LF Advice - Bookshelf or Towers

[caleb2001r]

Hi all,
I just recently purchased a Samsung Aquos 37" 1080p LCD. I also have a PS3 and a few HDMI cables coming in.

I think my system is really lacking in the sound department. I'm currently using a really, REALLY outdated HTIB given to me by my father-in-law, and I'm looking to get some quality sound now that we're investing in the home theater department.

My budget (after spending all the cash on the tv and gaming, hehe) is only around $450. I think I've settled on not getting another HTIB, rather investing in an Onkyo SR605. Crutchfield currently has it for sale for $399 free shipping, but I might buy it locally so I can have it today for $460. I'm not really the patient type.

Would it be okay to get the receiver and use it with my current speakers (even though I know they suck). Maybe next bonus I can invest in some quality speakers, but I at least want my "backbone" to be good.

Or....can anyone recommend a decent set of bookshelf and subwoofer setup that is decent and doesn't break $200? Maybe I can push it just a teeny bit.

 

[caleb2001r]

Crap; now I'm confused. Is the receiver in the HT-SR800 HTIB better than the single SR605 receiver for the nearly same price? Or comparable?

 

[tomd51]

If there's anything I've learned myself over the years w/this hobby as well as on forums such as this, don't skimp on your speakers. After seeing your 'backbone' comment, I know you're already aware of this, but I can't stress enough, don't go for a short term fix on them.

Consider using your existing speakers for the time being and save up for new ones and your subwoofer, you'll thank yourself in the long run. In fact, if you can save for your mains, center and subwoofer, this is where you'll want to invest the most when it comes to your speakers as they'll carry over 75% of the soundtrack for movies and the bulk of your music listening... -TD

 

[caleb2001r]

Thanks for the advice. So go with the 605 and use current speakers until my budget allows for quality bookshelf and sub.

I was reading more about the 800, and from what I understand it's fairly old - 2002. At least with the 605 I have more of a value in my investment with it having the latest technology and all.

 

[tomd51]

NP, glad to help!

You may want to do some additional research on the 605 here and some other forums. While it's gotten some good press for it's feature set at it's price level, it's also encountered a few QA problems that seem to be increasing in frequency the longer this receiver is on the market. In fact, a few of the Onkyos (605/705/805) seem to be having these issues. While they may not be widespread, you may want to be aware in the event you do go with one so you can see the tell-tale signs if they develop.

There are some other receiver options in this price range if you're interested in something other than Onkyo. If so, you may want to list your budget, room (size and usage) you plan to use it in as well as it's future intent (general listening room, dedicated theater room, etc.) to get the best suggestions for what you're looking for.

The 605 and similar receivers will provide you with some of the latest and greatest features, particularly considering it's use w/a Blu-ray player and 1080p set, so from that aspect, it will be a decent investment, but as with (almost) all electronics, the 'investment' is usually short-lived, so getting expandability for future use will help extend this. -TD

 

[caleb2001r]

I did notice a few mentions here and there on QA problems. My next question was going to be should I buy it from Crutchfield for $400 even, or from my local B&M Circuit City for $460.

With the issues that have been reported, then perhaps it's better to go with Circuit City since I can always bring the unit back to them, and I'd deal with less downtime if I had to return a unit.

The room that will be getting this is my living room, and will be used for general viewing, watching movies on the weekends, and occasional gaming on the PS3.

I don't have the actual room dimensions on me, but I will make those measurements today before I make this hasty purchase. It's a tough room though; it's not exactly square.

I'm going to use floorplanner.com tonight, along with some pictures so perhaps you guys can give me tips on how I should go about setting this baby up.

 

[tomd51]

Crutchfield is a very reputable company to work with, however as you mentioned, it may be worth it to get from a local dealer/store and possibly consider an extended warranty that allows you to either get a new receiver or refund on the spot if any problems are encountered.

Unless it's a very large room, the 605 will likely do a decent job. You may not notice a substantial difference until you get new speakers, but there will be a difference I'm sure. One additional consideration may be stepping up one model to the 705 in the event sometime down the road you want to add an external amp via the pre-outs. The difference in the two should be close enough that if this is a possibility, I would opt for this feature... -TD

 

[caleb2001r]

Perhaps I should just go for the new Yamaha? Yamaha has a better track record for reliability, no?

Edit: Whoa; just found that one for $359.00

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567571&CTID=5000300&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE&VNM=WORKING

I'm just curious if that's overkill for my particular needs. I don't consider myself a hardcore enthusiast by any means, but I can appreciate a quality sound system. The problem is that I have neither had one, nor heard one (a sweet system) so I really don't have much to compare it to.

Heck, my wife things our current sound system is too good, but I know if I posted what it was you'd roll on the floor laughing. Hehe

 

[jcPanny]

HT Upgrade

The receivers above are good options, however, they will provide little or no improvement over your current system with your current speakers. In fact, you probably wont be able to use the sub because a lot of HTIBs inlclude a passive sub that is powered by the receiver.

Post the model number on your current HTIB. It might be adequate to drive a nice pair of bookshelf speakers which would be a good upgrade in your $400 price range.

 

[caleb2001r]

Alrighty; will do.

But I have a problem. I broke down and bought the new Yamaha V663. Oops.