newb needing help...

[phillyrx]

hi guys!

i came across this forum as i started to decide what type of home theatre system to install. after doing some background reading and such, i've got a general idea of things, but would greatly appreciate your input and suggestions...

so currently, my system includes a:
-sharp aquos 46" w/ 1080p,
-toshiba hd dvd player (A3) w/ 1080i,
-motorola hd dvr cable box (verizon fios), and
-the nintendo wii
-(some hdmi cables)

after reading the forums a bit, i think i would like to skip the htib phase and spend on creating my own system SLOWLY, as i only have $500 to spend for now...

so i guess here are my questions:
1 - since i have a budget of $500, i can't buy everything at once. what parts should i start off with? a receiver is a must, but from there, i don't know the order of importance when considering a sub vs. front speakers vs. center vs. rear. the system will be primarily used for movies (most important), tv, and gaming. i won't probably use the system for any type of music or such, but who knows, i may be convinced after hearing the quality.
2 - i would like a receiver that passes audio and video through the hdmi, instead of just video like some i've been reading about. any not too expensive ones out there with a couple of hdmi inputs and room for other components? also, i'm not sure if i really want a 7.1; personally, i think a 5.1 would suffice for my family room.
3 - i'll be heading over to a local tweeter store since they seem to have the most options in my area. any other places i should check out? i'll probably just test them out over there, but eventually buy them online for a good deal, unless they have something.
4 - i'm assuming w/ all things, the quality of the wires will be important. any recommendations in this area?
5 - lastly, is there anything else i need to keep in mind during all of this?

thank you guys in advance for your help... greatly appreciated!! (although, i think my wife might differ)

 

[mazersteven]

hi guys!

1 - since i have a budget of $500, i can't buy everything at once. what parts should i start off with? a receiver is a must, but from there, i don't know the order of importance when considering a sub vs. front speakers vs. center vs. rear. the system will be primarily used for movies (most important), tv, and gaming.

IMO

1-Receiver
2-Main speakers L/C/R
3-Surrounds
4-Sub

 

[mazersteven]

4 - i'm assuming w/ all things, the quality of the wires will be important. any recommendations in this area?

Please do not get talked into expensive cables and interconnects (Monster)

www.bluejeanscable.com

www.monoprice.com

 

[phillyrx]

IMO

1-Receiver
2-Main speakers L/C/R
3-Surrounds
4-Sub

good to know... thanks for the info! so if i start out w/ a receiver and the L/C/R, is it possible to find a decent set for $500?

 

[mazersteven]

good to know... thanks for the info! so if i start out w/ a receiver and the L/C/R, is it possible to find a decent set for $500?

Speakers yes

Not speakers, and receiver. JMO

 

[phillyrx]

Please do not get talked into expensive cables and interconnects (Monster)

yeah, i seem to find monoprice to be very reasonable. i was wondering if there were specific recommendations as to which wires i'd need...

thanks!

 

[phillyrx]

Speakers yes

Not speakers, and receiver. JMO

what kind of price range do i need to have to get the front speakers and receiver? thanks..

 

[mazersteven]

yeah, i seem to find monoprice to be very reasonable. i was wondering if there were specific recommendations as to which wires i'd need...

thanks!

If your going to have speaker runs over 25' then 12 gauge is recommended. I would go with 14 gauge for shorter runs.

 

[mazersteven]

what kind of price range do i need to have to get the front speakers and receiver? thanks..

About $1000

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Look at the x-series from AV123. You could get towers for $239 and then get a Yamaha RX 659 for < $300. This would give you a good base that you could build on as more money becomes available. I would rather see you do something like this vs. buy cheap stuff.

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Also look at the NHT deal that Adam found

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37511

 

[mazersteven]

Look at the x-series from AV123. You could get towers for $239 and then get a Yamaha RX 659 for < $300.

Greg are you taking my thunder away? LOL

I would much rather do these towers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

with this center

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

And a $400 receiver, or the one you posted.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR605&p=i

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Greg are you taking my thunder away? LOL

I would much rather do these towers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

with this center

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

And a $400 receiver, or the one you posted.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR605&p=i

Nice option; I forgot about the MTMs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Greg are you taking my thunder away? LOL

I would much rather do these towers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

with this center

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

And a $400 receiver, or the one you posted.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR605&p=i

Okay, I was going to recommend the exact same thing!

Scary.

 

[mazersteven]

Okay, I was going to recommend the exact same thing!

Scary.

Sure you where Mr. DT

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Sure you where Mr. DT

No, really. I was going to break the trend a little. You know---let the heat dissipate a little before I set more fires.

The next recommendation will be for the Axiom towers. Change the pace.

Then BAAM, DTs.

But actually, I'm always looking at less expensive towers out of curiosity & fun. If they can make 50-inch tall towers that can go down to 30hz +/-3dB for $300 a pair, I'll be the first the recommend it to everyone.
I love a great deal.

Actually, if those NHT Classic Four towers were on sale a year ago ($1K/pr instead of $1,800), I might have bought a NHT system. Maybe. No.

At one time I thought the Aperion Towers w/built-in 150-watts subwoofers might be a great deal. But then noticed they were $600 ea. Heck, I can get the DT BP7006s w/300-watts subs for $400 ea. So back to DTs.

 

[mazersteven]

From my travels around these forums. Here is another budget system that gets good reviews. I hear the sub is outstanding.

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/products_new.php?cPath=21_32&osCsid=a33aa9f70865e9172e3735dbd5d4bcc3

Acculine A3 $499
Acculine A2 $179

and a reciever mentioned above

Under $1000

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

From my travels around these forums. Here is another budget system that gets good reviews. I hear the sub is outstanding.

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/products_new.php?cPath=21_32&osCsid=a33aa9f70865e9172e3735dbd5d4bcc3

Acculine A3 $499
Acculine A2 $179

and a reciever mentioned above

Under $1000

Wow. I noticed the 4 ohm tower speakers for $500/pr?
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=67&osCsid=a33aa9f70865e9172e3735dbd5d4bcc3

So people who spend $500 for these puppies will need to spend $1,500 on a receiver that can actually play them?

 

[mazersteven]

Or put a system together with these

Recertified CMT-340 SE now available for only $458.00!!

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/news/specials.html

The pedestal's are even on sale. If you need them

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/access/spkstnds/pedstlcmt340.html

 

[3db]

Greg are you taking my thunder away? LOL

I would much rather do these towers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

with this center

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

And a $400 receiver, or the one you posted.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR605&p=i

If the left and right speaker are in environment which promotes decent imaging, then the OP could pass on the center channel and pick up either the surrounds or sub, making the center channel the last thing he picks up.