building on a strict budget

[zumbo]

exactly, when he eventually does upgrade his receiver, he can get that HDMI upconversion that he wants & he can simultaneously get more power. I mean sure seperates are great, but they shouldn't necessarily be your first upgrade

I agree. That is why I believe in this budget system, the first upgrade is going to be the speakers. So, two mains with a 2-channel amp(to start) is easier to swallow than an expensive receiver and speakers. I just flat-out would not want a receiver without pre-outs. But, that's just me. Anyway, the Pioneer not only has pre-outs, it has more power as well.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

My thought process for the Acoustechs were that they are a horn loaded design, which means they are very efficient and can run off minimal power. If he decides on these speakers, he can run them with a 30 watt receiver (if they still made them) . That would mean there is no reason for him to upgrade to a separate power amp. Now if he bought 6 ohm 86dB speakers, he'd be in a world of hurt with a budget receiver, and would need that amp asap. He said he wanted to blast XBOX 360, and play music loud. Klipsch or Acoustech may be the perfect speaker in this case - with little worry about overheating a sub $1000 receiver.

 

[Nick250]

If you have Tweeter store nearby you can get a Denon 1705brand new for $228. That would be my first choice. Unfortunately it is for in store purchase only and limited to stock on hand. Here in New England they still have some available.

http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1849105&cp=1124285.1124337.1124380&prodList=pid_&page=2&pageBucket=0&sublevel=2&parentPage=family

 

[Hondo]

How will these 2 work together?


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&kw=PIVSX815K&cpncode=11-6018621-2&sku=364260&srccode=cii_5784816
http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/core/view_BigProduct.cfm?pid=1061&sc=32


will they work together well or with getting the higher end speakers will i need a better reciver?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

It will suffice since the Acoustechs will run off a boombox.

That's a very entry level receiver. I know it's been given high marks in some recent reviews, but I don't care for the power rating by the mfg.

Pioneer is inflating the numbers with a 1kHz rating at 1.0% thd. If those numbers were 20-20,000 Hz and .05% thd, you may be seeing a 60 watt receiver into two channels, and 25 watts into 7 channels. Mfg's do whatever they can to reach the holy grail mark of 100 watts - even if it's pulling the wool over consumers eyes. You won't see them do that with the Elite line of receivers. Educated buyers know better. That's why people come to forums - to learn.

The Acoustechs deserve a better unit than that IMHO. I'd say get the Acoustechs, and save up for the Pioneer 1015 (at minimum - they still inflate the wattage by higher than average thd), or a Yamaha RXV 1500 off Ubid.

I'm a big proponent of the weight of a class A/B amp in a receiver >= 33lbs. If the receiver doesn't weigh 33lbs, you probably aren't getting a quality power supply, and most likely small heat sinks. The size of the capacitors make a big difference, but if you don't start out with a quality transformer, and have a way to deal with heat, then you're starting off behind the 8 ball.

So whether or not you take my non-scientific advice about finding a quality surround receiver >= 33lbs, I think you've found some nice, efficient, attractive speakers that will serve you for a long time.

 

[zumbo]

Ah, we have found a need for the pre-outs already.

 

[Leprkon]

you might be able to save a little on that speaker package... it's always hard to tell if the models match up completely whne companies do re-packages, but this set-up runs under $600 before shipping, assuming you go with all the first choices... and they give you a couple of step up and step-down choices

center ($ 100):
1st choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV-62CLRS D00814.html
2nd: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV-53CLR D00813.html

both are big boxes, so check where you are going to place them.. might be a little much to set on top of the TV.. both have great reach (can still get James Earl Jones through the center without being muddy) I have the smaller center in my bedroom set-up and it is a really excellent speaker.

towers ($ 240/pair):
1st choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV-64 D00805.html (appear to be the same as the ones inyour package)
2nd choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV-84 D00806.html (bigger speakers for anoher $ 60, but you won't benefit much since you'll have a decent sub)

rears ($ 69/pair):
1st choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV5-B D24031.html (appear to be the same as your package)
2nd choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/ADATTO DV-52SIB D09950.html (a little smaller and will have better WAF.. will need some mounts to get the on the wall..)
3rd choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/DV-32W D00802.html (even smaller, but reaching the limit of being too small... a definite no-no if you do alot of multi-channel music)

sub ($ 173):
1st choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/V-1220 D13266.html
2nd choice: http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/V-1020 D13265.html

it might save you a little.

 

[AudioArcher]

Hk-3380

Harman Kardon HK-3380 Receiver for $203. YoWILL NOT be disappointed with the sound of this receiver and you can't beat the price. Or step up to the HK-3480. http://www.bhphotovideo.com