i want to buy your stuff

[sls7u]

I'm trying to upgrade my HT equipment and think that buying used stuff might be a good plan for me. Currently I have a Yamaha HTR-5450 receiver, Polk R30 front channels, Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 center, a pair of JBL N24 rears and a Sony SA-WM500 sub. I would say my audio usage is 60% TV, 30% video games and 10% DVDs.

I'm looking to upgrade my system over time, eventually getting to about $5000 worth of equiment over the next few years. What I'm looking for now is "phase one" of my upgrade. The things I was thinking about are some kind of new pre-pro/amp/receiver set-up, new speakers (either fronts or rears - i like my center the most - and no 7.1 yet) or a second sub, but I'm open to suggestions. I'm looking to spend between $500 and $1200 and want whatever I buy to be good enough to last for at least 5-8 years or so. So, if you're selling something that you think fits what I'm looking for (or you have some advice for this admiited HT-noob), please let me know. Thanks!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I don't think you need to buy used equipment with your budget. Most of whats used on ebay can be found elsewhere for similar pricing.

You say $500-$1200 on a receiver to last 5-8 years. What would you rather spend - $500 or $1200? There's a lot of options in that range.

You don't need a second sub. You need to eliminate that Sony and get A real sub. What's your budget there? Are we talking entry level-ish at $120 (Dayton 12"), mid level $500 (PB10 ISD), or something killer $1100 (PB12 Plus/2)?

Or is your total budget right now $1200 max? If so, I'd get the most I can for the most amount of money, one item at a time. IE, get the Plus/2 sub now, then save up for a nice Pioneer Elite receiver for around $800 - $1000 in due time, then go from there.

 

[rikmeister]

i concur but yet disagree with buckeye. i would look at some used things . especiall

y speakers. right now you could get totem hawk or forests on audiogon for around 1500.00 that is one great deal. as for receivers. i would look and watch on ubid. denon and marantz tend to dump excess inventory there. also harmon kardon does on ebay as well as their site . what kind of speakers do you like . neutral bright warm. i would also look at hsu subs too. and axiom and swan have some good speakers as well as ascend and aperion. they internet direct.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Whops - RIK is right. I should have explained myself better. As far as receivers go, absolutely check out Ubid. "B" stock IMO is the way to go. 25% or more discount, usually with warranties from 90days to 1yr. You'll save enough to cover the first repair - if it ever happens. Dakmart also has some nice deals on receivers. Ebay is another great source if you trust the seller.

I don't know about buying a used sub. You have to be so careful with the transfer of warranty issue, and how the previous owner used/abused it.

As far as high end speakers go, a lot of stuff at Audiogon is safe based on what the original ower paid for the speakers. You can be somewhat more confident that they took better care of their speakers compared to a guy who is selling a JBL used sub from Best Buy.

It's not as easy to find a full matching surround setup on Audiogon, but can be done if you keep your eye open. As far as buying two killer towers or a massive amp, it's hard to beat.

 

[Khellandros66]

Outlaw Audio has some great bundle deals for preamp/amps, one that caught my eye is the new Model 970/7125 combo for $1598, throw in their LFM-1 sub for another $550.

Whats truly cool about Outlaw is the 30 day trial period.

Some great speakers that I recommend

Definitive: (I love Deftech's stuff)
SM450s or BP6s for the front L/R
BP2s for the surrounds
CLR2002 for the center.

Axiom Epic Grandmaster 350

Polk:
RTi8
CSi3
FXi3

All fall into your budget and allow some room for sources such as dvd players, etc.

~Bob

 

[Rob Babcock]

It might be tough to get a receiver that will last you 5-8 years, depending upon how much of a 'propellor-head' you are. Each years' new model will add processing power, inputs & features for even less money than the previous. Still, if you just want the basics and don't feel the need to always be on the bleeding edge, a used one can be a good deal.

I'll chime in my agreement with the guys who say speakers are a great deal used. They're generally very reliable, last for decades in many cases, and aren't quickly made obsolete by new models. You can expect to pay between 25 to 75 cents on the dollar vs the new price. Used can be a very wise buy indeed, provided you stick with trustworthy sellers.

 

[sls7u]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Do any of you know much about Rocket by Onix speakers (sold at av123.com)? I've seen some very good reviews of the RS seriers.

 

[Josuah]

I have yet to see a single negative review of the Rocket speakers. You can also find some of them used off Audiogon.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I haven't heard the Rockets, but I owned the more expensive Reference 1's. I will say the fit and finish was beyond impeccable, but I didn't like the sound; they did some things extraordinarily well, some things not so well. Mostly I thought they were too bright.

Still the Rockets are different animal. They're voiced a little more "darkly" according to what I've read. I will say you get a lot for the money from a build quality standpoint, and their return policy is great. You can't lose by trying them.

BTW, I also bought an Onix Melody SP3 tubed integrated amp from them and I'm pleased as punch with that. They're great guys to deal with, that's for sure.

 

[pedy100]

Speakers, Sub and Receiver for Sale

I don't know if this would interest you but I'll give it a shot. I have the following equipement for sale. The sub is less than six months old, the speakers are "old new stock/demo" and less than three months old and the receiver is about 45 days old. I have all receipts and boxes for everything other than the receiver; just the receipt. None of the equipement has been even closed to abused. I just felt the need to upgrade to the Veritas product, found a smoking deal on a MK sub and picked up a new Denon 3806 (HDMI switching was important to me.

Here is the list and what I paid: Will sell as a package for $1350.00 plus shipping. Or, if you live within 150-200 miles of Milwaukee/Chicago I can deliver.

Denon 2805 - $565
Mirage 12 - $499.00
Energy e:XL-26 maple towers - $375.00
Energy e:XL 100 Center, Black - $100.00
Energy e:XL-16 bookshelf, Maple - $200.00
Energy e:XL-R1B Surrounds (pair) black - $175.00