Spears & Munsil High-Definition Benchmark Blu-ray Disc Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)Im an dedicated reader of "Home Theater" magazine and they wrote an article for this BD. So being the enthusiast I am, I purchased this BD with in minutes of reading the article. I'm glad it did! Spears & Munsil have definitely set the standard for HDTV calibration. I have used other cal BD's and they were great, but none come close to this one. The BD offers a array of test patterns to calibrate/adjust your TV. It even prove that my TV "Cine-motion" feature was better turn "off". They are also video in 7.1 Dolby HD and DSP HD to test your surround speakers. They dont offer test tones, thats my only complaint. But don't let that stop you from getting this BD. I'm still a fan of ISF calibrations, but if you don't have $400.00 to invest in a full "ISF" cal, then I would highly suggest you buy this BD.
Sony XBR6 52" is perfect after Spears & Munsil.

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Stacey Spears and Don Munsil, who created the highly-regarded DVD Player BenchmarkTM and Progressive Scan Shootout at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity®, have applied all their technical wizardry to this Blu-ray test and evaluation disc. "The static test patterns represent the current state-of-the-art. They are more accurate than the test patterns found on previous discs. There are a lot of subtle details that go into making them as mathematically accurate as possible, especially since you are dealing with lossy encoding. We have built propriety tools to generate the synthetic patterns. We use a custom encoder that will preserve as much detail as possible. Even the simple color bars have unique traits that make them cleaner. - Stacey Spears, author of the disc" [Picture Quality Calibration and Evaluation Tool for Displays, Blu-ray Players and Video Processors] (IMPORTANT NOTICE: This disc is a high-definition disc and is compatible only with Blu-ray players. It will not play on a standard DVD player.)

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Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD 7x75-Watt 1080p Audio/Video Receiver (Silver/Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you want the best, the easiest true Audio Video Reciever, this is it! This thing is awesome. The on screen set up feature, auto audio/eq adjusting and even renaming your components is the easiest thing to do. For the most part it is all automatic with everything. All you have to do is go through the menu and select your components, tell it how you plugged it in (HDMI, S-Video, ect..) and it does the rest. All video is upped to 1080p, all audio is converted to 7.1 even if you have analog input. Less than 1 hour and I was watching moves, great product!! Spend the extra dollars for this reciever, you will never be happier, unless you get a higher end model from Harman Kardon.

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The Harman Kardon AVR 3550HD is a very high quality Audio/Video Receiver that will give you all the features to make you home theater sound great and look exceptional. With Logic 7 and Harman Kardon high current amplifiers you will get excellent sound. You also get A-Bus Multiroom capabilities so you can expand the sound throughout your hous. It uses HDMI V1.3a with Deep Color and Faroudja DCDi Cinema video Processing with upscaling to 1080P for great video. It also includes the Bridge II docking station so you can play the music on your Ipod through the receiver.

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Sony STRDG720 7.1 Audio Video Receiver - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)If you own a Blu-ray player and it decodes uncompressed audio like Dolby TruHD and DTS-HD MA. Then now is is time to buy this inexpensive yet very capable receiver. It was huge improvement from my nine year old Sony 5.1 receiver, which still works well.
I wanted to complement my PS3 and 1080p 65" Mitsubishi with clean uncompressed audio. This receiver met this expectation for me and beyond with the incredible sound it can process. After setting it up, I popped in The Simpsons Movie on Blu-ray which has DTS-HD MA. I could not believe my Sony speakers could sound any better until it started playing. I then tried Spiderman 3 with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and it sounded amazing when Sandman fought Spiderman during the armored car scene. I was truly convinced that I made the right decision buying the 720 after listening to those tests movies. To every high, there is a low.
The receiver menu took awhile to understand from its manual. I spent about an hour trying to figure out how to adjust my speaker set up settings. After some curse words and taking a break, I finally figured it out. Its still not easy to navigate the menus for minor tweaking to this day after using it for a week! Also I miss the blue light that lets you know when its processing surround sound. It does have a brief scroll telling you what it is processing. But its not the same :(
Bonus!
Harmony does now have the 720 in their database and my 880 remote works great with it.
The 720 is sure a great upgrade for my home theater and I hope it can last just as long as my old one! Be sure to have enough HDMI cables for your home theater set up. I get mine from mycablemart.com and no I dont work for them bcuz I dropped their name. They have 6' 1.3a compliant cables with shipping for under ten bucks!
If you have it set up right, you will not be disappointed with the 720.


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The STR-DG720 7.1 Ch. A/V Receiver delivers the Full HD 1080 experience to a home theater system. This new 1080p A/V Receiver features HDMI with \'Active Intelligence" and 1080/24p signal capability thus making it compatible with Blu-ray Disc Disc, the PlayStation 3 and other HD sources. Need more HDMI inputs— The STR-DG720 features three HDMI inputs that allow the desire for more HD content to grow. Speaking of an enhanced experience, the STR-DG720 decodes uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI) so you can hear the original mix of your favorite BD titles. Looking for simplicity— BRAVIA Sync provides a one button operation (via HDMI) of your entire A/V experience with a select number of BRAVIA televisions. Because no room is perfect, Sony\'s Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (and its supplied microphone) simplifies speaker set up and optimizes speaker performance with the push of one button in just 30 seconds. Do you want to connect your iPod or Walkman— Would like to listen satellite radio— Well, the STR-DG720 features a DIGITAL MEDIA PORT connection which expands its flexibility to playback music from various audio sources (i.e. iPod, Walkman, PC, etc?) with one of the various accessories (sold separately) whereas the XM Connect-and-Play Ready feature provides the ability to access XM satellite radio programming in surround sound.

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Pioneer VSX-919AH-K 120 Watts A/V Receiver with Full Color GUI/OSD, Advanced MCACC and Analog to HDMI Up-Conversion (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Pros: . THD: 0.05 %: SOUND QUALITY IS SIMPLY UNBELEIVABLE
. EASE OF SET UP. I HAD TO READ SOME THROUGH THE MANUAL, BUT THE OSD and GUI are so easy, really, a cave man can do it.
. multiple decoding modes.
. Nice Blue screen with big letters and numbers.
. Sturdy, Well constructed, appears durable.
. programmable remote.
. 2 zones AUDIO control.
. beuatiful clear lows, and distinct highs, appeases to the musical ears.
. easy to configure manually, the base, treble, and eq,..
. nice shiny black. dimmable light, sleep mode. PS: the remote lay out actually makes sense, unlike my yamaha 565 (see appropriate rview).
.3 hdmi, 2 opticals, one coax, multiple other inputs,. easy to rename and reassign.
. ability to control crossover for subwoofer and manually set up your system. also can use included microphone.
.My biggest plus remains the beuatiful pure sound coming from the ceiling speakers. it blows my yamaha vx 565 away....far away
Cons: the manual may be a bit confusing, but once you get a handle on what button is for what, u can consult the manual less frequently. it is intuitive. also the osd diplay makes the set up a breeze.
I can not actually think of any con. having owned the yamaha 565 and 361, and sherwood receivers, i can say this one delivers the best sound and has the best controls. the price is eggcellent,..thank you newegg.
Other Thoughts: I received the VSX-919AH-K & was very anxious to set it up. i have researched it extensively before placing my order, and it came down to choosing between this receiver and the Yamaha VSX565 which i already own, but was on a discounted price prom. Avoiding duplicity, I bought this receiver knowing it has only 3 hdmi inputs and ability to upgrade signal from component only to 1080p, but in the next 1-2 years all video component would be alrready in 1080p, so unless you are using old system it will not matter.
I am extremely satisfied with the sound from this receiver, much more then the one in my main room, the yamaha 565, and here is why
. 120 watts versus 90 watts, and pay attention: 0.05% THD versus only 0.9 % THD on the Yamaha. yes the wattage is not the only criteria, getting a pure sound is the bottom line.
. great sound experience, hooked up to a 5.1 configuration with OSD speakers, C640i series, 150 watt ( each) spearkers and 100 w sub.
. easy to operate, and set up


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VSX-9I9AH I20 Watts x 7 ¿ PHAT II @ 1 kHz Full Color GUI / OSD USB input for iPhone and iPod certified playback. Charging and Album art in 1st room. Advanced MCACC 9 Band EQ Symmetric EQ X-Curve PQLS ¿ 2 Channel Auto Level Control ¿ Multi-Channel Sound Retriever ¿ Multi- channel Neural THX / WMA-9 Pro Kuro Link Analog to HDMI Up-conversion PureCinema Video Processing 3D Noise Reduction 3D Y/C Separation Audio Inputs (4 in / 1out - includes Tuner) Digital Inputs (3 - 1 coax / 2 opt) Multi-Zone A/V Pre-out New Preset Remote Control

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Harman Kardon AVR7550HD 7.2 Channel Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)We purchased this unit because it was supposed to be the top of the line AVR from a top of the line brand. It seemed odd that it could not be purchased directly from Harman Kardon, and maybe that should have stopped us right there - but we were determined and found it on Amazon via one of their associated sellers.
We hooked up all the peripherals - TV; CD player; DVD player; turntable; Roku box; VCR; ipod bridge; 5 speakers; programmed the universal remote to learn all the individual remotes; then we did the EZ EQ test to determine sound quality in the room and auto-adjust - and that was the end of the AVR. It locked up upon saving the results and never came back. Not through power-off, not through reset.
We probably had 5 minutes or so of enjoyment from this unit while testing individual components. It seemed great for that period of time, but now it's dead. We are incredibly disappointed and frustrated. Probably will not try another Harman Kardon - and definitely not the AVR 7550.
P.S. see the other review on this unit- it posted the day after we ordered ours!

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7x 110W 7.2-Channel A/V receiver with HDMI V1.3a repeater, audio/video processing and upscaling to 1080p, Harman Kardon A/V receivers are renowned for their power, performance and ease of use, and the AVR 7550HD will only enhance that reputation. Among the fi rst receivers to offer Dolby Volume technology, which automatically adjusts volume levels when switching between sources and channels, the AVR 7550HD delivers 110 watts of power to each of the seven channels, plus two subwoofer outputs. It accepts a universe of inputs, including HDMI, component, S-video, USB and broadband Internet, as well as The Bridge II docking station (included) for iPod A/V playback, control and charging. Every Dolby and DTS technology is here, as is Faroudja DCDi Cinema and our exclusive Logic 7 processing. Zone II remote, Zone II OSD and A-BUS technologies work together to greatly simplify multiroom A/V applications. And the EzSet/EQ II system fi ne-tunes system performance to the acoustic needs of your space in justa few easy steps.

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Onkyo HT-RC160 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I really, really like this unit. Installing it took some time, but the sound and video switching was well worth it. Instead of having a dozen different cables running to the HDTV, I only have one - the HDMI cable.
When you install it, set aside a few hours - this has nothing to do with this particular model - just that there are so many darn connections. I hooked up my BluRay player, DVD player, VCR and CD player, as well as nine speakers and two sub-woofers. Running the cables and positioning the speakers was the most time consuming. I had no reason to use the zone 2, so used the additional two speakers as upper fronts. I did not want to go out and spend a ton of money on speakers - I used what I had on hand. If you're like me, you have a collection of speakers that build up over the years. I used two tall Fishers for the front, a studio monitor for the center, a pair of low-power cheapies from an old stereo for the front uppers, a pair of old Sony's for the surround, and a pair of wall-mount for the rear uppers. They were a variety of 6 and 8 ohm pairs. The system handles the combinations just fine.
Looks: Classic Onkyo hi-tech, black and glossy.
Buttons: Minimal buttons - all functionality can be accessed via the front of the unit as well as the remote.
Connections: All you would ever need. Many are assignable.
Menu: You can use the minimal LED on the front of the unit, or the more interactive display on your TV. Since the unit acts as a video switch, it overlays information on the screen. Info on the Volume, video or audio source, etc.
Setup: Read the manual! Some menu features are counter-intuitive. For example, when setting up the speakers I had zone 2 active and set it to assign it to front uppers. The rear uppers were dead. Turns out that zone two had to be active, but not on, and I should not have assigned positions. Then all nine speakers worked. There are a lot of features hidden away in the manual that you would not discover by just looking at menu options. The Automated speaker configuration with the included microphone - Cool. Position the speakers where you want, plug in the mic, and go. The unit detects the mic being plugged in and automatically brings up the correct menu. The menu's take you through the process. With nine speakers and the two subs it took about 15 minutes. I kept erroring on center channel detection. It turns out that I had a blown tweeter - the auto configuration would not let me continue until I replaced the speaker. Apparently is could not detect the frequencies it expected. After I replaced the speaker, I had to re-run the test. The automatic setup is a three step process, and it stopped after step 1 when I had the bad speaker. After it was replaced, it went through all three steps.
I used the manual setup first just to confirm that I had all the speakers in the right place. A tone is sent to each speaker and the on-screen display shows the speaker location on the generic diagram (the diagram automatically changes depending on the speakers you have connected.)
Sound quality: Amazing - especially considering I have a hodge-podge of makes, models and quality.
Speakers: Supports 8 plus two subs. Will default to stereo or 5.1 - it detects what you have attached. The more speakers you have attached, the better the experience. However, if you have less than the maximum number of speakers, there are plenty of options to enhance the sound, virtually change speaker position, and more! So even if you have only two speakers, this is still a great unit - it's worth it for the video switching alone! The sub-woofer outs are unpowered, like most sub outputs are today. You really don't need two subs unless you really, really want to crack your plaster.
Build: Weighs a ton - lots of copper and a huge heat-sink. Runs hot, but considering the total output, that's to be expected. Install in a cabinet or shelf with plenty of air circulation.
I never even considered the fact that I would dump all those cables running to the TV - Instead of HDMI's, three different video's, plus audio, I now have a single HDMI and an audio out (I'm running the TV audio out to the Onkyo,) plus cable and power. Four wires instead of dozens. A lot cleaner.
In summary - I've not seen a better value for the money. Enough inputs for 99% of the population. Easy setup, lots of interactive tools and on-screen help. Great sound, lots of power, modern styling.


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In these testing economic times, you can trust Onkyo to deliver maximum bang for your hard-earned buck. With the new HT-RC160, you have a multi-talented 7.2-channel receiver that offers the latest connecting, upscaling, and decoding technology on a bedrock of obsessively fine-tuned Onkyo amplification. Five HDMI 1.3a inputs enable clean, one-cable connection of multiple high-def sources, including Blu-ray Disc, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. As well as handling native 1080p and upscaled 1080i video, HDMI 1.3a can also carry the HD audio of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. The HT-RC160 even includes Dolby's latest technology, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, which adds "front height" channels to bring a spacious new vertical dimension to the sound stage. Along with intelligent Audyssey equalization and Faroudja deinterlacing technologies, the HT-RC160 gives you a ton of connectivity options, so you can incorporate HD Radio, iPod, and more.

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Paradigm Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Home Theater Surround Sound System (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This system is far better than any big-box brand name system I've listened to.
Before purchasing this system I auditioned a Sony Bravia system and one of Paradigm's upper end systems. The Sony system sounded small and tinny and the subwoofer shook the floor but didn't provide good sound. I couldn't tell if the Sony system really provided better sound than my television speakers. The Paradigm $3000 monitor system I listened to was excellent but I got cold feet at the last minute about the price tag and the additional space requirements of having big speakers in a small living room.
The Cinema speakers are small but they do not sound small and they don't take up much space in your living room or bedroom. If you have a huge room or a dedicated theater then you might want to invest more money in your speakers. However, if you want a terrific entry level system, this is a really good one that won't make you feel like you're missing out on something.
I'm very pleased with my purchase.

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6-Pc. Paradigm Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Compact Theater Surround Sound System. From the #1 Brand in Loudspeakers comes Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Compact Theater Surround Sound System for music, home theater and computer gaming. 2 Cinema satellite speakers, a center channel, 2 Cinema ADP surrounds boasting Paradigm\'s ADP (Adapted Dipole) technology for extraordinary surround performance (visit www.paradigm.com for more info on ADP technology) and a powerful subwoofer with 10˝ driver.Paradigm CT systems deliver Performance and Value like no conventional Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) system can! Buyer beware: Typical HTiB systems are all about price, not sound. Or even worse, expensive marketing hype and still not sound. When it comes to sound quality, those other systems simply cannot deliver. Paradigm Cinema CT\'s are all about performance. They deliver 5.1 audiophile-quality sound without sacrificing lifestyle size, good looks or a great price. They\'re every bit affordable as those other HTiB systems, but when it comes to performance, they leave conventional HTiB stuck in the box! Cinema CT systems integrate beautifully, delivering a seamless soundstage that brings movies and gaming to life and makes music sound \'live."1 Price/Value in Inside Track Annual Dealer Survey, an annual independent nationwide survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers and custom installers. Complete your home theater with Paradigm LS Stands for your Cinema 90\'s. About Paradigm The Ultimate in Sound for Music and Home Theater. For over twenty-five years, Paradigm has set the standard for sonic excellence in every product category we offer. Our focus on providing the best in performance and value pushes the boundaries in speaker design. Stunning accuracy, a spacious soundstage with pinpoint localization, powerful, well-defined bass and thrilling dynamics are hallmarks of our advanced speaker designs. For more info on Paradigm products visit www.paradigm.com or contact us: +1 905 696 2842.

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Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Went to Best Buy to compare the Yamaha RX-V465 and the Pioneer VSX-819H-k. I had read reviews on the Yamaha on several different websites and most were very positive. I could find no reviews for the Pioneer since it just started reaching retailers during the past 2 weeks. I noticed the Yamaha on display and didn't really like the appearance-seemed less substantial in appearance than the Pioneer. They both looked impressive with the online pics. I know you don't buy according to appearances, although aesthetics can weigh in on a tie/deal breaker. I asked to see the Pioneer and the sales rep had to check his stock. They had not displayed a model since they just arrive the day before. He brought a new box out and opened it so I could compare it to the yamaha and we talked about the different features that were important/meaningful on both receivers. The advanced digital sound fields mean nothing to me. On most receivers they are either a variation of Dolby Prologic II or provide sound stage fields with irritating echoes. Every receiver I have owned (currently we have Panasonic and Sony Models)have these digital sound fields and we never use them.
The Yamaha sounded pretty good hooked up to a blu-ray movie at the store. The True HD was unbelievable! The specs on the Yamaha were the same as the Pioneer as far as supporting True HD and DTS-HD through the HDMI inputs-all switchable to the one HDMI output. The Yamaha has 4 HDMI inputs/1 ouput and the Pioneer has 3 HDMI inputs/ 1 output. I did a mind calculation on the spot and decided 3 outputs were sufficient for my set-up (Dish sat/Sylvania blu-ray/Panasonic DVD Recorder.) The THD was .9 for the Yamaha and .05 for the Pioneer. I don't know how significant that is but the Pioneer seems that it would have clearer sound at low volume with less distortion. The Quick set-up using a microphone placed at your normal listening position are also similar. The Yamamha calls it YPAO while Pioneer calls it MCACC. Most receivers have some variation of this at the mid-price range. The back of the receivers were similar as far as inputs/outputs but the Pioneer had the banana plugs for wiring (which I prefer) while the Yamaha had spring clips for some of the speakers. I won't go into any further specs/features-just go to the company websites or here at Amazon.
Well, I chose the Pioneer. It looked more solid and had some additional features that seemed important to me. I could always return it if I was less than satisfied. I did mention (I am no slouch) that since it was an open box-could I get an "open box" discount? The sales rep laughed (he had opened it for me) and said "why not". So off I went with my 10% discount on a brand new Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver.
Well, I am tired today! I spent about 2 hours setting it up in the den and removing a Sony which is going to the master BR. But I am VERY HAPPY. This thing sounds fantastic. The set-up was easy. I played the Blu-ray disc "Hitman" and it was like you were inside the screen with the DTS-HD giving you that feeling! Here's the weird thing- I have ordered a set of Yamaha surround speakers from another website (at that time I was somewhat sure that I was going to Purchase the Yamaha model) not that it matters-I'm sure that they'll sound fine with the Pioneer. Back to the weird- The speakers that I am currently using have not been placed on the walls or configured for surround sound-since I had taken them down and re-wired with 16 gauge wire. Since I should receive the Yamaha speakers in a few days I didn't replace the speakers back on the walls etc. I decided to do the QUICK SETUP with the right front on the floor tilted up toward my seating position-the left front 3 ft. off the floor on my AV rack- the center speaker on top of the TV- the 2 rear surrounds are on the floor behind me in the corners also tilted towards my seating position and my Sony subwoofer disconnected. (wired so I couldn't connect it to the Pioneer.) I guess the MCACC SETUP is really precise/accurate because the Blu-ray DVD was phenominal in it's surround direction. Just think when I get the new speakers appropriately set up in the surround configuration!? I think anyone will be happy with this AV receiver. I am a happy camper in my den surrounded by HD SOUND!! P.S. Try to find a store that just received them and ask them to open the box and then ask for a discount!! LOL

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As the VSX-819H-K was designed specifically as a high definition control center with HDMI connectivity for sources such as Blu-ray Disc players and HD-Audio decoding capabilities, you¿re assured ultimate performance. Even with portable entertainment demands increasing every day and devices such as the iPhone becoming the de facto choice for many with respect to enjoying their photos, videos and music, the VSX-819H-K still delivers. Connecting to your iPhone, iPod and iTouch devices, the VSX819H has never been easier with a front USB port and included cable. And because it¿s Works with iPhone certified, the VSX-819H-K delivers a multitude of features designed to bring the entertainment stored on your iPhone into your home theater.

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Pioneer VSX-D514 Multi-Channel Digital A/V Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used this receiver for a year, during which time I've had nothing to complain about. It's a respectable buy in its price range, sounds quite good, and is not overly complex. I've just replaced it as my primary receiver, though, because it doesn't have enough digital inputs to handle a variety of sources. To manage the optical inputs from my TV, DVD recorder, Macintosh computer, cable box, and CD recorder, I was required to buy a switching device from Radio Shack. Now my new receiver has enough inputs to manage the load, as well as vastly more power and features. The 514 has only one optical and two coax inputs.
I expect the 514 to continue to give service for a long time, hooked up the bookshelf speakers in my bedroom.
If you want basic stereo and surround capability, this is a model worth considering, but if you imagine your needs will grow like mine have, then you might want to bump up to a more expensive/expansive unit. (In case you wonder, I now have a Yamaha HRT-5890, and it early on seems an excellent choice.)
Note that I do not dabble in the black arts of the audiophiles. I'm an unpretentious listener with reasonably high expectations. I doubt if I would care about the alleged sound distinctions between, say, a Denon and a Yamaha. I do care a lot about the quality of the user's manual, and the D514 has one that is not hard to understand.
You might have a problem figuring out from the Amazon description that the 514 is 5x100 watts.

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Designed to give consumers full control over their home entertainment experience, the Pioneer VSX-D514-S 5.1-channel digital A/V receiver is a great fit for the discriminating movie and music fan. The receiver, which powers five channels at 100 watts each, is equipped with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround processing, giving DVDs a rich, full-bodied sound through a multichannel speaker system. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technologies split the audio signals among four left and right surround speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer, while Pro Logic II converts two-channel stereo sources into five-channel surround sound. On surround encoded material such as movie soundtracks, the resulting audio is powerful and explosive, while with two-channel encoded material such as music CDs, the effect is a wider and more encompassing sound field with more localized vocals.
Internally, the VSX-D514-S boasts a single compact circuit board for all digital signal processing, thus ensuring exceptional purity, plus a double-precision Motorola 48-bit DSP engine that's similar to the one used in top theaters worldwide. The receiver also offers a discrete configuration along with Pioneer's hybrid amplification system, which directs the correct amount of bias signal to each transistor for extremely low distortion. This means that Pioneer's amps are designed to handle the full bandwidth of Dolby Digital, DTS, SACD, and DVD-Audio encoded software. Add that to the high-end digital-to-analog audio converter and you have a top-shelf receiver.
Installation takes just a few minutes thanks to the Quick Setup feature, which walks the consumer through the setup process. Listeners simply tell the receiver how many speakers are connected and then select the room size. The receiver then delivers an accurate surround sound performance based on the configuration. Additional features include component and S-video switching, which allows both progressive and interlaced NTSC and HDTV signals to travel to the TV or monitor; five digital signal processing modes, including game and movie modes; multiple digital coaxial and optical inputs; and a preset LCD remote control. The VSX-D514-S measures 16.56 by 6.25 by 15.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VSX-D514-S receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.

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Sherwood Newcastle R-771 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)1st off everything works as it should, inputs decoding remote room set up no quirks that I have happened into. The biggest thing is the lack of power I have it in a smallish room 150 ft2 or so and it will play as loud as you would like it but there is no extra power, no way this has a hundred watts per channel. That being said the sound is quite good and for the price I don't think you can beat it.

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Sherwood Newcastle R-771 7.1 Surround Sound Receiver - This surround sound receiver delivers the latest in home theater audio. Supporting 8 speakers for an incredibly immersive home movie experience. For advanced users, you get such goodies as XM Radio connectivity, 3 100MHz component video outputs, RS-232 control, an advanced remote control with macro commands, and much more.XM Radio ConnectivityAutomatic Format Detection192 kHz 24-bit DAC's for all channelsXover frequency selectable at 40Hz to 120Hz in 20Hz incrementsAutomatic Speaker Setup with supplied microphoneRoom EQOperating System is upgradeable via RS-232Universal Video upconverts Composite and S-Video to Component VideoA/V Synch DelayDiscrete On/Off IR Codes2 Optical & 2 Coaxial Digital InputsDigital OutputOn-Screen Display32-Bit TI Processor12 DSP ModesRoom 2 A/V Output with fixed/variable audio levelRear Center amps assignable to Room-2 feed3 HDTV-ready Component Video InputsComponent Video Output3 Rear Panel A/V Inputs2 Audio InputsFront Panel A/V InputsCinema HQDynamic Range ControlHeavy Duty Speaker Binding30 Station PresetsSleep TimerUnit Dimensions - 17 3/8 (w) x 5 (h) x 15 (d)

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Bic America FH-65B Bookshelf Speakers 350 Watt 6.5IN 2 Way (each) Review

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(More customer reviews)These are the best priced alternative to Klipsch's Reference series. I initially was buying Klipsch as I have heard the unique sound they produce. These,I hesitate to say "knock off's", are at an equal in sound, and similar in build design. The tweeters are so accurate and life like that it's hard to believe your listening to a horn driver! There is nothing harsh or bright about the treble these produce and I am really stunned by that! The woofers/midrange put out a generous amount of tight, clean, bass. The port is in the rear. The included wall hanging bracket hangs on a nail or screw and provides 3/8" clearance at the top, tapering down to flush at the bottom. In the center of the eyelet is a threaded insert for use with stands or quality mounting brackets. I found the amount of air moving out the port caused excess vibration in paneled walls and distorted it's accuracy. The port tube is identical to Klipsch's and I wonder if the two companies don't use the same parts manufacturer. I recommend bookshelves or quality mounts that give several inches of clearance. The only flaw I found was the tiny square logo on the mesh grill was a hair crooked. I am buying the F12 subwoofer as they also use Klipsch's port tube technology and Bash amplifier. The Best Sound at the Best Price!

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Sony STR-DE845 Surround Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I found the 845 reciver to be a very well thought out piece of equipment. It has 100watts X 5 channels, Dolby Digital and DTS processers, and a wealth of connections. All the RCA jacks one could ever need, 4 S-Video inputs, 4 Fiber optic, and a dual sub output for those who like their bass thick and chunky! And to top it off.... this year it includes Sony's Remote Commander, which will control just about everything you own. I would recommend this receiver to anyone looking for Digital surround sound, versitility, and reliabilaty.... that won't break the bank!

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The STR-DE845 has the power and processing to get the best out of your source - whether it is a DTV or DSS broadcast, DVD, or a simple VHS tape. The STR-DE845 incorporates Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, and with Sony's exclusive Digital Cinema Sound system-makes your movies sound exactly the way they were meant to be.Bring state-of-the-art digital cinema into your home with the feature-packed STR-DE845. 24-bit processor gives you super-precise Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, while a separate 32-bit processor handles Sony's exclusive Digital Cinema Sound - soundfield circuitry based on acoustic measurements made at Sony Pictures Studios movie production stages. You'll hear movie soundtracks the way the producers and directors intended it to be heard. There are 27 different DSP modes in all.

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Harman Kardon AVR-254 7x50W 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with HDMI 1.3a Repeater Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent several months researching my new receiver for my home theater. I spent countless hours hanging out on the avsforum, read everything I could about receivers. I was looking for a receiver that would have the following features:
- at least 2 HDMI inputs
- great sound quality for music as well as movies
- HD audio codecs (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA) support
- would cost $650 MSRP or less
The choice is clear:
- Onkyo 606 or 705
- Yamaha 663
- Sony 820 or 920
- HK 254
- Pioneer 1018
- Denon 1909 or 988
I didn't even try the Onkyos, because I was afraid of the overheating problems and the humming noise reported on many units. Plus, they are downright ugly. The Yamaha had only 2 HDMI, and did not pass BTB/WTW, the Sonys are notorious for having the worst sound quality (unless you tap into the really high end models) across the board, so I didn't consider those either.
I was then left with the HK, Pioneer and Denon receivers.
I first bought the HK 254. All the users on avsforum swore by the HK sound. Well, they were right. The sound is nothing short of outstanding. The GUI is light-years ahead of the competition too. And finally, it is by far the slickest looking receiver of all.
Now, on the negative. HK is notorious for releasing products that haven't been thoroughly tested, and that don't work properly until the firmware update is released, and even at that point, it doesn't always work right. Well, they got that right too...
1 - the fan noise on 2 different units was unbearably loud, and not only was it loud, it wasn't a constant noise: it was pulsating. Crappy quality control from HK, can't afford more than $2 on a decent fan!
2 - if you connect your PS3 to the HK receiver using HDMI audio out + Linear PCM (the only way to take advantage of the HD audio codecs), here's what happens: you get sound drop outs that last for several minutes in many bluray movies (There Will Be Blood is a good example). Also, in GTA IV, you cannot hear the dialogs from the person you talk to on your cell phone. When I say "you cannot hear the dialogs", I mean: there is NO sound at all, it's not that the volume is low.
3 - the surround sound never "locks" on the one you want, it always reverts to Logic 7 eventually, and even if you can sometimes get it back by cycling through the surround sounds, it doesn't always work and it is a major hassle.
4 - it can't pass HDMI video with video processing turned OFF (it's always on!), and it won't pass BTB/WTW either.
I don't want to go into the details of all these bugs, but they completely kill all the enjoyment you could get from the unit. I exchanged my first unit, thinking I got a lemon, but the 2nd unit showed exactly the same problems, all of them. I finally returned the unit, disgusted with HK's quality control.
I then tried the Pioneer 1018, the Denon 1909 and the Denon 988. All 3 of them performed flawlessly, without a single hickup.
The Pioneer worked great but sounded a little weak, lacked punch and attack compared to the HK. It also had a very annoying bright blue LED that you can't turn off, and the worst remote I've ever seen.
The Denon 1909 and 988 were very similar, the 988 having a very slight edge in terms of SQ for music, but lacked the extra HDMI input and didn't have the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume features. The 1909 was the only receiver I tried that could maintain the surround field perfect at any time and any given volume.
I ended up keeping the 1909, because of its great sound quality and of its superb handling of surround field, thanks to the Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Volume. Oh, and did I mention that it just works? ;)
After my disastrous experience with the HK, I wouldn't touch that receiver with a 10ft pole. If you consider this unit, wait until HK comes up with a firmware update, and make sure that it actually fixed all the problems. For more info about these problems, visit the avsforum dot com forum, and search for "Official Harman/Kardon AVR x54: Problems and Solutions Thread".

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The Harman Kardon AVR-254 7x50W 7.1-channel home theater receiver with HDMI 1.3a repeater is an affordable home theater system that gives you more bang for your buck. 7.1-Channel A/V receiver includes HDMI\' switching and audio/video processing. With 350 watts (50 watts x 7 channels) at your fingertips, movies will put you into the heart of the action. This is upscale video without an upscale price. The AVR-254 is Harman Kardon's most affordable receiver and allows you to upscale incoming analog video signals to high-resolution 720p output or select two HDMI\' inputs for audio processing -all with a Simplay HD\'-verified, single-wire connection to an HDMI-equipped display. And the sound? Pure Harman Kardon audio, with the clarity possible only with EzSet/EQ\' technology and our high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier design.

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Paradigm Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Home Theater Surround Sound System (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)This system is far better than any big-box brand name system I've listened to.
Before purchasing this system I auditioned a Sony Bravia system and one of Paradigm's upper end systems. The Sony system sounded small and tinny and the subwoofer shook the floor but didn't provide good sound. I couldn't tell if the Sony system really provided better sound than my television speakers. The Paradigm $3000 monitor system I listened to was excellent but I got cold feet at the last minute about the price tag and the additional space requirements of having big speakers in a small living room.
The Cinema speakers are small but they do not sound small and they don't take up much space in your living room or bedroom. If you have a huge room or a dedicated theater then you might want to invest more money in your speakers. However, if you want a terrific entry level system, this is a really good one that won't make you feel like you're missing out on something.
I'm very pleased with my purchase.

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6-Pc. Paradigm Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Compact Theater Surround Sound System. From the #1 Brand in Loudspeakers comes Cinema 90 CT 5.1 Compact Theater Surround Sound System for music, home theater and computer gaming. 2 Cinema satellite speakers, a center channel, 2 Cinema ADP surrounds boasting Paradigm\'s ADP (Adapted Dipole) technology for extraordinary surround performance (visit www.paradigm.com for more info on ADP technology) and a powerful subwoofer with 10˝ driver. Paradigm CT systems deliver Performance and Value like no conventional Home Theater in a Box (HTiB) system can! Buyer beware: Typical HTiB systems are all about price, not sound. Or even worse, expensive marketing hype and still not sound. When it comes to sound quality, those other systems simply cannot deliver. Paradigm Cinema CT\'s are all about performance. They deliver 5.1 audiophile-quality sound without sacrificing lifestyle size, good looks or a great price. They\'re every bit affordable as those other HTiB systems, but when it comes to performance, they leave conventional HTiB stuck in the box! Cinema CT systems integrate beautifully, delivering a seamless soundstage that brings movies and gaming to life and makes music sound \'live."Price/Value in Inside Track Annual Dealer Survey, an annual independent nationwide survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers and custom installers. Complete your home theater with Paradigm LS Stands for your Cinema 90\'s.About Paradigm. The Ultimate in Sound for Music and Home Theater. For over twenty-five years, Paradigm has set the standard for sonic excellence in every product category we offer. Our focus on providing the best in performance and value pushes the boundaries in speaker design. Stunning accuracy, a spacious soundstage with pinpoint localization, powerful, well-defined bass and thrilling dynamics are hallmarks of our advanced speaker designs. For more info on Paradigm products visit www.paradigm.com or contact us: +1 905 696 2842.

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Monster Home Theater StreamLine THX 100 Subwoofer (10") Review

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(More customer reviews)I guess this is a great subwoofer. I was very surprise to see the speaker is underneath the subwoofer. Mine is sitting on carpet, therefore I hope I am getting all the low sounds. I purchased a complete set of 5 speakers and I have great sound, so I guess the subwoofer is doing the job.

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MONSTER THX HT SL100-SW THX THX� HOME THEATER STREAMLINE SUBWOOFER 100

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Onkyo TX-SR506 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This receiver is pretty impressive on paper and visually by oogling at all the ports on the back. The biggest thing to note, I believe, is that the 3 HDMI inputs are "pass-through" and do not extract audio and play it through the speakers connected to the receiver! (the audio will only go to the TV!)
You NEED a secondary cable for audio (for each HDMI input!) and then you must configure the receiver to pair the corresponding HDMI input with the audio source. For example, if I have my Xbox 360 connected via HDMI, it is total FAIL because the optical audio connector for Xbox only exists on the component out... so I must use the component output for the Xbox instead, and pair it with a TOSLINK optical cable setup on the receiver.
While being an excellent receiver for the price, this single ridiculous gotcha makes the technology of HDMI near totally moot and could lead to some annoying workarounds as I have done for my home theater.

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In the case of Onkyo A/V receivers,” entry level” means a whole lot more than just affordability and standard functionality. You won’t find a better example than the TX-SR506, which also offers high-definition media capability and advanced sound correction technologies. With an HDMI platform handling 1080p video from three sources, the TX-SR506 brings polish and peak performance to high-definition displays and sources. Legendary Onkyo amplification drive and power set the foundation for delivering bass crunch and vocal clarity. And, thanks to the latest Audyssey technologies, you get to enjoy a sweeping soundstage even at low volumes. Easily holding its own among higher-priced A/V receivers, the TX-SR506 adds serious impetus to entry-level home theater.

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Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)My previous receiver was a 9 year old Sherwood. It was a little above a low end unit. It started buzzing and I decided it was time for a replacement. I have 2 nice Wharfdale floor speakers, a nice center, decent rear surrounds and 2 really decent sub woofers.
I read extensive reviews on several brands and decided that I would purchas Onkyo. I went to Fry's looking for the 606 model. They were sold out and just received the 607. I purchased the 607.
I wanted something HDMI based that allowed audio through the HDMI cables. The thing was a snap to set up. Make sure to run an HDMI cable to your TV from the receiver so that you can do on screen programming.
As I said, I have 2 sub woofers and the 607 has two output RCA jacks to enable 2 subs. No more RCA splitters. I fired the thing up and was shocked at the sound quality. The thing sparkles and the lows are clean and deep. I adjusted the individual speaker levels with a Radio Shack db meter on an easy to use Onkyo menu. I did not use the calibration system built into the receiver. A few trips through the menus and you have them mastered. The menu system is REALLY SIMPLE.
Unless you have some REALLY expensive speakers, this is the unit for you. Great sound quality, simple setup and easy menus make this a good choice for the novice or mid range home theater enthusiast.
I highly recommend the unit.

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The TX-SR607 raises the bar once again in the competitive world of mid-range home theater. With HDMI 1.3a inputs for up to six components, it’s ready to handle all your high-definition video and audio needs. Whether it’s a Blu-ray Disc player, a cable or satellite box, or a gaming console, your video signals will be traveling first class. Lower-resolution analog video signals, meanwhile, can be upscaled to 1080i and fine-tuned by Faroudja DCDi Edge™. HDMI version 1.3a also transports the master-quality HD audio formats, DTS-HD Master Audio™ and Dolby TrueHD. The very latest Dolby technology, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, enhances the spatial sensation

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