couldnt pull the trigger

[Elroy]

was going to pick this up today, but canceled the deal, I am not really ready for a HT system yet anyway, and I need to paint my house this year, get a new radiator for my car, dental work for my kids, the list is long and distinguished,

But I do think its a pretty good deal, it retailed for $2800

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ele/1163895541.html

elroy

[rroobbcc]

Having assembled a home theater system over the last couple of years, I would have advised you against buying this receiver. When I think of home theater electronics I think of three components (not including the display)...

1. Speakers
2. Amplification
3. Processing

What has not changed significantly since home theaters started to take off in the early 90's are speakers (direct vs. bi-/di-pole surrounds aside) and amplification. What has changed significantly if processing. From simple surround to Dolby Pro Logic to Dolby Digital and DTS. From 4.0 to 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1. Not to mention THX and its variants. My Marantz SR7001 has all of these... THX Surround EX, DTS Digital Surround, DTS NEO:6, DTS ES (Extended Surround), DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Surround Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Virtual Speaker, SRS Circle Surround II. On top of that it has video upscaling, Audyssey MultiEQ room setup and equalization, flexible grouping of inputs, and most importantly HDMI inputs and outputs. BTW, did I mention that some people would consider it to already be... OUTDATED!!!

Elroy, both your Yamaha MX-2000 and Adcom GFA-555 demonstrate the long-term value of amplifiers. The same applies to speakers. However, the pace of change in processors has made them almost disposable items. While that B&K AVR-202 was undoubtedly a great receiver when new, it input and output options, as well as its processing capabilities would be very limited compared to the Marantz SR6001. The SR6001 offers 7 channels of 100 watts each, and most of the advanced processing of my SR7001. You can buy a factory refurb'd SR6001 at accessories4less.com for $349!!! (I bought many of my Marantz pieces from them and have been a very happy customer)

Over time I hope to add external amplification (either Acurus or Adcom, both which seem to offer good bang for the buck), and use my Marantz as strictly a processor. In the future I would then be able easily swap it out as my processing needs change, without a total system overhaul.

So I think you made a good choice by passing on this B&K.

Just my $.02,

Rob

[Elroy]

I was hoping you would chime in rob, we dont have an HT area, and I know virtually nothing about it, and for that matter, I dont even have a nice tv yet. but soon, very soon. maybe next year I will have the cash for a nice flat screen tv. I pick up tidbits from your threads, The only decent HT system I have heard, the wife ran off with the guy, thank god.

But seeing some of your stuff, and that you have gone through a fewsystems, and I havent any knowledge of it. I knew you would,

I have seen a few marantz HT receivers on CL occasionally, I will keep my eye out. I always liked the old marantz stuff, but they kinda went into the low end market for a bunch of years, I am glad they have started making good products again.

btw, I sold the adcom gfa555 to Okytber, I just didnt care for the sound, not that it was bad, just that it wasnt the yamaha mx2000 sound. synergy baby.

elroy

[clint e.]

I concur with Rob, and IMHO if you want a HT system to match the quality of your stereo setup you have to spend a LOT of money....

[thedelihaus]

I enjoy my HT setup, but it's simple compared to my stereo setup. Enough to make movies fun, and provide good sound, and that's okay by me. My rooms aren't big, and many movies I watch don't make much use of the channels side or aft of me.

But for the occasional "fun" flick, my basic kit is satisfactory to me.

A basic Onkyo unit in one room and Denom in the other. Both about 4 years old. Both 6.1. Bought the Denon used and three years old for $100 though list was probably $800-1000. Why so cheap? Owner got new flat screen and wanted HDMI cable capability.

Anyhow, really enjoy my HT setup but have little invested into it- my music 2 channel setup is where my heart is, and what remains more intimate.

[hakka26]

IMHO unless there is a dedicated area for a decent HT set up I think your spinning your wheels getting a quality return on the investment. I will say there is a difference between enjoyment and "an experience."