Networked Receiver

[jamhead]

So, in another post about my Yamaha biting it, I've decided I want a networked receiver mainly for the purpose of streaming music services (Pandora, etc.). The unit is in the family room, and is always going to be for TV viewing, current movie watching and background music listening. It's a 2 channel system, and may eventually have a sub attached, but not surround (HT will take care of that). Ideally, a second zone would be great for future deck speakers. Maximo helped with a couple of suggestions, but I'm open to other options now as well.

I've thought about also buying a newer blu-ray player that has the ability to stream services like netflix, Amazon, hulu, etc. However, I want to spend as little money as possible as critical listening doesn't occur here (video quality is important as it's the only display we have in the house right now..., a 7 year old RPTV.)

So, opinions anyone? Some options I'm thinking are:

1) cheaper networked receiver Onkyo 509, for example, with a networked blu-ray player.
2) More expensive receiver, Onkyo 609 or Denon 1912, and keep current blu-ray player....purchase Roku for streaming video.
3) Other ideas? I would ideally like to have the option of listening to Pandora, or other internet radio, without having to turn the TV on..(not sure if any receiver gives the option of selecting pandora channels through a harmony remote, or using their front panel display).

I would like to begin streaming as a means of showing the wife we can cut cable down to the basic package (for national televised football games) and be able to stream shows we like on Discovery, food network, Nat. Geo, etc

I like the Denon receiver, but more $$ than what I wanted. The Airplay is nice as I currently have a company issued I[phone, but if I leave the company one day, I will not have a smartphone that I pay out of my pocket....thus the streaming needs on the receiver.

Make sense? Looking for biggest bang/buck.

 

[Haywood]

I have an Onkyo 509 in my bedroom and the networked features are extremely clunky and hard to use. It is borderline unusable. Seriously.

 

[jamhead]

Thanks Haywood. Anyone else? What, did all the people in the know leave? Do I need to begin asking audio questions over at AVS forums?

 

[Batman]

I had a pretty good experience streaming Pandora through my Onkyo 5507 before selling it. But in setting up an Onkyo 609 for Internet radio for somebody, I never was able to get it to work. I have not tried anything on my Marantz because the appletv interface is so damn good. Therefore I can't speak to anything else...

 

[jamhead]

Thanks Batman. So, what would you suggest? A cheaper receiver without streaming capabilities and purchasing dedicated streaming units for music and movies? If so, is there a good option(s)?

 

[heeman]

Jamhead,

My Onkyo has streaming capabilities, however we just stream music through our Squeeze Box. Never tried it through our receiver.

Keith

 

[jamhead]

So, what do you guys think of this:

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...hannel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html#!more

My concern is 4 HDMI's in.......I wonder if I'll need more in the future. Right now, I can see:

Cable box; Blu-ray; Potential Roku (or similar);...maybe a game console as the daughter gets older?

Anything I'm missing?

 

[Batman]

Thanks Batman. So, what would you suggest? A cheaper receiver without streaming capabilities and purchasing dedicated streaming units for music and movies? If so, is there a good option(s)?

Yeah as long as the receiver has the performance capabilities you're looking for. I like your idea of finding a bd player that has the streaming options you want, but that will certainly require the tv to be on. (I really can't think of many that won't though besides the squeezebox and you're limited to music with that). Besides the Appletv I dont have much experience with similar boxes, it fit so well into my apple ecosystem, it just made too much sense. It is certainly not for everyone since it revolves around iTunes...To me you gotta find the combination that gives you not only the content you want, but in an efficient and user friendly way. User experience is a VERY close second to content to me and also worth a couple extra bucks to get it. You gotta go out and kick the tires a bit with the streaming devices to try and get the total experience you're after. If the level of receiver you purchase happens to have some built in features, give them a whirl since they'll be free essentially...

 

[heeman]

Jamhead,

My Onkyo has streaming capabilities, however we just stream music through our Squeeze Box. Never tried it through our receiver.

Keith

I guess I should have added here that we don't stream video only music.

 

[mzpro5]

Thanks Batman. So, what would you suggest? A cheaper receiver without streaming capabilities and purchasing dedicated streaming units for music and movies? If so, is there a good option(s)?

Yeah as long as the receiver has the performance capabilities you're looking for. I like your idea of finding a bd player that has the streaming options you want, but that will certainly require the tv to be on. (I really can't think of many that won't though besides the squeezebox and you're limited to music with that). Besides the Appletv I dont have much experience with similar boxes, it fit so well into my apple ecosystem, it just made too much sense. It is certainly not for everyone since it revolves around iTunes...

I agree with Bats on separates for streaming.

I have only heard good about AppleTV but I don't have one so can't speak to my experience.

I do like my Roku. NF, Amazon, Hulu, Crackle TV, Pandora, Shoutcast, Radio Paradise and many other "channels" a lot of which you don't have to pay a fee for. Depending on the setup for music channels once you make a selection via on screen menu you can run without the TV on.

Unfortunately as of now it does not support streaming my own music so I have a Squeezebox for that.

 

[Batman]

So, what do you guys think of this:

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...hannel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html#!more

My concern is 4 HDMI's in.......I wonder if I'll need more in the future. Right now, I can see:

Cable box; Blu-ray; Potential Roku (or similar);...maybe a game console as the daughter gets older?

Anything I'm missing?

I think if it has the potential to get used often for video, you should have at least one or two more HDMI inputs than you anticipate using...I'm not sure about Denon, but almost every Onkyo that would be on your radar, has a front HDMI input for temporary connections.

 

[jamhead]

There's this:

http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...l-3-D-Ready-Network-A/V-Receiver/1.html#!more

It's about the same price, has two more HDMI inputs, but no powered zone 2 (guess I could always buy a T-amp from PE for 80 bucks or so).

I've researched for a short time, and I thought streaming was much more capable than it actually is...at least through integrated components.....

 

[Doghart]

I have an Onkyo TX-NR809 and the network features work flawlessly. Interface is simple and easy to use. I use it to stream music from online sources and from my server in the basement.

D

 

[yromj]

The Yamaha I have in my living room does a really good job, IMHO. Plus, it has a full-featured tablet app that really makes it nice and easy. I don't have any experience w/ the Onkyos, though.

John

 

[Barney]

:text-bump:
You still hunting jamhead ? If not, what did you get ?

 

[jamhead]

Hey Barn,
Thanks for asking. Ended up getting a refurbished Onkyo HT-RC360 from Accessories 4 less for 260 bucks.

HDMI hookups are nice...eliminating cable clutter.

Picture settings on the TV required reducing brightness and raising contrast a little....but truly, not a big difference in picture quality (1080i)...so component seemed to have a good picture as well.

Sound is better as I have more ability to tweak the settings depending on input source.

Have not hooked it up to the network yet, but will soon. Currently playing Pandora through iphone.

We'll see. So far, good. Now, if it'll last a while I'll be happy. I know Onkyo's had problems with their HDMI output....so, I got my eye on it.

 

[Barney]

No problem....I will be looking in about a year & I also am shy of Onkyo receivers. I'd love a Marantz but may try looking at Denon. But in a year, things could be alot different. I will also be looking to replace my old Toshiba HD-RPTV....which still has a beautiful pic if you sit in the sweet-spot...which is pretty small.
Keep us posted on how your Onkyo performs.

 

[jamhead]

Will do. In my search, Marantz really had nothing in the $ amount I wanted to spend....they couldn't match the features or quality. Now, if this were for my main system, then Marantz is high on my list to check out.
I liked the Denon, but they were more costly....but we'll see. I have a 1 year warranty on it....and fingers crossed.

 

[jamhead]

Oh, and for the record, my parents got a new Samsung plasma and I calibrated it for them.

Their set has NOTHING on my RPTV.....my Toshiba still has the better picture...by FAR. Contrast, colors, and motion. I hope my RPTV can carry on for a long time, 'cause the picture is killer.

 

[heeman]

Oh, and for the record, my parents got a new Samsung plasma and I calibrated it for them.

Their set has NOTHING on my RPTV.....my Toshiba still has the better picture...by FAR. Contrast, colors, and motion. I hope my RPTV can carry on for a long time, 'cause the picture is killer.

What size and series did they get?? When you said you calibrated it for them, did you use a calibration disc??? Which one??

We are loving our Samsung Plasma which we have had now for about 10 months now, it is a 59"; Series 550.

Glad to hear that love your RPTV, there is nothing better than to be thrilled with our equipment.