Help teaching an old dog new tricks please

[olddog]

Hello good folks of this forum,
I am a new member but I have been lurking for some time.
I used to be up on all the latist teck. but find myself at a current loss. I had a older system but recently up and bought an HD TV. So now I am looking to upgrade. Normally I would start with my speakers but connectivity seems to be a valid issue at this time also. I am running my audio out of the new HD TV back to the AV unit along with everything else and this seems wrong?
I am also at a loss on some of the new teckno jargon such as Deep color or HDMI 1.3? (IE is there another upgrade to this 1.3 around the corner like 1.5?)
If you could point me to some good articles?
Also on a AV amp/tuner I do not need I-pod, PC, XM. I just need to process my signal from a Sat service,DVD Blue Ray and Standerd, FM,CD, Phono (yes I still enjoy vinal)
My budget is around 2000.00 to 2500.00 for speakers and @ 1000.00 to 1500.00 for AV amp. inc. hook ups.(I have been trying here and everywhere to get more info on the Mirage V2 FS with OS3 sat and cc as I like what I hear so far. I also like Onkyo as I have had nothing but good reliability with my current unit but I am open.
Current situation

Media room 21ft.x18ft. Living area.. Seating distance from source 15’

Tx-DS484 Onkyo AV
Details
Amplifier Output Details: 55 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.08% - 2 channel(s) ( front ), 55 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.08% - 1 channel(s) ( center ), 55 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.08% - 2 channel(s) ( rear ), 70 Watt - 6 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.1% - 2 channel(s) ( front ), 70 Watt - 6 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.1% - 1 channel(s) ( center ), 70 Watt - 6 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.1% - 2 channel(s) ( rear )

Speakers Warfdale Zaldek S2000 with center and surrounds
High-output center channel loudspeaker
Dual 6.5” polycarbonate laminate bass drivers
Horn midrange and horn tweeter
Wired internally with premium Monster XP speaker cable
Heavy-duty MDF cabinet construction
Recommended amplifier power 20W-150W
Nominal impedance 6 ohm (suitable for 8 ohm amplifier)
Sensitivity (for 2.83v at 1m) 90dB
Frequency range at -6dB: 75Hz to 29kHz
Crossover frequencies at 2kHz and 7kHz
Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.5” x 24” x 10

Sub-Mirage LF 100 front firing with 8” ribbed speaker

Video-Samsung DLP HD HL61A650C1FX2A
· 61" screen with full 1080p HD support
· 1920 x 1080 native resolution
· Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
· Inputs: 3x HDMI 1.3 2 Composite, 2 Component, 1 S-Video, and 1 D-Sub (PC Input)
· Samsung DNIe and Digital Noise Reduction technology
· Set size(Width by Height by Depth): 54.8" x 37.8" x 14.4"
· Weight: 70.1 lb
· Release Date: 04/15/2008
The HL61A750 also includes SRS TruSurround XT for enhanced audio playback during viewing. Inputs on the device include 3 HDMI, 2 Composite, 2 Component, 1 S-Video, and 1 D-Sub (PC Input); it also includes one 3.5mm headphone port, 1 TOSLINK digital audio output, and 4 RCA phono audio outputs. Additional technology support includes Samsung DNIe and Digital Noise Reduction fucntionality. The HL61A750 also supports the standard Picture-in-Picture option and built in NTSC, ATSC, Clear QAM tuners.

Sony PS2 and Nintendo Wii
Thank you for your time

 

[Davemcc]

Your processing needs are pretty standard. Virtually every receiver in your range will do everything you need. The only thing to watch for will be the phono input but even that's not a major concern since there are a number of standalone preamps available. You should be able to find what you need for about $1K, the Denon 3808 being one such example.

Feel free to concentrate on the speaker search for now. It looks like you could spend up to $3K on speakers, given that you don't need to spend the full budget on a receiver. Out of that, you need to budget for a good sub due to the room size. Maybe a SVS PB12-Plus? The rest of the budget can go towards speakers. Try to audition brands such as B&W, Dynaudio, Focal.JMLabs, Monitor Audio, Paradigm, Energy, PSB, Era and many others. There are a ton of decen brands in that range. There are also the internet direct brands like Axiom, SVS, Aperion, even Emotiva.

Choosing speakers can be a daunting challenge because of the sheer number of brands and models. It's really up to you to find the ones that suit you best. Go shopping, relax and enjoy the experience. Once you know what speakers you like, then we can go back and revisit the receiver issue to ensure it can drive your speaker choice properly and has all the features you need.

 

[Highbar]

Dave hit it pretty well, go out and listen to ever speaker you can and make sure you get a nice sub. As for receivers I would check out the Denon 2808 or 3808, you can find them around on sale and they are nice units. I just got my 2808 from ListenUp.com for 600 and it's incredible, that will allow for more money for speakers. I know you aren't supposed to be able to tell the difference in receivers but this Denon is leaps and bounds beyond the Sony I switched from. The only thing you might have to watch out for on the 2808 is that it only has 2 HDMI inputs but it's easy enough to get a switch and add that to the system.

As for your question about HDMI, it's still evolving a bit but has been pretty set at 1.3 for the last few months. I'm sure some time down the road there will be a 1.4 or 1.5 but I wouldn't worry about that too much.

Hope that helps you in your search.

T

 

[Gatsby191]

My Choice for you

You listed a budget of $4000.00, and you also stated that you are a fan of Onkyo.(Me too!)
I looked around a bit, at a couple of set ups that I might like based on your listed specs(room, AVR, Speakers, Sub), and this is the one I thought you may like. I went over budget a bit on this set up, but I think it's worth it.(IMHO)
AVR:Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-SR805 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black): Electronics ($599.00)

Speakers(5.1 set up):The Best Home Theater Speakers With Free Shipping - Aperion Audio (The 5B Speaker configuration minus the Bravus Sub goes for about $2550, and shipping is free with a 30 day in home audition. Also, if you are not happy after the 30 day audition, Aperion will let you ship them back at no cost to you with a full refund)

Subwoofer:SV Sound PB12-Plus Powered Box Subwoofer ($1199.00 in Piano Black)


That comes out to $4348.00

You're sure to get many suggestions here, and the one I listed is just mine.
Good Luck! Joe B.

 

[Highbar]

I'll throw out another suggestion real quick... speakers only. The SVS MBS-01 5.1 setup with the new PB-12Plus sub they have for $3100.

 

[olddog]

Thanks folks I appreciate big time! I think for now I will keep the Miriage sub I have as it seems to do a more than good job filling my room. 100 watts cont with 400 wat peak ribbed 8" with eq on the front. I have never had to drive it all the way. I will start my speaker search today!
Thanks again