Hoping to supply the best sound to the passionate novice!

[BoredSysAdmin]

I have not spoke with Dennis directly, but based on Website, measurement and his forum participation - I would say his designs are in league of they own.
Just in case if Dennis is unable for some reason to help you with speakers in your budged - these are great plan b)
http://www.wavecrestaudio.com/products/hvl-1-two-way-loudspeaker-pair

I have heard some of Jim Salk speakers and was deeply impressed by SoundScape 8 but as you'd quickly discover me and you gotta win lottery before affording these

 

[herbu]

I have heard some of Jim Salk speakers and was deeply impressed by SoundScape 8 but as you'd quickly discover me and you gotta win lottery before affording these

I have heard the Phil3s referred to as "The Poor Man's SoundScape 8".

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have heard the Phil3s referred to as "The Poor Man's SoundScape 8".

Some people refer to the RBH SX-6300 (street price under $2K) as the "Poor Man's Status Acoustics 8T".

 

[Ron Young]

Some people refer to the RBH SX-6300 (street price under $2K) as the "Poor Man's Status Acoustics 8T".

Good Morning:
After connecting with Dennis I have decided to start with the AA slims and center channel. As all of you said he is a wonderful gentleman and very personable. I wrote him back this morning and let him know how well thought of and respected he is. Now I'm hoping for a little guidance on the rest of the system to balance with the speakers. I've picked the TV. Sony 60" 1080p basic but adequate. Confused as to A/V receiver or separate components. 5.1 surround will be more than adequate. Won't need much power. No room to utilize it. Doesn't have to be the top end Audiophile equipment yet. Intermediate will be way more than enough to start. Used from a trusted source would be acceptable. I've looked at Onkyo, Creative Labs, Yamaha and many more. Some I've never heard of and can't afford anyway . So moving one piece at a time what's after the TV?

Poor mans delima! Ron

 

[ImcLoud]

judging by your speaker choice, your budget should find you with an AVR, I would look into the most affordable unit that has the options you want, I like denon, pioneer, and marantz, accessories4less has great cs and prices...
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavre300/denon-avr-e300-5.1-3d-networking-receiver-airplay/1.html
That should be a very capable system for what your final cost would be...

 

[Swerd]

Congrats on making a good choice!

There should be a number of good AVRs made by Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, or Pioneer that could work well for your new speakers. Last year's models or factory refurbs sell at a lower prices and can be a good way to go.

One thing you should keep in mind. If you select an AVR with pre-amp RCA output jacks for at least the front left and right channels, you will be able to add an external more powerful amp in the future. That way you can use the AVR as a pre-amp for the front L and R speakers, while using the AVR's amp section to drive the rest of your speakers.

It may cost more initially to buy an AVR with those output jacks, but if you ever decide in the future to get a more powerful amplifier, this way you don't have to get a new AVR or pre-amp/processor. It isn't required, but it is something to consider.

 

[herbu]

I've had Yamaha and Denon, never any trouble with either, and completely satisfied with both. Every time I upgrade receivers it is to get some feature the old one doesn't have... Pandora, built-in wireless, Airplay, 2 sub outputs, 5-channel pre-outs, ...

So I suggest forget about the brand at first, and concentrate on the features you want. Give them serious consideration, not a casual inspection. Ask questions here about various features for which you have questions. Talk to people. Once you have the list of features nailed down, then start looking at brands w/ those features... starting w/ Denon & Yamaha.

 

[KEW]

I don't know what you budget is, but I consider the Denon AVR-X1000 an especially sweet spot if you think you may add a Subwoofer sometime in the future.
The reason for this receiver is it offers Audyssey MultEQ XT which EQ's the subwoofer (often a substantial benefit, depending on room).
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1000/denon-avr-x1000-5.1-channel-networking-receiver-w/airplay/1.html

Otherwise, the AVR-E300 IMcLoud reccommended is an excellent option.