Need to update my system

[kehatch]

I am looking at updating my home theater system. I currently have:

Speakers: NHT ST-4 5 speaker system
Subwoofer: Mirage LF Series
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-53TX (100Wx7)
Cable Box: Motorola Standard Cable Box
DVD: Samsung DVD-HD370
TV: Samsung HL-R5064W (50" DLP)
Remote: Logitech Harmony 1000

Here are my comments on each:

Speakers: No problems. I like the sound.
Subwoofer: I have never liked the sound. Sounds flat.
Receiver: Good quality. Not intuitive though. Also, does not support HDMI.
Cable Box: Will upgrade to a HD PVR when the Hockey season is over (changing plans at that point)
DVD: No issues. I don't plan on going HD until I am sure if the future is HD DVD, Blue Ray, or down loadable content.
TV: I love my TV.

I was planning on replacing my Reciever, Subwoofer, and Cable Box.

Two questions,

1) Any suggestions for a good receiver and sub? Mid range prices (i.e. 800 for Receiver.)
2) Any other suggestions on my system? Is it worth my upgrading my receiver to support HDMI without also updating to a HD DVD/Blue Ray system?

Thanks for your help.

 

[gus6464]

I am looking at updating my home theater system. I currently have:

Speakers: NHT ST-4 5 speaker system
Subwoofer: Mirage LF Series
Receiver: Pioneer VSX-53TX (100Wx7)
Cable Box: Motorola Standard Cable Box
DVD: Samsung DVD-HD370
TV: Samsung HL-R5064W (50" DLP)
Remote: Logitech Harmony 1000

Here are my comments on each:

Speakers: No problems. I like the sound.
Subwoofer: I have never liked the sound. Sounds flat.
Receiver: Good quality. Not intuitive though. Also, does not support HDMI.
Cable Box: Will upgrade to a HD PVR when the Hockey season is over (changing plans at that point)
DVD: No issues. I don't plan on going HD until I am sure if the future is HD DVD, Blue Ray, or down loadable content.
TV: I love my TV.

I was planning on replacing my Reciever, Subwoofer, and Cable Box.

Two questions,

1) Any suggestions for a good receiver and sub? Mid range prices (i.e. 800 for Receiver.)
2) Any other suggestions on my system? Is it worth my upgrading my receiver to support HDMI without also updating to a HD DVD/Blue Ray system?

Thanks for your help.

1) Onkyo 805 receiver
http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR805&class=Receiver&p=i
SVS PB12-NSD/2
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-isd2.cfm
or
HSU VTF3-HO
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-ho.html

2) Since you are not going to get HD DVD or BD then there wouldn't be a need for a new receiver, unless you wanted more power. If you are happy with your receiver just get a nice sub like the HSU or SVS or scape the receiver and go for an even better SVS sub.

 

[mtrycrafts]

If you have no issues with your main speakers, then I would follow gus' suggestion, save on the receiver, no real benefit, and buy a capable sub, one of those he recommended but may want to lean toward the SVS.

 

[gus6464]

If you have no issues with your main speakers, then I would follow gus' suggestion, save on the receiver, no real benefit, and buy a capable sub, one of those he recommended but may want to lean toward the SVS.

Yeah I just saw that SVS has the PB12-Plus on overstock pricing for $800.
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus1.cfm

Or since you are not getting a receiver just get this!
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus2.cfm

 

[kehatch]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[rnatalli]

I think Gus hit it. Onkyo for the receiver and either SVS or HSU for a sub.

 

[Seth=L]

I like the get a bigger badder subwoofer idea and just keep the current receiver. There can be no real performance benefit from upgrading your receiver unless you plan on getting into Blu-ray or HD DVD.