Advice on Startup system

[TigerClaw]

Hi all!

Although this is my first post, I've been reading the audiholics forums for a couple of weeks, and I am amazed with the level of knowledge here! I just bought a 50" plasma and found out that my 5-year old non-progressive scan 30W/chanel 5.1 Sony HTIB is not even close of being a decent match to the TV. I am looking into buying a mid- to hi-fi system on the next year or 2 (I am looking at Axioms M80, VP-150, QS8s, EP500, KH AVR 7300 or Yammy 4600, and a high end DVD player). Since I don't want to buy that system right now, for monetary reasons and to be able to do as much research as I can on what I really want (I want to make sure that if I spend around 5 grand, I will be happy with what I get), I am thinking about buying/building an entry-level system, for less than $1000, that I can add higher end parts and have my ideal system in the future. That low-end system would be used in the future in a basement game room, so that wouldn't be a waste of money. My dilemma is if I buy another HTIB that is upgradeable (I've been looking at the Onkyo HT-S787C, which looks like it is the HT-S780 with a 5-disc changer) or just buy a low-end receiver and speakers? Did anybody face this situation before? Does anybody know of a low-end receiver that could eventualy drive the Axioms, for a couple of months (my plan is to upgrade the speakers first, and then the receiver) I would greatly appreciate your thoughts, and I am open to different ideas/suggestions. The system will be used mostly to watch movies, and listen to some music. I am looking into something as future-proof and flexible as possible (6.1 or 7.1, 100 Mhz component inputs/outputs). Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance!

 

[jaxvon]

Welcome to the forum!

If you're looking for a good entry-level system, then I think you should look no further than BIC (no, not the lighter and pen company). They make inexpensive stuff that performs far above its price point. For an entry level system (actually, this is pretty close to what I'm putting together, due to insufficient funds ), I would go for this:

2 pr BIC DV62SIB Bookshelves (1 pr for mains, 1pr for surrounds)
1 BIC DV62CLR Center
1 Bic V1220 Subwoofer
1 Pioneer VSX-815 Receiver reviewed at Audioholics
1 Pioneer DV-578A

The bookshelves and the center can be had at Amazon for $346.87 shipped. The subwoofer is $190.99 shipped at X-10. The reciever is $249.99 shipped at J&R. You may have to call them to get that price, but it's still the best price I've seen from an authorized dealer. The Pioneer DV-578A can be had for $109.05 shipped from eMotronics.

So, your total outlay, not including cables, will be $896.90. This system will stomp the circuits out of a HTiB system and have upgradability to boot. With cables and stands, I would estimate that it should be around $1000.


Some other stuff to consider:
Tripp Lite HT10DBS Power Conditioner: $85.83 at J&R
200ft Belden 5000UE 12Ga Speaker Cable: $48.42 Shipped to 48189 from Westlake Electronic
Component video and other cables from Ram Electronics.


Good luck with your system!

 

[Takeereasy]

I'd suggest a couple of different setups for you.

1. Receiver = Yamaha 5890 $600 from JR.com or BHphoto.com but it can be had for much less from unauthorized dealers. If you are really quick then there is a Yamaha 1500 going at UBID for $550 with full warranty.

2. Speakers = Athena .5 system from onecall $200.

3. Sub = Cadence sub from Ubid $219 shipped.


The Yamahas will not drive those Axiom 80's to their full potential but they do give you the option to get an affordable 2 channel amp to drive your 80's while making use of Yamaha's phenominal pre out. The odds are that you'll need to get a 2 channel amp anyway given your choice of reveivers. The HK would do a good job running the Axioms, but I still think you'd benifit from the amp. Plus amps are cool. Utilizing this option will allow you to replace the receiver last.

2nd choice would be:

Pioneer 1015 $470 at Best Buy but you can get it for less online.

B.I.C. America DV62CLR

2 pair BIC America Venturi DV62si

Bic America v 1220 sub. You should be able to find all speakers and sub for about $500-$550 online at authorized dealers.

Again the Pioneer won't be a long term solution to power those 80's but it would do fine for a month or two as long as you don't want to rock the house too hard.

Good luck with it all.

Edit: I see I've been beat to the punch regarding the Bics. I agree with the Pioneer DVD player being a good bang for the buck. You may want to also look in the deals section of this site as Buckeye foud a great deal on a universal samsung for $80.

 

[MacManNM]

I agree with the above posts'. I would go with

3 BIC DV62clr's (front L,R,&C) $300
2 BIC DV62si's (rear) $110
BIC V1220 Sub $190

Then either the Pioneer 815 ($250) or Yamaha 5740 ($200), DVD player ($100) and $100 in cables and interconnects.

That will sound really good for music and HT, and not kill your wallet.

 

[WndrBr3d]

I think the hardest thing here is that you're looking to buy a system that you're just going to replace in a year (receiver and all).

Personally, I'm a Harman/Kardon man and couldn't resist chiming in because you brought up the AVR7300.

I think you would be better off a this point buying your system in several parts.

Part 1 -- Receiver, Front R/L, Decent DVD Player
H/K AVR7300 -- $1342 @ OneCall.com
Infinity Primus 150BK -- $199 (Pair)
Oppo Digital OPDV971H -- $199
Total: $1740

This is your starting point. You'll have the receiver that'll last you through the entire upgrade, and a decent DVD player that'll use DVI to your new plasma TV.

Part 2 -- New Front R/L, Center, Sub
Infinity Primus 250BK -- $400 (Pair)
Infinity Primus 25BK -- $179
Infinity PS10 10" 200w -- $349
Toal: $928

With this, the 250BK's would become your Front R/L, and you'd move the 150BK's to bear your Surr R/L.

This would give you a GREAT sounding 5.1 surround system with a receiver that has enough power to last you years.

I agree with jaxvon that you should also invest in some decent shielded cable and a power conditioner (Belkin or Monster).

In the end, I still always say choose the products that sound best to you! Everyone is going to suggest the brand that they own, but it might not always be the best for you.

Go to some stores and listen to demo system.

I still think splitting your purchase into two parts is the best. This way you're not buying equipment you're just going to replace in a year. That's just a waste

 

[mulester7]

I still think splitting your purchase into two parts is the best. This way you're not buying equipment you're just going to replace in a year. That's just a waste.

.....bravo, WndrBr3d, I was VERY content with quality mains that were moved to rears when I could go new mains....to pitch in a decent sub up front along with quality mains will give you everything but surround soon to come, without taking a beating on trying to resell....we need to take a Methodist approach of prudent moderation on these high-dollar systems, haha.....