A Newb Looking for Advice

[setexascustoms]

I'm a newb in the home theater world, although I've always been an enthusiast. My father was always big into home theater and I have acquired some hand-me-downs from him. I'm looking for advice on where I can get the biggest bang for buck improvements on a very tight, newly-wed budget.

What I have so far:
A brand new LG 42LK520 (42" LCD 1080p 120hz), Our Christmas gift to ourselves.
Two Boston VR20's in very nice condition
One Infinity BU-2 in nice condition
And an old analog TEAC AG-V3020 receiver
Sony PS3

I have the PS3 running to the TV through a high quality HDMI cable. This television only has one audio output, a digital optical Toslink. I found an inexpensive digital to analog converter on Ebay, so that's how the receiver is hooked up to the TV.

I'm in an apartment, and we don't even turn the sub on, so I'm not worried about replacing that until we find a house. But I would like some advice on the rest of the system.

I understand you're 3 front speakers should be voice matched, so should I look for a good used VR10 or VR12 center channel? Or should I just worry about getting a good center channel and plan on replacing the VR20's? I'm happy with their performance as of now, and if I bought a different center channel I'd more than likely be on the Bostons for a while with a mis-matched center. Aside from the VR10 & 12 are there any center channel speakers that would work well with the Bostons?

Also, should replacing the old analog receiver be a priority, or would completing a 5 channel surround be more worth while? Everything works on the receiver, and is sounds pretty good to my ears, although I don't know what I'm missing converting the digital signal to analog.

Any advice is appreciate, and I apologize for such a long first post (hopefully it's at least in the right section).

 

[sholling]

The VR10 is your best choice for a center. I'm a fan of Boston VR series speakers and wouldn't make any other changes there.

The only thing I would put any money into is a modern receiver and that can probably wait if you're happy with what you have. I would not put money into fancy name brand cables and interconnects. Bits and electrons can't read the label and don't care if they are riding on a $5 Monoprice.com cable or a $100 name brand cable.

 

[lsiberian]

If you like your system the way it is I'm not sure I'd upgrade until you get a house. If you play your cards right you could even have a nice furnishing budget that includes some high end stuff. A center channel should make a nice addition and you can use nearly anything for surrounds.

 

[setexascustoms]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm glad to here your advice on the center channel. I've become a fan of the these speakers as well. Any advice on a good pair of rear surrounds at a reasonable price? Should I continue the trend and look for some used Bostons?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

+1 for getting new avr, but I'd suggest to jump on this deal before it's over:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/deals-deals-deals/77417-newegg-yamaha-rx-a800-@-$299.html

Surrounds are not as critical matching to mains...
these would do:
Infinity Primus P152 Single bookshelf speaker at Crutchfield.com

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm glad to here your advice on the center channel. I've become a fan of the these speakers as well. Any advice on a good pair of rear surrounds at a reasonable price? Should I continue the trend and look for some used Bostons?

I really like my KEF2001.2s, but any small speakers can do the job while not cluttering the tv area. I got them used for 40 bucks each.

Infinity Reference Speakers

http://houston.craigslist.org/ele/2714464350.html(worth a listen might be a great deal)

A good start. Definitely look around and you will find suitable surrounds.

 

[setexascustoms]

Great suggestions, thanks everyone. I will probably try to find a reasonable VR10 next, then a pair of rear surrounds. And once I can afford to I will replace this archaic receiver.

 

[sholling]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm glad to here your advice on the center channel. I've become a fan of the these speakers as well. Any advice on a good pair of rear surrounds at a reasonable price? Should I continue the trend and look for some used Bostons?

I see a few VR10s on fleabay and Boston CS26 make a good match. The CS26 aren't all that good by themselves but they'll work well with your fronts.

 

[setexascustoms]

I see a few VR10s on fleabay and Boston CS26 make a good match. The CS26 aren't all that good by themselves but they'll work well with your fronts.

Yeah, they have two list on "fleabay" now. Unfortunately with Christmas and traveling and what not it'll have to wait until after new years.

Edit: Thanks for pointing me toward the CS26s, I think I've found my rear surrounds.

 

[setexascustoms]

How does the VR1 compare to the VR20, has anyone had the ability to here both? If I had a really good deal on a pair of VR1's would that be a worth while upgrade? The VR1 has two 6 1/2" woofers, versus the VR20's single 7". But the rated power handling for the VR20 is 200 watts versus 150 for the VR1.

Also, if anyone has access to the factory specs on the VR20 that would be great. I've been unable to find anything other than the driver configuration, power handling, dates produced and MSRP.

One more thing. Is it worth while to replace the surrounds on a speaker, and does it typically affect the original performance? It looks like the VR40 was a great speaker, and I've seen several for sale with bad surrounds.

Sorry for the barrage of questions, and thanks in advance for any help you can offer.