Looking for first time build

[Originalb]

Hello all,

Basically i am starting to tire of the low quality sound put out by run of the mill speaker systems and want to start building my own HT system.

I have around a 1k$ starter budget to look for, It will primarily be used for PC Gaming/Movies/Audio and PS3.

Doing a little research i came across the Pioneer VSX-1120-k Receiver from which i have read is a good high end starter level receiver. (Additionally i am looking for future upgrade-ability, which is why i went expensive on the Recevier)

I am thinking of pairing it with some Polk monitor70s, two Polk PSW110 subwoofer, and i have not decided on a center or rear speakers.I may buy another pair of polks and use them as rear.

I do have a Vizio sound bar,im sure i could franken-rig a cable to allow me to connect it as the center or rear speaker.. ( i do not know how much of a good idea that would be)

Does anyone have a good starting setup or website to start off with?

Thank you for reading

 

[shadyJ]

I think building up your system a piece at a time is a good idea if you are on a limited budget but want a good system eventually. The receiver is a good place to start, and I think Pioneer makes good receivers. I think your idea about making a center out of your soundbar might end up sounding pretty silly, but who knows though, it might be worth a try. I don't know about those Polk speakers, but the Polk subs are not worth the money. I would save up a bit more and look at subs from Elemental Designs, Hsu Research, Outlaw Audio, Epik Subwoofers, or Rythmik Subwoofers. Also SVS and Chase Home Theater subwoofers.

 

[audioAl]

Pioneer&Yamaha

The two above TH receivers are both good receivers, the Elite series for Pioneer are great for the price vs Outlaw Audio or Esoteric let's say. I have a new Yamaha RX-V465 it will do 7.1 surround sound. And the price is the cheapest found today. Research for awhile, don't be hasty!
You may find great used deals if you are patient, closeout and last years models will be on sale soon.

 

[caper26]

The most inexpensive way to HT is used market. Check listings everyday. Otherwise, online is next best bet, vanns, wwstereo, etc. Some serious deals to be had. Also try ID (internet direct) for subs and even speakers. A recent thread on best-kept-secret speakers was SVS. My personal recommendation at the moment is Energy, because of the price. I would recommend staying away from polk subs... maybe try lava or BIC for extreme budget.

 

[j_garcia]

Polk isn't the place to look when on a budget, especially since you are tired of average sound. I'd look at packages from SVS, Ascend and Aperion in your range.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Since we don't know what you currently have, it's hard to say what you would consider a huge upgrade or not.

One thing I can say is that I remember having my entry level, bottom of the line Kenwood home theater in a box A/V receiver when I got my Definitive Technology BP30 speakers, and the difference in audio quality was night and day. To the point where I almost didn't want to upgrade my receiver anymore.

Good speakers make a huge difference, and the price you pay for them typically is in line with the quality you get. But, you should realize that many people here may have single speakers costing $1,000 each. So, you really will want to determine what level of quality you are prepared to buy into.

I would agree though, you can find some good deals on eBay and Audiogon if you are willing to spend some time looking.

Likewise, discontinued receivers are popping up at great prices over and over. If 3D is not vital, then you can pick up a refurbished Denon for just a few hundred dollars which was $1,000 or more just last year.

So, something like this may be a great deal (I haven't researched the pricing)...
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1311307649&/Definitive-Technology-BP-20-bi

As some people upgrade, and others downgrade and just want to move their stuff out of their homes.

Subwoofers are tricky. I've used the Epik product and others, and at the end of the day, I will swear by a sealed enclosure subwoofer with lots of power behind it. Epik sounds great. For smaller packages, Sunfire and Velodyne DD (or older HGS) series sound great as well. But, it depends on the size of your room.

There are a ton of speakers on eBay, so finding the right product at the right price is just a lot of homework on your part, but deals are there.

I would add that receivers are tricky. Expensive receivers are VERY quickly outdated, while cheaper ones almost never have good power behind them. I like Pioneer, but they've always seemed a bit underpowered to me when they are driving a full 7.1 setup on their lesser expensive models. Of course, that may hold true for many receivers. They do have solid quality which I can recommend though!

 

[Originalb]

I have a basic 300$ 5.1 Philips surround sound i have had for 5 years. I do like the idea of building up over time, Especially given the price and nature of the more expensive speakers.

I didn't check into refurbished receivers, i think i will start shopping around for good deals on those.

Thanks for the advice about Polk, I guess i had in mind the idea of cheap and experimental. So if i get a good quality receiver for say 300, I can increase my speaker price to 3 or 400 each, and get the subwoofer and such later.

 

[m_vanmeter]

just to offer another "opinion"...

I beg to disagree about Polk Monitor series speakers, the Monitor70 towers and a CS2 center are definately not average speakers and to many, the superior choice within their price range.

I will agree that the Polk PSW110 is actually far less than average. You can do better with Hsu, Parts-Express "Dayton", or BIC powered subwoofers.

A good authorized source for factory refurbished Marantz and Onkyo a/v receivers is www.accessories4less.com

 

[caper26]

I would look on ebay for a good used receiver. I just bought a decent one for $275... yamaha 863.

 

[j_garcia]

just to offer another "opinion"...

I beg to disagree about Polk Monitor series speakers, the Monitor70 towers and a CS2 center are definately not average speakers and to many, the superior choice within their price range.

Opinion, yes Sorry but them not being average to "many" doesn't make them any less average. They are good for a starter setup, but since the OP says the goal is for better than average, I can't recommend those speakers. They are more of a guarantee that one will need to upgrade in the future than the foundation for building a good system. In their price range, I would take the Infinity Primus line in a heartbeat and I would DEFINITELY recommend the OP take a look at them.

Refurb receivers are an excellent way to go and I've bought from AC4L a number of times.

 

[GranteedEV]

Add me to the list of people recommending "Refurb Marantz Receivers"

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5003/Marantz/Sr5003-90w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

I beg to disagree about Polk Monitor series speakers, the Monitor70 towers and a CS2 center are definately not average speakers and to many, the superior choice within their price range.

Those many being... people that didn`t try very hard?

As for speakers, assuming OP minds DIY (if he's willing to DIY then he can get some REAL man performance ) then I recommend

5 x Behringer 2030P
2 x Epik Legend if you can squeeze it into the budget

 

[jinjuku]

\

Does anyone have a good starting setup or website to start off with?

Thank you for reading

You could get an Onkyo TX-SR708 for around $400 refurbed. It's rated for 4 ohm operation and has pre-outs for external amplification down the road.

That leaves you only $600 for speakers. Infinity Primus 162/362. Just the 362's are going to put you at your budget. They hit way above their price and are a better, more balanced speaker, than the Monitor 70's (which are nice when newegg is blowing them out for a really great price).

Craigslist is worth a shot. What major city are you in/near?

 

[Originalb]

I was looking at the Yamaha RX a700 (I really like the idea of 7.2 or 5.2) paired with the NS 777s it sounded really clean and i couldn't pick up any distortion or tinning at higher volumes, However bass was not really there on those speakers.

@ Granteed I do not mind getting down and dirty and figuring things out as i go.

I like that idea using those Behringer

@ Jin I live in Corpus Christi down in Texas, Major cities worthwhile would be San Antonio, Austin or Houston.

I am a little hesitant to buy of the CL, I know good deals can be had ( but if i'm going to buy used equipment, I'd rather go somewhere that has a lot of people who know what they are talking about and take care of their stuff) Thats why it took me a while to find a good forum site with dedicated people such as yourselves!

My actual cash budget is about 1300$.. With a modestly acceptable budget/month to save for better components and such. However credit ( I'd rather not use ).. well first borne children are always accepted!

Thanks for all the Suggestions and advice btw.. It's helping me get more confident.

 

[jinjuku]

Here is an Onkyo TX-SR-607 for $175.

It lacks pre-outs but has everything else you need in a modern receiver.

This would leave you with $1025 for speakers.

 

[jinjuku]

Parts Express is once again blowing out the Tri-Trix MTM Transmission Line knock down cabinet kits for $199 SHIPPED per pair.

It would take about $15 in rattle can primer and paint to finish. Watch the product videos.

If you can accommodate the height use one for a center channel and see if Parts Express will sell you five. (3 for the fronts, 2 for the surrounds)

So receiver: $175, speakers possible $500, this leaves you $575 for a killer sub.

I can do the X-overs for you if you ship me the parts.