2.1 + Receiver for ~$3000

[phaitour]

Hey all,

I'm trying to find a good set of speakers and a solid receiver for 3-4k. I don't have too many criteria, but here's what I'm looking for:

For the receiver. Ideally, I want HDMI upconverting. I've seen a couple of the pioneer elites.

I am looking for smaller speakers (bookshelf size). I've listened to the def tech studiomonitor 450s and the klipsch xb-10s.


I feel like there might be better out there so I'm asking you guys for help! Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! I don't really want anything too big in size, but I definitely want the best that I can get for 3-4k.

Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Most receivers in the $500 street-price range will sound similar and have similar features (HDMI upconvert).

You could also buy a refurbished receiver and save money (accessories4less, etc.).

What kind of looks (aesthetics) do you like? To me, this is more of the issue.

I think the new Harman Kardon receivers look pretty good.

I would put most of the money into the Subwoofer and bookshelf speakers.

I thought the Def Tech SM450s sounded great. But if you don't, then just audition some more.

 

[AVRat]

How large is your space?

 

[ski2xblack]

Thats a lot of coin for a 2 ch receiver, which is putting you in the realm where marginal sonic gains come at great expense. There is a lot to choose from in that realm, most of it what I would not consider high on the happy/dollar ratio (at least for this tightwad). I'm thinking of products like an NAD M3, for example, but there are a few other options out there for 'high-end' 2 chan integrateds/receivers.

Why not consider a separates system of Emotiva components, for example? You could get a whole rack of excellent gear for $3K, or a minimalistic yet tremendous 2-chan setup for half your allocated budget that would likely compete favorably with most esoteric and expensive 2 chan receivers/integrateds. Just sayin.

 

[lsiberian]

Hey all,

I'm trying to find a good set of speakers and a solid receiver for 3-4k. I don't have too many criteria, but here's what I'm looking for:

For the receiver. Ideally, I want HDMI upconverting. I've seen a couple of the pioneer elites.

I am looking for smaller speakers (bookshelf size). I've listened to the def tech studiomonitor 450s and the klipsch xb-10s.


I feel like there might be better out there so I'm asking you guys for help! Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! I don't really want anything too big in size, but I definitely want the best that I can get for 3-4k.

Thanks!

When it comes to receivers and pre-pros and whatever else you call it. I think having the chance to touch them and use them is important. I suggest you at least take a trip to a local store to get a feel for what you like. There are many good brands. Find the one that fits your personality. You can play with them all see which one has the settings you like etc. There are many good fish in the sea. The secret is to find the one that's right for you. I have a receiver that's not right for me that I sold myself down too. Sure it sounds the same to me, but I would gladly pay the extra money for that other receiver again. That receiver was me. This one isn't. I'm learning to like it, but my advice is see what you like. If it's 2000 dollars that's fine if it's only 200 that's fine. This is a hobby after all.

Do the same with speakers and you'll be happy. In the end that's what really matters.

So many good brands are out there so go check em out if you can.

 

[3db]

Hi

Are you plannning on building this 2 channel requirement into a Home Theater system? Is this why you want a receiver with HDMI up converting? The reason I ask is that most if not all 2 channel receivers are audio only and do not have the facilites on board to handle video such as the case with HDMI up conversion?

This series of speakers from PSB have garnered lots of accolades by all of the major audio mags.

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Synchrony/Synchrony-One-B

They are inefficient and are 4 ohms but since you'll be using them in conjunction with a sub, most of the load (low frequencies) will be taken away from the receiver.

This sub from PSB in the latest edition of Home Theater Magazine also got very favourable remarks for its price/performance.

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Subwoofers/SubSeries-6i-Subwoofer

Hey all,

I'm trying to find a good set of speakers and a solid receiver for 3-4k. I don't have too many criteria, but here's what I'm looking for:

For the receiver. Ideally, I want HDMI upconverting. I've seen a couple of the pioneer elites.

I am looking for smaller speakers (bookshelf size). I've listened to the def tech studiomonitor 450s and the klipsch xb-10s.


I feel like there might be better out there so I'm asking you guys for help! Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! I don't really want anything too big in size, but I definitely want the best that I can get for 3-4k.

Thanks!

 

[judgeman]

Just be sure not to overpay just because you can

 

[Jeff R.]

If you really want a powerful 2 channel receiver check out the HK3490. It is a bargain for the price, however not many bells and whistles to it just pretty much tuner and very strong amplifier. You will not have the upconvert capabilities, but I think you may be hard pressed to find a 2 channel system that will offer that.