New Setup in the works, Need Opinions.

[Undertow36]

I am in the process of revamping my little home theatre area and finally pulled the trigger on a 55" lg lm7600 TV. While the speakers on the TV are OK I am really looking for something that has more throw and fill to it.

Since I have limited space in the living room, the speakers I have selected are the Energy Take Classic 5.1. Now my problem is that I am just not sure which receiver to pair with them. Initial research has me leaning toward the Denon avr-1713 or would I be better served getting a Denon avr-1613 and putting the money I'm saving elsewhere? Any thoughts on those receivers or any recommendations made would be appreciated.

Also, what about the Marantz NR1403? What would I be losing/gaining.

For Receiver:
Budget: Under $500
Use: TV, PS3 Gaming and Blu-Ray, Some Music, WDTV Live.

I have heard good things about Audyssey MultEQ XT, opinions?

 

[FirstReflection]

Well this is an easy one, for once

head on over to accessories4less.com and get either the excellent Denon AVR-1712 for a mere $250!

Or the Denon AVR-1713 for $299

Differences are:

1712 has 7 amp channels, but no AirPlay or Network features.

1713 has 5 amp channels, and includes AirPlay and Network features.

Both include Audyssey MultEQ XT, which I personally think is VERY much worth it over the MultEQ or especially the 2EQ versions included in less models. 2EQ doesn't EQ the bass frequencies at all, which is where you need EQ the most! So I'd avoid 2EQ. MultEQ is ok, but its measurements are fairly coarse. At least MultEQ EQs the bass somewhat though! MultEQ XT is a real step up though. It takes far more measurement points, which leads to more accurate room correction, and siginificantly better EQ in the all important bass. It's really worth while to get MultEQ XT, IMO.

Strangely, the 1912 and 1913 take a step backwards to MultEQ, so I really feel the 17xx models are the better buy. Last year, the 1912 added AirPlay and Network features over the 1712, but dropped down to MultEQ. This year, the 1913 adds two more amp channels (7 total vs. the 1713's 5), but drops down to MultEQ.

So, which is more useful to you? 2 extra amp channels (which you CAN use to power a Zone 2 if you want to), $50 less expensive, but no AirPlay or Network features? Or 5 amp channels only, $50 more expensive, but includes AirPlay and Network?

Either way, you can get all the features and inputs you need for well within your budget

And do NOT worry even for a second about the "refurbished" label on the accessories4less products. A4L is the fully authorized "refurbished" online retailer for Denon, Marantz and Onkyo. You get a full 1 year warranty - no 90 day BS. And the products are often literally brand new and merely being cleared out of inventory. Some have been used and refurbished. But a lot are honestly brand new. Regardless, this is easily the best way to get a great price on a great AV Receiver!

Hope that helps!

 

[Undertow36]

So I recently came across an opportunity to purchase either the Energy Take 5.1 for 269.41 brand new or the Definitive Technology 5.1 PC600's for 384.20.

Now Im assuming a lot of this is going to come down to room layout. Its a duplex, living room is approx 20x30 but it has high vaulted ceilings where the stairs go up to the loft above the living room.

Thoughts?

Some friends who into audio are saying the def techs are worth the extra money and will do a better job filling the room.

Thanks for the quick responses!

 

[zieglj01]

So I recently came across an opportunity to purchase either the Energy Take 5.1 for 269.41 brand new or the Definitive Technology 5.1 PC600's for 384.20.

Now Im assuming a lot of this is going to come down to room layout. Its a duplex, living room is approx 20x30 but it has high vaulted ceilings where the stairs go up to the loft above the living room.

Thoughts?

Both are too small - they will sound bigger in a walk-in closet.

 

[Undertow36]

Well I dont have space in the room for towers and for my budget those were the two best I found. Do you have any other recommendations z?

 

[zieglj01]

Well I dont have space in the room for towers and for my budget those were the two best I found. Do you have any other recommendations z?

What is the max speaker budget?

 

[Undertow36]

$700 ish. Maybe as High 800

 

[jcl]

Well I dont have space in the room for towers and for my budget those were the two best I found. Do you have any other recommendations z?

So are you putting speakers on a bookshelf or mounting to the wall?

A tower really doesn't take up much more floor space than a bookshelf (but does take up more volume.)

Your room is pretty large so you're going to have to make some compromises. I like the Energy Take5s. However, you're better off going with the take 5.0 and a better sub. Even then I just don't think they are up to task in that room.

 

[Undertow36]

How much better are the Def Tech PC600's over the Energy Take 5's? Is it worth the extra money or do they really have the same "fill" (Is that the right word?). I have other people swearing that they'll perform better and the discount Im getting on them is sizeable.

And I cant do towers cause the sides of the tv have no room.

 

[zieglj01]

How much better are the Def Tech PC600's over the Energy Take 5's? Is it worth the extra money or do they really have the same "fill" (Is that the right word?). I have other people swearing that they'll perform better and the discount Im getting on them is sizeable.

And I cant do towers cause the sides of the tv have no room.

$700 ish. Maybe as High 800

Small speakers can sound decent - however they will still
sound small.

Look at the Dayton sub - buy 2
Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629

The Klipsch subwoofer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780078

HTD.com - look at the Flat Panel speakers > you can start with
3 each, and then save up for surrounds.
HTD Flat Panel Speaker

 

[ImcLoud]

Thats a big room,
you can get 5 ascend 200se's, they have surprised me with their big sound and small package.... new will cost you $714 shipped... But still not really big enough for your room.. Im thinking some towers or big bookshelfs {340se's, diamond 10.2's, 706v, ect} but them dont come cheap..

 

[tstan7777]

How about the 3.1 system. You would have a nice subwoofer and could add the surround speakers for just $298 plus shipping in a few months.

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