Newb Question: Suggestions on Home Theater Sys. ($2000~$4000 budget)

[eatbiscuits]

Hello, I'm a new member to this messageboard and I had a few questions about home theater systems(for both movies and music). I was actually considering the Bose Lifestyle 28 or 35 before I read all the negative reviews about them however I wasn't able to find a good system around the same price range ($2000~$4000). So far, I've read many reviews and I've considered the Polk Audio RM7600 and the Aperion Audio 5.1.
Any other suggestions? and also what are some decent receivers I could take a look at?
Also keep in mind that I am planning on putting the system in my living room and since it's quite large, I wanted a component that would work well in such environment. Thanks.

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

Take a look at the "Ultimate Systems" articles here on Audioholics. They have suggestions for a $3k and $5k system that might be helpful starts at answering your questions.

And, find the Consumer Reports from a few months ago that rates recievers. They did extensive tests of under-$1k receivers.

For speakers, there are lots of good choices in your price range. You'll need to do a lot of research and listening to find the ones that'll make you happy (tough job!). Peruse this forum and the Speakers forum for opinions. (My speakers are DIY jobs and I haven't listened to many current offerings, so I can't offer brand suggestions.) Suggestion: since you're not in the real high-end area, consider foregoing a subwoofer for now and put the money into the best nearly full-range speakers you can afford. The quality of your main speakers is the #1 factor in the sound quality of the system as a whole.

Happy shopping, and be sure to tell us what you got when you're done.

 

[nm2285]

Are you looking for small speakers? Floorstanding mains (as suggested by Rip) or large bookshelf speakers would do the best job of filling your large room with sound.
If you do require small speakers, look at offerings from Energy-especially the Encore system-and the Pinnacle Quantum Subsonic system (but look into a second or larger sub for your large room).
For under $1000 receivers, the consensus seems to be get a decent receiver (like Marantz, Denon, Onkyo (Integra), HK, Yamaha...) and get a 2 channel amp if you do a lot of music listening or if you get larger/higher quality main speakers. If you end up getting sats, I personally would spend a bit more money on the receiver and forgo an amp. You can get a great deal on a Denon 3803 right now. The 3805 has been getting great reviews too.

Let us know if you require small speakers. You may be able to get more suggestions for sat/sub setups.
You've already made the best choice you possibly could by passing over the Bose!

Good Luck

 

[nm2285]

Forgot to also suggest Definitive Technology's ProCinema 200 for sat/sub combos.

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

Didn't necessarily mean floorstanding mains. Good monitors/bookshelves with decent bass extension would do the trick, lacking only the lowest octave or so of bass that a sub would fill in later.