Recommendations for a 2-channel system Speakers/Receiver/Tuner - See Inside!

[Optima]

Hi Guys!

I'm a recent college grad with a solid job at Nike World Headquarters and am building my system from scratch in my new apartment.

I'm brand new here and I need some recommendations on some equipment, which I'm sure you guys/gals would be great for.

I'm looking to build a solid stereo (2-channel + sub) setup that also functions with my HDTV as the main speakers. I'm open to not including a powered sub if the speakers are right.

The system needs to play music beautifully (Classic Rock, some hip hop) be loud enough for social gatherings without blowing my speakers and be reasonably priced. I'm well payed, but can't shell out 6K on a McIntosh, so it should be priced well for a young professional.

Here's what I'm looking for:

2 Great Towers or 2 Phenomenal bookshelves
------(I looked at some Bower and Wilkins 685B speakers and loved their sound) Check out Best Buy Magnolia to see them, they run around 700 for the pair.

1 Powered sub if necessary (8" or 10")

1 receiver that is current with DTS/Dolby/HDMI etc. and will sufficently power my speakers and work with my existing devices (PS3, Cablebox, HDTV)

That's it!

Any recommendations on brands and models would be great. There are a LOT of options out there, and I'm a little out of date as to what brands are the current market leaders.

Let me know!

 

[zieglj01]

^^^^
What is your room size, and what is the budget - 4,5 or $6000?:

 

[Optima]

Room size is 18 x 22 ish.

Budget should be around 2500-3500

 

[slipperybidness]

Room size is 18 x 22 ish.

Budget should be around 2500-3500

If it were my money:

Philharmonic 2s: $2000
Decent Yamaha receiver (look into it) about $1000
$500 on oppo 93

all set.

May people will argue the oppo, but this would be solid and last for many yrs before you need an upgrade. Otherwise, consider a computer with a good s/c or external DAC.

Also, you WANT a nice sub, HSU, SVS, or Rythmik, but depends on the neighbor sitiation.

 

[zieglj01]

Monitor Audio Silver RX6
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRSRX6 EBLKOAK
Or, KEF Q700
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542793396/kef-q700-floorstanding-speaker?s_c=site_search
Or, Focal 807
http://www.spearitsound.com/Main_Left_and_Right-Focal_Chorus_807v.html
NHT Classic Three
http://www.nhthifi.com/Three?sc=12&category=3772

I do not know how these 2 sound - however, they draw my interest.
Wharfedale Evo2-40
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15535-wharfedale-evo2-40-tower-speakers-pr.aspx
Definitive Studio Monitor 65
http://www.onecall.com/product/Definitive-Technology/Studio-Monitor-65-Ea/Speaker/_/R-112924

Rythmik sub FV12
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html

Marantz 5006
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5006A/Marantz-SR5006-AV-Receiver-with-Networking-and-AirPlay/1.html

 

[fuzz092888]

My vote goes for a combo of the above, I vote Marantz 5006, I have one and I love it. It will be perfect for a 2.1 setup.

I also vote for the Philharmonic 2s, go over and scroll through a bit of the Phil thread and you will see how the guys who have received them have raved about them. I'm about a week into my wait for a pair of Phil 3s.

As to the sub, the rhythmic is a great sub. DIY isn't always a bad idea, a parts express DIY will probably fit all of your needs for now and you can always upgrade it later. I've heard a 12 inch titanic DIY from parts express and that thing is sweet.

As a recent grad myself (well almost, still plodding through grad school) I can say I went through a similar search and decided that the Philharmonics were the best bang for the buck, that I would be happy with years and years from now. I think my only regret in a few years is that I didn't have enough money to order a full 5.1 setup. However, hopefully Dennis will still be making speakers and he'll have a new version of the Phil.

Good luck

 

[lsiberian]

My recommendations based on personal experience

1. Take your stinking time.

2. Look for deals. If you are impatient you won't get any deals.

3. Avoid DIY it is not cheaper no matter what anyone says. It is a hobby to itself only good for home owners with tools and lots of cash for toys.

Don't rush into buying any speakers and go cheap unless you have a great financial snapshot(solid retirement saving, emergency fund(6 months of expenses), debt free.

I love audio as much as the next guy, but if had really taken my time and done things properly I'd have made much better purchases and been much better off.

 

[fuzz092888]

Well to be fair, he's here so that would be the first step into taking his time

I'd say the Philharmonics are one of, if not the the best deal there is out there.

Parts express DIY consists of screwing the woofer to the cabinet, tightening some wires, and screwing the plate amp to the back. Not bad for about an hours worth of work.

That being said, the above advice isn't bad at all. Its good solid advice, but then again maybe you have job security and got a great scholarship. I would say waiting until you have a solid retirement savings would probably be waiting a bit long, but the 6 month emergency fund is definitely a good idea. As is being debt free, if I was in any sort of debt, I would still be using my logitech z-5500 5.1 setup.

Also, rushing is bad too.

 

[lsiberian]

Well to be fair, he's here so that would be the first step into taking his time

I'd say the Philharmonics are one of, if not the the best deal there is out there.

Parts express DIY consists of screwing the woofer to the cabinet, tightening some wires, and screwing the plate amp to the back. Not bad for about an hours worth of work.

That being said, the above advice isn't bad at all. Its good solid advice, but then again maybe you have job security and got a great scholarship. I would say waiting until you have a solid retirement savings would probably be waiting a bit long, but the 6 month emergency fund is definitely a good idea. As is being debt free, if I was in any sort of debt, I would still be using my logitech z-5500 5.1 setup.

Also, rushing is bad too.

A proper sub cabinet needs strong bracing and a plate amp is insufficient for most drivers. I'm not saying you need to have your entire retirement saved, but make sure you get your ducks in a row so you can maximize the enjoyment of your audio stuff. If you are an apartment dweller look for sealed subs and bookshelves. They will be easier on the back when you move.

 

[fuzz092888]

Also true, I mean the titanic I heard wasn't terrible, for what it was I thought it was a pretty good sub. The cabinets don't have the fit and finish, but it seemed adequately braced. I'm probably going to go with a couple CSS subs myself, because I think they're designed pretty well and for the money they're great.

Trust me I know what you mean about retirement savings. I've run the numbers for myself many times and it's discouraging at best. Between saving for retirement, having enough to put down on a down payment for a house, possibly getting my ducks in a row for future kids, cars, taxes, bills......yikes. It's daunting sometimes, but hey if you can't squeeze in a few nonessentials (vacations, luxury items, etc) whats the point

Again, I agree, small sealed is probably best for apartments. I know my ported sub did not go over well in the apartment I used to live in.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My recommendation:

AVR: Denon 990 (clone of the Denon AVR-3310CI) for $639:
Amazon.com: Denon AVR990 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Capability and 1080p HDMI Connectivity: Electronics

Speakers: Philharmonic 2 for $2,000:
philharmonicaudio.com

Subwoofer: Rythmik FV12 for $500:
Rythmik FV12 - vented HT sub

BD player: Panasonic 220 for $129:
Amazon.com: Panasonic DMP-BDT220 Integrated Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player: Electronics

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

My recommendation:

AVR: Denon 990 (clone of the Denon AVR-3310CI) for $639:
Amazon.com: Denon AVR990 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with Networking Capability and 1080p HDMI Connectivity: Electronics

Speakers: Philharmonic 2 for $2,000:
philharmonicaudio.com

Subwoofer: Rythmik FV12 for $500:
Rythmik FV12 - vented HT sub

BD player: Panasonic 220 for $129:
Amazon.com: Panasonic DMP-BDT220 Integrated Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player: Electronics

+1 , but I'd like to add that for 4k cu ft space (or larger if open to other rooms) only one FV12 would not suffice and OP would need later on to get a 2nd one, but otherwise these are best bang for your buck - every single piece and I know about bang for buck a thing or two

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

+1 , but I'd like to add that for 4k cu ft space (or larger if open to other rooms) only one FV12 would not suffice and OP would need later on to get a 2nd one, but otherwise these are best bang for your buck - every single piece and I know about bang for buck a thing or two

I wonder if Rythmik/Ascend would also give the 10% discount when you buy 2 FV12 subs.

They gave me 10% discount when I bought my D15SE x 2, two weeks apart.

Two subs would be sweeter than one. No question about it.