Home Theater Newbie

[doctorraoul]

After much debate, I have finally decided to start my home theater system for my 50 in panasonic plasma. I was originally going to just get a sound bar but after realizing a decent one equals the same amt as right, left, center, woofer and receiver, i have decided to just start a surround system. i'm thinking for receiver either marantz 6003 or onkyo 606. and for speakers either aperion intimus 5h, paradigm atom, or athena (for right left center and woofer.) i'm not that much of an stereophile. does anyone have any thoughts or other recs?

 

[Phil Taylor]

If you're not that much of a stereophile save your bucks and go with Onkyo 606 and some Athenas - not that either aren't high quality but they offer value as well.

 

[Soundman]

What is your budget? Room size?

 

[john72953]

I just joined, so I can't link you to anything, but accessories4less has a great deal on a KEF/MARANTZ combo for just over a grand!

Here are details from their site:

Marantz SR4002 Receiver 80w x 7ch HDMI
OK, so you know the benefits of HDMI. That’s the high definition audio/video (or “multi-media”) interface that lets you connect a DVD player, for example, to a processor or receiver with just one cable. And then use just one more cable to get all that information to your TV screen. Think you’d like that convenience? And how about switching so you can select one or the other HDMI-equipped source without the hassle of changing multiple cables? The SR4002 has it.

KEF iQ1 2-Way 5.25" Bookshelf Speakers
The new iQ1 proves that with the right technology, you don't need big boxes to enjoy audiophile-quality sound. If you want to create a rich, expansive sounds cape in a smaller room without compromising sonic accuracy, it delivers the full benefit of KEF's latest design thinking. With the sophisticated new 5.25" Uni-Q coincident driver array in a compact reflex-ported cabinet, you experience stunningly clear vocals, fluid midrange, and an unusually spacious 3D sound image no matter where you sit. Being magnetically-shielded like the rest of the iQ line-up, they're as easy to place as they are to drive. Everything from the titanium surface of the Uni-Q cones to the shrouded bi-wire terminals says 'quality' - and for music or movies, that's the word that defines exactly how iQ1 sounds.

KEF iQ2C 2-Way Center Channel Speaker
The pleasures of home cinema depend largely on the quality of your center channel speaker. This is an area where the unrivalled dispersion characteristics of KEF Uni-Q technology make a real difference -- the 5.25" titanium-coated Uni-Q array in the iQ2 projects on-screen dialogue with equal clarity and realism throughout the room. Configured for bi-wiring or even bi-amplification like all the Q Series, its smooth midrange and fast transient attack delivers the listening enjoyment of high-end audio technology at a surprisingly modest price.

KEF iQ5 3-Way 5.25" Tower Speakers
A compact, full-range floor stander, the iQ5 is a true three-way speaker. With KEF's new 5.25" long-throw LF driver delivering superbly defined bass, the midrange driver of the 5.25" Uni-Q point source array is dedicated to reproducing midrange frequencies with even greater clarity. High order crossovers ensure seamless transitions between each driver, and with Uni-Q's remarkable off-axis dispersion characteristics, you get a speaker that's as easy to place as it is rewarding to hear -- especially for enjoying the richness and complexity of modern digital formats. Ideal for use with iQ1 and iQ2c in a home cinema system, it's a superbly assertive performer for the modest size of its slender cabinet and outstanding value if you aspire to genuine audiophile standards of sound reproduction.

Monster Cable Ultra 600 THX Certified Speaker Cable (two 40' rolls)

Ordinary speaker cables can compromise your home theater system's audio performance, potentially depriving you of at least half of what makes home theater come alive, the audio. Monster Ultra 600 THX Certified Speaker Cable incorporates features like advanced Time Correct windings for precise imaging and higher copper content provides wider dynamic range. With ordinary cables, you may be able to hear your movie dialogue, music and sound effects, but with Monster Ultra 600 THX Certified Speaker Cable, you experience it.

ETHEREAL ESP-1010 Surge Protector
EMI/RFI filtration
2160 Joules
Digital voltmeter
10 outlets
Signal line protection (1 telephone, 1 Ethernet, 1 coaxial)
Eight foot power cord
$75,000 Connected Equipment Limited Warranty
IXOS HDMI 1.3a 1080p certified HDMI Cable (two 1½m & one 2m)
The IXOS GMHD is a fully HDMI certified cable supporting true 1080 progressive scan performance. High grade PC-OFC conductors significantly improve audio integrity & detail, triple shielding provides the optimum protection against RFI and Electromagnetic interference. The GMHD offers outstanding value for money and in our view you won't find a quality 1080p HDMI cable at this price anywhere else.

I don't know if this is still on, but it wouldn't hurt to check this out if its within your budget.

John

 

[calnbs]

I use monoprice speaker wires and in my opinion....they seem pretty good. Save your money and put it towards your speaker. I rather spend my money on speaker than wires anyday.

 

[alexwakelin]

For about $1000 many people on thise site recommend the SVS 5.1 package. If you went that route you would still need to budget for a receiver and wiring/cables, but I've seen nothing but glowing reviews of that setup.

 

[mediaholic]

This is probably a wide varying question but approximately how much will it cost for a decent receiver and wires/cables for a room that is 15' x 10' for that SVS5.1 system? Thanks.

 

[Adam]

This is probably a wide varying question but approximately how much will it cost for a decent receiver and wires/cables for a room that is 15' x 10' for that SVS5.1 system? Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

A decent receiver would run you (ballpark) from $150 on up. It really depends on what features you want/need for your system. For example, if you want the receiver to process the audio coming over HDMI signals, then you'd be more in the $350 and up range for a receiver. If you have more specifics, we can certainly give you recommendations.

As for wires/cables, it wouldn't cost that much. They would easily be under $100 unless you wanted to run specialty wires (like flat wires). As above, we could certainly provide you with recommendations. There are some good online stores for wires/cables (such as Monoprice.com) and chain stores. You don't need anything fancy or expensive to get good performance.