jaxvon

jaxvon

Audioholic Ninja
Well, here's a few tidbits for anyone planning on putting together a new HT. I learned this stuff as I set up my first real system (the one in my sig).

1. Take your time. Unless there's some uncontrollable factor that necessitates you buy your equipment right now, there's no reason to rush it. I was able to cut my budget in half by having patience. I started out thinking I was going to be shelling out $400/pr on speakers, and $500 on a subwoofer. As I kept researching, I realized that I would only be wasting my money because of my living situation. This of course can go the other way. Your budget might get higher as you research. But nonetheless, you will get closer and closer to actually making a good, sound decision on your purchases and getting what you want, what you need, and something that you will truly be satisfied with (at least until the new electronics smell wears off....you audioholics :rolleyes: ).

2. You think you'll need X feet of speaker cable? You're short buy at least 100 feet. Go buy some more.

3. Shop around on cables and accessories. I got a ton of cables (including 150 ft of speaker cable) for under $100. You can do very well on this stuff if you look for stuff on sale.

4. Find a friend/friend's son that works at Best Buy. Chances are they sell something you'll want/need, and the employee discount is very nice on the wallet. Take my receiver (Pioneer 1015TX) for instance: I got it for $333 and change (out the door).

5. Listen. This should've been up towards the top, but I'm too lazy to move it. Listening is by FAR the most important part of buying. Any preconceived notion of how a speaker sounds can be completely thrown out when you sit down at a dealer or friend's house. I thought B&W would sound great. Turns out I can't stand them. I thought soft domes would sound rolled off. Turns out I love their sound.

6. Before you buy, do a multi-check. Does it satisify the WAF (I don't have one, but you might)? If not, how can I lie/hide it/something else devious so that I can get it by? Do I really like these speakers/receiver? have I certified that I'm NOT getting ripped off (check on here for that)?

Edits!

7. One meter is not very long. Yes, it's longer than 3 feet. Yes, I know your componenents are close together. Buy a 2 meter one. (thanks Major...)

8. If you're making your own speaker stands (like I did), be sure to measure 3 or more times before you cut and re-cut.


I'm sure there are more, but that's what I have right now. I hope this can help at least one of you...
 
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BMXTRIX

BMXTRIX

Audioholic Warlord
Good info!

I would add that eBay can be an excellent resource for your hardware needs if you have the time. Not necessarily the electronics - or speakers - but wiring, wall plates, interconnects, things like that can be had for quite a deal if you spend some time looking late at night and then big. For example, my 106" in-ceiling motorized tab-tensioned screen has an MSRP of over $4,000. I got it on eBay for $720.00 delivered to my door.

I also picked up most of my wiring on eBay for a very good price. If you can get it at cost, that's great, but if you can't, then online can often be just 10% or so above cost. Good value for you - if you plan correctly.

Planning is the most critical part and if you can get one wire where you need it, then why not get 2 or 3 if you MAY end up needing them later? It is not only easier, but is more cost effective to put 10 wires where you may need them, then not need them. Then it is to pull one wire and then need 2.
 
majorloser

majorloser

Moderator
LOL

I'd say 200 foot of speaker wire short! Oh, if you think a 1 meter interconnect cable is long enough, your 4 inches short.
 
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