Best Value Receiver to match with STF-2 and Ventriloquist VT-12s

[Stiltz]

Hello All-

I picked up my STF-2 and FT-12s yesterday and am VERY excited to get them hooked up in my new place! (I had a VTF-2 that I reluctantly had to sell when moving and am excited to get another HSU)
I was wondering what receiver would best match to this sound system that's also a good deal.
I have bought primarily HK's in the past, but am open to Marantz, Onkyo, and Denon's. (Right now I'm looking at the HK 325, 525, Marantz 5200, 5300, 6300, Onkyo 501, 601, and Denon 1803, 1804...I'm forgetting a few I'm sure)
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
It's a 14' x 15' room all hardwoods, connected to a 50" Sony LCD tv, and the system will be close to the tv.

Thanks for any help!
Stiltz

[tdekany]

I ordered the Pioneer Sasha recommends.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by tdekany
I ordered the Pioneer Sasha recommends.

Just came in! Paid $294 + shipping. However it is a gift for my girlfriend so I will not hear it until Xmas. (the whole system)

[Stiltz]

Thanks for the info!
I checked out that amp and it received good reviews...will have to sound test it to see how good it is...I love the mic setup option on it!

[Sasha_G]

We're looking into a number of nice 6 channel systems in addition to the Pioneer. Dr. Hsu got a Onkyo on sale, and we have tested it out and it performs admirably. I'll get the model number and post it.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by Sasha_G
We're looking into a number of nice 6 channel systems in addition to the Pioneer. Dr. Hsu got a Onkyo on sale, and we have tested it out and it performs admirably. I'll get the model number and post it.

Onkyo TXSR600 ???

[Stiltz]

Has anyone tried the VT-12s with an HK amp? Or Denon?

Sasha - did you notice an improvement when they were hooked up to the Onkyo?

I'm still trying to decide between the following for receivers...If anyone can give insight on how they sound with any of the following receivers it'd be greatly appreciated!

Onkyo 600 - $266
Pioneer 912 - $294
HK 325 - $450
Pioneer VSX-41 - 350
Denon 1803 - $350 shipped

Thanks again!

[Sasha_G]

Dr. Hsu sais it was the Onkyo Onkyo TX-SR501 6.1 Channel Home Audio Receiver, which can be found for $250 - $300. I didn't hear it. It has very good subwoofer features, such as a 24 db/oct crossover slope and 80 Hz crossover freqeuncies we prefer. The 600 series probably also has the same good subwoofer features.

Dr. Hsu did some testing on it, and it did great.

Dr. Hsu also tested the ultra cheap $180 6.1 KLH and it was awful.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by Sasha_G
Dr. Hsu sais it was the Onkyo Onkyo TX-SR501 6.1 Channel Home Audio Receiver, which can be found for $250 - $300. I didn't hear it. It has very good subwoofer features, such as a 24 db/oct crossover slope and 80 Hz crossover freqeuncies preferred. The 600 series probably also has the same good subwoofer features.

Dr. Hsu did some testing on it, and it did great.

Dr. Hsu also tested the ultra cheap $180 6.1 KLH and it was awful.

Now I wish I didn't get the Pioneer (100hz xover), although it did receive better #s then the Onkyo. (8.4vs8.0). O well.

Maybe not - the Onkyo TX-SR501 only gets 7.6. plus it runs hot!

[Sasha_G]

Both have pros and cons, but 100 Hz isn't the end of the world. We've use Pioneer receivers for demos at 100 Hz, and it really didn't make much of a difference. We were using good placement. The subwoofers were placed directly behind the listeners and no directionality was detected.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by Sasha_G
Both have pros and cons, but 100 Hz isn't the end of the world. We've use Pioneer receivers for demos at 100 Hz, and it really didn't make much of a difference. We were using good placement. The subwoofers were placed directly behind the listeners and no directionality was detected.

Good - that is where ours is going to be placed.

Thanks!

[Bert]

Sasha, or anyone,
Any ideas on how the Pioneer VSXD912K would match up with the VTF-2 and VT-12's?

[alfapwr]

Hi,

Just discovered Hsu.

I just got ( still in box ) a Yamaha RXV630 6.1 channel receiver. It has ( I think, from Yamaha website ) a 90hz sub crossover.

Will this work okay ?
Dan

[tdekany]

that will be fine

[pingpongdave]

I also, would like to know about the Pioneer Vsxd 912k especially since it has the semi-automated speaker set-up. Will it be best for someone who knows nothing about Home Theater set-up. I know the Onkyo 501 works great with the VT-12 and Stf 2.

Someone once said "spend a little Extra and get the 601.
Would that(onkyo 601 & pioneer vsxd912k Steve Guttenberg likes all 3, but I want to hear from someone familier with the VT-12 system)be over-kill? Just wondering because I like to listen to Music and DVD Audio like "Gloria Estefan-Miami Sound Machine" "Salvadore" " Earth,Wind&Fire" "Gaither vocal Band" "Sinatra" and others with an Orchestra behind them. What do Think?
Thanks PPD.

[Dudley]

The 601 has a little more power, a better remote (programable), component video switching, and multiroom capability.

[tdekany]

Originally posted by pingpongdave
I also, would like to know about the Pioneer Vsxd 912k especially since it has the semi-automated speaker set-up. Will it be best for someone who knows nothing about Home Theater set-up. I know the Onkyo 501 works great with the VT-12 and Stf 2.

Someone once said "spend a little Extra and get the 601.
Would that(onkyo 601 & pioneer vsxd912k Steve Guttenberg likes all 3, but I want to hear from someone familier with the VT-12 system)be over-kill? Just wondering because I like to listen to Music and DVD Audio like "Gloria Estefan-Miami Sound Machine" "Salvadore" " Earth,Wind&Fire" "Gaither vocal Band" "Sinatra" and others with an Orchestra behind them. What do Think?
Thanks PPD.

I am in the process of seting up that system with the Pioneer receiver. Still need to get cables and wires, but once done I'll let you know.
I guess if you can afford to spend more on the receiver, go for it. If not, then take Sasha's recommendation and get the 912.
BTW, the Pioneer has the highest rating of 8.4.

[jas]

Hello:

Anyone tried this system with the Marantz 7300?, Also does anyone have pics of the SILVER VT-12?

Thanks

-Jas

[tseul8r]

I am choosing between the Onkyo TX-SR601 & Onkyo TX-SR701 and the Yamaha RX-V1400 to power my VT-12s. Which would be the better receiver if I am willing to spend $600 - $700 for my receiver? I am still undecided to pair my VT-12s with the STF-2 sub or the VTF-2 sub. Which should I choose and why. Does the VTF-2 have spike feet like the STF-2? I have hardwood floors that I don't want to scratch. Thanks.

[Sorny]

I think spending 2-2.5x the price of the speakers on the receiver is rather silly. Between what you've listed, I'd probably go with the Onkyo 701 (I've spent some time with the older 898 and liked what I heard). I've never been a Yamaha fan as they tend to sound bright to my ears, but if the Yamaha has YPAO, then it would really make the choice difficult.

All the box subs from Hsu have spiked feet. Use a throw rug underneath it to avoid damaging your floors (some also put pennies under the carpet, directly below where the spikes sit).

Sorny