First surround sound system - looking for advice

[kmalloy01]

Hey everyone, I'm looking into getting my first surround sound system pretty soon and I am just looking for some insights/suggestions. I know that the all-in-one boxes are frowned upon around here, but i think that will the easiest route for me to take right now. I'm thinking of getting a denon package that includes an AVR-1312 and Klipsch HDT-300 Speakers for around $600. I'm thinking about that because it looks like as my budget expands I will be able to swap out pieces later on, this just looks like a good starter kit.

There are 2 other packages available (AVR-1612 and HDT-300 speakers for about $750 and AVR-1912 and HDT-500 Speakers for around $1000)


What I am wondering is if there is much difference between the three denon receivers (avr-1312, 1612, or 1912) or the speakers offered (klipsch HDT-300 or HDT-500). Is this a good deal? Aka is it the price reasonable for what I am getting or are there better options that I should be looking into for a similar price.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sholling]

Those inexpensive satellite speaker packages are really meant for little tiny rooms and moderate volumes. In other words small bedrooms, small dorm rooms, tiny apartments with whiny neighbors, or grandma's house - if grandma isn't an Audioholic . The other problem with satellite systems is that the tiny satellites have to crossover to the subwoofer way too high which gives you a ping-pong like effect because you hear the source of the sound move from the speakers to the subwoofer and back. You really don't want to have to crossover to the subwoofer any higher than 80hz which is the point at which it's hard to tell where the bass is coming from. If I were you I would start with a far better quality 2.0 system and add the other bits as money allows, that way you're adding bits instead of spending money twice to replace bits.

If it were me and I had a $800-1000 budget I'd probably go with a Denon AVR-1712 ($400 shipped) and a pair of Infinity P362 towers ($200ea shipped). The P362s are very easy to drive, play deep enough to get by without a subwoofer for the time being, and a provide a whole lot of bang for the buck. They're cheap because they're an older model.

Once you've saved up more money I'd invest in a really good subwoofer and don't skimp on the sub, figure $600 shipped for up to a 3000cuft room. For the third phase I'd buy the matching PC350 ($150 shipped) center, although you may want to snag now while it's cheap. A pair of P152 bookshelves ($75ea shipped) would be a good match as surrounds. That gives you a really good 2.0 system for $800 or 3.0 for $950. 5.0 for $1100 or a nice 5.1 system for $1700ish depending on room size instead of a $1000 system that you probably won't be happy with.

 

[kmalloy01]

Thanks for the reply.

After looking into things more it seems like your suggestion is a better starting point and will be the path that I take. As far as receivers go, is there any worthwhile difference between the denon avr-1712, avr-1912, or avr-2112ci that would justify spending more? Basically price isnt much of an issue for these items, its just a matter of how patient I will be before buying them.

Thanks again

 

[sholling]

I'm not an expert on Denons but I looked into the 1712, 1912, and 2112ci not long ago and even had the 1712 on order before canceling in favor of something much more expensive.

All three are 90w receivers but the 1712 has a better flavor of Audyssey than the more expensive 1912 (MultiEQ XT vs plain MUltiEQ) but the 1912 has network functionality. The 2112ci has both and a 3 year warranty instead of 2 years for the other two. You'll have to decide which features are important to you.

You'll want to buy these new rather than refurbished and to keep your warranty intact buy from a factory authorized dealer. One of our members got three DOA Denon refurbs in a row, which may just be horrible luck but I'm not quite ready to recommend their refurbs yet.