do I NEED a new receiver?

[Funyuns101]

I'm trying to help upgrade a friend's HT, but trying to save some cash too:

- Currently running an old/vintage and dying/fizzy 2.1 set of speakers
- Current A/V Receiver is an Onkyo (I can look up the model # later)
- Does NOT have HDMI or anything special. Probably built in the late 90s or early 2000s
- Audio goes straight out to the A/V receiver to the speakers
- Using an HTPC to a projector via HDMI
-
- Looking to replace it with the Energy Take Classic 5.1s

So, the question is:

Do I NEED to replace the receiver too?

 

[Durvelle27]

whats the A/V model number ?

 

[Binky]

As long as its got a digital input that you can use (optical or coax) and it decodes at least dolby digital and DTS, then you're probably fine. You're not even using more than two speakers so more advanced features would be wasted.

 

[007ELmO]

He's going to replace his speaker with the Energy Take 5.1s, though. Check if the Onkyo supports 5.1. Most Onkyo receivers are good, no need to replace if it decodes DTS/DD and you're on a budge.

Let me know how the Energy takes turn out.

 

[Funyuns101]

well
it turns out that the old Onkyo is dying as well. the rears aren't working... it does NOT have an optical or coaxial audio in.

007Elmo, the speakers sound pretty good so far. They aren't broken in yet of course.

I'm looking at the Denon AVR 1612.
Any opinions on this guy?

 

[SithSolo1]

Should be fine with the Energy Takes. If you don't mind refurb take a look through here: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...iver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html

They have the AVR-1612 refurb, among many other Denon/Onkyo, for $169 and about $15 shipping.

 

[computerparts1]

well
it turns out that the old Onkyo is dying as well. the rears aren't working... it does NOT have an optical or coaxial audio in.

007Elmo, the speakers sound pretty good so far. They aren't broken in yet of course.

I'm looking at the Denon AVR 1612.
Any opinions on this guy?

Should be fine. Might want look into something with more power to allow for future speaker upgrades though.

 

[Funyuns101]

Should be fine with the Energy Takes. If you don't mind refurb take a look through here: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...iver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html

They have the AVR-1612 refurb, among many other Denon/Onkyo, for $169 and about $15 shipping.

thanks for the link!
but now you're tempting me into the 1712...
I'll see what my friend has to say about it.

 

[007ELmO]

Actually, I just bought the Denon 1612 off amazon. I also have a Denon 1312. Do not buy the 1312, it's junk. It has bare wire connections for everythign but the front 2 speakers (banana there). Disappointing. I will use it in a setup where I don't care much.

The 1612 is a step up, but the 1613 is now out! Get those series. The 1612 introduced banana plugs for all speakers, and audyssey setup (amongst higher wattage of course).

I kind of want the energy takes (over in walls). The inwalls I have in my living room (HSU HIW1s) sound OK for the price ($150 a pair I think). Not audiophile quality IMO...but work for home theater. The Energy takes were always rated high for home theater in a box type stuff.

ELmO

 

[Funyuns101]

Gotcha. Yeah I ignored the 1312s.
I went with the 1612s, the price difference of the new 1613s wasn't worth it to me and I'm not Apple guy so AirPlay wasn't important enough.

I'll let you know how the Energy Takes are.

Actually, I just bought the Denon 1612 off amazon. I also have a Denon 1312. Do not buy the 1312, it's junk. It has bare wire connections for everythign but the front 2 speakers (banana there). Disappointing. I will use it in a setup where I don't care much.

The 1612 is a step up, but the 1613 is now out! Get those series. The 1612 introduced banana plugs for all speakers, and audyssey setup (amongst higher wattage of course).

I kind of want the energy takes (over in walls). The inwalls I have in my living room (HSU HIW1s) sound OK for the price ($150 a pair I think). Not audiophile quality IMO...but work for home theater. The Energy takes were always rated high for home theater in a box type stuff.

ELmO

 

[007ELmO]

Cool, I may set up my denon 1612 tonight in the living room. i bought a 60" panasonic plasma (ST50) and there's an epik empire subwoofer in that room too. I wired everything in the basement so it's hidden. I had problesm with the 1312 tripping with the bare wires exposed (or maybe it couldn't power the rears?). I hope the 1612 solves that.

Also I have a harmony one remote to configure and an IR emitter! Should be awesome once setup? I'm just lazy as funk.

 

[gr8snakee]

Where did you get your takes. I am trying to find dad some for fathers day. I wish they were still available at newegg for buck fity.

I dont want the micros, just the take classic.

Im not down with $250 range. Love the take 5.0 set for the green

 

[Nemesis 1]

well
it turns out that the old Onkyo is dying as well. the rears aren't working... it does NOT have an optical or coaxial audio in.

007Elmo, the speakers sound pretty good so far. They aren't broken in yet of course.

I'm looking at the Denon AVR 1612.
Any opinions on this guy?

I have 2 of these One in the house and one in the shop . I was stunned at the sound quality for the price. Good choice for the $$$

 

[gr8snakee]

216 shipped from tiger , circuit city i think. good luck!!

was the other day.

Love Denon!

 

[kmmatney]

I'm still using my Kenwood receiver I bought in college in 1989...It has no 5.1 support, but I have 4 built-in speakers in the 4 corners of my family room (built with the house) and it sounds pretty good after all these years. I tried replacing it a few years back, but didn't think the new receiver was a big enough improvement...