Replace sub or new TV?

[timmay8612]

So I've just finished acquiring my new (to me) home theater setup (see the sig). I really like researching this stuff, so I'm already thinking ahead about what the next upgrade will be. I have $100 left for the budget, so its gonna have to be back to saving up again.

So what do I upgrade, the Fisher sub or my 15 year old 27" Sony tube TV?

Suggestions for what to upgrade to on a budget are of course welcome

 

[fredk]

TV. going from an old tube TV to a good 50"+ display will make a HUGE difference to your viewing experience. It certainly did in my case.

 

[Mister House]

Being a basshead and in no control of it you would think I would naturally say go ahead and get the sub. Not in this case. *I just got light headed* Did I just say that?!?!? whOA. Anyways here is the deal. All BS aside. You have a sub as of now so getting a new TV would be an awesome choice. Only thing that I would consider is that Epik is having a sale right now. I would get the sub first only to grab the sale. However if it takes you a little bit longer to save the money then go ahead and get the TV. I mean come on who needs a TV when you can feel the sounds right?!?! No really the bottom line is that the TV is a better choice to start with unless you don't want to miss the sale at Epik!

 

[Jeff R.]

I would buy the TV, but I would not break the bank on the TV. I am not sold on buying the latest and greatest new HD TV availble. Buy the HD TV that is on clearance since there is a new model out with some features that you can not even see or notice are included and then used the extra money to buy a sub sooner.

 

[timmay8612]

I would buy the TV, but I would not break the bank on the TV. I am not sold on buying the latest and greatest new HD TV availble. Buy the HD TV that is on clearance since there is a new model out with some features that you can not even see or notice are included and then used the extra money to buy a sub sooner.

That is really annoying isn't it? New features that are completely useless... The more I think about it, the more I think a TV is the way to go. Unless somebody has a compelling argument otherwise?

 

[Mister House]

I wonder if someone already had a compelling argument in this thread?

*taps microphone* "Is this thing on?!?!?"
EPIK IS HAVING A SALE! RIGHT NOW! DON'T EVEN HAVE TO WAIT!

Those TVs that don't have special features will be there when you go back to get one. They will even have a clearance price for one whenever you finally get to it. It's simple business math. I love this place!

 

[antiprnt]

Those TVs that don't have special features will be there when you go back to get one. They will even have a clearance price for one whenever you finally get to it. It's simple business math. I love this place!

I agree with this. If you were anything as stingy as I am, i would go for the sub first, assuming you were interested in Epik. There's always sales on tvs, but you rarely see them on subs. If you dont care for the extra savings, then get the TV first, that would make the biggest difference in your system and hold you over for awhile until you have the funds to purchase a sub.

 

[lsiberian]

Are you a good handyman?

If so building your own sub would be cheaper and better than buying one.

 

[timmay8612]

Well, the problem with getting an Epik right now during the sale is.... I can't afford one. Any sub that I picked up with my current funds would have to be on ebay, and probably used... We're probably talking a BIC or something... Any thoughts on the difference between say, a $200 BIC and something more in the $400-$600 range?

To answer the inevitable next question, yes, I am more or less a sub virgin. The only sub I'm experienced with is on my Klipsch GMX 5.1 computer speaker system (which is moving out of the living room this week to make way for the Paradigms).

 

[Fenix]

I would suggest saving up for the TV. If you wait until early summer (April-May) many companies will have their new series of TV's coming out and you will find clearance prices on the old ones from the year before.

Just keep an eye on the prices and how they are moving and you may find a good deal ahead of time.

I bought my TV in Oct 2008 and found it on sale for $1,500. It was the current model for that year. I continued to watch the prices on it just to see what would happen, and it dipped down to about $1,300 - $1,400 once in March, then when the new models came out it dropped to about $1,200, and once on clearance around $1,000.

Now I had already had it for 6 months + by the time all of these clearances went on, so I feel that I had bought it at a good time and didn't mind the extra I had paid for it when I also considered the time factor as well.

Start your research now and try to find the perfect TV for you that has everything that you want. I did, and I'm enjoying every moment of it. I don't even look at the new TV's because I don't feel like I'm missing anything in that department. Though I may be in the market for a second TV soon for upstairs..........

 

[antiprnt]

Well, the problem with getting an Epik right now during the sale is.... I can't afford one. Any sub that I picked up with my current funds would have to be on ebay, and probably used... We're probably talking a BIC or something... Any thoughts on the difference between say, a $200 BIC and something more in the $400-$600 range?

To answer the inevitable next question, yes, I am more or less a sub virgin. The only sub I'm experienced with is on my Klipsch GMX 5.1 computer speaker system (which is moving out of the living room this week to make way for the Paradigms).

I do own both a $200 bic h-100 sub and also a 400-600 dollar sub in the av123 mfw15. I have them in different rooms and different setups, but i do enjoy the mfw alot more in both music and movies. The h-100 was also my first sub, it kept me happy for a short while, but once going to the mfw, its hard to go back. If i could do it over again, i wouldve saved up more money and gotten a sub in the 400-600 dollar range instead of the h-100, it just doesnt have the output in lower frequencys when it comes to movies. I'd say get the tv, and save up a good chunk of money for a nice sub after that.

 

[timmay8612]

Well sounds like an overwhelming message of "buy a TV already!" so I'll be saving for that I suppose. In the meantime, thoughts on the following topics would be helpful...

Anybody bought a TV on Craigslist? Pros, cons, risks, etc?

Other than a few names I can list off hand that I've noticed come up a lot around here, like BIC, SVS, HSU, Epik, & Paradigm, what subs/brands should I keep an eye out for on Craigslist in case there is a steal?

 

[fredk]

What, you havn't bought the TV already??

 

[j_garcia]

I am a proponent of a good sub, but in this case, I'd have to go with TV as well. Just as TVs will always be around, so will subs, and since you have one, it will get you by, but your TV is likely far more outdated by comparison.