New Home Theatre setup -- comments?

[odd_raisin]

Hi all,

I've been looking for a new home theatre (upgrading from your standard do-it-poorly-yourself kit from Future Shop). I went to a local audio specialist, and they quoted me the following system (Numbers are in Canadian dollars):

AVR135D25 Harmon Kardon Receiver ($549.00)
DVD22D2 Harmon Kardon DVD Player ($395.00)
VM-1 B&W Loudspeakers (5 at $300 each)
ASW300 B&W Subwoofer 8" / 100w ($525.00)

Including $250 for installation, the entire thing comes to roughly $3500.00. Does anyone have any experience with any of these pieces? These people seemed to know what they were talking about, and spent some time on education as well. I want to use the system for movies, obviously, but I also listen to a fair amount of music (CDs and streaming from my mac over optical connection).

I listened to the system in the store, and it sounded great. Very clear, minimal distortion, and good balance. I don't want to spend more than $5000, and obviously I want to get the most for my money. Any suggestions?

 

[RLA]

$250 labor for a complete HT system including wiring,termination,set up and calibration? Man I better get a sign that says will work for food

 

[Bucko521]

Hi all,

I've been looking for a new home theatre:
AVR135D25 Harmon Kardon Receiver ($549.00)
DVD22D2 Harmon Kardon DVD Player ($395.00)
VM-1 B&W Loudspeakers (5 at $300 each)
ASW300 B&W Subwoofer 8" / 100w ($525.00)
Any suggestions?

I'd say overall, this setup should sound good. Personally I can't thihnk of better speakers that will produce HT and music generally well on both ends.

As for the other equipment...HK has been known to have some good stuff...these included...so overall...I'd say not a bad deal amoungst the lot.

Also, for $250 installed...what ARE you getting?? If it is just taking them out of box...wiring them..etc...not worth it

But if it is setting it all up with calibration....your stealing them.

I hope you like this....the cost overall...well actually pretty decent...somewhere middle ground as far as 'retail' costs go.

Best of luck!!

 

[voodoothunder]

Canadians get ripped off alot when it comes to electronics. If you compare the Canadian prices with some American prices on Ebay, you'll notice a huge difference even with the difference in the dollar.

 

[mocwilson]

try this

try lookind at a few canadian speaker companys like PSB, paradigm, or maybe even axiom, they might not be as expensive. but go with what you hear i personally have some psb stratus bonze, great value, 700 cnd

 

[sjdgpt]

I would like to set the record straight. I thought the cop was a prostitute.

She looked like one.

 

[karltl]

I've heard very good things about the HK equipment. Not familiar with the speakers but would highly recomend a company called Ascend Acoustics. They sell only via internet and you could get a full 5.1 system, including an HSU sub (excellent sub, extremely highly rated by lots of folks) for around $1600 US. Not sure what the exchange rate would do to this but the Ascends are exceptional speakers at a great price. They are one of the few I've ever heard that perform equally well for home theater and music.

 

[Die Hard Yammy]

Yoour selection to ge with HK is a good one, they defenitly know their stuff when it comes to Receivers.
Speaker selection: my compliments to you or whomever recommended B&W, truly a fabulous company.
I'd say that 3500 bucks for all that plus wire and install, you really can't complain.
I wish you good listening and hope you find satisfaction in your purchase.