First time HT setup - does this config. make sense?

[btheld]

Hi All,

I am preparing to buy a new HT system for a room that is about 18' x 20' with 9' ceilings. Seating will be about 9' from the display. It will primarily be used for movies. Here is what I am considering:

Display: Samsung HP-T5064
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V659 or Yamaha RX-V661 or Onkyo TX-SR674
Speakers: Axiom Audio Epic 60*350 or Epic 80*350
DVD Player: Looking for suggestions

This will be fed with a HD Satellite (Direct TV). I have a few questions:

1. Which receiver? Do I *need* HDMI? I will have an old vcr hooked up, so...
2. Speakers - would I be better off choosing the Epic 60* 500 instead of the Epic 80*350?
3. Any comments on this display? It will be used in a dark room so reflections are not a concern.

My total budget is around $5k.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Haoleb]

you dont NEED HDMI if your not planning on ever using HD cable, or one of the new HD disc formats, But its still something you will probably want to have in the future.

I would suggest looking at different receivers if you go with the Epic 80 setup because those brands are known to have problems with driving the 4 ohm load the M80's present. Denon is a pretty popular brand and they are known to be ok with the M80's.

Also, For a dvd player Oppo is beginning to be quite popular. Bang for the buck wise they might be one of your better choices because they will play nearly anything. http://www.oppodigital.com/

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The 80's would likely need an external amp so I would go with the 60's but then I would be concerned that the sub is too small. (need to know the size of your room).

Have you even heard the Axioms? You have a lot of options with your budget.

I would get an AVR with HDMI 1.3 if at all possible.

Oppo if you want a SD DVD player. PS3 if you want HD.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hi All,

I am preparing to buy a new HT system for a room that is about 18' x 20' with 9' ceilings. Seating will be about 9' from the display. It will primarily be used for movies. Here is what I am considering:

Display: Samsung HP-T5064
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V659 or Yamaha RX-V661 or Onkyo TX-SR674
Speakers: Axiom Audio Epic 60*350 or Epic 80*350
DVD Player: Looking for suggestions

This will be fed with a HD Satellite (Direct TV). I have a few questions:

1. Which receiver? Do I *need* HDMI? I will have an old vcr hooked up, so...
2. Speakers - would I be better off choosing the Epic 60* 500 instead of the Epic 80*350?
3. Any comments on this display? It will be used in a dark room so reflections are not a concern.

My total budget is around $5k.

Thanks,
Ben

I recommend one of the new HDMI1.3 receivers like Denon 2808 or Onkyo 805.
You might not need HDMI1.3 now, but what if you do next year?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What...no recommendations for DT?

I recommend one of the new HDMI1.3 receivers like Denon 2808 or Onkyo 805.
You might not need HDMI1.3 now, but what if you do next year?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What...no recommendations for DT?

Haa***haa***

There are just way too many speakers out there that would please most people. I would definitely get tower speakers. I like the idea of having a built-in powered subwoofer so that I don't need to buy separate subs. Because I enjoy 2-ch music as much as movies, and I like that PURE DIRECT MODE (while not drinking, of course), the built-in subs are great since we know PURE DIRECT MODE will BYPASS the external bass management and subs, which we now know might potentially blow speakers------Not that it would ever happen to anyone here

But yeah, if those speakers are very efficient with measured impedance load of more than 4 ohms, then you won't need external amps, which might be sold out backordered

My speakers have measured minimal impedance load of 2 ohms. So just be careful matching the speakers to receivers like everyone says.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I cant believe you are making fun of me. You are not a true Audioholic unless you blow out woofers every now and then.

Atleast I was able to pull out the Klipsch Reference towers for back up duty until the Diagms are home. And yes; the Klipsch hurt my ears...

Haa***haa***

There are just way too many speakers out there that would please most people. I would definitely get tower speakers. I like the idea of having a built-in powered subwoofer so that I don't need to buy separate subs. Because I enjoy 2-ch music as much as movies, and I like that PURE DIRECT MODE (while not drinking, of course), the built-in subs are great since we know PURE DIRECT MODE will BYPASS the external bass management and subs, which we now know might potentially blow speakers------Not that it would ever happen to anyone here

But yeah, if those speakers are very efficient with measured impedance load of more than 4 ohms, then you won't need external amps, which might be sold out backordered

My speakers have measured minimal impedance load of 2 ohms. So just be careful matching the speakers to receivers like everyone says.

 

[btheld]

Thanks, but more ???s

Thanks for the responses.

A couple of more thoughts:

Speakers: I like the idea of being able to listen to the speakers in advance (unlike the Axioms). Any suggestions for a 5.1 system (room is about 18x18) in the $2500 area?

AVR: How about a recommendation on an AVR that can handle a 4 ohm load (or the speakers recommended above) with HDMI 1.3 in the $400-$600 range?

Thanks again...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Paradigm studio series
Warefedale Evo series
PSB Image series
KEF IQ series
Monitor Audio RS series
Ascend CMT-340
AV123 Rockets
Aperion Intimus 633

Any good dealer at a high-end store will discount you a "package deal"

Once you figure out your speakers the AVR will be the easy part.

Thanks for the responses.

A couple of more thoughts:

Speakers: I like the idea of being able to listen to the speakers in advance (unlike the Axioms). Any suggestions for a 5.1 system (room is about 18x18) in the $2500 area?

AVR: How about a recommendation on an AVR that can handle a 4 ohm load (or the speakers recommended above) with HDMI 1.3 in the $400-$600 range?

Thanks again...

 

[Haoleb]

Thanks for the responses.

A couple of more thoughts:

Speakers: I like the idea of being able to listen to the speakers in advance (unlike the Axioms). Any suggestions for a 5.1 system (room is about 18x18) in the $2500 area?

AVR: How about a recommendation on an AVR that can handle a 4 ohm load (or the speakers recommended above) with HDMI 1.3 in the $400-$600 range?

Thanks again...

Depending on where you live you might be able to hear the axioms. There's a whole list of owners who will let you come audition their setups so you have some idea of what your buying.

Here's a link to the audition list.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=76567&an=0&page=0#Post76567

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks for the responses.

A couple of more thoughts:

Speakers: I like the idea of being able to listen to the speakers in advance (unlike the Axioms). Any suggestions for a 5.1 system (room is about 18x18) in the $2500 area?

AVR: How about a recommendation on an AVR that can handle a 4 ohm load (or the speakers recommended above) with HDMI 1.3 in the $400-$600 range?

Thanks again...

Well, are there any DefTech dealers in town? I wasn't going to do it. Really.
But since Greg ask me nicely to recommend a DT system, this is what I say:
Definitive Technology: BP7004 (2), CLR2500 (1), SM30 (2) = $2,400 (w/S+H).
You won't need to buy a separate subwoofer. Why? Because this system has 3 active subwoofers and 2 passive subwoofers!!!

Receiver: Onkyo SR605 for $399.

 

[gus6464]

The Onkyo 605 is going to have a hard time powering 5 4-ohm speakers and it doesn't have preouts so you can't hook up an external amp. If I was you I would wait for the new 1.3 Denons to come out. I saw the AVR-3808Ci yesterday at BB and it's really nice. They now have a curved front bezel. Wait until late september and get the AVR-1908. It is going to be their lowest end 1.3 receiver and has preouts for $550. That way you always have the option of adding an amp later if the axioms are giving the receiver a hard time.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Onkyo 605 is going to have a hard time powering 5 4-ohm speakers and it doesn't have preouts so you can't hook up an external amp. If I was you I would wait for the new 1.3 Denons to come out. I saw the AVR-3808Ci yesterday at BB and it's really nice. They now have a curved front bezel. Wait until late september and get the AVR-1908. It is going to be their lowest end 1.3 receiver and has preouts for $550. That way you always have the option of adding an amp later if the axioms are giving the receiver a hard time.

According to DefTech, their speakers have an efficiency of 92 dB and only require 20 watts. Do you believe that?

I did use a Harman Kardon AVR-247 (50-watts per channel) to power my DefTechs. I first used the HK alone without my Acurus amps. It worked fine when I listened to music and watched my Blu-ray & HDDVD movies at loud enough volume. I then plugged it to my amps. It must have made a difference, but I can't say how significant.
So I think impedance load is one thing, but efficiency is also another factor. The DefTechs are very efficient. I think my NHTs had an efficiency of 88 dB.

But you really need to audition any speaker and try to use the receiver you want.

 

[AVRat]

A Polk RTi8/CSi5/Fxi5 combo – can be had right now for $1000 offering excellent price/performance. But you better be quick. You should be able to find these in your area for auditioning.

Polk RTi8 L/RN- $225 ea.

Polk CSi5 Center - $250

Polk FXi5 Bi/Di-pole surrounds - $300/pr.

It is amazing how much a good sub impacts the experience which is another area you don’t want to skimp on. For approximately $1000 incl. shipping I’d go for an HSU VTF-3 HO or SVS PB12 Plus or SVS 20-39 PC-Plus

For receivers, the low-mid level receivers don’t handle 4 0hm loads very well. Here are two more suggestions for a little over $600:
Onkyo TX-SR705
Yamaha HTR-5990

One other thing I'd like to suggest is to go for a mid 50"- 60" display instead if possible.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would go with this:

Paradigm Studio 20’s x 4. $1898
Paradigm CC590. $949
SVS PB13 Ultra. $1399
Panasonic 50x75u. $1889
Yamaha RX 661. $500

Total: $6635

Now since this is over your budget; I would scrap 2 of the 20’s and use the Polks mentioned above for surrounds at $300 which will save you $649.

Total $5986

And this is over your budget so I would trade the Ultra for the PB12 plus at $949 which will save you $450.

Total: $5536

You can talk the price down on the Paradigms so this will get you close to your budget and will be a heck of a set-up.

Sorry if this is not helpful but just throwing out some options.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Never mind on the Paradigms set up.

Go look at the b-stock that JC mentions in the deal section from AV123.

You can get this:

Rocket RS 450- $600
Rocket RSS300 Dipole - $374
Rocket RSC 200 Signature -$374
SVS PB13 Ultra- $1399
Panasonic 50x75u. $1889
Yamaha RX 661. $500
Total: $5,136

This is be one sweet set up!

 

[agarwalro]

If you are not planning on doing 2.0 listening, you will not really benifit from full range speakers. IMO, go with bookshelf speakers and put the difference towards getting a killer sub like,

Axiom EP500 or 600
SVS PB-13 Ultra or PB-12 Plus 2
Hsu VTF-3 MKII Turbo

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

A Polk RTi8/CSi5/Fxi5 combo – can be had right now for $1000 offering excellent price/performance. But you better be quick. You should be able to find these in your area for auditioning.

Polk RTi8 L/RN- $225 ea.

Polk CSi5 Center - $250

Polk FXi5 Bi/Di-pole surrounds - $300/pr.

I second those speakers!

Doesn't Polk also make pretty good subs?

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-PSW505-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000092TT0/ref=sr_1_4/105-0224395-8733210?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187801622&sr=1-4

 

[keni88]

nice ........

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Onkyo 605 is going to have a hard time powering 5 4-ohm speakers and it doesn't have preouts so you can't hook up an external amp. If I was you I would wait for the new 1.3 Denons to come out. I saw the AVR-3808Ci yesterday at BB and it's really nice. They now have a curved front bezel. Wait until late september and get the AVR-1908. It is going to be their lowest end 1.3 receiver and has preouts for $550. That way you always have the option of adding an amp later if the axioms are giving the receiver a hard time.

Man, how come my BB/MHT stores don't even have Denon or DefTechs?
Yeah, I would definitely recommend the Denon 2808, 3808, or especially the 4308! Denon is the name you can trust.