Hello,

I plan on ordering the following setup:
2 x M22 v2
2 x QS8 v2
1 x VP150 v2

and an HSU STF-2 or finding a decent used sub.

I'm having a real hard time deciding on a receiver.

I got a Denon AVR-890 on sale for $629 CAD, and also a Pioneer VSX-9040TXH for $629 CAD. I also like the Onkyo 707.

Between the 3 (unless someone has another suggestion, or I can find a 3310 or 807 for a decent price) which would be the better receiver? I plan on purchasing a new TV in a few months, I would guess this would do most of the up scaling I would need?

I am somehow convinced that the Denon is the best, but I don't like the fact that it has a plastic cover, or a cheap cap over the front inputs, or no serial port for firmware updates.

The 707 is nice, and has a front HDMI which I really like, and the serial port. I've read that it isn't as good for video processing. This is also THX certified (not sure if it's really that big of a deal?).

The Pioneer has THX, and a lot of other features...as well as a front USB port to play things off a memory stick or iPod's.

Could anyone provide we with a nudge in the right direction? I know auditioning them would be the best, but since I don't have speakers yet, and each system would have different speakers hooked up, I really wouldn't be able to do a fair evaluation.

Thanks...

S

As you are only looking at the M22s etc, pick the receiver you like the best, but keep in mind that if you ever decide to go with a speaker in the 4ohm range like the M80s I would look at Denon and Onkyo as they are very capable of driving the 4 ohm load or at the very least make sure which ever receiver you choose has preamp outputs to allow a seperate amp to drive the mains

I am currently running a setup similar to your planned system (M22v2, VP150v2, QS4v2, and EP350v3) using a Denon AVR-790 and have nothing but good things to say about it. According to many people on these forums and several salesmen at the electronics store, the main differences between the AVR-790 and -890 is just features...no real difference in sound quality. I say that if the -790 has all you need, then buy that receiver and spend the extra $300 elsewhere.

Nevermind, I'm an idiot who didn't read your first post clearly enough. For $629 CAD, the Denon AVR-890 is a steal!

Dont waste too much money on the receiver. As long as it have the proper inputs that you need. I have 3 brand of receivers and multiple models. The sound is limited with all of them.

I do have the M22,VP150,QS8 and M80, without a power amp they sound like cheap speakers.

If someone like their current speakers with their integrated amp, they just don't know what love is.

I tried my power amp with all my speaker sets and they all sound differently at low volume and extremely different at high volume.

my m80s sound amazing with the amp built in to my denon 3808. Luc, are you saying that an external amp is a requirement for good sound?

Totally confused by Luc's post...never have I heard my M22v2's sound like "cheap speakers" using my Denon's integrated amp...

under estimate the dedicated poweramp was my biggest mistake ever.
Anyone doubting that can just to at a local music shop and rent a Behringer/QSC/?? power amp. You can lease them for a w-end and it will change your life.

When I plugged an Ep2500 on the M22, I was blown away. The only word coming to my mind is: miracle.

If you put your volume at a whispering level, you probably wont need it. For normal and up, what a difference.

In my latest test, I hooked 4 QS8, 2 to the pioneer vsx-1018 and 2 to the amp. I've put a few songs and played with the volume knob to let her know what its like to hear two speakers coming from the receiver and when I add two more coming from the amp.

I wont talk about insanely loud volume level, even at extremely low volume she was hearing new notes and sounds.

Did the same test for the m22 and m80.

If you think its good, think again. They can sound a lot more different.

David, as properly controlled double-blind listening tests have shown, there's no magic in putting amplification equipment in two or three boxes instead of one. If the power amplifier(certainly including one in a receiver)amplifies with flat response over the audible frequency range and with inaudibly low noise and distortion(commonly available these days in even modestly priced receivers), the amplification is transparent and nothing more is possible. Claims to the contrary are frequently made, but lack factual support. The vast majority of listeners(including me)use receivers for optimum amplification with Axiom and other fine speakers.

Like the C Flat? Only available on power amps, kids.

FWIW, I am running the same speakers (2 x 22's, 2 x QS8's, 1 x 150, with a PB12-NSD) with a Denon 2310 (same as 890) and it is great. No issues whatsoever with power. That is a crazy deal BTW, I paid $740 for my 2310 and I thought that was a deal, another $100 off is next to insanity.

Thanks

Sticking with the 890.

Know why people say they hear parts of music they've never heard before when trying out new equipment? Because they are concentrating harder on the piece, and will notice little details which escaped them before.

The cheapest upgrade I make over and over is: turning down the lights, making a nice cup of tea*, and really listening to a recording. Always brings out new details which I never heard before.

*I drink tea from The Republic of Tea, and some of it costs upwards of $20 an ounce. I've not tried the experiment double blind with Lipton.

I met a British pilot in Turkey a couple years ago who commented that he would rather lick a dead rhino’s ass than drink Lipton. Not sure he ever did a double blind test though.

I admit to drinking Lipton (actually the local generic equivalent) but only for ice tea. Can’t stand it hot though.

A dead rhino, sure, but there's no way he'd prefer the reaction he'd get from a living rhino over the taste of Lipton.

All I know is that when I ran the A1400 with my speakers they most certainly did sound more open and less compressed than with the 3808 alone. The 3808 does a great job but the extra power seems to allow for better transients etc. The speakers sounded much more like what Audyssey does for your speakers, only I never had Audyssey turned on.

Jay, we're talking tea now.

LOL! I love tea and have all kinds in the house and workplace. This sounds like a good thread starter!

:runs away steeping:

:puns away steeping:

Indeed, try to keep up.

If someone is wanting to get into fancy teas, I'd recommend The Republic's Chai, which at $9.50 for 4.2 oz (30+ cups), isn't bad at all. It goes well, hot or cold, with sugar, milk, or both. There's also a green version (slightly more expensive) if that's your thing. If someone comes into your house after you've made a cup, they will ask what smells so good.

I've had great luck with the teas from this place: http://www.taooftea.com/

The Black Peony is one of my favorites. http://bit.ly/8SomIe

I go with Stash teas (particularly their chais) myself. Although I have a few packets of Mighty Leaf Bombay Chai left in my desk, which is just plain awesome.

I don't drink tea so I needed to contribute the only way I knew how

I used to drink Stash before I found the Republic. I do prefer full-leaf rather than bagged teas. But even Republic's bagged tea tastes so much better than Stash, which I thought was as good as tea gets until then.

Bags.... stash..... priced per ounce.....

We're talking that stuff you drink with hot water, right?

The Republic does give free shipping if you buy 10 dimes.

Not if you put ice in the . . . .

That's what I drink at work. I have the Stash lemon ginger in which I think tastes pretty darn good. I might have to give that Republic's tea a try.