Introduction

[freemymind]

Hey all, First off would like to say what a great site full of information this is and I am so glad I finally got off my lazzy butt and found it!

Going to post pics of my (n00b) system on my lame website soon and I am typing this after loosing a long post I had typed up here so will edit this one if it works

Basically my main question is what should be my first upgrade? I am thinking center channel. On that note, my Pioneer VSX-D608 has a center preout as well as the speaker wire output. Should I bother taking advantage of this? is it worth it? or should I just get a standard speaker cable center channel?

Also I seem to see allot of things about Component Video being the best conection to use. Is this including the DVI/HDMI conections? or are they better to go with. I am just confused on that sorry. Also am I right to assume Optical is best audio conection to use?

Home Theater link to my site http://tobey1.ath.cx/dreamhometheater.html

Thanks,
Freemymind

 

[Audioholics]

This would be a great article for you to read:

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/audiovideocables.php

 

[freemymind]

thank you I did miss this one.

Just found the site yesterday but allready leanred more than I have ever combined. Thank you for the reply and link.

 

[freemymind]

So any recomendations for Center channel?

I read over that article and will do more reading as I am still a bit unclear (being a n00b is so agravating at times) Anyhow I am still wondering if the centerchannel is still worth useing or should I go with a standard speaker hook up unit. Then again, perhaps the center channel is not where I need to start and if that is the case I am open ears. I am simply looking for the opinion of others with much more experience in this field than me and not after a comission check or such. Thanks again and I am doing my own research so far I have not found a powered center channel lower than 1,000.00 I am looking at spending closer to 250-350 and I don't mind used/ebay items though I would prefer new.
The Polk Audio CSi5 is looking like a good choice and I do like the way it sounds.

Thanks again

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

Welcome to the forum!

Do a search for Bic at amazon. I dont know the model numbers, but they get a lot of praise around here for good entry level speakers. Make sure the front 3 speakers match. I would get them at the same time (maybe all 5). Others should chime in but if not...do a search here. there are tons of threads covering similar topics.

 

[freemymind]

Thank you

Thanks for the reply searching on them now. I do appriciate it.

 

[The Numenorian]

Hey there, welcome to AH! I just noticed you're from Hendersonville; I'm not far off, over in Enka/Candler! Neat seeing a local.

Anyway, here's to business...

First of all, getting a solid foundation for a good, long lasting system is not what many new home theater buyers expect. For me, it involved a sudden exchange from an old HTIB to a low level 2.1 setup with a new receiver...I had to get rid of my old system by selling it, because the new receiver had too much power (and was too good) for the old cube speakers (ugh get those outta there). For you, a new receiver will have to come sooner or later, and if you get one now, it'll take the guesswork out of getting speakers that match in the long run. Not to mention, a receiver is a GREAT starting place, if it has pre-outs that can be used to turn it into a dedicated processor, with external amplification to feed your speakers (which also adds upgradeability and versatility to your system). Once you have good electronics, then you can get some better speakers...I recommend the highly praised Axiom speakers (www.axiomaudio.com) for well priced, yet high standard audiophile goodies. For a receiver, I highly recommend either Onkyo or Yamaha, the latter being my favorite (and the one I have the most experience with.)

Think about this...you can buy a nice receiver first, and hook up your speakers. When the money builds up again, you can purchase some very nice speakers (axiom, klipsh, JBL, whatever) with just the receiver pushing them, and when more money rolls in, you can buy external amplification to boost your system's strength and take the load off of your receiver. This is actually what I plan to do, and I've already learned that patience pays off BIGTIME! Entering the separates market is significantly more expensive than HTIB systems, but well worth the cost...just don't let yourself be pressured into doing anything by a salesman, or even by your own impulses.

If you need any help AT ALL, please PM myself or any of the locals;; we're more than happy to give our advice (although I recommend getting second opinions whenever possible).

 

[freemymind]

Again thanks for the reply and.......

Great hearing from a local, always makes everything more relaxed and reasuring to me knowing that all the people around are not from out of country or state (not that there is anythig wrong with that).
I have a few questions from your post. 1st cube speakers you speak I am guessing refer to the small suare speakers out of the cheap Pioneer Home theater kit?
2nd I know a good reciever was on my upgade list, and I would really love to get a good one. However just with the little I have done so far. (Switching to my old "Better" reciever than the one from the HT kit. it has the Sub and center preouts, s-video inputs and optical. I was able to hook up the Sub and was next working towards a Center channel/planning the rest of my speakers. From the prevous post I checked out the BIC speakers and really like them. and have found allot of info on them. I was hoping to upgrade center channel then my front 4-way tower speakers (old but doing a decent job) and then finally the surround speakers (that should make a great diffenence from the cubes I am using) and lastly well not last but you get the idea, a great reciever. I dont want to skimp out on the reciever and would really like to make a good choice there. seeing as I was looking to spend 300-400 for center channel. 500-900 front towers (prolly no time soon) then 300-500 for rears and then honestly around 3,000 for reciever. (that would take a while but worth it I know)
Also on the reciever side, is there a great advantage of having one that you can feed your video through it? I dont honestly know what that does and would like a recomendation there. since my TV,Cable box and DVD use HDMI/DVI I was looking at those recievers and the lowest one new I found to be around 5,000.00 I think. I defently want to go with Onkyo or Yamaha reciever. I did stumble across http://www.bkcomp.com/ that are sweet but way out of my reach for now .
As for these test/calabration DVDs anyone recomend one over another or for a beginner like myself. I have allways known I can get better tunning from the settings, I just never could seem to get it myself.
Again thanks for the input and reply, please keep them coming.