Please help with a new purchase!

[Shahenshah]

Hi all,

I am a total newbie and quite clueless at HT. I have tried my level-best to do the research on the thread before asking for help. I hope this thread isn't ignored like some of others!

I purchased a Bose Acoustimass 5.1 speaker system and a Sony receiver without doing much research because my cousin recommended it. I was not very happy with the system. After about 7 years of putting up with that, I have now decided to upgrade after doing thorough research. I really want to get this right as I will not have money to upgrade for another 10 years!

I purchased a Pioneer VSX1015-TX receiver ($413) about a week ago. Now, I've started looking at good 5.1 speakers/woofer to go with this receiver. My budget for the speakers is around in the $800 range. Even that maybe pushing it. I will mostly use this system to watch DVDs (90%), and watch HDTV sports. My room is square measuring at 14'X14'. I live in a house, so neighbors aren't an issue. I like natural, crisp, clear sound. I am impartial to brands and just want great speakers. Here are my questions...

1. How should the money be allocated to center vs. left/right vs. rear channel speakers.

2. Have I spent too much on the receiver ($400 of my $1200 HT budget makes it 33%)? If so, I can exchange the receiver for a cheaper one.

3. Your recommendation for good speakers. I know only I can determine the "ideal" speakers, but I don't even know where to start and which ones to consider.


This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, so please help me move in the right direction!!

 

[QED]

Welcome to the forum

Here's a link to a recent thread regarding budget issues.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14030

Hope it helps.

 

[Vancouver]

Hi all,

I am a total newbie and quite clueless at HT. I have tried my level-best to do the research on the thread before asking for help. I hope this thread isn't ignored like some of others!

I purchased a Bose Acoustimass 5.1 speaker system and a Sony receiver without doing much research because my cousin recommended it. I was not very happy with the system. After about 7 years of putting up with that, I have now decided to upgrade after doing thorough research. I really want to get this right as I will not have money to upgrade for another 10 years!

I purchased a Pioneer VSX1015-TX receiver ($413) about a week ago. Now, I've started looking at good 5.1 speakers/woofer to go with this receiver. My budget for the speakers is around in the $800 range. Even that maybe pushing it. I will mostly use this system to watch DVDs (90%), and watch HDTV sports. My room is square measuring at 14'X14'. I live in a house, so neighbors aren't an issue. I like natural, crisp, clear sound. I am impartial to brands and just want great speakers. Here are my questions...

1. How should the money be allocated to center vs. left/right vs. rear channel speakers.

2. Have I spent too much on the receiver ($400 of my $1200 HT budget makes it 33%)? If so, I can exchange the receiver for a cheaper one.

3. Your recommendation for good speakers. I know only I can determine the "ideal" speakers, but I don't even know where to start and which ones to consider.


This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, so please help me move in the right direction!!

Ill give my opinion, but thats all it is.

If I were you I would return the reciever you bought and buy the following.

Denon AVR 1505 reciever APX $400 USD (but you could get them down 10% im sure)

B&W DM 303s for center mains and surounds APX $600 USD

B&W ASW 300 Sub APX $3-400 USD.


That was my very first system and for the price it impressed me and anyone heard it.

 

[mike c]

for the receiver and speakers ...

it has always been my motto to buy the best you can afford to avoid buyer's remorse/regret.
i dont think you should return the receiver, i think you should buy your speakers in piecemeal so you dont end up having 5.1 so-so speakers. instead you might have 2.1. or 3.1 great speakers, and then buy the rest WHEN you get the money

also, you might be able to sell your old system to add to your budget.

 

[rikmeister]

I also agree with the above. I would buy the front two speakers and keep adding.

remembering that you must timber match the front three. look on www.audiogon.com You could save almost 50% there which would allow you to be actually looking at 1600.00 speakers in stead. THe receiver is fine with me. remember the speakers are what you hear so do not cheat the piper there or you will regret it.