Need advice on AVR and Sub after lightning strike!

[ZR]

My Onkyo AVR was knocked out by a lightning strike and my Cambridge Basscube 12's amp bit the dust. I may be able to replace some Caps on it and maybe a resistor and 2 diodes. Some black around those areas.

I posted this earlier but somehow deleted the entire post (even after other people responded). I thought that was a moderator thing to do that, but what do I know?

My wife hasn't worked since October and we just paid for 2 weddings in 2 years - so money's tight!!

So, I can replace the 100watt RMS subwoofer with a new subwoofer like a Dayton 12' for around $140. Or buy a Class D sub plate amp for around $125, but then will the speaker be next to go? I also wouldn't mind buying a beter sub on the used market, but depending on how old it is, it could have caps ready to die as well. Any advice?

The replacement AVR should be 7.1, 7.2 and I xcan maybe scrounge up $300-$400 max for a replacement. I had a lot of problems with this Onkyo even though they deliver a lot of bang for the buck. I can get something like that or Pioneer, etc. OR, look used and possibly buy a China made Rotel or US B&K or possibly NAD. How's Marantz, adcom, and Harmon Kardon lately? I did have a Harmon Kardon that was great for me, so that could be an option.

How do they rate wats on these multi channel amps? You'll see a figure like 100 watts per channel x 7, or 120watts x2 (just stereo)...huh? How, do nicer companies watts compare to what's listed for the regular (cheaper) AVRs like pioneer, denon etc?

Any advice? or, does anyone have such items and you're looking to sell so you can upgrade? Come on, you deserve it!! Thanks!!

[DaveH]

try this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-by-Schneider-Electric-Home-Electronics-Protective-Device-HEPD-HEPD80/203540660

[chromium]

I had a lot of problems with this Onkyo even though they deliver a lot of bang for the buck. I can get something like that or Pioneer, etc. OR, look used and possibly buy a China made Rotel or US B&K or possibly NAD. How's Marantz, adcom, and Harmon Kardon lately? I did have a Harmon Kardon that was great for me, so that could be an option.

I went through two Onkyo products, both of which had a really short lifespan.

First one was an Integra DTR 7.1(? IIRC) which lost its left front channel after only 2-3 years.

Second was an Onkyo TX-NR708 which started randomly switching input channels after 6 months. Really annoying! Turns out this was due to a conformal coating that they apply to the front panel board. I looked into having them perform the "fix", but would have had to pay shipping plus all the downtime... so I just pulled it all apart and scrubbed the board down myself. Worked fine for a few years, and then the HDMI board crapped out (another common problem apparently).

I took a leap of faith and replaced it with a Yamaha RX-V675 for ~$275 new a year ago. So far so good, and I'm actually really happy with that unit's sound and power (at 1/4 the price of the Integra). Look and feel of the controls is a little cheaper, but hey it works - and I won't feel quite as ripped-off if it dies in a couple years.

For the sub, I've been running an SVS unit for 10+ years. It's one of the 3-port cylindrical ones w/12" driver and I think a 500W amp. Highly recommended if budget allows, and man can that thing shake the drywall!

I can vouch for the whole house surge suppressor too.

[jettster]

Second the SVS sub (it's astonishing) and house surge protector. Luckily other than lightning damage, I've had good luck with the two Onkyo receivers I've had. Been running the TX-NR 1009 for several years now and it's been great. Audiophile quality usually means $$$$. In the consumer grade range, seems like most products will be fairly comparable. I think you get a lot for your money with the Onkyo, I like mine better than my brothers Denon that was 3x more. course he is going to a Emotiva separates setup, Will be interesting to check that out with the new Paradigms.

[ZR]

Yeah, I had a lot of problems as were a lot of other owners. They finally broke down after several HDMI switching updates, they finally offered to fix it. Then a few months later the lightning strike! First problem we've had with that in 20 years here. One of my friends up the road - on a hilltop so he attracts that stuff - always had lightning hits but hasn't since redoing his ground with a new ground rod pounded deeply into the ground. The one that came with the house he just kicked over as it wasn't really installed properly. So, I'll look at that too.

I can get a little older "better brand" unit with better specs etc. but will the caps go out quicker than a new Harmon Kardon, pioneer etc. or do you think they use better parts? I'm kinda leaning towards the "higher end" product right now, but my current budget may hold me back.

Johnny B, where art though? Ol' sage of audiophile gear etc. You probably have many stereos/AVRs. Maybe you can sell that hall bathroom 9.2 setup you have! Who needs an 18" subwoofer in a 10'x6' bathroom?!

[Armitage]

I tried promoting (not selling mind you) whole house surge suppressors here a few years back and no one seemed interested. Not only do you get tons of crap down the line daily, every motor, compressor etc in your house is killing every bit of electronic stuff you've got from the obvious TV and computer stuff to your gas stove, dish washer and clothes dryer. They are SO cheap too.

[ZR]

Good advice. Thanks for the replies so far.

I'm looking at some of these used higher end AVRs and they usually have much better power supplies, more real watts per channel etc. BUT, some of the units don't have HDMI, or if so, old versions like 1.1. I don't think they can handle the newer 4K signals. My current (broken) AVR has HDMI. I use my TV just as a video monitor with everything switching through the AVR.

If I later get a 4k tv will it work on any HDMI or does it have to have the newer HDMIs?

I can always connect the TV direct to the cable box or blu-ray player with HDMI mainly for the video...and then use optical to route the sound from sources to the AVR. Will it be the same, or a downgrade from HDMI as far as sound quality?

How do composite RCA connectors for TV compare to HDMI as far as picture quality?

Thanks !!!

[cmatthes]

No mod delete there - you can delete your own posts.

[JohnnyB]

What's your budget? And what's your speaker array?

Also, do you currently have need for Bluetooth and extra zones?

And yes, HDMI enables more multichannel audio bandwidth than S/PDIF coax or Toslink connections. For lossless multi-channel surround, only HDMI can carry the signal to be decoded by Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio, the two lossless full surround decoders.

Do you have the funds to consider an AV preamp/processor (aka pre/pro) plus multi-channel power amp instead of an AV receiver? I'm not a fan of AV receivers because it puts so much stuff on the same chassis--crosstalk, higher noise floor, plus less room for a proper power supply to provide the current needed for good dynamics in most film soundtracks.

Could you consider the Marantz AV7702 at $1199 plus a multi-channel amp to do the heavy lifting?

The Marantz has a pretty comprehensive feature set including Bluetooth and 4K HDMI. Actually, it has a lot more than that, including the Audyssey room optimization software, which is a great advantage for tuning your surround system to your room.

Also, as others have said, you should get some kind of surge protection. Some of the surge protection power strips have (last time I checked) guaranteed insurance against equipment damage. Check the fine print as to whether it covers lightning strikes or just power surges.

Let me know what you need to flesh out--2.1? 5.1? 7.1, or more.

[mathman]

One way to sometimes find good deals.

Woot.

http://electronics.woot.com/plus/big-game-audio-1?ref=el_cnt_wp_2

http://electronics.woot.com/?ref=cp_gh_el_3

[ZR]

Thanks for the replies guys! I have to check my Onkyo tonight to see if it may just be a blown internal fuse.The sub will be replaced with some new sub or used but fairly new sub.

Price range is low as stated in my OP...$300-$400 for the receiver. Wanting 7.1BUT, hopefully it's just an internal fuse...I'll know later tonight.

Looking at the older "better grade" stuff was fun but I'd be buying older technology, and newer up to date "better grade" stuff is too expensive. I did see a lot of cool better stuff for a nice 2 channel system with all separate components, but I have to deal with one problems at a time!!

How do they rate watts nowadays on these multi-channel amps? You'll see a figure like 100 watts per channel x 7, or 120watts x2 (just stereo)...huh? How, do nicer companies watts compare to what's listed for the regular (cheaper) AVRs like pioneer, denon etc? How do the amps work? Are there 6 distinct amps inside, how do they divide the power?

Does anyone have such items and you're looking to sell so you can upgrade? Come on, you deserve it!! Thanks!!

[JohnnyB]

How do they rate watts nowadays on these multi-channel amps? You'll see a figure like 100 watts per channel x 7, or 120watts x2 (just stereo)...huh? How, do nicer companies watts compare to what's listed for the regular (cheaper) AVRs like pioneer, denon etc? How do the amps work? Are there 6 distinct amps inside, how do they divide the power?

Does anyone have such items and you're looking to sell so you can upgrade? Come on, you deserve it!! Thanks!!

In the case of the wattage figures you're quoting, it means that if all channels are all measured at the same time, each of the seven channels is putting out 100 watts. But if you feed signal to only two of those channels at a time, the output increases to 120 watts for each of the two channels. This indicates that the power supply has been downsized to fit in the AV receiver's all-in-one chassis. Any self-respecting multi-channel power amp is going to put out the same figure regardless of the number of channels running at the moment.

Another indicator of power supply is whether the receiver or amp has a realistic FTC rating into a 4-ohm load. A lot of 'em are only spec'd into 8 ohms or maybe 6.

You can also bet that the receiver won't have the bass extension that the power amp would.

The justifications for these compromises (besides price, convenience, and size) are that in multi-channel surround sound, it's rare that all seven channels are all called on to hit their maximum at the same time. Furthermore, with self-powered subwoofers, the low bass duties are handed off to the sub's built-in amplifier.

Still, explosions and big car crashes can use up all the power momentarily, depending on how high you have the volume.

I definitely prefer the lower noise floor and unbridled dynamics of a dedicated multi-channel power amp.

The Outlaw Audio 975 is a fully-functioning 7.1 AV Pre/Pro, highly reviewed, at $549. Its HDMI channels can handle 3D, but I don't know if that means it'll pass 4K. I think the bandwidth requirements are similar but I'm guessing a bit here and I'm not finding a definitive answer out on the Web.

Outlaw also has a good value on their Model 5000 5-channel amp--120 wpc x5 (simultaneous) into 8 ohms, 180 wpc into 4 ohms, all at $599. But when bought in combo with the 975, the package price is $999.

[Armitage]

Lovely stuff!

[ZR]

Well, I think it may just be another bad HDMI board. It has exactly the same symptoms it had laST TIME the board went bad. Meaning, everything seems to work but no speaker icons on the disply and no sound output on any speaker out. I'm waiting to hear back from Onkyo about sending it back in for another board replacement.

 

My friend gave me another Cambridge Soundworks Basscube 12" subwoofer like I already have. It's amp also blew out, but like mine the speaker looks/sounds great. So, I bought an ADCOM 545 stereo power amp and will now run 2 subs off it. The rest will be powered by the onkyo for now.