New to this Site: Seeking Upgrade advise

[bmaher]

Hi all!

I'm a newb looking for some upgrade advice (direction).

I recently purchased the Samsung 52A750 and want to "fully" enjoy its visual capabilities. My current system includes the following components:

Samsung 52A750
Denon AVR 687 (HDMI-less)
Onkyo DV-CP702
Royku M1000 Soundbridge
Energy speakers (7.1, Cant remember the model #'s)

Based on my current equipment... what would be a logical upgrade?

I looked at the Denon 3808ci today and liked the specs. The main selling points for me would be the HDMI connections, network connectivity (firmware updates, etc.) and the upconversion of SD DVD's.

Would this be the first logical step or is there another option I'm totally not seeing?

By the way, 50% of the current use is DVD playback, 40% is music (I just ripped 700 plus albums/CD's to flac) while the remainder is broadcast tv.

Any suggestions /feedback is completely welcome!

Bill

 

[mazersteven]

Before we can answer your question we need to know a few things.

Do you like the performance, and sound quality of your speakers? Are you looking for a certain style speaker?
Other then the receivers connectivity is there any other feature you'd like to have?

 

[bmaher]

The speakers were hand-me-downs from my Father. They just dont sound all that impressive but it's hard to argue with free.
I have considered new speakers (center, Lft & Rht) for a couple of weeks.

 

[jamie2112]

I would also add to what Mazer said ,what is your budget for your system? How big is your room? Do you want 1 or 2 subs? Those are some of the questions you may want to ask . Denon is a great AVR and In my Opinion so is Yamaha. Do you like the sound of your current setup and what do you feel you want to Hear differently? Hope this helps and Welcome to AH

 

[jamie2112]

The speakers were hand-me-downs from my Father. They just dont sound all that impressive but it's hard to argue with free.
I have considered new speakers (center, Lft & Rht) for a couple of weeks.

It is hard to argue with free NO Doubt but if you are not liking the sound anymore then as you have already gathered its time for an upgrade...

 

[bmaher]

mazersteven & jamie2112, thanks for the responses.

My budget is approx. 4-6K after the LCD however if moving to another price-point would make a significant (or insignificant) difference I am open.
The room is 40'x20' with vaulted ceilings (maybe 20+').
1 sub should be fine.
I would like to improve the clarity/definition for both listening and viewing.

 

[jamie2112]

I would recommend 2 subs for that room. Its a big one. Have you looked at anything that grabbed you speaker wise ?

 

[jamie2112]

IMO 6k to 10k would significantly be a big difference in speaker performance. Just in case you wanted to go there.....

 

[mazersteven]

IMO 6k to 10k would significantly be a big difference in speaker performance.

I agree, but it's not necessary.

 

[mazersteven]

My budget is approx. 4-6K .

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,273/category_id,19/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

You can order extra surrounds (7.1) or an extra subwoofer.

I would go with a good receiver like the Yamaha 663 and an amp like this to drive this system.

http://store.audioholics.com/product/1759/69/yamaha-rx-v663

Emotiva XPA-5
http://www.emotiva.com/xpa5.html

Cables, Interconnects, and Speaker Wire.
www.bluejeanscable.com
www.monoprice.com

 

[bmaher]

Wow!
Thanks for the suggestions!

I've not familiar with AV123. I'll continue to browse their site and try and dig up some more info.
The Yamaha seems like a great value.
The Emotiva XPA-5 looks pretty impressive.

Thanks for the bluejeanscable link!

Just to clarify... I can send a SD DVD through the AVR (via component) and to my LCD via HDMI and view at 1080P?...

 

[3db]

If you have a PSB dealer near you, see if they carry teh new Imagine series;

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Imagine

The Emotiva would be a nice poweramp to drive these 4ohm speakers.

There is also Totem:

http://www.totemacoustic.com/ca/en/products/columns/forest/specifications/