Best bang for the buck- 5K limit

[mesojdm]

Hello folks-
New here, my name is Stew..and I would like some opinions on building a system!
I have a $5,000 limit and would like the best A/V possible, so figured here would be the best place for advice
Anyways here is a "ballpark" of ideas that I have so far. Any comments/constructive criticism/advise don't hesitate I want to hear from you!
Goals: Clear, natural 5.1 system
SYSTEM 1)
Samsung UN46B7000 $2300
Yamaha RX-V1900 $800
Klipsche RF-35 5.1 system $1800
Monster cable M1000 $100


SYSTEM 2)
Samsung LN52A750 $1800
Yamaha RX-V1900 $800
Definitive technology mythos 1 $1100
Definitive technology mythos 5 $900
misc cables $100


SYSTEM 3)

Mythos STS 5.1 system $4200
Yamaha RX-V1900\ $800
FORGETTABOUT A TV!


thanks guys!

 

[bandphan]

Room size should play a big factor in your purchases. Also after your display purchase your buget should be top heavy in favor of speakers. Look at subs seperatly based on your room size. Speakers are the most subjective part of your purchase and are up to your ears.

Receiver should be bought based on the speakers and the features you need

As for displays, there are many options under 2k that are good aside from just sammys, just search the tv forum for some ideas.

 

[CraigV]

1. Make sure the TV is the size you want - now & down the road

2. Listen to as many speakers as you can - Klipsch have a very detailed (“crisp”) high end, but for some, this can lead to listener fatigue

3. Stay away from Monster cable - it’s overpriced, and you can get as good a quality for a lot less from Blue Jeans or Monoprice dot com

4. I don’t see a Blu-ray player on your list - something to consider. Panasonic makes really good players

5. Are you dead set on the Yamaha you have listed? Other models could be had for less which would free you up for a good BD player

 

[Exit]

Here are the Audioholics recommended 5K systems:

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-audio-centric-system

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-video-centric-system

 

[ParadigmDawg]

That second one looks pretty good assuming the sub is the correct one for room size.

Here are the Audioholics recommended 5K systems:

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-audio-centric-system

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/the-5000-video-centric-system

 

[AVRat]

For around $1800 shipped you could purchase an Ascend Acoustics CMT-340/CMT-340C/HTM-200 combo and an SVS PB12-NSD.

 

[MatthewB.]

I would buy seven Mackie HR824's (They have built in amps in the speakers) for 3,500 a refurbished Onkyo 885 preamp at Shoponkyo for 600.00 and the remaining 900.00 on a SVS sub

Edit-Oops I forgot you wanted the TV in with this 5,000, so that screws my previous recommendation. In that case I would use 2,000 on the display and 3,000 on audio. So I would get a refur Onkyo 805 for 450.00 leaving 2,600 I would then get the SVS SBS 7.1 speaker system for 1,200 upgrade the sub for another 500.00 and use the remaining 900.00 on a Tripplite Surge Protector (100.00) Cables and speaker wire from Blue Jeans or Monoprice (150.00) Sony Bluray 350 (300.00) and the rest on room acoustic treatment

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If I were to buy online, I would buy from a place that will give me free shipping BOTH ways.

For example, if you buy directly from Amazon.com (sold by Amazon, not 3rd party), you should get the Def Techs (or other brands they offer) free shipping to you and back to Amazon if you don't like the speakers.


Mitsubishi WD-65735 65-Inch 1080p DLP HDTV $1,421.10 Free Shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Mitsubishi-WD-65735-65-Inch-1080p-HDTV/dp/B00166BNGW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239203075&sr=8-3


Harman Kardon AVR-254 7x50W 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver with 3 HDMI 1.3a Inputs, 7.1 Pre-Outs & Inputs, TrueHD, DTS-HD MA $393.70 with FREE Shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-7-1-Channel-Receiver-Repeater/dp/B0016BGRX6/AVR254rl.jpg

 

[mesojdm]

thanks for all the info guys!
One reason why I am set on the yamaha receiver is my company carrys the line, so any warranty issues or "out of warranty" problems, I can get them taken care of. Also, it has the YPAO(self optimizer and calibration for the room)

I was looking at the DLP's but I want to hang it on the wall, so I am leaning for a flat panel.

I have tried searching for some of the F/C/R's listed in the previous links but cant seem to find much.

Thanks for the monoprice link, I checked it out and MAN THOSE ARE SOME GOOD PRICES! almost TOO good. But, thats why I came on here so my trust is ensured

I have mocked up another system, let me know your thoughts;


SAMSUNG LN52A850 $2000
YAMAHA RX-V1800 $700
DEF TECH MYTHOS1(L/R) $1000
DEF TECH MYTHOS3 (C) $450
DEF TECH GEM (rears) $250
DEF TECH SUPERCUBE 2 $400
SAMSUNG BDP-1500 bluray$$180
MONOPRICE HDMI $20
$5000

 

[AVRat]

The Mythos Ones are $1000, EACH.

 

[mesojdm]

^thanks,
Ya thats the new price for ea, but I can find a slightly used set for 1000.
After reading some threads, I can second guessing my bluray player, most people are leaning with the panasonic bluray?

 

[Cavediver]

Don't buy monster cables. Get your cables from monoprice, blue jeans cable or build them yourself.

 

[calnbs]

Do some research on these:

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_viewall.htm

KEF IQ clearing out at amazon, vanns, or onecall

PSB at:

http://www.saturdayaudio.com

 

[annunaki]

Display: Panasonic TH-50PZ85U or TCP50G10 (new replacement model) approx $1800.00

Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR706 $650.00-$750 street price

Subwoofer(s): $1,138.00 (2)SVS PB-12 OR 2 Infinity Kappa perfect DIY builds with a Behringer EP2500 $970.00 est. with all parts and enclosure materials. The Infinity option includes a Behringer DCX2496 for the ultimate in-room integration.

Speakers: $1,430-$1282 depending upon sub option There are loads of options here. I would suggest 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers.

Cables: $50.00

A system like this will impress in nearly any sized room and keep you very happy for years to come.

 

[lsiberian]

Do some research on these:

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_viewall.htm

KEF IQ clearing out at amazon, vanns, or onecall

PSB at:

http://www.saturdayaudio.com

You forgot accessories4less.

 

[lsiberian]

Display: Panasonic TH-50PZ85U or current replacement $1800.00

Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR706 $650.00-$750 street price

Subwoofer(s): $1,138.00 (2)SVS PB-12 OR 2 Infinity Kappa perfect DIY builds with a Behringer EP2500 $970.00 est. with all parts and enclosure materials.

Speakers: $1,430-$1282 depending upon sub option There are loads of options here. I would suggest 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers.

Cables: $50.00

A system like this will impress in nearly any sized room and keep you very happy for years to come.

UM some people shop at very expensive places. 706 is around 500 street price. 806 is around the range you mention

But if you want a great receiver buy the used Onkyo 805 in our classifieds area.

Now as far as displays go. Just get a DLP TV.

Now I must stop and ask you how hard are you willing to work to have a great system. If your open to DIY options I can offer several options and possibilities that will give you great sound for a low price. If you need a box builder I can get you in contact with a guy that does great work and will ship to your location. However I must suggest you DIY if possible because of the rewarding aspects of building something for yourself. It's challenging and there are times in your first build you want to call up accessories4less and order the iQ speakers. However, in the end the reward is great. You will learn so much about what really makes a great speaker that you will be amazed.

On the processing side. I suggest a cheap AVR such as the Marantz SR4002 paired with a behringer DCX 2496, a 3-channel emotiva amp and a behringer ep2500. Build 2 Kappas and if you need to save cash you can use the simple 12.1. power them with the behringer and power your LRC channels with the emotiva. Feed the LR in as large full band channels. Then you can send their LFE to your LR subs accordingly.

 

[annunaki]

UM some people shop at very expensive places. 706 is around 500 street price. 806 is around the range you mention

But if you want a great receiver buy the used Onkyo 805 in our classifieds area.

Now as far as displays go. Just get a DLP TV.

Now I must stop and ask you how hard are you willing to work to have a great system. If your open to DIY options I can offer several options and possibilities that will give you great sound for a low price. If you need a box builder I can get you in contact with a guy that does great work and will ship to your location. However I must suggest you DIY if possible because of the rewarding aspects of building something for yourself. It's challenging and there are times in your first build you want to call up accessories4less and order the iQ speakers. However, in the end the reward is great. You will learn so much about what really makes a great speaker that you will be amazed.

On the processing side. I suggest a cheap AVR such as the Marantz SR4002 paired with a behringer DCX 2496, a 3-channel emotiva amp and a behringer ep2500. Build 2 Kappas and if you need to save cash you can use the simple 12.1. power them with the behringer and power your LRC channels with the emotiva. Feed the LR in as large full band channels. Then you can send their LFE to your LR subs accordingly.

I say forget the DLP. Too many problems with them over time, along with the lamp replacement.

Go with the known champ in PQ and reliability, plasma. The new Panny's are, yet again, lower in price and higher in quality than ever before.

As for the DIY, not many are truly ready nor interested in this option. Granted the return on investment when done correctly is very high, it is not for everyone.

A DIY sub with full plans is one thing, speakers are a different ball game.

I believe the options I suggested, even at the prices suggested, will offer the best of all categorories (sound & picture), and fit within the budget in a plug & play scenario.

 

[murl]

Man do I love spending other people's money:

I would tend to agree with the rest of the other forum members, the Onkyo 706 would be a great receiver. For speakers I would look in the classified ads, ebay, and especially craigslist. There are some great deals out there, I just bought the Sony BDP-s550 for $200 with 5 Blurays. I really like the Definitive stuff, I have the BP-2000's, well you can check my signature, I got a steal on those because someone had to sell them. I would definetely look in the classifieds because there is nothing wrong with used speakers if they work and look nice, it will save you a TON of money. I have put my system together for 1/4 of the retail cost or less. Just go listen to different speakers and buy what you like. I also agree with all of the others on the sub, I would purchase it separately based on the size of the room. My towers have two 15's and I have a relatively small room so I don't even run a sub.

 

[lsiberian]

I say forget the DLP. Too many problems with them over time, along with the lamp replacement.

Go with the known champ in PQ and reliability, plasma. The new Panny's are, yet again, lower in price and higher in quality than ever before.

As for the DIY, not many are truly ready nor interested in this option. Granted the return on investment when done correctly is very high, it is not for everyone.

A DIY sub with full plans is one thing, speakers are a different ball game.

I believe the options I suggested, even at the prices suggested, will offer the best of all categorories (sound & picture), and fit within the budget in a plug & play scenario.

DLPs use LEDs now actually.

 

[annunaki]

DLPs use LEDs now actually.

I am not sure if you have seen them, but the one's I have looked at have poor off axis viewing as well as hotspots.

They have also not measured well at all in 3rd party reviews objectively or subjectively.

I would stick to Plasma, primarily Panasonic or Pioneer.