Need Advice - HT < $1500 No Ideas

[krnrkick]

Looking to buy my dad a receiver and speakers so that he can enjoy better sound on his 50" Pana Plasma and also get rid of his stereo in a box from the 70's. Room size is about 19x20, essentially square with windows to one side.
He listens to old rock (60's and 70's) while my mom listens to more recent music. They watche mostly action and comedy movies. Think he's running a Pana BD85K Blu-ray already.
Was looking at the Onkyo SR608 on AC4Less. Recommendations for speakers? Trying to keep system under about $1,500. Bookshelf or floor standing is OK because there's room. Nothing will be mounted on walls

 

[GranteedEV]

Just a personal preference maybe but I'd swap the Onkyo with the Marantz.

Anyways I recomend 2 lavasub 12" and 5 Behringer 2030P - The main issue I see is mounting. where do you plan to place everything?

 

[sholling]

Let's start with a the subwoofer. I haven't heard the Lavas yet so I'll stay with the well respected Hsu Research has their VTF-3 MK3 on sale for $629 (plus S&H) right now. That's a good articulate sub for music and goes plenty deep for movies. The square shape of the room does concern me so do realize that the room may need a bit of treatment. Possibly bass traps in a corner or two.

For speakers I'd go with 2 Infinity Primus P162 bookshelves, a PC250 center, and P152 bookshelves for surrounds. That's $470 for the whole set shipped.

Unless he has a 3D TV I'd go with a refurbished Onkyo TX-SR707 ($350) from Accessories For Less. It's just an all around better receiver.

That takes you $1449 plus shipping on the sub and receiver. You'll probably want stands for speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

Speakers - www.onecall.com for Boston VR1 tower speakers and
VRC center speaker - and CR67 speakers for surrounds. Then go
to www.hsuresearch.com for a VTF subwoofer. And www.ac4l.com
for a refurbish receiver. All can be done in your budget.

 

[shadyJ]

sholling's system is very good, but one tweak I would make for it is to get the Primus c350 center if you can, that is a killer center speaker. Also keep in mind the Hsu VTF3 is a pretty large sub, it's almost like a piece of furniture, but it is a great sub. If it is too big, take a look at getting a couple of the Emotiva Ultra Sub 10s or 12s for some decent bass as well, co-located with your left and right front speakers. If your father is a bass fanatic though, try to get the VTF3, that is a deep bass monster.

 

[sholling]

Let's start with a the subwoofer. I haven't heard the Lavas yet so I'll stay with the well respected Hsu Research has their VTF-3 MK3 on sale for $629 (plus S&H) right now.

Sorry bad link before. The link in this post is the correct one.