Which Will Net a Better System? (Home Theater Sound System)
- Thread starter tbst
- Start date
BrianSD_42
New member
I wouldn't spend much on a 6 ohm system. They are generally low end.
I suggest you buy the best system you can for $299 and plan on getting a really good ($1000) system down the road. No point in buying even a $600 syatem if you are truly intested in high quality.
My setup is a mix bought over time.
$700+ | Harmon Kardon AVR-430 65W RMS x 7
$275 | Klipsch 400W 12" sub
$299 | Bose 301 series speakers ( Front R & L)
$300+ kit | Infinity Primus center speaker & Infinity Primus rear surround speakers.
I also have full tower speakers but I put them in my parents living room. I got the receiver at cost when working at Circuit City (still works great). Monster cables are a scam. Make sure it has a fiber optic input for DD or dTS.
Visit Avsforum.com that is the place to get your input on home theater.
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if you have the space, I would go with a tower speakers in the front. You will notice a huge difference. I recently upgraded my front Definitive Technology Pro Cinema front speakers with a pair of Energy CF-50. I have been pretty satisfied with them so far. I have them hooked up to a Onkyo TX709 using the bi-amp feature.
If you're looking for a little more budget friendly setup, I would suggest some of the lower-end Onkyo. I ran a Onkyo TX 500 for 10 years and that thing was solid. Since the new Onkyo receivers just came out, you might be able to score a deal on the TX 309 or 509.
As for speakers, I would look at Energy, Klipsch, and Polk Audio. They might cost a little more, but they're worth the price.
If you're looking for a little more budget friendly setup, I would suggest some of the lower-end Onkyo. I ran a Onkyo TX 500 for 10 years and that thing was solid. Since the new Onkyo receivers just came out, you might be able to score a deal on the TX 309 or 509.
As for speakers, I would look at Energy, Klipsch, and Polk Audio. They might cost a little more, but they're worth the price.
ndcent
New member
You can always find a steal on a nice amp on craigslist?
theizzardking
New member
i say spend all of that on a nice receiver and get some speakers from CL for the interim and buy a nice speaker set when you got the cash to do it right, a $350 HTIB isn't going to have any components your going to want to use for very long, it's better to go big and go slow, as if you get the right stuff and good quality it'll last you for years, a good set of speakers from the 70's can still run you 1-2k depending on the brand and make. Good stuff lasts.
Evilmunkey
New member
I'm happy with not going w/ home stereo in a box, I have: Rotel Preamp, Rotel 6 Channel amp, Polk Monitor 40's (Bipolar) I have each pole set connected in a channel in my amp. .
I personally would say stay away from "Box" sets and you'll get a higher quality in a pieced together to your needs and preferences.
I personally would say stay away from "Box" sets and you'll get a higher quality in a pieced together to your needs and preferences.
Thai
Elite Member
IMO, if you're strap for cash, then just get HTIB for now...not an expensive one, but a decent one...to satisfy your needs now. Once you have accumulated more cash, then buy piece by piece a higher end system. It took me almost 4 years to complete my system.
Now, if you have cash now, then yeah, get a good system.
Remember, TVs and receivers technologies change monthly! But, a good pair of speakers and amplifier(s) should last a long time. For example, 3D technology is just at the beginning...i would not spend much money on a 3D TV or receiver at this time.
This is why i am holding off on getting a new TV or receiver for now. As you can see below in my picture, i am running the room correction software (Audyssey XT).
Now, if you have cash now, then yeah, get a good system.
Remember, TVs and receivers technologies change monthly! But, a good pair of speakers and amplifier(s) should last a long time. For example, 3D technology is just at the beginning...i would not spend much money on a 3D TV or receiver at this time.
This is why i am holding off on getting a new TV or receiver for now. As you can see below in my picture, i am running the room correction software (Audyssey XT).
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LittleCaesar
New member
Thai,
That is a nice set up.
Is that a Descent against the wall or Depth? I have a Dynamo in my closet at the moment.
Classe has always seemed to mesh well with ML, at least IMHO.
That is a nice set up.
Is that a Descent against the wall or Depth? I have a Dynamo in my closet at the moment.
Classe has always seemed to mesh well with ML, at least IMHO.
Thai
Elite Member
Depth i is the subwoofer. My room is on the small end (17 x 11)...so, Depth i was plenty. I am sure a Dynamo would have been great also.
Here is my system:
Home Theater 5.1:
AV Receiver/Pre-amp/Processor = Denon AVR-4306
Amplifier = Sunfire TGA-7401
DVD/BD Player = Sony PLAYSTATION®3 (40GB)
Power Conditioner = Panamax M5100-EX
Flatpanel LCD = Sony BRAVIA KDL52XBR3
Front Towers = MartinLogan Vantage
Center Channel = MartinLogan Stage
Surrounds = MartinLogan Vignette
Subwoofer = MartinLogan Depth i
DVD Storage = Sharper Image DVD Power Tower 80
Entertainment rack = Z-Line Designs 40" TV Stand
gaterose
Senior Member
Since everyone is sharing, here's my setup
Samsung 56" 1080P DLP
DirecTV HD DVR
Sharp Aquos bluRay
AppleTV 1 (jailbroken with 500 GB HDD)
Wii
Connections for my MacBook Pro
and the sound I listed earlier
I had a PS3 and Xbox 360 hooked up but I decided video games are a waste of my time and sold them.
edit - and yes that is a 4Runner on the shelf in the second pic
:
Samsung 56" 1080P DLP
DirecTV HD DVR
Sharp Aquos bluRay
AppleTV 1 (jailbroken with 500 GB HDD)
Wii
Connections for my MacBook Pro
and the sound I listed earlier
I had a PS3 and Xbox 360 hooked up but I decided video games are a waste of my time and sold them.
edit - and yes that is a 4Runner on the shelf in the second pic
:
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tbst
New member
I am going to piece it together. Slowly. After looking at slickdeals (thanks izzard) I found you can piece one together for not too much.
What do you guys think of these as a start?
Newegg.com - Klipsch HD 500 5.1 High Definition Theater system
What do you guys think of these as a start?
Newegg.com - Klipsch HD 500 5.1 High Definition Theater system
ALBPM
New member
new setup from 2 years ago....Main Home System: Sorry the pics are a bit dark
Rear speakers are on the back wall.
A Denon 3300 receiver and Rotel RB-985 - 5 channel amp, JVC CD player, panasonic BD35 Blu-ray player and Plasma PDP-5020FD. I re-did that entire wall - painted and new Auralex acoustic paneling
My next upgrade project someday but for now still sounds great
is the receiver, amp and CD player are getting to be a bit dated...LOL!!!
Also, I have a separate Headphone System...
Right next to my spot on the comfy reclining leather couch.
Meier's Corda Opera w/ DAC
Denon RCD-M33 CD/receiver- optical line out to DIP
iRiver H120D - optical line out to DIP
Monarcy Audio DIP/Upsampler
Proline 750
Grado GS1000
2nd System - in my Home Office
Meier's Corda Cantate
Denon RCD-M33 CD/receiver...Yes a second one
Plus:
iRiver H120D and computer as sources
Rear speakers are on the back wall.
A Denon 3300 receiver and Rotel RB-985 - 5 channel amp, JVC CD player, panasonic BD35 Blu-ray player and Plasma PDP-5020FD. I re-did that entire wall - painted and new Auralex acoustic paneling
My next upgrade project someday but for now still sounds great
is the receiver, amp and CD player are getting to be a bit dated...LOL!!!
Also, I have a separate Headphone System...
Right next to my spot on the comfy reclining leather couch.
Meier's Corda Opera w/ DAC
Denon RCD-M33 CD/receiver- optical line out to DIP
iRiver H120D - optical line out to DIP
Monarcy Audio DIP/Upsampler
Proline 750
Grado GS1000
2nd System - in my Home Office
Meier's Corda Cantate
Denon RCD-M33 CD/receiver...Yes a second one
Plus:
iRiver H120D and computer as sources
LittleCaesar
New member
I like it but will you get a receiver, DVD player via CL? Klipsch is a good company; I met the founder Paul before he died.
Is the 4runner tranny not getting any love at the moment?
tbst
New member
I am going to buy a refurbished onkyo 609 once they go on sale again. It seems from the slickdeals forums that they can be had for $250 ish. And then I am going to buy two Sony standing speakers I think.
My plan of yesterday was to buy a Veloydphne subwoofer and a Polk center speaker along with two Sony standing speakers.
I am pretty set on the receiver. I decided to take my time putting it together. If I miss a deal, fine, bc there is some much equipment out there.
My concern with the Klipsch and from reading the reviews is that the woofer is weak sauce.
RE: 4runner tranny
I am starting my new job and have to be in Pittsburgh for two weeks for training. So that leaves me ~350 mi from it. Earlier this past week I drained a **** ton of fluid from it and dropped the pan and refilled it. Drove fine for a bit (10 mi) and then get hesitation. When you gas it it lags. I think that maybe solenoids but couldn't tell the ******* from an elbow inside the tranny.
Right now I am spending tons of $ on dress clothes. $340 so far to be exact. And figure I may as well spend more listening to good music for when I replace the tranny.
BrianSD_42
New member
Sony tower speakers ... really?
tbst
New member
Well, I want to have some sound for not $1000000000. Other ideas? Looking to buy a decent receiver and start BUILDING on speakers. To me those would be a good first speaker.
You have ideas for the same price?
Thai
Elite Member
Hmm, I don't know about that plan of yours....
IMO, the three front speakers are the MOST important speakers in a HT system. In fact, the center channel is uber important in HT...because that is what you hear most of the time when playing a movie. Still, your front 3 should match closely in sonic characteristics...because that is where the movie will be focused on. When you play music, then the front towers will be most important. The side and rear surrounds can be of low quality since it is mostly for flying bullets and such.
Therefore, i would not buy Sony towers and match it with Polk center. I would either get all Polk, all Sony, all Klipsch, etc. for the front 3 speakers. You can use different brands up front, but make sure you read all the reviews/feedback to make sure that they match sonically.
Remember, since speakers will last a long time, you need to make sure that you get the front three speakers right!
So, in the Klipsch system that you have linked, i would consider getting Klipsch towers that are close in price range or class to those bookshelf speakers. And if you don't have the money for the towers now, then i would just wait.
