HOME THEATER: Component Search

[Howard]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: Sketcher
Yeah bozack, adding up the list it gets up to 1k pretty quick. I set a budget cap and then just when I think I can squeek it all in I ask myself if I'll be happy with the equipment two years down the road... then I start all over. I have a much easier time of being comfortable with the options if I put it in the $1,500 - $2,000 range. I think I'm deciding to step just a little away from the 'micro' sats like the eggs and orbs and go with Paradigm Cinema 90 CT's or similar... (though reading up on the HSU Vents you mentioned... wow, good reviews).

EDIT - As good as some of the micro sats are, I think I'm solidly into 4.5" driver territory. Whatever that means.

I don't so much like speaker stands either (at least not with limited space, and kids around) but I'm also not excited about cables running up walls and I'm not interested in chopping up our newly finished basement..

you really need 5 1/4" drivers for accurate sound reproduction

http://www.roundsound.com/ - these small speakers aren't bad, apparently.

bozack - where did you get 5.25" from? There aren't many full-range 5.25" drivers, to my knowledge (I believe it is the full-range application you're talking about).

 

[torpid]

I don't have the time to compare the features, but I personally am very pleased with the denon products I have owned. I have a 3803 receive now and it is significantly better than an onkyo dts receiver I purchased in 2000 for $500. The onkyo did not last as long as I would have liked (about 3.5 years before major problems surfaced). Now that I have heard the denon, I would say that the sound quality in dts or dolby digital is about the same, but in stereo the denon is FAR superior.

I would personally recommend at least looking at the 1800 series to see how it compares. A lot of good brands mentioned above, but for me anyway it is hard to find them locally from a retailer that offers the service and support I want. For me denon > onkyo > yamaha. No idea where harmon kardon fits in, since I haven't really done much research or listened to them.

 

[biostud]

$800 - $1300:
1. NAD L-70

I was sad to pack up the L70 when my evaluation was finished. The sound quality in both stereo and surround modes was exceptional and ease of operation a joy. Serious home theater owners will like exploring the macro command functions and the fine tuning of the sound output. If a simple complete package for home theater duties is what you seek, be sure and find the NAD L70. Coupled with an accurate sounding speaker ensemble, the L70 has an elegant look and sound that will surprise you

DVD Etc.
June 2003
Reviewer: Tim Tepas

The L 70 won't bowl you over with features, but its sound quality will delight audiophiles.

This combo receiver seemed to bring out the best sound in every recording; even our MP3 CDs were remarkably cleaner and more detailed. MP3 navigation and file-display info were more complete than those of any home theater in a box we've tested. All of our recordable DVDs, except one DVD-RW, played without a hitch.

What it all adds up to is this: If you're lusting after great sound but don't have the room or budget to step up to separates, the L 70 is a winner....

CNET.com
April 23, 2003
Reviewer: Steve Guttenberg

"Why buy a separate DVD-player and receiver when you could buy a DVD-receiver as good as this?

I don?t get it! I can?t understand why there?s not more DVD-receivers on the market. Consider who the buyers of home cinema equipment are, and it?s a mystery why more manufacturers don?t make refined products like the NAD L70."

I am very impressed by the L70. And that?s an understatement: it?s actually excellent on all levels. It is not crammed with features, but has all that one can want. It?s compact, easy to use and well built, and has a sound that impresses in both 2-channel stereo and 5.1 surround sound. At 8 000 kroner it's a coup, and an adequate alternative to separate DVD-player and receiver. Well done NAD!

Hammabio (Sweden)
no 4 ? 2003
Reviewer: Göran Johansson

As I said I really like NAD, and would choose their amps and CD-players because I like their focus on their products: excellent sound (specially music) at low price, and cutting out "bling-bling" features. For DVD I would probably choose something from Denon.

 

[torpid]

Originally posted by: biostud
$800 - $1300:
1. NAD L-70

I was sad to pack up the L70 when my evaluation was finished. The sound quality in both stereo and surround modes was exceptional and ease of operation a joy. Serious home theater owners will like exploring the macro command functions and the fine tuning of the sound output. If a simple complete package for home theater duties is what you seek, be sure and find the NAD L70. Coupled with an accurate sounding speaker ensemble, the L70 has an elegant look and sound that will surprise you

DVD Etc.
June 2003
Reviewer: Tim Tepas

The L 70 won't bowl you over with features, but its sound quality will delight audiophiles.

This combo receiver seemed to bring out the best sound in every recording; even our MP3 CDs were remarkably cleaner and more detailed. MP3 navigation and file-display info were more complete than those of any home theater in a box we've tested. All of our recordable DVDs, except one DVD-RW, played without a hitch.

What it all adds up to is this: If you're lusting after great sound but don't have the room or budget to step up to separates, the L 70 is a winner....

CNET.com
April 23, 2003
Reviewer: Steve Guttenberg

"Why buy a separate DVD-player and receiver when you could buy a DVD-receiver as good as this?

I don?t get it! I can?t understand why there?s not more DVD-receivers on the market. Consider who the buyers of home cinema equipment are, and it?s a mystery why more manufacturers don?t make refined products like the NAD L70."

I am very impressed by the L70. And that?s an understatement: it?s actually excellent on all levels. It is not crammed with features, but has all that one can want. It?s compact, easy to use and well built, and has a sound that impresses in both 2-channel stereo and 5.1 surround sound. At 8 000 kroner it's a coup, and an adequate alternative to separate DVD-player and receiver. Well done NAD!

Hammabio (Sweden)
no 4 ? 2003
Reviewer: Göran Johansson

As I said I really like NAD, and would choose their amps and CD-players because I like their focus on their products: excellent sound (specially music) at low price, and cutting out "bling-bling" features. For DVD I would probably choose something from Denon.

Any idea if the NAD has component video input? Is upsampling s-video to component video (and RCA to s-video) what you would consider bling bling? One thing I really like about my denon is being able to hook any video source into it and still have just one component video output. It's not a deal breaker but it saves me extra cables and having to switch the TV input every time I want to watch a dvd or play XBox.

 

[cerebusPu]

i've had a home theater in the box for about 2~3 years. been thinking about the fluance speakers and a onkyo receiver. too bad it doesnt come with a subwoofer. also too bad my TV is tiny. (27inches)

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: torpid


Any idea if the NAD has component video input? Is upsampling s-video to component video (and RCA to s-video) what you would consider bling bling? One thing I really like about my denon is being able to hook any video source into it and still have just one component video output. It's not a deal breaker but it saves me extra cables and having to switch the TV input every time I want to watch a dvd or play XBox.

L-70 manual

I don't have a TV myself and have never owned a video or DVD-player so, you better check the manual as I don't know what you're talking about


I think page 8 is where to look.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: Howard
bozack - where did you get 5.25" from? There aren't many full-range 5.25" drivers, to my knowledge (I believe it is the full-range application you're talking about).

the 5 1/4 driver is generally something accepted on various audio forums as being the minimum in size one can have to accurately reproduce sound....basically you NEED to have bookshelf or preferably larger to create the best, most realistic sound in the eyes of audiophiles...anything less sounds bad or not nearly as good and generally comes at a higher cost.

The Gallos you linked are ok if you like that orb look however I believe they are rather pricey and not at all easy to come by. Personally when buying things like this I always like to audition in person whenever possible, especially at this price point.

 

[torpid]

The answer appears to be no.

In fact not many inputs at all.

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: torpid
The answer appears to be no.

In fact not many inputs at all.

Their standalone A/V recievers has far more inputs, but I think the L-70 is aimed at those just want a "simple" solution" with DVD/Radio/reciever in one. But If I needed more features I would most likely choose denon.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: Howard
bozack - where did you get 5.25" from? There aren't many full-range 5.25" drivers, to my knowledge (I believe it is the full-range application you're talking about).

the 5 1/4 driver is generally something accepted on various audio forums as being the minimum in size one can have to accurately reproduce sound....basically you NEED to have bookshelf or preferably larger to create the best, most realistic sound in the eyes of audiophiles...anything less sounds bad or not nearly as good and generally comes at a higher cost.

So, which frequencies are we talking about?

 

[Sketcher]

01.16.05
Things change. The thread started out in search of the best HT on a budget, then an extended budget and now my speaker choice alone bumps me into mid $2k. I'm partial to but not locked on a Harman Kardon AVR-435 and DVD-31. I've been considering $2,400 worth of speakers from either Paradigm or Axiom. I'm currently leaning toward the Axiom items below:

Axiom 5.1 HT
Fronts: M22
Center: VP150
Rear: QS8
SUB: EP500

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: Howard
So, which frequencies are we talking about?

I think the missing frequencies are relative to the satalite & sub crossover ranges per make and model. A popular negative reference is Bose' Accoustimas rated spec.. The 202hz - 280hz range is technically left unaddressed by the physical and design rating for the drivers and crossovers between the sub and sats. I'm not jumping on the bash wagon re: bose or a cube/micro sat sub combo, just looking up the reference to answer the question.

 

[nsafreak]

Originally posted by: Sketcher
01.16.15
Things change. The thread started out in search of the best HT on a budget, then an extended budget and now my speaker choice alone bumps me into mid $2k. I'm partial to but not locked on a Harman Kardon AVR-435 and DVD-31. I've been considering $2,400 worth of speakers from either Paradigm or Axiom. I'm currently leaning toward the Axiom items below:

Axiom 5.1 HT
Fronts: M22
Center: VP150
Rear: QS8
SUB: EP500

I've heard good things about Axiom but I haven't had a chance to personally audition them so no personal experience on that end. I have heard Paradigm speakers and they sound great. Recommended route of course would be to find a dealer (ie NOT Circuit City & the like) that has both available and see which one sounds best to you.

 

[nsafreak]

Btw you do know that if you get all this stuff you have to invite us over to listen, right?

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Another HT fan. I have the AVR 630 and recently did the firmware upgrade.

I love this thing.

Oh, definitive technology speakers too.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: nsafreak
Btw you do know that if you get all this stuff you have to invite us over to listen, right?

Eh, yeah; right after the background checks clear . Now, when you say "US"...

Yup, background checks.

-

I might start off with everything but the sub. THat sucker is a bone and a half all by itself... but it's such a nice sub... I have considered an SVS for half the price but I just don't know that I want to give up that much space even if it is vertical.

 

[Sketcher]

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Another HT fan. I have the AVR 630 and recently did the firmware upgrade.

I love this thing.

Oh, definitive technology speakers too.

That 630's a nice piece to have. Nice chunk out of the wallet too. What was your reasoning for choosing it over say a 330, 430 etc. other than wattage?

 

[bigdog1218]

Originally posted by: Sketcher
01.16.05
Things change. The thread started out in search of the best HT on a budget, then an extended budget and now my speaker choice alone bumps me into mid $2k. I'm partial to but not locked on a Harman Kardon AVR-435 and DVD-31. I've been considering $2,400 worth of speakers from either Paradigm or Axiom. I'm currently leaning toward the Axiom items below:

Axiom 5.1 HT
Fronts: M22
Center: VP150
Rear: QS8
SUB: EP500

I have the M22s, VP150, and QS4s and love them all, except i live in a small apartment and can't crank them up. I bought them all from the factory outlet, and the blemishes are really small, and not noticable from a couple feet away. The axiom website has a lot of help, and their service is great. I know nothing about their subs though, I think you can find better deals on subs from SVS.

 

[V00DOO]

Originally posted by: Sketcher
01.16.05
Things change. The thread started out in search of the best HT on a budget, then an extended budget and now my speaker choice alone bumps me into mid $2k. I'm partial to but not locked on a Harman Kardon AVR-435 and DVD-31. I've been considering $2,400 worth of speakers from either Paradigm or Axiom. I'm currently leaning toward the Axiom items below:

Axiom 5.1 HT
Fronts: M22
Center: VP150
Rear: QS8
SUB: EP500

I have almost the same setup:
Receiver: HK AVR525
Fronts: M22
Center: VP150
Rear: QS8
SUB: SVS PCI 20-39

I love these Axiom speakers. Some people find Axiom speakers too bright but I didn't feel they're bright at all . As other have suggested on the Axiom Forum, maybe it was due to the warm sound produced by the HK receiver. Many members on the Axiom forum felt HK receiver is a perfect match with Axiom. One suggestion, I would skip the Axiom sub and buy either a HSU or SVS Sub at the same price range.

Sound is a subjective thing, go to the Axiom forum and see if you can find someone local for an audition. Good luck.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: Sketcher

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
Another HT fan. I have the AVR 630 and recently did the firmware upgrade.

I love this thing.

Oh, definitive technology speakers too.

That 630's a nice piece to have. Nice chunk out of the wallet too. What was your reasoning for choosing it over say a 330, 430 etc. other than wattage?

I got a good deal on it. I was aiming for a 525, but then I found the 630 for almost 1/2 off retail.

I like the ability to use less than the most efficient speakers and still drive them well. The 430 is a fine unit, but I could afford the 630 and the "hot deal" was too hard to pass up.

 

[Sketcher]

Sweet! Axiom Owners .

bigdog1218 & V00dOO, do you have pics of your rooms? I actually am considering the SVS 25-31PC-Plus. The reviews on the SVS cylinders are killer... I'm just trying to get used to the idea of a water softener size piece of audio equipment adding to the room decor. THIS SUB looks appealing too... guess I have some reading to do.

So you're likin' your choice of HK and Axiom eh? Would you do any of it different?

BTW, what color cabinets do you guys have?

 

[bigdog1218]

I'll upload some pics when I get home, I went with black cabinets, but I think all the colors are pretty good looking

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Sketcher
Sweet! Axiom Owners .

bigdog1218 & V00dOO, do you have pics of your rooms? I actually am considering the SVS 25-31PC-Plus. The reviews on the SVS cylinders are killer... I'm just trying to get used to the idea of a water softener size piece of audio equipment adding to the room decor. THIS SUB looks appealing too... guess I have some reading to do.

So you're likin' your choice of HK and Axiom eh? Would you do any of it different?

BTW, what color cabinets do you guys have?

I'm glad to hear you're thinking of going with SVS. I got the lowest model (PB10-ISD) and am loving it. I can't imagine what the PC-Plus or higher box models must be like enjoy!

I see EngenZerO mentioned very early on about ascend acoustics he had. I know you're looking for personal experience here, but if you haven't checked out opinions of the ascends on avsforum (I'm sure they're hard to miss though) you should probably be checking them out with your budget. You could get a 7.1 set with 340s all the way around and still be able to get a nice SVS to go with them.

I wish I had $2400 to spend on just speakers. I think my total HT comes to less than that...

Infocus 4805 = $999
Fluance SX-HTB = $260
Fluance SV-6 pair = $120
HK AVR-325 = $320
SVS PB-10 = $400

+ all the shipping and cables.... around $2400-ish

I got the HK used off of harmanaudio the ebay seller (HK factory refurbished units)

edit: I'm going to put another plug in for something else... A pioneer 1014 receiver. You can get one for under $500 from an authorized dealer. It's been tested to produce over 100watts of clean power to 5 speakers for a full frequency range. It has a lot of nice features like MCACC that optimized the input to your speakers to adapt to the listening environment... anyway, I think it's one of the best sub $500 receivers you can get. It has the same internals as the Pioneer elite 52tx unless I have my info wrong.

A friend of mine replaced his old reciever with the 1014 and he likes it a lot. He has it hooked up to a 2.1 set with Paradigm Phantoms. I haven't heard it personally, but I know it's a really good options for price/performance.