Home Theater Setup...looking to get some advice

[nrdoyle]

So, although I wouldn't necessarily consider myself an audiophile...yet, I do have some background in music (played guitar in a band for a number of years) and really appreciate a sound system that can really reproduce a good realistic live sound. My first "real" stereo system was purchased about 5 years ago, and although I enjoy it more than anything I've previously had, I feel that it still leaves something to be desired. What I currently have is the following:

Yamaha RX-397 stereo receiver
2 infinity primus p162 speakers
1 Yamaha YST-SW 315 sub

Currently I play CD's/concert Blu-rays through a playstation 3 or hook up my iphone to the auxiliary input of the receiver to listen to music. I know this is probably not the ideal setup, but that's why I'm here. We have just finished our basement, and I intend to put a better home theater/music system down there. It is wired right now for a 2.1 system, which is fine with me. I am not that into surround sound for the theater part of things anyway. It is far more important to me that the system work well for music. I have been doing a lot of searching on this forum and have been both enlightened and very confused.

So, I guess my current questions are:
-what type of receiver should I get assuming I'd like to stay under $500-600$?
-I would like to play CD's and blu-ray discs. Is it better to get separate players? Do I lose music quality playing a CD through a blu-ray player?
-I assume the blu-ray player will need two HDMI outputs...one for tv and one for the receiver correct?
-What's the best option to hook up ipod/laptop to the system?
-What type of bookshelf speakers are recommended for a $1000 speaker budget? I've looked at a lot of reviews/threads about the Ascend Sierra-1's and those seem like they might be a good option
-How about a sub? I'd like to keep that under $500 if possible.

I think that's enough questions for now. I'm excited to get started looking, but just really don't know where to start. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile either, but let's see if I can help you with a few of your questions.
A lot of recommendations get made for Amazon and Accessories for Less for budget receivers. http://www.accessories4less.com/ If you don't want to go with surround there are 2 channel receivers available.
You don't need separates for cd and blu-ray. I play my cd's through my Panasonic BDP and the sound is fine. There are some issues with using a Blu-Ray for CD playback that I find annoying, such as slow load times. Sound quality tho seems to be unaffected.
A single HDMI out is all that is needed to a receiver for the Blu-Ray. The receiver will process the signal and output to your display for video, and your speakers for the audio.
As far as speakers, I own the Ascend Sierra Towers RAAL. There are people on this forum who have heard many more speaker brands than I have, but I auditioned quite a few of the usual suspects when I was looking. Paradigm, Klipsch, Def Tech, Pioneer, Revel, Bose....etc. I made the order for Ascend, unheard, due to recommendations from people on this forum and have never been happier with a set of speakers. In short, I think Ascend makes a great product and you would be happy with any of their offerings. Don't be afraid to call Ascend with any questions you may have.
For a sub, look at SVS. Their SB1000 is in line with your budget.

Beyond that, some more specifics such as room size, music tastes, desired volume levels are helpful in making recommendations.

 

[markw]

Johnny gave you good advice but one thing you should be aware of: Virtually ALL blu-ray players lack analog audio outputs nowadays. That knocks out most two-channel units you might be considering.

 

[shadyJ]

If you get the Sierra speakers, go for the Rythmik LV12r subwoofer. I believe a package purchase gets you a small discount, and the Rythmik will outperform the equivalently priced SVS subs. As for receivers, the brands I would stick with are Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, and Pioneer. If you want something that lasts, skip the budget Onkyos.

 

[AudioPhreak]

Have you looked into using bluetooth as the interface between your laptop and home system?

It would be convenient because it wouldn't require wires.