Hello everyone,
I'm (obviously) a first time poster here, so my apologies for the potentially ad naseum noobie questions. I'll be as precise as I can with my limited knowledge.
I am a musician by profession, and have a highly refined set of ears. Until recently, I had never experienced really high quality audio before, and am hooked! It is now a new obsession of mine, and I'd really like to get a decent audio foundation to work with, and potentially add to.
I know some of the basics of constructing a 5.1 set-up, but would like some help from experienced audiophiles to get the ball rolling. I have a few questions, and I'll list them as clearly as possible:
1. After digging around for quite a while on my local Craigslist, I found someone selling a pair of JBL L830's for $200, excellent condition. After looking at a copious number of reviews, I've found that the JBL L830's are exceptionally good bookshelf speakers for that price range (can be bought new for ~$350). Does anyone have experience with these? I was drawn to the claims that the mid-upper range was very clear and responsive, with a reasonably good bottom end.
2. In addition to these speakers, I'm looking for a decent amp. The reviews on the JBL's claimed that even the cheapest amp will make the L830's sing like angels. If I invest in an amp that can drive 4 speakers and a sub (once my 5.1 set-up is completed), will it overpower just these two bookshelf speakers? I don't want to blow them out accidentally.
3. What are your guys' opinions on mix and matching speaker/receiver/amp brands? I have encountered some top notch B&W floor speakers, and if I can find a pair of them, I'd love to make those the focus of my set-up and set up the JBL's on the sides. Would this potentially sound as amazing as my imagination would lead me to believe?
4. What are your opinions on center channel speakers vs. a sub? Or can I have both a center channel speaker AND a sub in addition to 4 speakers? I believe the new Pioneer 5.1 system that everyone is raving about has both a center channel and sub.
5. Speaking of subs - there is a B&W ASW300 on Craigslist as well, working condition. There are a lot of positive reviews for this sub, and I was wondering if I should snap it up.
Sorry for a slew of questions - thanks in advance for any help!
**EDIT**
6. In addition to the B&W ASW300 sub, the same seller is offering a single (working condition!) B&W VM1 speaker for next to nothing. According to B&W, this serves VERY well as a center channel speaker if laid horizontally. This falls under the same question as mixing/matching brands. If I could have 3 quality speakers in my possession already, I'd be off to a great start.
7. There is also the option of getting a 7.1 channel receiver - a seller on Craigslist is selling a Yamaha RX-V2095 7.1 for $200, purchased for $1700 new. Granted, this is kind of an old school rig; will it support these newer speakers? It is a 550 watt receiver - would I need an additional amp if I bought this receiver?
