Buying opinion

[gtmatt22]

I am trying to put together the audio portion of my home theater. I have a nice 56' HDTV so I am fine in the department for a while, I do want a projector but that is another story.

Here is what I am thinking about:

EMP EF50T 7.1 Speaker System
Either the Onkyo 805 or the Yamaha 863
Another E10 sub

I already have a xbox360 and an hd-dvd player, may it R.I.P.

I was hoping to get some opinions about the speakers because I was also looking at the NHT Classic 3 Series or something from Anthony Gallo but I really don't want to upgrade unless I get some big bang for my buck. I also would love some opinions on the receiver. I have owned Onkyo receivers in the past and was pleased but I have heard many good things about the 863. I appreciate any opinions and thanks in advance.

Oh, my room is about 15 x 18 so it is not huge.

 

[bandphan]

Just a note, you might night need 863, when compared to a 663. If power every becomes an issue there isnt much difference between them, and with the money saved between the two you might want to purchase an external amp for a few hundered additional. Does your room warrant 7.1 or can you go with 5.1? Also does your display have good video processing?

 

[gtmatt22]

I wouldn't want to rely on my display handling the processing because it is 2 years old. I could probably get away with 5.1 rather than 7.1. Thanks for the advice with the 663 versus the 863. I was thinking the 863 because I wanted the 3 HDM 1.3 hookups, 2 sub hookups, and plenty of power.

 

[bandphan]

I wouldn't want to rely on my display handling the processing because it is 2 years old. I could probably get away with 5.1 rather than 7.1. Thanks for the advice with the 663 versus the 863. I was thinking the 863 because I wanted the 3 HDM 1.3 hookups, 2 sub hookups, and plenty of power.

the 663 covers the the 2 subs, and the power is vitualy the same hince the comment on outboard power. Are you in need of 3 hdmi, or will component work for some of your sources? Throw out a budget and sure there will be plenty that chime in. For me speakers are a personal/subjective choice, power is power for the most part. Pick a good 5.0 with a strong sub and you will be happy.

 

[gtmatt22]

Thanks. I wanted to keep the speakers, sub, cables, and receiver under 2500.

 

[bandphan]

so budget 500 for the receiver, and the rest on speakers and sub/s Check monoprice.com or bluejeans cables. Dont throw away money on overpriced cables and speaker wire

 

[gtmatt22]

Of course not. I notice you do have some Monster cable.

I think 500 on a receiver is a good idea.

 

[bandphan]

Of course not. I notice you do have some Monster cable.

I think 500 on a receiver is a good idea.

and you notice the overpriced bs in my sig also

 

[bandphan]

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-scs01.cfm 5.0 $740
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1759/69/yamaha-rx-v663 avr $499
leaves enough money for a great sub or 2, stands, cables, and shipping

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

The EF50Ts only play down to 100 Hz and our more of a lifestyle speakers. You might consider the EMP EF30's if you want some of the benifits of real floorstanders.

As suggested, SVS and AV123 also have some good 5.1 bookshelf speaker and sub options in your price range. AV123 also has some reasonably prices floorstanders.

Either of the Yamaha receivers will have plenty of power to drive any of the above mentioned 8 ohm speaker systems.

 

[gtmatt22]

Thanks for the help.

 

[gtmatt22]

I found the Yamaha 861 for 400 bucks. How does that compare to the 863?