Take 5 Speakers

[ufcrusher]

IN case anyone is looking for some relatively inexpensive, but great quality speakers...the Energy Take 5's are being cleared out at the Good Guys. Regularly $499.99 its being cleared out for $249.99. This is limited to store stock only, but a killer deal for anyone who is looking.

[Leon]

Great deal!

[ArkiStan]

is that a pair of main speakers or a home theater set?

[Leon]

The Take 5 is (go figure) a five speaker system. It includes 4 satellites and one center. Go get them! ;)

[ArkiStan]

If you remember, I was asking around about Cambridge Soundworks Home Theater packages and I remember Leon mentioning how these Energys were much better. Good thing that I waited. At these prices I think I'll just get these now! Now I just hope I can find a store with them still in stock!!! I'll call around tomorrow morning. Wish me luck..

[ufcrusher]

I know that we were got two more pairs in today, but there are now NONE in the central warehouse, which means that it is limited to store stock on hand. That said, we still had them when we closed tonight. Most of us dont like to sell them at this price because we make almost NO money at this price. Hope you found some, if you didnt find any let me know, and maybe we can make some arrangement.

[ArkiStan]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhh~~~~ Yay-uhhhh~~!!!

managed to get one set today!!! Awesome... I don't tihnk it would have been possible without my Gotapex inside connections.

let's see now....Anybody know of any good receivers?

[Leon]

Denon AVR-5800? :D:D:D:D:D


http://www.denon.com/catalog/photos/AVR5800.jpg

[ArkiStan]

Ok Leon. Despite the fact that I don't have any clue of how much that thing is, I get a sense that it wasn't that funny. What's up with the "THX" crap? Let's just say I didn't even think those initials were supposed to belong in a home...:heh:

I'm actually looking at one of the lower end Sony receivers. I live in a small apartment and I really don't need that much power. So I'm also planning to get a very small subwoofer. The 8" that usually comes with the Energy Take5 sets sounded pretty good at GoodGuys today. But was definitely more that what I need. Basically what I want in a subwoofer is not that much power: just low but clean, deep, ambient bass. How much would I have to pay for a sub like that?

[Leon]

My roommate got the floor model of the Energy EXLS8 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer for $299 - $75 = $224. Only 8 inches, but it's clean. Perfect size for what you described.



Oh, the Denon AVR-5800 is $3,799.99 retail. :heh:

[ArkiStan]

jeez Leon, do you ever sleep?

Well, I was looking around the net for some Subwoofers. What does it mean when it says "the Sub powers 5 speakers?"

[IrishSS]

It means that you run a line out from your amp to the sub, then run all your speaker cables out from the sub itself. Now without knowing exactly why (this is wear Leon will fill in the blank), I would say it is best to let run the speakers out of the amp. Thats what it is for. Distortion? Power? I dunno, maybe it doesnt make a bit of difference... Leon?

[LPMiller]

I'm not a big fan of sony Receivers or speakers...they just sound a bit tinish, a bit less umph in 'em. For the same money, I'd go with a Pioneer, or if you can find one, a cheaper Yamaha, since are looking to go cheap.

[ArkiStan]

Yeah I've always thought Sony's were a good bet for non-audiophiles like me who don't wanna think too much and just want a good reliable product. But I'm sure there are much better products if you just do some research. Yamahas...I've always heard they are great products. What's the price range for Yamaha receivers? I'd love to get one.

[ufcrusher]

Ok that price on the EXLS8 Sub is pretty good, but you can now get the new version which has better response time at the same price. You also dont want to run your speakers through the sub, it will negatively impact your system.

If you are looking for a good receiver, at a reasonable price you can pick up a Yamaha RXV620 for $499.99. Here are the specs:
100 watts continuous x 5 discrete amp
5 channel stereo
Component Video switching (2in/1out) - Allows HD Switcing for the future, actually does full singal.
Full S-video and Composite video
4 opt in/ 1 opt out, 1 digital coax (maybe more)
DSP modes - Digital Sound Processing Field modes - basically went to famous locations and recorded the acousitcs
Preprogramed Universal Remote (uses codes - but funky looking)
Plus more features!

If you want to go a bit higher let me know, but that is about the bottom of what I would recommend. You can also look at the Denon AVR1801 but it doesnt compare with the Yamaha.

Leon - As for the AVR 5800 - You want one? I have an open box display for sale, which will have the full manufacturer warranty, plus someone to yell at for dirt cheap. MSRP - $3799.99, and we can probably knock off at least 30% off of that price, maybe more.

[Apex]

How does it compare with the Integra DTR-9.1?

http://www.integrahometheater.com/show_model.cfm?class=receiver&m=DTR-9.1

[ufcrusher]

Here is a review from Wide screen review magazine.

Denon AVR-5800 Now Shipping

A/V Receiver Is First-Ever To Include THX® Surround EX™, DTS®-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 And DTS Neo:6 Surround Sound



Denon Electronics is now shipping its new flagship AVR-5800 A/V Surround Receiver, the world's first audio component to offer DTS®-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 and DTS Neo:6 surround sound decoding. In addition, the THX® Ultra-certified AVR-5800 incorporates a host of leading-edge digital audio and video technologies such as THX Surround EX™ decoding, 24-bit/192kHz D/A conversion and a seven-channel amplifier section, for performance and operational flexibility far beyond the capabilities of any previously available home theatre receiver.

David Birch-Jones, Denon Marketing Manager noted, "With the introduction of the new AVR-5800, Denon has elevated the performance standard for state-of-the-art audio/video receivers yet again. Without question, the AVR-5800 is the finest A/V receiver ever created, and includes a number of technological breakthroughs that significantly expand the capabilities of high-end A/V receiver design."

The Denon AVR-5800 is the world's first audio/video component to be equipped with a DTS-ES Discrete 6.1-channel decoder, developed by DTS to provide dramatically improved 360-degree soundfield reproduction and exceptionally realistic surround sound localization. The new DTS-ES Discrete decoding system adds a discrete surround back channel to the traditional 5.1-channel loudspeaker configuration, enabling more faithful reproduction of the multi-channel sound mix originally designed by the film or music producer at the dubbing stage. When a 6.1-channel DTS-ES Discrete source is played, the AVR-5800 automatically detects the signal and plays in 6.1 discrete mode.

The AVR-5800 also supports DTS-ES Matrix and DTS Neo:6 matrix 6.1-channel processing. DTS-ES Matrix decoding produces the effect of 6.1-channel sound by extracting a surround back channel from the left and right surround channels, and is compatible with the growing number of movies released on DVD with DTS-ES encoding. The DTS Neo:6 matrix surround function provides up to 6.1 channels of surround sound audio from stereo program material and offers two listening modes, Neo:6 Cinema and Neo:6 Music, to optimize its sound quality for both movies and music listening. DTS Neo: 6 can be used with virtually any two-channel digital or analog stereo audio source.

In addition to the new DTS formats, the Denon AVR-5800 includes THX Surround EX processing, which provides an additional surround back channel when decoding Surround EX-encoded sources, to create a 6.1-channel soundfield. The AVR-5800 also provides unexcelled Dolby® Digital and DTS Digital Surround™ 5.1-channel surround sound decoding, THX 5.1 and 4.0 post-processing and a variety of useful DSP modes including Denon's exclusive new Widescreen 7.1 mode, which provides 7.1-channel reproduction from 5.1 and stereo sources in multi-channel systems using two additional surround back loudspeakers.

For heightened surround sound music listening enjoyment from stereo program material, the AVR-5800 includes Denon's exclusive 7-Channel Stereo mode, in which all seven speakers (front, surround and surround back) reproduce full fidelity unprocessed stereo and the center channel provides an L + R blend. This feature enables listeners to enjoy music reproduction from all the speakers in a seven-channel multichannel home entertainment system rather than from only the two left and right front speakers, but without the artificially created ambience and reverberant colorations of other soundfield simulation systems, for a purer representation of the music as originally recorded. For owners of 5.1-channel home theatre systems, the AVR-5800 also includes its 5-Channel Stereo mode, a feature originated by Denon, in which both sets of left and right speakers (front and rear) reproduce full-bandwidth stereo and the center channel provides a mixture of left and right front signal.

The AVR-5800 is designed to bring out the best in all existing surround sound formats and program material, thanks to its Dual Surround Mode Speaker Switching featuring two pairs of left and right surround channel speaker outputs. This unique Denon feature allows the user to install two sets of surround speakers - diffuse surround and direct radiating - and choose the best set of surround speakers for either movie or music listening without compromising either listening mode. For example, the listener can choose between side-mounted dipole/bipole speakers when listening to Dolby Digital or DTS movie soundtracks, and direct radiating speakers mounted at the rear corners when listening to 5.1-channel music surround program material.

The Denon AVR-5800 incorporates the most advanced digital technologies available to achieve an extraordinary level of sonic accuracy. The AVR-5800 utilizes dual Analog Devices SHARC 32-bit floating point DSP processors - the most advanced DSP devices on the market. Each of these state-of-the-art chips boasts a processing speed of 50MIPS (millions of instructions per second), with a computational power of 80 MFLOPS (millions of floating point operations per second) sustained, 120 MFLOPS peak. The AVR-5800 also utilizes the latest-generation Analog Devices AD-1853 24-bit/192kHz D/A converters, featuring two DAC channels per each audio channel in a differential configuration for widest dynamic range and lowest noise floor. In the highest quality Pure Direct stereo mode, the AVR-5800 automatically re-configures the DACs to provide eight-DAC dual differential operation-four DACs per each audio channel.

This leading edge DSP circuitry operates in conjunction with Denon's proprietary DDSC-D (Dynamic Discrete Surround Decoder-Digital) and 24-bit ALPHA technologies to further enhance sonic performance. The DDSC-D circuit dynamically allocates processing power for optimum surround sound decoding performance, while the 24-bit ALPHA processing circuit uses sophisticated interpolation algorithms and digital filtering to improve low-level resolution. The sonic result is significantly improved fidelity and dynamic range and a much more musically natural sonic presentation.

An additional DDSC-D design feature is the use of a separate, parallel stereo analog pathway for highest quality stereo audio reproduction. Unlike competitive A/V receivers, which digitize incoming analog signals even in stereo mode, the AVR-5800 has a dedicated analog stereo pathway that keeps the main stereo signal information in the analog domain (above 80Hz). This preserves the high quality analog output from LP, or a CD player or CD changer with HDCD decoding, with no A/D and D/A digital artifacts or added noise. The analog pathway also includes a parallel bass management level memory function that duplicates the speaker and subwoofer level settings of the digital sources and keeps speaker and subwoofer levels consistent when switching between analog and digital sources.

Along with unmatched surround sound performance, the Denon AVR-5800 offers unmatched operational flexibility. Its power section includes seven all-discrete channels of amplification, to drive the all the main channels in a 7.1 multi-channel system without the need for external amplification. Each channel-left, center and right front, left and right rear surround, and the left and right surround back channels-delivers a remarkable 170 watts of high-current power, the highest power output ever from a Denon A/V receiver (into 8 ohms, from 20Hz-20kHz, with no more than .05% THD). If desired, the amplifier channels can be reassigned to accommodate system configurations using less than seven main channels, while utilizing the receiver's full amplification capability.

The AVR-5800 provides the most extensive complement of features and control options of any A/V receiver ever created. Among the highlights are three sets of HDTV-compatible (480p, 720p, 1080I) component video inputs, nine assignable optical and coaxial digital inputs plus an additional digital input for AC-3 RF laser disc, automatic digital/analog input source selection, and a Pure Direct Mode that reconfigures the receiver's D/A converter section to eight-DAC dual-differential operation and shuts off all unnecessary circuitry (including the video section) for highest-quality reproduction of two-channel digital and analog music sources.

Other unique features include three-source/three zone multi-room audio and video capability, an Enhanced Bass Management system that allows the user to optimize bass response for any home theatre speaker configuration, Denon's Personal Memory Plus function that retains surround sound settings for each program source in memory and much more. The AVR-5800 also includes a full array of "standard" A/V receiver features, inputs and outputs.

Although the Denon AVR-5800 incorporates every conceivable feature to accommodate today's most advanced audio and video program sources and home entertainment systems, it is also designed to accommodate future formats and upgrades. For example, the AVR-5800 includes an RS-232C control port for connection to external whole-house control systems, with a software/firmware upgrade pathway, and features IEEE 1394 FireWire upgrade capability via an upgradeable DSP board and digital jack panel.

The AVR-5800 is supplied with Denon's new AKTIS RC-8000 Programmable LCD Remote Control and companion RC-8001ST Charger Base/RF Relay Station. The new AKTIS provides complete control of even the most sophisticated home entertainment systems from a single programmable and customizable device, and transmits both IR and RF control signals for total system control flexibility including multi-room operation.

Along with ultimate performance, the Denon AVR-5800 is built to ultimate quality standards. Its chassis construction is designed to optimize audio performance through the use of isolated digital and analog circuits, extensive internal shielding, premium-quality components throughout and other refinements.

The AVR-5800 is currently shipping at a suggested retail price of $3,800.

For more information, visit http://www.del.denon.com/home.




Internet Contacts:
http://www.del.denon.com/home

[Leon]

Stop it, man. You're making me drool.

[ufcrusher]

Making you drool? Thats it? Most people see it and start going bonkers!!! Its a nice fix for us audiophile junkies. Come on, you know you want one. 170 watts continuous...hmmm, not quite enough power for you? Add on a Parasound Power amp and soup it up a bit. Yeah thats it.

[ArkiStan]

Sorry to keep buggin you audiophiles, but
how's the Yamaha HTR-5250 (or 5240) receiver?

here's an auction for the 5250:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1230232667

and here's an auction for the 5240:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1232466463


I probably don't need up to 100 watts/ch. By the time I move into a house large enough for that power to become useful, It'll probably be time to get a whole new entertainment center anyway. For now, all I need is:

1. 50~60 watts/ch is probably enough (tightness and clarity rather than power - that's why the 5240 looks good, it's 70watts/ch)
2. DD 5.1/DTS
3. 2 or more S Video inputs
4. some digital inputs

I'm planning to spend no more than $400.

[Edited by ucbstan on 04-24-2001 at 02:56 AM]

[ArkiStan]

Wow...

The YAMAHA HTR-5240 receiver has some awesome reviews at audioreview.com and it's easily gettable for under $300. Output is 70Watts/ch (just right) and all the things I mentioned above. I think this is what I might get, unless anybody has any advice against it....


what's the difference between the HTR-**** line and the Rxv-*** line of Yamaha receivers???






[Edited by ucbstan on 04-24-2001 at 03:44 AM]

[Leon]

I'm wondering that myself. Any answers, ufcrusher?

[ufcrusher]

The Difference between RXV line up and the HTR line up is actual quite simple: The RXV line up is only available for sale at AUTHORIZED Yamaha dealers, while the HTR line up can be sold by anyone who wants to sell it. The easiest way to explain it is, Yamaha wants to make money any way they can, Thus they charge companies to get the training and status of Authorized dealer. It basically means that you are trained on the machines, get better service, have Yamaha reps coming in all the time, get perks, and get to sell the higher end machines WITH A WARRANTY! The HTR machines are usually found at places like Best Buy or other mass sellers, that generally arent authorized to sell squat. If you were to look through Yamahas list of authorized dealers, they wont be listed. For authorized dealers the only HTR machines you will see are in the Yamaha HTB (Home Theater in a Box). The HTR itself stands for Home Theater Receiver, and denotes that it is not the main line up.

If one were to sit there and compare the machines, you will generally find that for the RXV and HTR line up match up. By this I mean that the machines themselves are going to have a corresponding unit in the other line up. YOu can match them up by wattage and inputs. The HTR's usually have crappier remotes, shorter if any) warranty period, and from my understanding are referred back to the seller if there is any problems.

Hope that helps.

[ArkiStan]

so it's a matter of audiophile self-esteem heh??

I think I'll be fine with the HTR line...

[Leon]

Did you end up getting the sub? I've listened to it, and boy, is it sweet! VERY clean bass.

[ArkiStan]

The energy sub you mean? no not yet...Actually when they tested it out for me at GoodGuys, I didn't get a good experience cause the guy had it playing up really high and the whole room (light fixtures, roof tiling) was rattling. And it's a bit expensive for me at the moment... I'm looking around for used subs...

speaking of subs, I remember a while back when apex or you mentioned something about putting something (it was something you could get at Home Depot, some cushy material...) inside the subwoofer to make the sound tighter... remember what that was???

[Goutham]

Wasn't it wood chips or something?

[Apex]

It's a good solution for subs on a budget that sound kind of hollow and boomy. You can get it at Radio Shack or Home Depot. Just get some fiber or polyfill (insulating material).

[ufcrusher]

No its not just a matter of "audiophile self esteem." But that is a creative way of phrasing it. The truth of the matter is, the HTR's dont have the same warranty or help from the company. Also, the HTR's and the RXV line up cost the exact same, when you look at comparable models. But then again, it all comes down to what you want. I would probably go into your local Goodguys, or other higher end store, and look for an open box value. You will save over 30% on the piece, plus have the full warranty, someone to yell at, and no shipping costs. We have been selling off the RXV 596 New in the box for $399.99, and you can get open box for less than that. RXV 596 - 100 watts (discrete and continuous), 3 opt in, 1 dig coax, bananna plugs for mains, DSP modes, Preprogramed(coded universal remote) and more. I know at my store we have them still new in the box, and 2 open boxes for sale. Other stores should have similar stock. The price is fluctuating though (keeps going from $499 --> $399 --> $499 on the new ones, depending on the weekend. But if you were to say that...hmmm, Tweeter was selling them for $399 and/or that you were in a few weeks ago when they were $399, the manager should take care of you. It will depend on the location though and how much business they are doing that day.

But keep your eyes peeled.

[ArkiStan]

Originally posted by Goutham
Wasn't it wood chips or something?

Just tried it. It doesn't seem to work very well. I guess I'll have to take all of it out again...dang, it's gonna be a pain getting rid of all the splinters in the cone....