splitter?
1088939
David, A number of things come into play here. What kind of speakers are you using? What is the size of the room? This network product is primarily there to give you a lot of features for smaller speakers (only 60 watts) and to be a space saver. Eric C World Wide Stereo
1640008
I would recommend a sub and surround speakers. I use a sub and it sounds great. I also got the matching center channel which is awesome too.
1186812
Your HDTV has regular red and white audio outputs right? If so, any 2-channel stereo receiver will work very well and won't break the bank. You can find 2 channel stereo receivers from many companies, I would stick with Sony, Yamaha, Onkyo, or Harman Kardon. They all have different power ratings and appearances so I cannot recommend one specifically for you. But Sony I would say will offer the least amount of sound quality. Yamaha, Onkyo, and Harman Kardon will probably offer better sound. Also, if you don't mind spending a little bit more, I think you would be happier with the sound quality of some nice bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio such as the RTI A1. You may lose some bass, but you will gain a clearer, more balanced sound. You can also find some good deals for used speakers on Craigslist sometimes
968114
As a center channel for a 7.1 system, with music playing through it, it sounds good. So for an old receiver it should sound fine.
545664
I had a similar set up and didn't need a receiver, however there are limited inputs on the sound bar and i bought a cheap input switch to make it work
378739
Congrats on your equipment. I am using UPA-200 for stereo only. I love the sound, uncolored and dynamic. Technically you can use front left and Right pre-out on your receiver to connect UPA. I use to have couple Onkyo receivers and i believe they sound similar to Emotiva. But considering 818s power for each channel I do not think you'll have any benefits adding UPA.
767056
I agree, the best to use separates if you can afford. I have used both separates and high quality receivers and believe the Yamaha Aventage separates are superior.
1910095
I would say so. The surround sound is definitely not as good as a headphone or a system but it's decent. What you hear also depends on the quality of your music and I say I am enjoying mine so far.
1178676
It works both ways. I have it hooked up with a Denon amp that has two subwoofer outputs for 7.2 surround and they're incredible!
1805173
I have not had any issues with the device; and, it sounds great with the speakers and sub-woofer I have connected to it. I live in an apartment so I don't get to use it to it's full potential often, but there have been a few times I cranked it up to see what it can really do, and it did not disappointed. Sure a large factor when it comes to the quality of sound has to do with the speakers that are attached, but music and movies come in crisp. All of my devices (except for Ethernet) are attached via HDMI. The HDMI pass-through works great with no loss in quality, even when the device is turned off. Having the ability to attached all of the devices to the reliever and then only have one HDMI running up to the TV makes it much easier to have a clean-looking cable setup running out of the TV. **NOTEs** 1) I'm not a fan of 3D at home, so I cannot tell you how well the HDMI pass-through would handle the increased data requirements of 3D. 2) I live in an apartment which is not set up well when it comes to using the 2nd zone option on the receiver, so I cannot speak to how well that function works.
826208
You have to either split one sub channel, or, preferably, use subs with line pass through capability. SVS SB13-Ultra comes to mind. This receiver sounds great. I returned a Denon x4000 and this is way better. It even sounds better than my Crown studio amps. And the room correction is way better than Audyssey Platinum's XT32 features.
2214173
I'm running mine with a basic Sherwood receiver/amp I bought at Radio Shack for something like $100-200. Sounds great. There are 2 sets of speaker wire inputs on the back of this speaker, so you connect the right speaker wires to one set, and the left speaker wires to the other. I used to have a pair of speakers in my bathroom, but this sounds better. You don't miss the stereo separation you get with 2 speakers at all. In a bathroom having the L&R; channel coming from the same place actually is better, since you hear all the music equally everywhere in the room. I ran the wires to it via the attic and flush mounted it in the ceiling centered over my dual sinks. I'm running mine with a basic Sherwood receiver/amp I bought at Radio Shack for something like $100-200. Sounds great. There are 2 sets of speaker wire inputs on the back of this speaker, so you connect the right speaker wires to one set, and the left speaker wires to the other. I used to have a pair of speakers in my bathroom, but this sounds better. You don't miss the stereo separation you get with 2 speakers at all. In a bathroom having the L&R; channel coming from the same place actually is better, since you hear all the music equally everywhere in the room. I ran the wires to it via the... » Read More I'm running mine with a basic Sherwood receiver/amp I bought at Radio Shack for something like $100-200. Sounds great. There are 2 sets of speaker wire inputs on the back of this speaker, so you connect the right speaker wires to one set, and the left speaker wires to the other. I used to have a pair of speakers in my bathroom, but this sounds better. You don't miss the stereo separation you get with 2 speakers at all. In a bathroom having the L&R; channel coming from the same place actually is better, since you hear all the music equally everywhere in the room. I ran the wires to it via the attic and flush mounted it in the ceiling centered over my dual sinks. « Show Less
1555630
You are going to need a splitter cable. The sound quality was pretty bad, like talking into a tin can.
1603655
I sit about 7 feet away. I have to turn volume up to around 70. I am definitely going to upgrade to a external speaker set up. Still doing research. I think it will be the Vizio s5451 soundbar system that is suppose to give you full surround because of the rear speakers, or just get one of the Sharps soundbars. What I hear if you want the best in surround than a receiver with a wired option is the way to go, more so if you are in a big room. For now with the volume up high it is adequate but can be better.
818981
I would be shocked if this receiver could replace ANY decent set of separates adequately. That being said, I recently learned that the Marantz separates are not made by the same folks that make the Marantz AVRs. I've heard the Marantz separates actually sound very good, and I believe it based on the source. I would NOT recommend this receiver for Vandersteen speakers. That's like providing a standard definition video signal to a 4K TV.
1064542
My fronts are Paradigm and it blends well. Haven't heard Kef but this center channel should be set to 80hz. The def tech surrounds I use are set to 100hz, both per specs.
1642996
I was considering these as well. Interested to see what others post. Here is my research has yielded for 7.1 systems with Dolby True HD and DTS HD audio. A lot of people worry about upscaling, I only have blu ray player, so not much need for upscaling. Few do upscaling very well according to my research. Sony STR-DN1000: Nice HDMI connectivity, cleaner look, 100 watts per channel at 1% THD. I've heard upconversion is poor. $330 Sony STR-DH800: Does not upconvert analog sources. 100 watts per channel at 1% THD $250 Onkyo RC-160: Upconverts only to 1080i. 80 watts per channel at .08% THD $330 Onkyo SR-607: Upconverts to 1080p with okay quality, 90 watts at .08% THD $400 Pioneer VSX-919AH-K: .05% THD at 120 watts per channel, just 3 HDMI inputs, no upscaling capability $400 I realize these are Audio/Video Receivers, but it seems to me the main goal of most of them is for superior audio. After all, many TVs do a decent job making SD sources look better, even if you have to run an additional cable or two. To me, everything is going to be HDMI based, so I am leaning toward the Pioneer due to better power and less THD. $400 is very much on the high side of my budget. So if I decide to go with a cheaper receiver, I'll probably go with the Sony STR-DH800.