Help a Girl Out . . .

[techigirl78]

The store by my work had a big sale that was ending today, so I decided to go shopping. Here's what a got:

1 - Hitachi 55" UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV (55VG825) ~$2600
1 - Matching Hitachi Stand for Television ~$300
1 - Denon AVR 2106 ~ $625
1 - Pair Klipsch RF-5 ~ $1200
1 - Klipsh RC-35 ~ $300
1 - Klipsh RW-12 $600
1 - Pair Klipsch RS-35 ~ $450
1 - Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS 3500 ~ $400

I was looking around awhile back and I liked all of these and they just happen to be on sale, so I bought everything on somewhat of a whim. It comes on Monday.

I like the sound of the Klipsch speakers and the combo I got seemed to sound good together. Anything that could be changed with respect to the speakers for a better combo? This is primarily for HT use - movies and video games. The only other speakers I found that I really liked were B&Ws. Yet, they were a bit out of my price range and my fiance' didn't care for them either.

I also was going to get the Denon 2806, but my fiance' said to go for the cheaper 2106 as there weren't many differences. Was this a mistake? I don't want to regreat it down the road. Will I?

Also, I didn't get any cables. Any good places to go to get the HDMI cable, speaker wires, etc.? Should I just go to Radio Shack or Best Buy?

Also, I didn't get a new DVD player. I am going to use a cheap one that I already had that does have progressive scan capabilities. My intention is to force an HDDVD player on my fiance' for our anniversary next year. I guess that's one of the benefits of being a women, you can buy HT equipment for your significant other.

Any help or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mulester7]

The store by my work had a big sale that was ending today, so I decided to go shopping. Here's what a got:

1 - Hitachi 55" UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV (55VG825) ~$2600
1 - Matching Hitachi Stand for Television ~$300
1 - Denon AVR 2106 ~ $625
1 - Pair Klipsch RF-5 ~ $1200
1 - Klipsh RC-35 ~ $300
1 - Klipsh RW-12 $600
1 - Pair Klipsch RS-35 ~ $450
1 - Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS 3500 ~ $400

I was looking around awhile back and I liked all of these and they just happen to be on sale, so I bought everything on somewhat of a whim. It comes on Monday.

I like the sound of the Klipsch speakers and the combo I got seemed to sound good together. Anything that could be changed with respect to the speakers for a better combo? This is primarily for HT use - movies and video games. The only other speakers I found that I really liked were B&Ws. Yet, they were a bit out of my price range and my fiance' didn't care for them either.

I also was going to get the Denon 2806, but my fiance' said to go for the cheaper 2106 as there weren't many differences. Was this a mistake? I don't want to regreat it down the road. Will I?

Also, I didn't get any cables. Any good places to go to get the HDMI cable, speaker wires, etc.? Should I just go to Radio Shack or Best Buy?

Also, I didn't get a new DVD player. I am going to use a cheap one that I already had that does have progressive scan capabilities. My intention is to force an HDDVD player on my fiance' for our anniversary next year. I guess that's one of the benefits of being a women, you can buy HT equipment for your significant other.

Any help or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

.....any chance you and him might not make it to the alter?.....

 

[jaxvon]

Welcome!

I think you've made some pretty solid purchases. As for wires and cable, do NOT go to Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. Their main business is ripping people off that don't know what they're doing.

Okay, for speaker wire, I recommend using 12ga Belden wire. It's good-quality stuff and inexpensive. If you don't mind working with somewhat stiff wire, then you'll do well with this. If you feel that you'd want a more flexible cable, then this. For interconnects and such, there are many sources. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own RCA-style cables with bulk coax, some crimpers, strippers, and terminations. If you don't, then check out the offerings from Blue Jeans, Impact Acoustics, and Parts Express. The advantage of making your own cables is obviously cost, but you can also make them look however you want, IE matching the decor.

For your speaker cables, you're going to NEED banana plugs. Bare wire is a major pain with modern receivers. These should serve you well: http://www.impactacoustics.com/product.asp?cat_id=115&sku=29785

 

[j_garcia]

Everything looks good except the reciever. MORE POWER!! (even with Klipsch)

 

[Sheep]

I agree with everyon, im a conformist


The wiring jaxvon recommended is the best bang for buck wiring out there, and theres really no improvement.

I also agree that more power never hurts. Unless your a transmission hooked up to a 572Cui hemi putting out 1600BHP, then less power would not hurt


SheepStar

 

[techigirl78]

Welcome!

I think you've made some pretty solid purchases. As for wires and cable, do NOT go to Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. Their main business is ripping people off that don't know what they're doing.

Okay, for speaker wire, I recommend using 12ga Belden wire. It's good-quality stuff and inexpensive. If you don't mind working with somewhat stiff wire, then you'll do well with this. If you feel that you'd want a more flexible cable, then this. For interconnects and such, there are many sources. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own RCA-style cables with bulk coax, some crimpers, strippers, and terminations. If you don't, then check out the offerings from Blue Jeans, Impact Acoustics, and Parts Express. The advantage of making your own cables is obviously cost, but you can also make them look however you want, IE matching the decor.

For your speaker cables, you're going to NEED banana plugs. Bare wire is a major pain with modern receivers. These should serve you well: http://www.impactacoustics.com/product.asp?cat_id=115&sku=29785

Thanks. This is helpful. I should be able to make my own cables.

 

[mtrycrafts]

The store by my work had a big sale that was ending today, so I decided to go shopping. Here's what a got:

1 - Hitachi 55" UltraVision CineForm LCD Projection HDTV (55VG825) ~$2600
1 - Matching Hitachi Stand for Television ~$300
1 - Denon AVR 2106 ~ $625
1 - Pair Klipsch RF-5 ~ $1200
1 - Klipsh RC-35 ~ $300
1 - Klipsh RW-12 $600
1 - Pair Klipsch RS-35 ~ $450
1 - Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS 3500 ~ $400

I was looking around awhile back and I liked all of these and they just happen to be on sale, so I bought everything on somewhat of a whim. It comes on Monday.

I like the sound of the Klipsch speakers and the combo I got seemed to sound good together. Anything that could be changed with respect to the speakers for a better combo? This is primarily for HT use - movies and video games. The only other speakers I found that I really liked were B&Ws. Yet, they were a bit out of my price range and my fiance' didn't care for them either.

I also was going to get the Denon 2806, but my fiance' said to go for the cheaper 2106 as there weren't many differences. Was this a mistake? I don't want to regreat it down the road. Will I?

Also, I didn't get any cables. Any good places to go to get the HDMI cable, speaker wires, etc.? Should I just go to Radio Shack or Best Buy?

Also, I didn't get a new DVD player. I am going to use a cheap one that I already had that does have progressive scan capabilities. My intention is to force an HDDVD player on my fiance' for our anniversary next year. I guess that's one of the benefits of being a women, you can buy HT equipment for your significant other.

Any help or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

I would have skipped the Monster power center. Good thing you didn't buy their cables. Several options: This site has cable recommendations, Blue Jeans, on line at partsexpress, Home Depot for 12ga/14ga speaker wire. No need to pay a lot for wire.
The DVD player can wait as you planned. The speakers are plenty sensitive that your receiver should drive it fine; if it meets your other needs, then there is nothing wrong with it.

 

[techigirl78]

Everything looks good except the reciever. MORE POWER!! (even with Klipsch)

Then I should go get the 2806 and return the 2106, right? Oh, I told him so. I wanted the 2806 for just $200 bucks more. Can you believe I had to convince him that we shouldn't get the 1706 or 1906 with the help of a sales guy. Even the two sales guys were laughing.

 

[techigirl78]

.....any chance you and him might not make it to the alter?.....

Na, I love him. I do feel for guys that have to deal with women complaining about their spending when most woman spend huge amounts of their income on nick nacks (a.k.a. junk) that clutters up the house, shoes, clothes, and jewelry. I'd much rather have a nice T.V. then 100 pairs of shoes or 50 rings I can never wear at the same time. My fiance' gets a kick out it I think. He bought me a dozen roses and had them sent to my work. Then, I found out how much it cost (like $80.00). So, I told him I loved the flowers, but next time I'd prefer a weedwacker. What do you know, he got me one the next time around! That's when I knew we were meant for each other.

 

[mulester7]

Na, I love him. I do feel for guys that have to deal with women complaining about their spending when most woman spend huge amounts of their income on nick nacks (a.k.a. junk) that clutters up the house, shoes, clothes, and jewelry. I'd much rather have a nice T.V. then 100 pairs of shoes or 50 rings I can never wear at the same time. My fiance' gets a kick out it I think. He bought me a dozen roses and had them sent to my work. Then, I found out how much it cost (like $80.00). So, I told him I loved the flowers, but next time I'd prefer a weedwacker. What do you know, he got me one the next time around! That's when I knew we were meant for each other.

.....precious response....welcome, soon-to-be Ma'am....you may be asked to initiate an Audioholics Women's Auxiliary....

 

[techigirl78]

I would have skipped the Monster power center. Good thing you didn't buy their cables.

I read enough to stay away from the monster cables, that's why I waited on it. I was hesitant about the Monster Power Center, but my other TV seems to have interference problems, so hopefully it helps. We're going to hook it up with and without it and see what a difference it makes. The sales guy said it can be returned if I don't like it, so I'll have to see.

 

[mulester7]

I read enough to stay away from the monster cables, that's why I waited on it. I was hesitant about the Monster Power Center, but my other TV seems to have interference problems, so hopefully it helps. We're going to hook it up with and without it and see what a difference it makes. The sales guy said it can be returned if I don't like it, so I'll have to see.

.....(pretty sure I'm in love)....(OH, the irony)......

 

[j_garcia]

Then I should go get the 2806 and return the 2106, right? Oh, I told him so. I wanted the 2806 for just $200 bucks more. Can you believe I had to convince him that we shouldn't get the 1706 or 1906 with the help of a sales guy. Even the two sales guys were laughing.

Hehe, I would go 3806 if at all possible, but yes the 2806 will likely suffice...for now Especially for $200 more.

My Panamax seemed to help with video a tiny bit actually, but did nothing for audio; though no improvement was expected, only protection.

 

[Tomorrow]

Thanks. This is helpful. I should be able to make my own cables.

I think you just made ~50 guys on this forum start drooling and dreaming about how to find you or your clone.

Welcome to the forum and beware southerners with 'mule' in their name. LOL.

Much good cheer. I think you found some fine equipment, there. Enjoy.

RJ...happily married to a subwoofer hating 'typical female'.

 

[mike c]

Na, I love him. I do feel for guys that have to deal with women complaining about their spending when most woman spend huge amounts of their income on nick nacks (a.k.a. junk) that clutters up the house, shoes, clothes, and jewelry. I'd much rather have a nice T.V. then 100 pairs of shoes or 50 rings I can never wear at the same time. My fiance' gets a kick out it I think. He bought me a dozen roses and had them sent to my work. Then, I found out how much it cost (like $80.00). So, I told him I loved the flowers, but next time I'd prefer a weedwacker. What do you know, he got me one the next time around! That's when I knew we were meant for each other.

i thought you were too good to be true when i read your first post. then this post ... you sure you're not a man using a female login name?

 

[techigirl78]

i thought you were too good to be true when i read your first post. then this post ... you sure you're not a man using a female login name?

LOL. Yup, I'm sure I'm a girl. I'm just am a geeky girl. I go to work everyday at my tech job, my favorite hobby is reef aquariums, I love sci-fi/fantasy/horror movies, I watch football on Sundays, I like video games and electronic gadgets, and buy powertools whenever the opportunity presents itself. All more male type traits I suppose.

I'm fairly sure I'm going to upgrade the receiver to the 2806, but the 3806 maybe pushing it. Last time when I started my search, I unsuccessfully ended with a B&W/Marantz/Hitachi setup that hit over $10,000. Just kept looking, you know, throwing a little extra money in the budget at every store I went to until I went over my budget (by a lot). Then, I became sad that I couldn't afford it. Now that I don't exactly remember what that setup sounded like, I can be happy with this one.

 

[korgoth]

if you want more bang for the buck, you can probobly get a 3805 for the same price as the 2806.

you said it would cost you aroun $825 right? i think you could find a 3805 on the internet for that.

not exactly sure what the drawbacks are, but it would give you a little more power, and its still a great receiver.

 

[Mudcat]

The sales guy said it can be returned if I don't like it, so I'll have to see.

Just be sure you're not going to get hit with restocking fees.

As far as the speaker cables and ICs are concerned, if you enjoy DIY go for it. But as I have (and I really enjoy DIY) you will find that it is less expensive to just buy it. Get some Sound King speaker wire and Dayton ICs from Parts Express.

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrades

Sounds like you put together a nice setup.
I second the recommendation for the 3805. You will get more features and more power than the lower model. Just make sure you order it from an authorized dealer.

If you don't think you are getting enough power from the Klipsch sub, consider returning it for one of the 12" mondels from SVS or HSU in the same price range.

Finally, the APC H10 power center listed on the audioholics christmas pics filters and regulates the output power for under $300. Not sure if your monster power center does this.

Enjoy the new setup. Sounds like Christmas came early this year.

 

[Nick250]

The wire suggestions are all good. I use Radio Shack 14 g because they are 5 minutes away, so it's really a convience thing any of those mentioned will all sound the same.

I am probably the lone voice here, but IMO you will hear no difference between the receivers mentioned. Receivers are way down the food chain of things that impact the sound in your livining room. Remeber that 95% of what you hear in your living room is speaker choice and room acoustics. The power differences between them so small as to be inaudible. The Klipsch speakers you are buying are very efficent. The only reason to go with the more expensive receiver is if it has have specific features that you need otherwise put your money where it will acutally have a direct audiable impact on what you hear and that is speakers and room treatments.