Beginner System for student (low budget) with future upgradibility?

[jss8422]

I actually have some definitive technology stuff for sale right now. I'm looking to get rid of it fairly quickly, so if you're looking for some nice bookshelf speakers and a sub, let me know via PM. Best of luck to you!

 

[midna]

The Marantz is $399.99

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARSR4001

updated the price thanks

 

[Gimpy Ric]

In 5 years you'll be employed after school, and the system you dream of now will be in the master bedroom, trust me. New equipment will have everything you want.

I say go with the Onkyo 605, the refurb Oppo, and the biggest bookshelves you can afford. Then get a sub. The End.

 

[midna]

A very valid point.... I'm debating doing that right now and I keep coming back to the fact that the Onkyo will probably do everything I need and want for a good many years. And when I do want/need something better, there will probably be some new hot technology that todays products don't have.

 

[shockemags]

Midna,

The "Onkyo 605" you keep linking from Circuit City is the 505 with only HDMI pass through and no New Audio Decoding... I would not get the 505. It is less "Future Proof" than the 604. Just a heads up.

 

[midna]

Ack! You are indeed correct. Removing the link now . Well that makes the choice easier since the only price I can find for the 605 is the same as the Marrantz.

Edit: Apparently I can't edit old posts? If a mod would like to remove the link go ahead Sorry about the mix up and thank you shockemags from saving me a bad purchase!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For $700, I think you will have to upgrade the DVD player & Receiver to a Blu-ray/HDDVD and a HDMI/TruHD/DTS-HD MA receiver in the future. You can keep the speakers for surround sound in the future. Depending on the TV you have, an upscaling dvd player w/HDMI may not be significant. For example, if you have a 1080p HDTV, then yes, a 1080p upscaling dvd player matters. But if you have a 480i-- 20" TV, 1080p upscaling won't matter.

This is my recommendation:
1) Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 350 ($225 each x 2 = $ 450)
2) Onkyo TX-SR304B ($160)
3) Sony DVP-NS57P ($60)

Grand Total: $670

The DefTech SM350s have built-in 8" passive subwoofers, with very good response down to 40 Hz (The Audio Critic), although the stated specs say (26 Hz-30 kHz). Thus, for a dorm room, this may be all the bass you need! Sound & Vision Magazine and Home Theater Magazine also praised the StudioMonitor 350s, so you can check out their reviews! These are speakers that you can definitely keep for surround speakers in the future.

 

[midna]

Thanks so much for all your help everyone! I pulled some extra shifts, did some extra odd jobs, and in general worked hard to make some extra cash . So I settled on the Marrantz SR-4001 and a pair of Usher s520's.
I'm waiting on the sub (most likely the VTF 1 by HSU) until I can hear the setup in the dorm room. I'm not buying and dvd player because one of my roomates purchased an xbox360, and while I know the quality won't be as good, it will probably be ok for now.

So my two big questions are, did I leave anything out that I should order right now? And what is the best way to wire the plasma (component only, no hdmi), the receiver, and the speakers? Are there any good articles I should read on the subject? I plan on purchasing the cables from bluejeans.

Thanks again for all your help