About to change my old htib

[Gersain]

I have a really old htib (Samsung ht-dm555) and I'm thinking about replacing for a more capable one.

I don't know if I should start with a couple of decent bookshelf speakers using the current receiver or should I get a new receiver, taking into consideration that in the near future I will need to feed a second zone in my new apartment.

 

[rojo]

Hi Gersain! What are you goals? What do you want to avoid? What budget do you have in mind for your upgrade?

 

[KenM10759]

And where are you located? That makes a difference in what can be recommended, as you might not be able to get it if in certain places.

How big is your space, where are you sitting in relation to the speakers and video screen? Apartment....how much does a subwoofer affect your choices?

 

[Gersain]

Thanks for your reply rojo.

My main use is to watch movies and TV. Some music listening but not too frequently. Since the rooms are not too big, high power is not a must.

I'm not sure if I really would need a sub if I get a nice pair of front speakers.

The second zone is a nice to have.

My budget is around $1.500. I'm in Colombia. I could buy the system components in the US to get a better price, but since almost none of the electronics have international warranty that strikes me a bit.

 

[rojo]

Hmm. Yeah, international shipping on a subwoofer will get pretty expensive, as would shipping tower speakers. Best bet would be to look for bookshelf speakers with good bass extension I think.

• Monoprice Monolith K-BAS -- out of stock until near November, but they've got a -3dB point at 39Hz.
  
• Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 are -3dB at 44Hz.
• Affordable Accuracy monitors extend to 48Hz, but Dennis and others say the bass is still audible at much lower frequencies.

Or if you're comfortable working with wood or know a local cabinet maker who could build speaker enclosures for you, you could get a well-respected DIY speaker kit. For example, The Marksman Kit will have an F3 of 37Hz when completed. The Anthologies, 32Hz. And if you build the speaker enclosure yourself or have a local cabinet maker build it for you, that'll be less that you have to ship internationally.

You might also consider building a DIY subwoofer locally. DIY projects can be fun, once you get over the initial fear, uncertainty and doubt.

 

[Gersain]

Nice tips.

I guess I'll have to do some research locally. What about the receiver?