Decisions, decisions... does it really matter!?!?

[Farrealm]

Just wondering if anyone would like to comment.

I am looking at a new sound system for my TV and am having a hard time figuring out what to get.

My budget is about $1500 and I am thinking about getting two fairly decent full range front speakers (about $1000) on a 5.1 or 7.1 AV receiver (about $500). This would mean that I can only listen to my movies in stereo (for now) but can still plug in more speakers in the future.

Now, first of all, I can’t really call myself “audioholic” as I used to have a cr@ppy Sony 5.1 home entertainment system (like the ones you pick up for about $500). I hated the unit because the sound was always wrong; too overpowering in the low frequencies and dull in higher frequencies so subtle conversations were impossible to hear. Eventually, the whole unit died and since then I have been using two Logitech PC speakers with a small sub (plugged into the headphone port of my Sony TV). Not ideal

Anyway, I have looked at a few speakers (shop and online) including Q Acoustics 2050i, Aaron ATS3, Boston Acoustics A360, and Wharfedale and Dali of similar specs. Receivers I have looked at are from Yamaha’s RX-V 75 series (375 to 575), Pioneer, and Sony. I can get some good deals from a couple of local stores and am leaning towards the Q 2050i-s and a Sony STR-DN840. According to the guy at the store the 2050i-s sound “expletive” awesome and the DN840 seems to have all the connectivity one could possibly need (and does well in reviews). I didn't really like some of the cheaper Pioneer and Yamaha receivers like the RX-V 375, which seem to have pretty poor build quality (poor display etc.)

Trouble I am having is that the local shops have very limited range so I am not able to test much at all. I have spent a fair bit of time going through online reviews and all I learned was that everything I have looked at is “excellent for its price” (getting 4 or 5 stars) and all depends on "personal listening preference".

Now I am thinking, since I clearly am more of an “audiobarbarian” (hence the cheap Logitech speakers) I probably don’t know what my “personal listening preference” is, so does it really matter what combination of speakers and receiver I get?

I guess what I am after is a system that provides some nice full sound without being overly heavy. Crisp / clear sound in the higher range. What is important to me is that it performs well at lower volumes (have small kids and nice neighbours…)

Thanks!

 

[ReUpRo]

When you say full range, I'm assuming you mean floor standing (since bookshelf speakers can also have full range sound)?

Can you tell us more about the room, how far you will be from the speakers, anything to help narrow the selection.

Are you averse to internet direct speaker companies or refurbished electronics?

My blind recommendation, Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html or Philharmonic Audio Philharmonitor http://philharmonicaudio.com/folio-me/html/Phil Pages/philharmonitor.html and Denon AVR X2000 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx2000/denon-avr-x2000-7.1-ch-4k-ultra-hd-networking-receiver-w/airplay/1.html

 

[zieglj01]

The OP is from Australia - $1500 may not get you much from that area, as prices
are high compared to the USA.

You may need to start 2.1 with bookshelves and subwoofer.

However look at Boston A, Wharfedale, Monitor Audio BX, JBL L and PSB Image

 

[ReUpRo]

Dang it! Tapatalk doesn't show location.

 

[Farrealm]

Thanks for the replies

Yeah, I meant floor standing. I did consider bookshelf speakers but they seem relatively expensive. For example, I compared Aaron ATS3 (floorstanding) to ATS1 (bookshelf). Aaron is a locally made brand and are apparently really good. Anyway, they seem to have the same drivers (though the floorstanding has more) and cost $1100 and $700. Figured that for $400 price difference I might just as well get floorstanding speakers.

The room is about 4 by 5m (13 by 16 feet) and distance to speakers will be about 3m (10 feet).

Yes, Australia is expensive but there are still some good deals here and there. I don’t mind buying over the internet. Problem here is that most companies are on the east coast (I am on the west coast) so some will charge through the roof for transport. Probably won’t go for refurbished electronics.