Want to jump in feet first..

[skipkassidy]

Man, this home theater obsession is enough to make your head spin.

Recently, I purchased a Panny 58" Plasma (TH-PZ58700U model). My audio setup is a simple Onkyo HTitB (HT-SR800).

As far as other equipment, I got a HD A30, PS3 and DishHD.

Having had the opportunity to listen to an audio demonstration of some AV123 Rockets (850s) I am starting to research alternatives to the Onkyo setup.

I exchange e-mails with the audio demonstrator - as he lives 40 miles away - and he has given me some good information.

But I'm always looking for more advice.

Now then, this home theater setup will be in a family room that is roughly 16' x 18'. It is a very open room.
Standing behind the couch (which acts as a separator from the bar area) and looking straight into the living room is the Panny sitting on a hardwood stand developed by Standout Designs. Inside the stand is the HD A30 and DishHD box on the left and the PS3 and Onkyo A/V receiver on the right. There is a slot in the center where the center speaker can go.

A few feet in front are two lounge chairs angled towards the television. Then the couch sits 10-12 feet from the stand.

To revamp the audio setup, I'd like to keep it under $1500 if possible. Getting a breakdown of what the guy with the Rockets had, I'm actively pursuing a Yamaha RX-V661. To go along with that he had an Emotiva LPA-1 AMP (I'm not sure I need something like this.) His sub was a Velodyne DLS-4000R, and with his 850s, he had the "bigfoot" center speaker and 250s for the rears.

I was considering the 450s as an alternative to the 850s but at this point I don't know. Note: this setup will be primarily for home theater and television viewing. Not really a music man.

Any advice you can spare would be great.

 

[Soundman]

Man, this home theater obsession is enough to make your head spin.

Recently, I purchased a Panny 58" Plasma (TH-PZ58700U model). My audio setup is a simple Onkyo HTitB (HT-SR800).

As far as other equipment, I got a HD A30, PS3 and DishHD.

Having had the opportunity to listen to an audio demonstration of some AV123 Rockets (850s) I am starting to research alternatives to the Onkyo setup.

I exchange e-mails with the audio demonstrator - as he lives 40 miles away - and he has given me some good information.

But I'm always looking for more advice.


Now then, this home theater setup will be in a family room that is roughly 16' x 18'. It is a very open room.
Standing behind the couch (which acts as a separator from the bar area) and looking straight into the living room is the Panny sitting on a hardwood stand developed by Standout Designs. Inside the stand is the HD A30 and DishHD box on the left and the PS3 and Onkyo A/V receiver on the right. There is a slot in the center where the center speaker can go.

A few feet in front are two lounge chairs angled towards the television. Then the couch sits 10-12 feet from the stand.

To revamp the audio setup, I'd like to keep it under $1500 if possible. Getting a breakdown of what the guy with the Rockets had, I'm actively pursuing a Yamaha RX-V661. To go along with that he had an Emotiva LPA-1 AMP (I'm not sure I need something like this.) His sub was a Velodyne DLS-4000R, and with his 850s, he had the "bigfoot" center speaker and 250s for the rears.

I was considering the 450s as an alternative to the 850s but at this point I don't know. Note: this setup will be primarily for home theater and television viewing. Not really a music man.

Any advice you can spare would be great.

You're on the right path. The 850's are great for HT. If this is mainly for HT, the 850's are definitely the way to go. They will be more open and airy then the 450's. However, if the budget is an issue, the 450's are still a great sounding speaker. But if you can afford it, the 850's are worth the price. As for the receiver, the Yamaha should get the job done, but Rocket speakers like to be played loud and really sound their best with good amplification, so I would recommend an amp. Again the budget may not alow for this so you may want to just get the receiver and add an amp later. You may also want to consider auditioning some other brands as well. Good luck!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Look into some DTs. They would make a great HT system and you may not need a sub for awhile.

 

[jcPanny]

New HT System.

Sounds like you have some great leads for the new HT.

I would start with a good receiver like the Yamaha but hold off on the amp based on your current budget. I have the Emotiva LPA-1 to drive my 4 ohm Onix Ref speakers, but the receiver should have plenty of power for 8 ohm speakers in your room.

Unless you want to start with a 2.0 system, check out the X-series speakers from AV123 including the upcomming X-static floorstanders. Even the X-LS bookshelf speakers would be a major upgrade from your current speakers.

 

[Soundman]

Sounds like you have some great leads for the new HT.

I would start with a good receiver like the Yamaha but hold off on the amp based on your current budget. I have the Emotiva LPA-1 to drive my 4 ohm Onix Ref speakers, but the receiver should have plenty of power for 8 ohm speakers in your room.

Unless you want to start with a 2.0 system, check out the X-series speakers from AV123 including the upcomming X-static floorstanders. Even the X-LS bookshelf speakers would be a major upgrade from your current speakers.

That's a good idea, you could start with that, and upgrade to the Rockets later, if their are budget concerns. Or jus wait on it and increase your budget. But really, who wants to wait!?!

 

[gus6464]

My 661 has no problems powering some Epos 4ohm speakers.