Best bang for the buck- 5K limit

[jostenmeat]

A variation on the theme by annunaki

Display: Panasonic TH-50PZ85U or TCP50G10 (new replacement model) approx $1800.00

Receiver: Onkyo TX-SR706 $650.00-$750 street price

Subwoofer(s): $1,138.00 (2)SVS PB-12 OR 2 Infinity Kappa perfect DIY builds with a Behringer EP2500 $970.00 est. with all parts and enclosure materials. The Infinity option includes a Behringer DCX2496 for the ultimate in-room integration.

Speakers: $1,430-$1282 depending upon sub option There are loads of options here. I would suggest 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers.

Cables: $50.00

A system like this will impress in nearly any sized room and keep you very happy for years to come.

If the OP wanted to split costs more evenly between display and audio, he could get the larger 58" costco for $700 more. He could subtract one SVS PB12 for the moment, and add one later down the road if he chooses. (Easier than adding inches to the display).

I like Ascend speakers, for the bang for buck as new. I also like murl's idea of used/demo/refurb/bstock, but that requires the OP to go auditioning.

To the OP's question, yes it is very hard to go wrong with Panasonic BDPs. Mine is twice superceded, and plays everything I throw at it. And that's only updating once out of every 5 FW updates (only three times).

 

[mesojdm]

thanks for all the info guys!!
I actually made the jump and purchased all the mains, center and surround.
Unfortunately I couldn't break the bank for def tech but I got a killer deal on these models)
I ended up getting Boston acoustics E100 mains, E70 center and E40 for the surrounds. So now its time to search for a woofer and receiver.
QUESTION:
front L/R are rated at 400Watts, would a receiver with the output of 130W do it justice? If not, should I get a power amp to run them?
I am now looking for a woofer and want to spend $6-900. I have searched and I guess everyone loves the SVS SB-12. Are there many online retailers..or am I limited on ordering directly off their site?
Should I get a power conditioner?
THanks!!

 

[murl]

Eh, I would just stick with the receiver for now see if you like it and spend more money on the sub. Keep in mind that doubling the wattage by no means doubles your volume, it is on a logarithmic scale.

 

[mesojdm]

well got the speakers...not I just need the display, amp and woofer

I might have to go a bit above my budget as I am reading many good reviews on SVS subwoofers.
So next I am researching for;
Emotiva XPA-5 ~700
Yamaha rxv-863 ~550
SVS-PB10nsd ~450
Samsung LN46B650-1550

 

[MidnightSensi]

Thanks for keeping us updated.

You asked about a power conditioner two posts up... If you want a power conditioner, contact your power company about having one installed on your main line. FPL does that here in Florida and you'll get insurance on your equipment. If your power company doesn't have any options, you can pick up a power conditioner fairly cheap to handle an equipment rack.

If you have high voltage, you should consider a voltage regulator (not to be confused with conditioner). A voltage regulator will take high voltage and trim it down to 120, or a low voltage and trim it up to 120. If your within a few volts throughout most of the day this isn't needed, but down here we get voltage up to the 130s so I purchased one. APC, Furman and Monster make them... I have used them all, but avoid monster (which is what I own) because Noel Lee (the owner) is an ******* that tried to close down a badass idea like a glow in the dark mini golf place.

 

[annunaki]

A Panny plasma will get you better bang for the buck in a display as opposed to the Samsung 46" you are looking at.

A TC-P50G10 would work very well as would a TC-P50S1.