Do I need a speaker upgrade?

[tad]

Hi there,

I just bought an Onkyo TX-NR905 receiver and a Sanyo PLV-Z3000 projector for my theater room. I needed a receiver with HDMI to make the jump to 1080p so I replaced my Onkyo TX-SR504, which I had always been happy with.

I realize that the 504 is much more of an entry level receiver than the 905, with a LOT less power. I was wondering if I am going to need to upgrade my speakers?

I currently have a mish-mashed 7.1 set up that works GREAT for the room I have with my old receiver. It consists of;
-JBL ES25C Center Channel
-2 10-15 yr old Pioneer towers (top of the line back then)
-4 older Acoustic Research bookshelf surround speakers
-and a Sound Dynamics RTS 1500 sub

I know it is a CHEAP, mixed set up, but I was happy with it (maybe because I have never had anything else!). Having just dropped $4000 on a projector/receiver combo, I was just wondering how urgent it is!

Obviously buying all new speakers would be my best bet! But if I had to spend $1000 today to upgrade my speakers, what would be my best options? I would probably replace them in stages (ie. Towers, Center, Surrounds then Sub). What should I replace first, and with what?

Thanks for everyone's help in advance!

 

[nova]

If you are happy with them and they do a great job, leave 'em be. If that $1000 is burning a hole in your pocket I'm sure you could find a decent upgrade.

 

[tad]

Its not that its burning a hole in my pocket... I would just like to maximize the new receiver's potential...and eventually create a speaker set-up that does just that!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yes....everyone needs a speaker upgrade.....

 

[Adam]

I would definitely say to audition some speakers, hopefully at your own home. It's always best in my book if you can do it for free. There are online places that will let you do that without any fees or shipping costs (Aperion Audio, Crutchfield if the order is over $250 and the speakers aren't overly large, plus others), as well as local shops and/or chain stores.

When I bought my first surround sound receiver in 1997, I was running some Radio Shack speakers that I was happy with. Then, I shopped around for some speakers and bought some. In my case, it was a HUGE improvement - I really just didn't know what I was missing. That's not to say that you will have that same experience, but if you can audition for free, it's probably worth finding out.

Yes....everyone needs a speaker upgrade.....

Well, yeah - if they're running Paradigms.

 

[tad]

I am in Canada... is there any audition for free companies up here that anyone knows about?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Don't make me make fun of your TV!

Well, yeah - if they're running Paradigms.

 

[PSWii60]

Well, yeah - if they're running Paradigms.

Now, now, be nice