5.1 setup and receiver

[Gatsby191]

Hello all: I am going to work out a nice set-up for my cousin, and I really want to go the extra mile for him while still keeping to an ASAP timeline. He(my cousin) loves his A/V toys, and likes some nice punch in his sound(clean too if possible) He just put a 50 inch Samsung Plasma in his bedroom(great looking set I must say). He has a budget of $1500-2000 (would be including everything down to the taxes and any cables,connectors, or surge protectors needed)
This is what he needs: An AVR with HDMI connections. (I have an Onkyo TX-SR875, and he loves it. So I was thinking of an Onkyo TX-SR605 or the new 606, no?). Now he also needs a nice 5.1 set-up with as good a sub, that his listed budget will allow. He is an absolute movie freak. Loves the explosions, the crashes, the subtle sounds, etc... Listens to music too. (Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, wife likes alot of Top 40). He's probably a 70/30 split on Movies and Music I'd say.
Well there it is everyone, so fire away. Probably want to stay away from floor standing speakers. Good bookshelf types are very welcome.
Thanks for any suggestions that you all can give! Joe B.

 

[calnbs]

SVSound and HSU Research have bookshelve packages along with a good subwoofer roughly in the $1k+ you can look at.

Ascend Acoustics are also well thought of as well. Depending on which model, it might be over your cousin's budget.

If you can get the Onkyo 606 for under $400 could be a decent buy.

Wires, cables, HDMI: monoprice.com

Subs: HSU, SVS, Elemental Design.

 

[FirstReflection]

I'd certainly give the nod to the $999 SVSound SBS-01 speaker package that includes 4 SBS-01 bookshelf speakers for fronts and surrounds, 1 SCS-01 center and a PB10-NSD subwoofer. You really cannot beat the performance and value all around in that package!

For the receiver, I was a huge HUGE fan of Onkyo's lineup last year (the 05 models), but this year, I'd have to give a slight nod towards Denon. Onkyo would still be a great choice, but I'm loving the new Audyssey technologies that Denon is including in their 09 models and it's Denon, so I'm sure you'd have no complaints about their amp section or reliability. The AVR-1909 would probably make the most sense for this budget.

Cables for sure come from monoprice.com, bluejeanscable.com or tartancable.com. Just check all three to get the lowest price possible on exactly what you need. monoprice.com has some great banana plugs for the speaker wire connection to the receiver as well for extremely low prices, so grab 5 pairs of those. I definitely find it easiest to use banana plugs to connect the speaker wire to the receiver, but I stick with a bare wire connection to the speakers themselves.

For power protection, definitely go with APC. I'm a big time believer in having some battery backup/UPS (Uniterruptible Power Supply) in the chain. Not sure if you have a DVR/Tivo in this setup, but if so, a battery backup can be a life saver! Keeps power flowing for a while at least during a black out and that can save your recordings and keeps your hard drive safe.

APC has some great, not too expensive battery backup/UPS units.

The Back-UPS ES units in particular are affordable, look nice and really get the job done.

Best of luck!

 

[mazersteven]

I also recommend the SVS package. I would up-grade the subwoofer.
Purchase a Yamaha 663, or Onkyo 606 receiver. And cables from

www.bluejeanscable.com
www.monoprice.com

and your in business.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[zeuiax]

check out some good deals on receivers at ac4l.com. I might order sr606 soon.

 

[Gatsby191]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!(Like I expected any different from all my A/V Brethern ) I have an Aperion Audio Intimus S-12 sub, and I couldn't be happier with it over the last year and a half. That being said, I went to their site and checked out the Intimus 4B Harmony SD 5.1 system for $1179.00. It also turned out that they have a deal going with Onkyo(same deal Audioholics.com has)that will let you purchase Onkyo's new TX-SR606(upgraded model of last years 605)for $499.00. All of Aperion's usual conditions still apply with the entire order.(free shipping, 30 day in home audition, and if you don't like it all after the audition period, they will take it all back and give a full refund. And they eat the shipping too!) I really wish I would have gotten the chance to hear their speakers before I pulled the trigger on my Tannoys. I love my Tannoys and their tight sound, but Aperion does have a more solid build quality, a little more punch, much more affordable pricing, and I've dealt with their customer service at least 5 times with great results. Tannoy's support group is out of Toronto(they are based out of the UK), and it feels a little more difficult to deal with them at times.(IMHO)
Any imput on the system I just mentioned? Thanks all! Joe B.

 

[Gatsby191]

Why no more imput?

When I had originally started this post, I had asked about a pretty good AVR suggestion matched up with a solid 5.1 set-up, with a totally total(LOL) budget of 2K. I receievd 4 responses right off the bat, with some great suggestions!(Thanks!) Then, I posted that I liked Aperion Audio's Harmony 5.1 set-up, matched up with the new Onkyo TX-SR606 AVR (updated version of last years 605). I had asked for imput on that selection too. But, it's been total silence since then. I hope I didn't offend anybody, and I'm getting the silent treatment as a result of it.
I have grown to value the opinions of this forum's members very much. Please give me your feedback once again!
Take care all! Joe B.

 

[mazersteven]

But, it's been total silence since then. I hope I didn't offend anybody, and I'm getting the silent treatment as a result of it.

Nothing offensive that I know of. Your still a member in good standings as far as I know.