New guy needs a little help....

[ptsawyer]

I am looking to make my first foray into buying "real" audio equipment. I have been doing research for a few months now and I have made a couple of visits to a high end audio store. Now that I have graduated college I can actually have a budget to build a system I can be proud of. I currently have a Samsug 46" DLP tv, and its time to add Audio in the near future. to use my system as follows:

35% TV
25% games
15% movies
35% music

The sound quality of the music is the most important to me. I have a long time friend that runs a professional recording studio, so I have heard what true audiophile sound quality is like in his control room.

Here is my proposed budget:
$750-$1,200 amp/receiver
$1500-$2500 for a 5.1 speaker set (dont really have an interest in 7.1 now, maybe in the future but I dont think it will ever be critical to me)

Questions:
1. Does this budget seem reasonable? It seems like this is a good pricepoint to get started, because the returns on increased dollars start to deminish after this.

2. How important is the source to the overall sound? I have a Pioneer 100 disc changer that I bought several years ago. It has a digital output, should I replace this as well or at this price level will it serve my purposes ok? How important is the source signal for music? I know most audiophiles do not like changers, but I would like to have one so I can play music without changing CDs manually while I am entertaining. Any reccomendations on changers?

3. Any general tips for a new guy?

4. Any equipment suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks for a great forum, I have learned a lot by reading posts here.

 

[Brian_the_King]

...(dont really have an interest in 7.1 now, maybe in the future but I dont think it will ever be critical to me)...

Good call

...
1. Does this budget seem reasonable? It seems like this is a good pricepoint to get started, because the returns on increased dollars start to deminish after this....

You're not quite at the point where your returns are really weak for the $, but that's a great starting budget.

...2. How important is the source to the overall sound? I have a Pioneer 100 disc changer that I bought several years ago. It has a digital output, should I replace this as well or at this price level will it serve my purposes ok? How important is the source signal for music? I know most audiophiles do not like changers, but I would like to have one so I can play music without changing CDs manually while I am entertaining. Any reccomendations on changers?...

I feel like you'll be okay with what you have... but then I don't know anything about that changer. So maybe not.

...Any equipment suggestions would be welcomed...

There's so much out there, I'll leave it to you/others.

Here's a start, though.

 

[ptsawyer]

Thanks, I will probably start with my current CD player and see how it sounds.

Anyone have experience with Aperion audio?

Things I am looking for in a receiver in the $750-$1200 range....

HDMI switching (2 ins should do it)
video up conversion


any suggestions?

any suggestions on where to buy used gear?

 

[mazersteven]

Here is my proposed budget:
$750-$1,200 amp/receiver
$1500-$2500 for a 5.1 speaker set (dont really have an interest in 7.1 now, maybe in the future but I dont think it will ever be critical to me)

Questions:
1. Does this budget seem reasonable? It seems like this is a good pricepoint to get started, because the returns on increased dollars start to deminish after this.

Excellent budget for a started system. In fact, most would agree that your budget affords more then a budget system.

One important item not covered is the room your system will installed in. Shape, Dimensions, Flooring?

What is this system going to be used most for? Music? Movies? 50%/50%??? What percentage?

Any restrictions for speakers? Bookshelf only? Tower Mains? What kind of Surrounds?

 

[ptsawyer]

35% TV
25% games
15% movies
35% music


I dont actually have the room yet. I am going to be buying a house soon, so we'll see on the room, possibly and accoustically treated basement. I am fortunate enough to have a friend that runs a recording studio and has a lot of experience with sound absorbtion/placement. I would like towers in the front and directional bookshelfs in the back, Im not a big fan of bipoles.

 

[ptsawyer]

Also forgot to mention, music sound quality is paramount over use for movies etc. I want a system balanced for use with anything, but if I have to sacrifice sound qaulity in any area I do not want it to be music.

 

[mazersteven]

AV123 Rocket system
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=10.1

SVS PB12-Plus/2
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus2.cfm

Emotiva Ultra Theater Series
http://www.emotiva.com/products.html

 

[mazersteven]

Also forgot to mention, music sound quality is paramount over use for movies etc. I want a system balanced for use with anything, but if I have to sacrifice sound qaulity in any area I do not want it to be music.

Then maybe this system

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

Onix Reference 1
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=23.1

Onix Reference 100 Center Channel
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=26.1

 

[ptsawyer]

Great tip on the Emotiva, I have never heard of them before. If looks mean anything I bet this processor/amp combo is freaking sweet!

 

[ptsawyer]

I see the rockets recommended a lot. They are definately high on my list to audition. Anyone have any experience with Aperion?

Also, I didnt see any mention of video upconversion in the Emotiva processor. Any reccomendation on a receiver that offers upconverson for under $1200? Or can you not get good upconversion at this price level?

 

[mazersteven]

I see the rockets recommended a lot. They are definately high on my list to audition. Anyone have any experience with Aperion?

Also, I didnt see any mention of video upconversion in the Emotiva processor. Any reccomendation on a receiver that offers upconverson for under $1200? Or can you not get good upconversion at this price level?

What music do you listen to?

Receiver = Onkyo 875

 

[ptsawyer]

Most of the music I listen to is rock, from the 60s up to today. I also lately have been getting into some jazz as well as a little classical. No major interest in hip hop or country.

 

[mazersteven]

Most of the music I listen to is rock, from the 60s up to today. I also lately have been getting into some jazz as well as a little classical. No major interest in hip hop or country.

Then take a close look at that second system I recommended.

 

[ptsawyer]

Thanks for the advice. What system do you have?

 

[mazersteven]

What system do you have?

Look at my Webshots link.

Speakercraft Aim8 Five in-ceiling system w/ SVS PB12-Plus/2 subwoofer.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Steven has a BOSE system but if you ask him he will tell you he has Speakercraft in-ceilings because of the lay out of his room and something about his wife not letting him have cool toys...

 

[mazersteven]

Thanks for the advice. What system do you have?

But I have auditioned the AV123 Strata Mini's in my house. So that is where my recommendation comes from.

 

[ptsawyer]

Those are some gorgeous speakers. Another issue to consider.... While I would like to get high quality sound, I am not a true audiophile in the sense that I want something that requires constant tweaking and adjustment. I would like something that would be:

1. fairly simple to set up and operate
2. Sound good accross several mediums ranked in importance (music, TV, movies, games)