Best 5.1 value *right now* for 1.5-2k ?

[jaxvon]

Let me also say that you should budget for a better sub than the Acoustech system has. It isn't terrible, but since you have the ability to get something better with your budget, do it.

As for a receiver, the refurb Yamaha would be a good choice. If you can pick one up, go for it. Just know that if you order from certain retailers, you may not get a factory warranty.

Also, don't forget to budget for cables, cable organization stuff, and other accessories (new DVD player?). And since there's no WAF, I think you should look into some DIY room treatment. It's one of the most cost effective upgrades you can make.

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/roomacoustics/DIYabsorbersacoustics.php

 

[HT Kel]

Let me also say that you should budget for a better sub than the Acoustech system has.

Absolutely. I think the one major decision I have made since I posted was to go with a HSU sub (prob the VTF-3 Mk2). I am greatly comforted by the ability to add the turbo down the road if I want more.

As for a receiver, the refurb Yamaha would be a good choice. If you can pick one up, go for it.

Sadly, I don't see it anymore. Right now, I am not aware of any other great deals on the popular 7.1 receivers (Panny XR55, Pioneer 1015TX, RX-V2600, Denon 3806 or the HK whose model # I can't recall). I am still researching what features are offered by the pricier models that I might want. So far, Auto Room EQ and extra inputs are the only ones that seem like something I would use.

Also, don't forget to budget for cables, cable organization stuff, and other accessories (new DVD player?).

No worries. I don't have a strict budget, I just picked $1500ish as a place to start with. I also figured that since I don't have a fine ear and won't be listening to music, I would be over-spending if I went much higher.

I might pick up an Oppo somewhere down the line. I need to do the research and see if issues like macro-blocking are likely to affect me. It's low priority, though, since my HD PVR has largely seduced me away from DVD's =)

And since there's no WAF, I think you should look into some DIY room treatment. It's one of the most cost effective upgrades you can make.

Already on the "to do" list ! Great suggestion, though !

 

[HT Kel]

Obviously, no one here is going to screw you over. If they do, they will most likely suffer the consequence's.

Not worried on that account. I am very impressed with the community here.

I think you should go give a listen at stores around you and find out what you like. Tell us what speaker it is, and someone here who has experience with it can tell you what sound characteristic it might have (bright, warm, neutral etc)

I went to a local "Tweeter's" yesterday and listened to the Polk LSI's and JMLabs speakers they had set up. The good news is that I am pretty excited that whatever I get will be a nice improvement over what I have now The bad news is that I didn't learn too much that would help me narrow down my choices.

Now they didn't have any of the speakers on my list of 'popular' speakers such as the ones recommended in this thread but the store was convenient so I popped in. I am still researching local places where I can demo some of the speakers mentioned but I will definitely head out there.

The only thing I may have picked up is that the sales rep told me that the JMLabs I was listening too were 'brighter' than the Polks but personally, I found the dialog from the brighter JMLabs to be slightly clearer, which I definitely like. As far as the rest of the sound, I didn't have any preference between the two.

I will hit some more stores as soon as I find the ones that carry the speakers mentioned in this thread and give some more impressions.

Thanks to everyone for their advice !

 

[AVRat]

From that response, I think the BAs would thrill you. The VRC center is probably the best match.

 

[Redbone]

If you can find a dealer I would put everything in the bank on JM Labs Chorus S speakers. They will beat anything in there class hands down. I built my 5.1 speaker system for about $1800 about two years ago consisting of:

JM Labs Chorus S 716 $750
JM Labs Chorus S CC70 Center $350
JM Labs Chorus S 705 rears $350
Hsu STF2 subwoofer $400

This system performs excellent in my 16x13 living room. I was tight for cash at the time but if I had it to do over again, I would opt for the Chorus S 726, CC700 and 706 rears with the HSU STF3. I listen to music a lot and want big room filling sound with plenty of volume- not to say the system I have can't do this but the bigger stuff would be more comfortable at it.

Hook that up with a Denon 2805 or nice Yami and your good as gold.

BTW JM Labs speakers are not bright at all they are extremely revealing, so you better have decent sources. Also Tweeter only Carries one model of JM Labs the 5.1 mini system, the least expensive of the JM Labs line.