Infinity Speakers - Need AVR & Sub recommendation

[TJWillie]

I just purchased the following Infinity In-wall/In-Ceiling speakers for a new HT in my attic. Here is what I am planning for the 7.1 system:

FL, Center & FR - Infinity ERS HV250 (in wall)
SL & SR - ERS 210 (in wall)
RL & RR - ERS 310 (in ceiling)

SUB - ?? (need a recommendation here...hopefully less than $400)

A/V Receiver - Trying to decide between a Denon AVR-2807 and the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS. It looks like I get purchase either one for ~$850 from a couple of different online merchants.

I would appreciate your thoughts & comments on these Infinity Speakers & Possibly a recommendation a good Sub to match the system.

The room is roughly 14x20.

Thanks,
TJ

 

[AVRat]

I’d first suggest you reverse or modify your spending allocations. Go for a better sub and less expensive, good quality receiver. The Denon AVR- 2307/1907, Pioneer VSX-80/1016, and Yamaha RX-V659 are good receiver options. For a sub, the HSU STF-3 or better (sale pricing now) and SVS PB12-NSD are your best buys right now.

 

[TJWillie]

First of all, Thank you for the reply. I really appreciate it.

Let's talk about the Sub first. I have looked at both the HSU, and SVS subs, and I really don't know much about them. Having said that, everything I read in this forum is REALLY positive about them. At this point, I probably need a DOWN firing sub to keep it somewhat "kid friendly". The SVS is side firing, so that narrows it down to the HSU. It looks like they have a good sale right now like you mentioned.
STF-3 -- $479 + S&H
VTF-2 MK 2 -- $449 + S&H

Which one would you recommend & why?

As for the Receiver, I almost purchased the Yamaha RX-V2500 from Tweeter last week for $499. When I was in the store, the saleman told me that it is a great receiver, but it will NOT deliver TRUE 7.1 sound from HD-DVD's or BLUE Ray. He said in order to get true 7.1 sound from these sources, that you MUST use an HDMI cable. IS THIS ACCURATE?

Based on his comments, I then narrowed down my choices to only those receivers that offered HDMI switching, and ones that were rated well by CNET. (I'm not a complete novice with A/V stuff, but I normally stick with Low/Mid-fi equipment.) This led me to the Denon AVR-2807 and the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS.

I plan to purchase a new 50" Plasma TV in the next month or two, and I was hoping to get the best picture possible by using a receiver with quality HDMI switching.

I will be placing the A/V receiver, new DVD player, new Satelite receiver (Dish Network), and future HD-DVD or Blueray player in a media closet that is ~15 feet from the TV. I really like the idea of only having one cable running from the media closet to the TV, but this may not be necessary? Please HELP !!

By the way, the 50 inch plasma that I intend the purchase will most likely be 720p/1080i and NOT 1080p. I can't afford the 1080p one yet, so this whole HDMI thing may not be necessary for me.

Would I be better off trying to find an LCD with 1080p to take advantage of the "FULL HD"?

Again, thank you for any comments you could provide...........I'm getting a little confused over this whole thing........

Thanks,
TJ

 

[AVRat]

For the subs, take your pick. $60 will give you a little more bass extension and headroom for those special times.

As for the receiver, AAGH!!... I’m so confused also. This is what I think I know. Only HDMI has the capability to handle True Dolby HD and several other 7.1 capable surround sound processing formats, but I believe only the 1.3 standard allows bitstream transfer and 1.1 and 1.2 can handle PCM transfer. I may be slightly off-base, it’s difficult to keep it all straight. I don’t think anything has been announced when the first true 7.1 soundtrack will be released.

A “Batman Begins” HD-DVD review adds a little more insight or confusion. Next to last paragraph talks about audio. http://www.avrev.com/hddvd/revs/1106/batman_begins.shtml

Sorry I can’t be more help.

 

[TJWillie]

Thanks again.

I read the "Batman Begins" article (a couple of times), and YES, it does provide some insight, but I'm still confused.....

At this point, if it were up to you, would you purchase an AVR with HDMI switching. I have read A LOT of posts, and it seems like it works OK for some people, and not very well for others.

I just hate to purchase a new "non-HDMI" receiver, then a year from now I really need (or want) to try out the HDMI and see if I can get it to work.

I guess I could purchase an HDMI receiver from a local dealer, try it out for a couple of weeks, then return it if I run into too may problems. I hate to use them as guinea pigs, but I really don't know how else to test it out.

Thanks,
TJ

PS -- It looks like HSU sub may be the way to go.....