HT setup advice wanted

[krenshaw]

Hey all,

I've been reading the forums here for a few weeks and decided it's time to finally post. I always thought I knew a good amount about stereo systems and such, but I have been seriously humbled by what I've been reading here. With such a great collection of HT gurus, I would really apprecaite some input on a system I'm putting together.

Here's the specs: The "media center" is actually my living room. A modest sized room (about 18'x22'), in an open floor plan house (living room adjoins the kitchen and hallway leading to the front door with no walls in between). It's mostly a big square. I've got the TV, DVD, and CD sources all set, now I really need a good receiver and speaker system.

My budget is limited to about $1,000-1,200 and here are my requirements:

- 7.1 surround system

- About 70% will be used for music listening with about 20% DVD movies and 10% TV.

- I would like to be able to hook up another set of speakers, to be run outside on my back deck (would like to run this off my receiver so that I can listen to the same source both inside and outside).

From some research and reading on this site, I've narrowed down my receiver brands to either Yamaha or Denon (from having great past experience with both brands). However, I'm very open to other brands that you think would fit my needs.

For speakers, I'm at a total, complete, overwhelming loss. And I know that this is where the majority of my focus should be. Please help!!!! My only requirements here are that they not be too big. I'd prefer bookshelfs for the front channels and smaller satellites for everywhere else would be great. Also, what would be the best sub to fit the budget?

So, if any of you experts has some extra time on your hands and would like to help me out with designing a system with the above requirements, I would GREATLY appreciate it.

PS -- Sorry for the novel-length post here. I figured it's my first one, so I'll try to make it a good one!

- K

 

[Nick250]

A couple of quick thoughts. Budget 70% of your total system funds for speakers and then get out and start auditioning as many speakers that are in your price range as you can. I can't emphasise enough how important auditioning speakers as the very first thing is. All the other choices in your new system gets built around your choice of main (front left and front right) speakers including which sub you need.

FWIW I like Denon and Yamaha receivers too. One of my receivers is a Denon 1705. The model they sell now is 1706. I am very impressed. It drove my main system (see below in my sig) for a few weeks while waiting for the 3806 and it did a great job. Highly recommended.

Nick

 

[Pyrrho]

I agree with Nick250: Budget most of your money for your speakers, as they will affect the sound more than the receiver. I personally have over $5000 worth of speakers hooked up to a $600-700 receiver. Most people buy fancy receivers, and then don't have enough money left for really good speakers, and their sound suffers for it. But they can brag about all of the nifty features of their receiver.

Assuming normal speakers (normal efficiency, normal impedance), I would advise you to look for the cheapest receiver from a reputable company that has all of the features you need. Then, before buying it, go audition speakers that cost all of the rest of the money in your budget, and see if you find some you like. If they are not a low impedance or abnormally inefficient, you can then go back and buy that receiver that you selected in the first place. If, however, the speakers are all 4 ohms and rated at 75 dB @ 1 watt @ 1 meter, you will have a problem, and will need to select different speakers if you are going to stay in budget.

So, go out into the world and listen to as many speakers as you can stand to listen to that are in your budget.

 

[JeffD2.]

krenshaw,

Great advice from Pyrrho and Nick250. However, what's not mentioned is a subwoofer. Expect to spend a minimum of $450 for a real one.

 

[krenshaw]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I appreciate it!

I will definitely plan to allocate the majority of my budget for speakers (and I'm sure I'll likely go over budget a bit anyhow )

Quick question... Do most 7.1 receivers offer the ability to hook up an ADDITIONAL pair of speakers also? I've been doing some searching online and haven't been able to find a definitive answer.

Thanks again for all your help!

PS -- Can anyone recommend a good set of main channel (front L/R) in the $400-500 dollar range? Figure, this would leave me about $200 for the rest of the satellites and $300-400 for a good receiver. Thank you all again.

 

[df4801]

some receivers do allow a 7.1 and then 2 additional on a "zone 2".
If you like yamaha, try to find a HTR 5890. (same as the rxv 1500) .
Would work well for you and I remember seeing one a few weeks back for $475.

Heres a example of a decent L/R/C combo for $500.
http://www.brand-electronics.com/products/?product=1181
http://www.brand-electronics.com/products/?product=1182

too many other examples to list.

 

[jcPanny]

Zone 2 features

To clarify the zone 2 features on low to mid range receivers, most will allow you to run 7.1 HT speakers with unpowered line level signal for Zone 2.
OR
5.1 HT speakers with 2 of the receivers amps assigned to powered zone 2 output.

Using the line level output would require a seperate stereo amp for powering the zone 2 speakers.
Another entry level receiver with the zone 2 feature is the Yamaha RX-V659 for around $300 new from authorized dealers. Also look for the Refurbished mid-fi Yamaha RX-V2500 for <$500.

Keep in mind that every low end receiver has a tape output that you could connect to an amp to run speakers in another room. The "Zone 2" adds the ability of listening to a different source in both zones and in some cases an adjustable volume level on the output, sperate remote, etc.

 

[krenshaw]

Awesome... great info. Thanks guys!

 

[MtLoop]

When I "auditioned" my speakers, I took along ten of my favorite CD's.

Something with some pipe organ in it, some piano, vocal, rock, string music etc.

The lower pipes of the organ put a lot of speakers out of the running.

Bob