1st Home Theater - Request Guidance

[dave1945]

As soon as I can sell our house my wife is allowing me (don't say it) to purchase our first home theater and frankly it is a maze of possibilities that makes my head spin. So far, I think i've decided on two components, a Toshiba 72MX195 1080p DLP TV and the Denon AVR-5805 A/V Surround Amplifier. I'll probaby hold off on a DVD until the VHS/Beta war is settled (even though last time the looser won, I can't believe they are doing this again). I would really like some suggestions for speakers. I was seriously thinking about MagnaPan (I already have a pair that are probably older than many readers of this forum) but I not sure I want to spend that much money or if the Denon would be the best amp for them. Can someone offer me some advice?

 

[nova]

Um,... I suggest you get the speakers that sound best to you. Then look at the receiver. Personally I think you can get a comparable pre/pro for less than the 5805, this way you could up your speaker budget.

Some more info may help you get some better suggestions.

What is your total budget for speakers and receiver or pre/pro?
Is there a particular reason you want the 5805? Need it for second or third zone?
Dedicated theater room or family/great room? Size?

 

[mazersteven]

Um,... I suggest you get the speakers that sound best to you. Then look at the receiver. Personally I think you can get a comparable pre/pro for less than the 5805, this way you could up your speaker budget.

Some more info may help you get some better suggestions.

What is your total budget for speakers and receiver or pre/pro?
Is there a particular reason you want the 5805? Need it for second or third zone?
Dedicated theater room or family/great room? Size?

Yes you do need to give a bunch more info to be able to assist you. Like budget, listening habbits (% music to movies), room size.

I agree that speakers should be your first choice, then gear. Just like Nova said for $6000 for the Denon you could have some real nice seperate, (Anthem AVM 30, Rotel amps, Parasound amps) Not to knock the Denon because I have the 4806, and think it's a great unit. It fit my needs.

 

[jcPanny]

Amp and speaker options

AV123.com is running a great deal on their 7-channel amp and pre-pro through the secrets of ht site for $1700 each. Add the money you save to the speaker budget. The Denon 5805 is a great option if you want a single receiver to run multiple HTs like they do in the AH whole house system.

There will be plenty of speaker options in your high end budget. Post more specifics on your speaker price range, room size, listening preferences, etc. for more suggestions.
You should start by listening to options from Paradigm, Klipsch, PSB, B&W, etc. at local dealers, but don't rule out internet direct options like Axiom Audio, Ascend, and Onix (av123.com). Don't forget SVS and HSU for the sub.

 

[dave1945]

More Data

My main room is 15 X 22 with 14' cielings. We will mainly be using this as a home theater and watching movies although music is a very important part of our lives (mostly classical) so I don't want to short change that aspect of the sound too much. I was thinking a budget of around $10K for speakers and amps. I do have another room for TV and music which is 20 X 21 with a 7 foot cieling which I though with the 5805 I could have 5.1 in both rooms. Not wed to the 5805. Just looked like an easy solution. Will probably get my Magnaplanar MG-I's reburbished and drive them with my old Luxman R-1050 (which still puts out some great sound) for just music. Speaking of music, do any of you know a good place to get a new phono cartridge for my turn table? I have lots of vinyl that I would like to listen to again.

 

[jcPanny]

HT Options

Your HT room is not too big, but that high celing will be a challenge for any sub. I would recommend that you spend less then half of your budget on electronics as the speakers will have the biggest impact. A mid-fi Denon or Yamaha as prepro with an outboard amp would be a great solution for about $3k. Plan on spending at least $1k for a good sub from HSU, SVS, Velodyne or others. That leaves a heathly $6k budget for the speakers.

In this price range, check out the Onix reference speakers from AV123.com and also the signiture series from RBH Sound. Also, av123.com is planning a line array series starting at $3k that would make a great 2-channel system for the music room.

There are plenty of options in your buduget so make sure you audition and let your ears decide.