Home Theater Question

[andrey]

Well, I finally've done it! Purchased my first new house!

While everything settles in place, I'm looking to buy a home theater system, but I'm not even sure where to start

I already have TV, DVD-player and VCR. The only thing is that I have to turn on TV in order to listen to music CDs or MP3s, so if there are any system out there which provide ability to play CDs/MP3s/Tuner without turning on TV, I might sell my current DVD player and get all-in-one package.

My budget is about $500 w/o DVD player and I'll say around $700 for receiver which will play DVDs and MP3. I also would like system to be in silver, but that's not necessary. So, which home theater system (A/V receiver, 5.1 speakers + optional DVD) would be a good one to get keeping those things in mind?

Thank you in advance,
-- Andrey

 

[Goosemaster]

For a reciever either get

Denon 1803 or Onkyo Tx-sr600

 

[Goosemaster]

Ebay has both for really good prices

 

[Goosemaster]

If your VERY serious about audio.


Denon 3803 or Onkyo Sr-700 (with preouts)



Then again, You can get a nice 5x120watt amp for about $400-600 and a nice preamp for the decoding

 

[DaveSimmons]

Hmm, $500 is under what I'd spend for just the speakers, but I'll try --
- Polk Polk RM6000 from crutchfield.com for $299 (closeout, list price $499)
- Pioneer VSX-D812K A/V Receiver for $220 from etronics.com

If that's too much you can step down to the Pioneer VSX-D712K for $175. If you've never ordered from Crutchfield before, you can save $20 by having a freind give you their Crutchfield referral code (and your friend gets a $20 credit too.)

 

[Goosemaster]

YOu ahve to judge if and when you will upgrade.

Grrappy speakers with a good amp: CRAP

GOod speakers with a Chessy amp: CARP..this can actually damage the speakers with clipping....



I say get a decent amp like the first two i mentioned...and some decent speakers...Klipshc are good and cheap...athena too.

 

[jfall]

I would look at the Kenwood or Onkyo home theater in a box systems. Also be sure to visit http://www.hometheaterforum.com

 

[Goosemaster]

I just found a B&K 6 Channel Amp For $350

&K Components VMR-6.5.4, 6 channel A/V amplifier, ideal for versatile and cost effective multi-channel home theature. The VMR-6.5.4 delivers 60 watts r.m.s. per channel into 8 ohms, also can be bridged to 5, 4, 3, or 2 channels. Built like a tank, using state-of-the-art solid state devices; 1% metal film resistors; computer grade electrolytic power supply caps and a high capacity toroid transformer. The VMR operates class AB employing very high current MOSFET power output stages.
I just got this amp back from B&K where it was thoroughly checked out and calibrated, making sure it was performing to spec.
This amp performs flawlessly, delivering clean and musical power.
The amp is in excellent condition, includes owners manual and a brand new factory box and packaging.



Fabulous starter..you need a preamp though..or a pc

 

[Goosemaster]

CARVER PREMIER AV-705X

125x5

$565

 

[Howard]

If you have to turn on your TV to listen to music, that means you're using the TV's speakers, right?

All you need is a receiver and speakers. But with your budget, you'd probably be better off with a decent receiver and a 2.1 system or something like that.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Howard
If you have to turn on your TV to listen to music, that means you're using the TV's speakers, right?

All you need is a receiver and speakers. But with your budget, you'd probably be better off with a decent receiver and a 2.1 system or something like that.

yeah.

For me it was either a fantastic 2.1 or a cheezy 5.1


For what I paid I got 2 awesome Mirage fronts, a 400Watt athena sub and a nice 6.1 Onkyo amp.

 

[draggoon01]

do any receivers have equalizers?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: draggoon01
do any receivers have equalizers?

a few do, but most have only bass/treble/loudness plus all the digital delay effects for faking different room types.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
I just found a B&K 6 Channel Amp For $350

&K Components VMR-6.5.4, 6 channel A/V amplifier, ideal for versatile and cost effective multi-channel home theature. The VMR-6.5.4 delivers 60 watts r.m.s. per channel into 8 ohms, also can be bridged to 5, 4, 3, or 2 channels. Built like a tank, using state-of-the-art solid state devices; 1% metal film resistors; computer grade electrolytic power supply caps and a high capacity toroid transformer. The VMR operates class AB employing very high current MOSFET power output stages.
I just got this amp back from B&K where it was thoroughly checked out and calibrated, making sure it was performing to spec.
This amp performs flawlessly, delivering clean and musical power.
The amp is in excellent condition, includes owners manual and a brand new factory box and packaging.

Fabulous starter..you need a preamp though..or a pc

You don't require a pre-amp. Most sources give enough juice.

 

[EvilYoda]

I'm a little distracted right now, but it seems that you're getting suggestions for a receiver/proc...

I know Glen'll tell you go with the Pioneer 711, which is on sale at CompUSA for their HT clearance this week, and it's a great receiver. But I'd also look at the H/K AVR-520, which they have for $350....that's a f*cking great price.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Goosemaster
I just found a B&K 6 Channel Amp For $350

&K Components VMR-6.5.4, 6 channel A/V amplifier, ideal for versatile and cost effective multi-channel home theature. The VMR-6.5.4 delivers 60 watts r.m.s. per channel into 8 ohms, also can be bridged to 5, 4, 3, or 2 channels. Built like a tank, using state-of-the-art solid state devices; 1% metal film resistors; computer grade electrolytic power supply caps and a high capacity toroid transformer. The VMR operates class AB employing very high current MOSFET power output stages.
I just got this amp back from B&K where it was thoroughly checked out and calibrated, making sure it was performing to spec.
This amp performs flawlessly, delivering clean and musical power.
The amp is in excellent condition, includes owners manual and a brand new factory box and packaging.

Fabulous starter..you need a preamp though..or a pc

You don't require a pre-amp. Most sources give enough juice.

yeah..but don't tell me the amp does DD or DTS decoding..heh

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
I'm a little distracted right now, but it seems that you're getting suggestions for a receiver/proc...

I know Glen'll tell you go with the Pioneer 711, which is on sale at CompUSA for their HT clearance this week, and it's a great receiver. But I'd also look at the H/K AVR-520, which they have for $350....that's a f*cking great price.

definitely.. High bandwidth

 

[Vilica]

Sub - Athena ASP300 - $300
Surrounds - Fluance 5.1 AV-HTB - $200
Receiver - Harman Kardon AVR525 - $600

I did some research recently, and if I'm reading the original post correctly with a 1200 total budget (500&700), this fits pretty well. These seem to have gotten pretty good reviews from people, and I can provide links for purchase if any of those tweak a nerve. OTOH, this is my first foray into HT stuff, so I may be way off base with these recommendations. Any comments from others would be quite welcome.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Vilica
Sub - Athena ASP300 - $300
Surrounds - Fluance 5.1 AV-HTB - $200
Receiver - Harman Kardon AVR525 - $600

I did some research recently, and if I'm reading the original post correctly with a 1200 total budget (500&700), this fits pretty well. These seem to have gotten pretty good reviews from people, and I can provide links for purchase if any of those tweak a nerve. OTOH, this is my first foray into HT stuff, so I may be way off base with these recommendations. Any comments from others would be quite welcome.

I have the Athena ASP400



Listening to some "Live" right now...so so sweet

 

[andrey]

Thank you all for such great suggestions! It does look like for under $500 it will be better for me to go with very good 2.1 system instead of getting some cheesy 5.1 which will sound horrible.

I probably will go with Pioneer A/V receiver, since if I'll ever decide to upgrade to 5.1, I won't have to change the receiver. And as far as speakers, I probably will go with Kiplish 2.1 set. Does that sound like a good combo?

Thanks,
-- Andrey