Need help deciding on speakers and receiver

[Taxman]

Hey Forum buddies,

I am newbie to audio and am looking to create a good home theater experience and the only part left is audio.

I have done a bit of research and am looking to spend around or under $500 on speakers as well as another $500 on a receiver.

For receivers I have narrowed my search down from reading the pro reviews to either the Harman Kardan AVR 147, Yamaha RX-V663, or Denon AVR 588. I am not sure how to decide between these three because they all have good reviews. Also if anyone thinks there is a better one in this price range please let me know with the reasons why?

Now for speakers I haven't done as much research but I am looking to buy an all inclusive deal with 5 to 7 speakers including a sub. I have recently read great reviews of the Onkyo SKS-HT240, which cost less than $500. If you guys have any suggestions for speakers better than this set or if you like these speakers pleases let me know?

Now, here is my stupid newbie question. I have my Xbox360, Wii, and computer all hooked into my sweet Samsung 1080p HDTV, which is the anchor of my home theater system. Should I just hook the audio out from my TV to the Receiver I purchase or should I separately hook in each component(Xbox, Wii, and computer) into the Audio Receiver?

Also if you guys have any other advice for me I will appreciate anything I can learn!

 

[WmAx]

Hey Forum buddies,

I am newbie to audio and am looking to create a good home theater experience and the only part left is audio.

I have done a bit of research and am looking to spend around or under $500 on speakers as well as another $500 on a receiver.

For receivers I have narrowed my search down from reading the pro reviews to either the Harman Kardan AVR 147, Yamaha RX-V663, or Denon AVR 588. I am not sure how to decide between these three because they all have good reviews. Also if anyone thinks there is a better one in this price range please let me know with the reasons why?

Now for speakers I haven't done as much research but I am looking to buy an all inclusive deal with 5 to 7 speakers including a sub. I have recently read great reviews of the Onkyo SKS-HT240, which cost less than $500. If you guys have any suggestions for speakers better than this set or if you like these speakers pleases let me know?

Now, here is my stupid newbie question. I have my Xbox360, Wii, and computer all hooked into my sweet Samsung 1080p HDTV, which is the anchor of my home theater system. Should I just hook the audio out from my TV to the Receiver I purchase or should I separately hook in each component(Xbox, Wii, and computer) into the Audio Receiver?

Also if you guys have any other advice for me I will appreciate anything I can learn!

I have reviewed the credible 3rd party measurements on many speakers, as well as measuring them myself, and have extensive knowledge of the relevant perceptual research as it related to auditory perception and how it relates to measurements. Please review my posting history.

The only speaker I know of worth getting for that price is the Behringer 2030P. In fact, it measures better overall than any I know of that cost 5x as much per pair. You can do very basic mods on them an improve their performance as well(so you have further potential). They are 130 dollar per pair. So, 3 pairs will be $360, and you will have one speaker to spare. That leaves $140 for a subwoofer. I don't know of any high performance subwoofer at that price - even if you DIY. The best subwoofer for that price I know of is the Dayton (www.partsexpress.com) subwoofers. The 12" is about $155. Users of this sub almost always agree it's the best you can get for the price. I have not measured this sub, however. I am going by consensus here. I would recommend at least 2 of them, however, to get smoother room response, better integration with the satellites(place each sub about 4' or closer from the left and right channels, respectively) and you will get higher output SPL and lower distortion with two as opposed to one. Set reciever to drive all speakers as 'small' and set xover for about 85-90Hz.

-Chris

 

[Taxman]

I forgot to mention this was all for surround sound.

Would those Behringer 2030P speakers be good for surround sound? Also, if I do purchase these speakers is there a specific store I should buy them from in order to have a warranty? I have heard that when you buy speakers from certain places it voids the manufacturers warranty? Also those speakers look massive! I kind of wanted a sleeker look, but again not necessary i.e. just because it looks clunky doesn't mean I won't buy it, especially if it is the best thing out their for the price. Is there anything you know of with smaller speakers? Also what exactly do you mean by basic mods and how would I do that?

Do you think if I purchased only 2 pairs one for the front of the room and one for the back of the room, and then two subs or just one sub it would create a good surround sound experience?

The only thing is with that is I may have to spend more on a receiver in order to get one with two subwoofer outputs.

Also for the speakers I would prefer a signal being sent to the back two speakers so I don't have wires everywhere, but it isn't necessary.

Again thanks for your help and anyone else who posts to help me out. And sorry for all my rookie questions.

 

[jamie2112]

The yamaha 663 is reviewed here on AH..and seems to be a really nice piece.

 

[newb]

I don't know about those speakers, but the 663 has two subwoofer outputs and enough other connectors to set up the whole system. I have it but have not set it up yet due to moving and painting (almost done, so sooooon)!

Also, check out av 123 for speakers....nice build quality with real woods, and great reviews all around. Look at the x-series stuff.

 

[corey]

I think you'll be better off shifting some money from your receiver to your speakers.