Help with new system! New to home theater!

[bacchus99]

I've posted a couple threads about center channels and subs and got some really good feedback. Thanks for all the help. However, being new to home theater I'd like to post some more thoughts and questions and get some experienced feedback.

Summary of equipment I currently have(bought this stuff back in the mid 90's)
- 27 inch sanyo tube TV(yuck) (only 3 years old...wish it would die so i'd have a reason to replace it!)
- pair of bose 301 series III
- pioneer rear channel speakers already mounted in the house I bought(probably came from a box set)
- yamaha EQ-70 Equilizer
- JVC 4 channel amp(no surround decoding)
- JVC 5 disc CD changer

My theory is to get the surround sound system before getting a flat panel TV(figure i can start enjoying the sound now). I'd like to use as much of what I currently have now for bugdet reasons. I plan on getting the Yamaha 663. I plan on using the 301's as left and rights.

Questions
1. Will the pioneer rear channels be good enough for now? How important are the rear channel speakers?

2. Is there any chance of finding a center channel to match the 301's close enough or should I just run Phantom center? Will phantom center still sound ok?

3. Do I really need a 400 dollar SVS sub to be happy? Or will any decent brand 200 watt sub do?

4. Am I doing the yammy 663 receiver injustice by only running 5.1 instead of 7.1?

5. Am I better off trying to sell all the old stuff and buying a complete 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system that matches?

6. Is it ok mismatch brand of speakers and still get a sound I'll be happy with?

7. Should I get the TV first then worry about the surround?

8. Does anyone run EQ's with home theater these days? I don't see them sold too much. Should I keep the Yamaha EQ-70?

9. Where is the best place to buy equipment price wise? I notice if you buy from an authorized retailer the price is higher but you have a safety net if something doesn't work. Do most people bargin shop the internet and not worry with authorized dealers?

Sorry for all the questions but obviously I'm confused as what to do and need some experienced help. I don't want this to turn into a major expense...I'd like to do it on a budget but still be happy with it. I'm not really looking for super high end system just something that will sound decent with movies! Thanks in advance!

 

[Stripes]

what is your budget starting off?

 

[bacchus99]

what is your budget starting off?

Well the thing is I have plenty of money to throw out all the old crap and go get a nice system. However i'm a total tight a$$ and not to hard to please. Like i said i'm not looking for a really high end system. I think i can be happy with best buy's/circuit cities decent equipment. Starting budget for receiver/sub/center channel: maybe 800 bucks. Keep in mind i'll probably bargin shop the internet for good prices and not pay retail.

Really money is not most important factor(but still important). I want to get the best system I can using the least amount of money and using what I can of what i currently own. I think if i could get most of the above questions answered that would help me out alot.

 

[bandphan]

Questions
1. Will the pioneer rear channels be good enough for now? How important are the rear channel speakers? Maybe, depends

2. Is there any chance of finding a center channel to match the 301's close enough or should I just run Phantom center? Will phantom center still sound ok? Since money isnt a concern, get all new matching fronts

3. Do I really need a 400 dollar SVS sub to be happy? Or will any decent brand 200 watt sub do? Hard to say, generaly yes. Depends

4. Am I doing the yammy 663 receiver injustice by only running 5.1 instead of 7.1? Maybe, how big is the room

5. Am I better off trying to sell all the old stuff and buying a complete 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system that matches? Yes, rears and sub optional matching

6. Is it ok mismatch brand of speakers and still get a sound I'll be happy with? SEE ABOVE

7. Should I get the TV first then worry about the surround?
Its up to you
8. Does anyone run EQ's with home theater these days? I don't see them sold too much. Should I keep the Yamaha EQ-70? Yes, with crossover control, keep it if want, but use it correctly

9. Where is the best place to buy equipment price wise? I notice if you buy from an authorized retailer the price is higher but you have a safety net if something doesn't work. Do most people bargin shop the internet and not worry with authorized dealers? All depends on what you like and who sells it, I tend to throw my money to the B&Ms for personal reasons, but I am not limited to them, there are plenty od ID companies that manfacture goods that are not only cost effective, but well made in terms of measured performance.

Defining some paramaters would be a good way to start...

 

[bacchus99]

Defining some paramaters would be a good way to start...

Room is about 16X20 with open floor plan and probably at least 10 ft ceiling if not 12ft.

 

[jcPanny]

Upgrade ideas

For a quality surround sound system I would recomend the following upgrades if budget allows. I wouldn't bother with the old EQ.

HT receiver ($2-500): If you don't need bluray, then you can get a less expensive model.

Speakers ($1-200 each): Replace the front channels and use the Bose for the surround channels. I wouldn't worry about the surround back channels.

Sub ($2-400): For $200, the AV123 x-sub will give you good base down to 30 Hz. If you want better performance, the entry level SVS is a good options.

Souce ($150-400): Get a good upscalling DVD player (oppo digital) or a PS3 for BluRay playback.

 

[fredk]

If I understand correctly, you want the best system (for you) possible, money is no object, but you want good/excellent value for what you spend.

First you need to determine what you consider to be good sound, what it costs and if you are willing to spend the money to get it.

So, gather together some music/movies you are familiar with go someplace that carries a range of products and listen. Find a system who's sound you like and check the price.

Since you are a value for money guy, you will have a natural reaction to the price vs what you hear. It might be "love the sound but I would never spend that" or "love the sound, but maybe for half the price"...

Now see if you can find the sound you want for the money you are willing to pay.

If you are willing to go the used route, you might find what you are looking for on Audiogone, but first you need to get some idea of what quality of sound you are willing to pay for. The only way to do that is to listen to a lot of different speakers in different price ranges.

If you are willing to do lots of reading, you can find other threads here where people recommend speakers that represent an uncommon value for the money.

 

[bacchus99]

I wonder if the entry level SVS box sub would be enough for my room. I heard a klipsh sub at best buy that I believe was about the same power or less and size of the entry level sub and it sounded fine to me. I'm not really sure I understand the room size thing. Best buy is a 12,000 square foot store(more or less) and the little theater they had setup was only enclosed with half walls. If I do go with the svs and it is not enough at least the yammy 663 has another sub output....i could run 2. However i barely have a place for 1 of them with the open floor plan....not sure where i'm going to put the first one.

 

[mazersteven]

Well the thing is I have plenty of money to throw out all the old crap and go get a nice system. However i'm a total tight a$$ and not to hard to please.

Well first IMO since you state you have "Plenty of Money" I would replace the Bose 301 series III speakers as your mains. I understand you are a "Tight Arse", but can't understand is your "Hard to Please" how you can be happy with these.

This is not to bash Bose, but those speakers don't make good mains for HT. IMO

 

[bandphan]

I wonder if the entry level SVS box sub would be enough for my room. I heard a klipsh sub at best buy that I believe was about the same power or less and size of the entry level sub and it sounded fine to me. I'm not really sure I understand the room size thing. Best buy is a 12,000 square foot store(more or less) and the little theater they had setup was only enclosed with half walls. If I do go with the svs and it is not enough at least the yammy 663 has another sub output....i could run 2. However i barely have a place for 1 of them with the open floor plan....not sure where i'm going to put the first one.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44876

most of your thoughts have been addresed already. You will ultimetly purchase what you want. If money is of no concern as you stated take some of the suggestions that have been made to you and try them, if you dont have to start cheap, why would you? When i suggested starting with some paramaters what i meant was to come to a conclusion of exactly what you want to accomplish, what will it take to accomplish it, how much money will it take to accomplish. Random thoughts can sometimes work in HT, but a well thought out system, usally saves money, time, and gives a better overall experience.

 

[mazersteven]

Questions
1. Will the pioneer rear channels be good enough for now? How important are the rear channel speakers?

Are the surrounds important? You tell me, they create the effects of surround sound? Of course they are important. That's what makes watching movies fun. Thats why we don't just use the speakers that come with the television.

I think your speakers will be fine as long as you have proper placement.

 

[mazersteven]

2. Is there any chance of finding a center channel to match the 301's close enough or should I just run Phantom center? Will phantom center still sound ok?

I don't know how likely it will be to find a center channel for the Bose 301's. If you must run the 301's, then I would run phantom. Don't know how successful this will be with the 301's.

 

[mazersteven]

3. Do I really need a 400 dollar SVS sub to be happy? Or will any decent brand 200 watt sub do?

Depending on your rooms volume (size), plus any opening to other areas of the house will determine what sub will be right for your system.

Also sub design is very important to a subs performance. SVS subs are designed very well for this.

 

[mazersteven]

4. Am I doing the yammy 663 receiver injustice by only running 5.1 instead of 7.1?

5.1 or 7.1 is a personal choice. IMO you are not doing the receiver an injustice. That receiver has other functions that make it worth owning. But IMO you should choose a receiver based of the features you need, and the power that your speakers need.

In other words you should choose your receiver after you've made a decision on what speakers and features you'll need.

 

[mazersteven]

5. Am I better off trying to sell all the old stuff and buying a complete 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system that matches?

IMO yes. Identical matching speakers are always ideal for a seamless HT experience.

 

[mazersteven]

6. Is it ok mismatch brand of speakers and still get a sound I'll be happy with?

Identical speakers all the way around is preferred, and recommended. But in real life this is not always possible. IMO your main L/C/R speaker must match. It is not as critical for your surrounds to match your mains, but it is preferred. Your subwoofer does not have to match.

 

[mazersteven]

7. Should I get the TV first then worry about the surround?

No one can answer that question but you. It's a matter of what will give you the most enjoyment.

 

[bacchus99]

Here's what I think i'm going to do. I just ordered the yamaha 663 from JR. I will probably order the entry level SVS. I will run phantom center on the 301's...if that sound untolerable i'll buy a center and match best i can....may even will have to buy the bose center(called them and they say it'll match in timbre as best it can). Then once I can i'll replace the 3 fronts with something better. Then I should be plenty good to go. I don't need a 10K system to be happy.

 

[mazersteven]

Here's what I think i'm going to do. I just ordered the yamaha 663 from JR. I will probably order the entry level SVS. I will run phantom center on the 301's...if that sound untolerable i'll buy a center and match best i can....may even will have to buy the bose center(called them and they say it'll match in timbre as best it can). Then once I can i'll replace the 3 fronts with something better. Then I should be plenty good to go. I don't need a 10K system to be happy.

Sell the Bose on E-Bay right now. Call SVS back and purchase either their SBS-01 system, or their MTS-01 system.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-mts01.cfm

 

[bacchus99]

I don't quite want to spend that much right now...Remember i'm a tight arse. I gotta ease into this. But i'm gettin there!