Sony home theater in a box receiver replacement?

Question

I made the mistake of buying an inexpensive Sony home theater in a box ($179), because it was a second system to be used in the basement. The receiver is so weak that even though I upgraded the speaker wires (Monster XP CL Big 100, and the longest run is about 20 feet), every time you try to get any volume at all, the receiver goes into protect mode, and shuts down. The speakers are all 6 OHM, the receiver is rated at 100 watts per channel. So, I know I need a new receiver. Any recommendations in the $300-$400 range? All comments are appreciated.

Answer 1

If you want better performance you will want to replace the speakers first with something that is more sensitive.

There are three ratings for speakers you can check for that really matter.
1) impedance usually expressed in ohms most receivers are designed for 8 ohms.
2) watts, this is the absolute maximum you ever want connected to the speaker and you should make sure the speakers have a equal or high wattage than the receiver.
3) sensitivity this will be expressed in db and should be noted that a speaker just 3 db higher than another will be twice as loud 3 db more twice as loud etc....

your Sony speakers are probably rated at 83-86db try auditioning a speaker that has better sensitivity and you will double the sound level( try klipsch) . I agree you need to replace the receiver but you will need to replace the speakers first to get a noticeable change, then match the receiver to the new speakers. The receiver is much easier to match to a set of speakers then the other way around. A great match is Denon for the klipsh. I also would wait to buy a receiver until the blue ray hd dvd HDMI war is over to get a receiver you could be short changing functionality if you get one right now.

Answer 2

Hi there. Here are some Receivers in your price range that have good reviews .( especially the Marantz ) After you have bought your new Receiver i would get new speakers to improve the sound all round.(when your budget permits) .Even if you just buy two front stereo speakers for the time being you will hear the difference(they dont have to be expensive,buy better ones later on) .Don't get a Home Theater In a Box because you wont get good sound .

PLEASE,PLEASE, don't replace the speakers first .They will not improve the sound .Sure more expensive ones will give you a DIFFERENT SOUND (which people believe is an improved sound) but it wont be an improvement from your existing equipment.SOUND TRAVELS FROM THE SOURCE COMPONENTS (DVD or CD Player ,VCR,Satellite etc.)
TO THE CONTROL COMPONENTS (Pre-Amp or Surround Sound Processing Pre-Amp ) TO THE POWER AMPLIFIERS AND THEN TO THE SPEAKERS.The base rule is the signal can NEVER BE IMPROVED within the chain once it is started.It can only be maintained or degraded.
AUDIO AND VIDEO REPRODUCTION IS A DAMAGE CONTROL JOB. If we don't get quality information from the Source,the Pre-Amp,Power Amps,and Speakers cannot improve the signal


ONKYO TXSR 703
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR703&p=i

MARANTZ SR5600
http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR5600

DENON AVR - 1707
http://shopper.cnet.com/av-receivers/denon-avr-1707/4014-6466_9-31987322.html

Answer 3

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKHTSR800

Your best bet is to just buy a new HTiB as that Sony and it's speakers are complete garbage.

The above listed Onkyo would be a huge overall improvement.