Heart and mind saying different thing

[calnbs]

latest update:

After a lot of soul searching, I bit the bullet and went with a 5.1 Rocket set up with RS850,RS450,RSC200, and the MFW-15 (will be getting the x-s load speaker for free). Was a little over my budget but I hope its well worth it. I was looking really hard on the Swan and Aperion. I love a clear, crisp sound without overly bright and my understanding was that Swans are slightly brighter and might fit my taste better but I went ahead with the Rockets, so I hope i wont be disappointed with the Rockets.

I considered the Sony KDS60A3000 when it was on sale for $1600 but I really wanted the "big picture" so I backed out. Consider the Panasonic AX200U and the Mits HC1500 because I will be using a pj as a tv and they have higher lumens but when I saw the HD70 for 40% off retail price, I couldn't refuse.

Seems like Onkyo 805 will be the choice of receiver unless someone else have any better ideas. Looked at one of the HKs and Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH. Currently, Elite cost alot more and the HKs seem to have some build quality issue.

Anyway, thanks everyone. I hope to be enjoying my new HT soon.

 

[fmw]

I'm not in the habit of commenting on products I haven't tested myself so I will just say that 5.1 would make sense to me. In fact, I've been using 5.1 since the late 1990's and I've never had a desire at all to add any more speakers - or change the ones I have always used - even though my receiver has 7.1 capability. Since there is almost no content anywhere above 5.1 you would be matrixing surround content to the rear surrounds any way.

The other comment is that saving money on a receiver makes sense since it doesn't meaningfully affect the sound of the system. The purpose of the receiver, after all, is to amplify the sound tracks and provide some decoding and switching. Features are nice but not critical, in my opinion.

Finally, I think the TV and speakers are the most important elements of the system - any system. I would handle those things first and let everything else fall where it may. It would make more sense to me to blow the budget on a 2.1 or 3.1 speaker arrangement within the budget and wait until later for the remaining speakers when more budget is available. 2.1 or 3.1 sounds great on movie sound tracks. The surround is an added plus, to be sure, but not critical for enjoying the movie. I'd rather have better quality than more speakers so that would be my suggestion.

You will always wish you had more no matter what you have. That's human nature. I wish I had a larger TV.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

latest update:

After a lot of soul searching, I bit the bullet and went with a 5.1 Rocket set up with RS850,RS450,RSC200, and the MFW-15 (will be getting the x-s load speaker for free). Was a little over my budget but I hope its well worth it. I was looking really hard on the Swan and Aperion. I love a clear, crisp sound without overly bright and my understanding was that Swans are slightly brighter and might fit my taste better but I went ahead with the Rockets, so I hope i wont be disappointed with the Rockets.

I considered the Sony KDS60A3000 when it was on sale for $1600 but I really wanted the "big picture" so I backed out. Consider the Panasonic AX200U and the Mits HC1500 because I will be using a pj as a tv and they have higher lumens but when I saw the HD70 for 40% off retail price, I couldn't refuse.

Seems like Onkyo 805 will be the choice of receiver unless someone else have any better ideas. Looked at one of the HKs and Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH. Currently, Elite cost alot more and the HKs seem to have some build quality issue.

Anyway, thanks everyone. I hope to be enjoying my new HT soon.

I think you are on the right track....enjoy!

 

[Soundman]

latest update:

After a lot of soul searching, I bit the bullet and went with a 5.1 Rocket set up with RS850,RS450,RSC200, and the MFW-15 (will be getting the x-s load speaker for free). Was a little over my budget but I hope its well worth it. I was looking really hard on the Swan and Aperion. I love a clear, crisp sound without overly bright and my understanding was that Swans are slightly brighter and might fit my taste better but I went ahead with the Rockets, so I hope i wont be disappointed with the Rockets.

I considered the Sony KDS60A3000 when it was on sale for $1600 but I really wanted the "big picture" so I backed out. Consider the Panasonic AX200U and the Mits HC1500 because I will be using a pj as a tv and they have higher lumens but when I saw the HD70 for 40% off retail price, I couldn't refuse.

Seems like Onkyo 805 will be the choice of receiver unless someone else have any better ideas. Looked at one of the HKs and Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH. Currently, Elite cost alot more and the HKs seem to have some build quality issue.

Anyway, thanks everyone. I hope to be enjoying my new HT soon.

Yes, you are definitely there. I'm in the process of ordering the exact same Rocket package. Great minds think alike.The deal is just too sweet right now! In fact, even if I wasn't in the market for some speakers, I'd be tempted to order some. Considering the 850's are half price right now, I'm sure you could always sell them and get all your money back if it doesn't work out. Congrats!

 

[calnbs]

Yes, you are definitely there. I'm in the process of ordering the exact same Rocket package. Great minds think alike.The deal is just too sweet right now! In fact, even if I wasn't in the market for some speakers, I'd be tempted to order some. Considering the 850's are half price right now, I'm sure you could always sell them and get all your money back if it doesn't work out. Congrats!

I agree, I couldn't turn down a deal like that. Lately, I have been really lucky with deals. Circuitcity.com screwed up on Sunday morning and I picked up an Onkyo 805 for $630. I tested the Optoma HD70 straight out of the box onto a wall and it looks awsome. Can't wait to get my Screen and some tweaking. DAMN!!! Been very lucky lately. Good luck to you and I hope you enjoy those Rockets when it comes.