New System - need advice

[PENG]

PING, Thanks for the info. I understand that economies of scale will give the consumer more features for less $. I would consider a Denon - possibly an AVR-4311C1, or possibly a Yamaha, but I sure do like the Anthem MRX 510. I have time to decide so I will continue to research... I have also been told that an ATI 1805 would be a good choice, so I plan to investigate this as well. I like the fact that the ATI is American made as well. I believe the MCA 20 is out of my price range.

If you can get the 4311, you don't need to add any external amplifier unless your room is big. What are the room dimensions?

 

[1911]

The room size is ~ 20'x30'

 

[PENG]

The room size is ~ 20'x30'

Well then, try to get an AVR-4311. It's 4 ohm rated, and has good lab verified outputs. The alternative is still a lower cost AVR such as the Marantz SR6008 or of course the MRX510 if you don't mind paying a little more for a little less, + a two or three channel power amp for the front speakers.

 

[1911]

PENG, Thank you. The room dimensions I gave you are for my current listening space, but I am in transition, so I do not know what the future holds right now. Regarding your suggestion of a 2 or 3 channel amplifier, would this be a better option than a 5-channel amp? I presume that the rear speakers would be powered by the AVR and the sub, being self powered, would not require amplification. What is the advantage of getting a 2 or 3 channel amp for the front speakers over a 5 channel - cost? Thanks... Also, I posted a speaker system question in the Loudspeaker forum - do you think I should have posted my question in the Beginners and Audiophites forum or does it matter?

 

[PENG]

PENG, Thank you. The room dimensions I gave you are for my current listening space, but I am in transition, so I do not know what the future holds right now. Regarding your suggestion of a 2 or 3 channel amplifier, would this be a better option than a 5-channel amp? I presume that the rear speakers would be powered by the AVR and the sub, being self powered, would not require amplification. What is the advantage of getting a 2 or 3 channel amp for the front speakers over a 5 channel - cost? Thanks... Also, I posted a speaker system question in the Loudspeaker forum - do you think I should have posted my question in the Beginners and Audiophites forum or does it matter?

Yes, at a given price point, you can get a better and/or higher output 2/3 channel amp than a 5 channel one. There are also typically much more contents in the front channels than the two surround channels so the amps in the AVR should be able to drive the surround and even the center channels. If are going to get an AVR then you may as well make use of it's built in amps. Not all subs are self powered, but probably most of them are and if yours is a powered sub then obviously you don't need to get an external amp for it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've never like any room correction software, whether it's Anthem, Denon, Outlaw Audio, Pioneer, Yamaha, Harman, or Lexicon.

The only reason l love Audyssey is because of the Audyssey Subwoofer EQ + Audyssey Dynamic EQ.

Otherwise, I would still be using Pure Direct Mode right now.

 

[agarwalro]

agarwalro, Yes, I would purchase speakers and equipment from an Internet Direct Company.

Awesome! This really opens up the options.

Two ID companies/models that I can recommend without reservation are Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower, by Dave Frabikant and Salk Sound SongTower, by Jim Salk. (Both are available with the RAAL tweeter upgrade and is highly recommended for considerable improvement in highs.) There is also Philharmonic Audio Slim Tower, by Dennis Murphy, whose speakers have gotten rave reviews from everyone. As it happens, they all have a shipped price of $2700 and these three will give you higher value for money spent compared to store bought speakers.

On a different note, there is also Funk Audio. AccuDefTechGuy recently did an in home audition of their 6.1P bookshelf and found them to be unflappable. That speaks volumes to how good they are. Here is his post, http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/89486-funk-audio-6-1p-monitors.html