Purchasing Set-up Help

[esqueejy]

Here's one: I'm super lazy and new to being able to afford higher-end equipment. I've been all over the net researching the receiver purchase and, yep, opinions are like a-holes...everyone's got one...so questions still abound for me. My questions, then, are twofold:

1. Where can I get a book (or other written material) that will edumacate me? I learn quick, but the net is garbage because of the shear volume of conflicting nonsense.

2. For now, it seems I might benefit from paying someone who really knows what they're doing to set me up once I get the new receiver (probably an 876). Should I avoid GeekSquad and similar outfits? Any recommendations on how to get that kind of help and be confident it's not some pretender?

 

[Midcow2]

This is a good place to start

Here's one: I'm super lazy and new to being able to afford higher-end equipment. I've been all over the net researching the receiver purchase and, yep, opinions are like a-holes...everyone's got one...so questions still abound for me. My questions, then, are twofold:

1. Where can I get a book (or other written material) that will edumacate me? I learn quick, but the net is garbage because of the shear volume of conflicting nonsense.

2. For now, it seems I might benefit from paying someone who really knows what they're doing to set me up once I get the new receiver (probably an 876). Should I avoid GeekSquad and similar outfits? Any recommendations on how to get that kind of help and be confident it's not some pretender?

This is a good place to start.

A couple of questions.

How much do you want to spend?

How big is your room ?

What will you be using your system for ? gomes, TV, DVDs or music ?

Do you have a set-up , i.e. number of speakers in mind, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1

What other equipment do you have ?

Is HDMI connection important ?

Audioholics give great advice and it is FREE.

Good Luck and oh yes welcome to Audioholics forum!

MidCow2

P.S. - Books are inaccurate and out-of-date

 

[Davemcc]

You can't possibly be lazier than me and I say don't let the Nerd Herd into your house.

For a basic home setup, there are a few basic connections you need to make that aren't really subject to opinion. One wire here, one wire there and you're done. If you don't do these basics, the system won't work. When it comes to buying the components for a system, you can find a variety of opinions on which piece of equipment is better than another for any variety of reasons. Ultimately, it will be up to you to look at each piece and see how it fits your plans, your taste and your expectations. Generally, a healthy discussion will ensue that will present a number of viable options for you to consider but it is unlikely that you will find conflicting nonsense on this site.

 

[esqueejy]

Hehe...I'm a bookworm, so I suppose it was only natural to ask. Still wouldn't mind a sortof "starter" manual that would explain more distinctions (e.g., why to go with a processor instead of getting a receiver...that kind of thing).

I've posted answers to most of those questions in the 876 v. 2809 thread and would love input if you have any

As for room size, I assume it's volume, not floor area that matters, correct? Guessing, but it's probably about 14' x 14' with high ceilings, so maybe 12' to be safe (2350+/- c.f.).

Edit: Yeah, I got the basics and can connect everything etc...no prob there...what I'm really concerned about is getting it all hooked up and then having my eyes glaze over when it comes to reading some poorly written instruction manual and trying to understand all the nuances with the THX options and ISF and what-not. "Nerd Herd" lol

 

[Davemcc]

Personally, 876 over the 2809. Hands down, unequivocally, if those are the only choices.

I would suggest, however, that you choose your speakers before you choose a receiver. The answer to why get a processor over a receiver is that it depends on the amplification requirements of your speakers. You will need some fairly competent speakers to fill your space. Once we see the specs on the speakers you choose, we can have a better idea of the amplification you will need to drive them.

 

[esqueejy]

hmmm...well, I might as well ask then since I'm still in the 30 or 45 day trial period. I bought the Cambridge Soundworks MC305 system because they had it for 40% off. Now, from what I've seen in blogs since, people turn their noses up at the CS equipment, but it sems to be ok...at least it's a VERY noticeable improvement over the old speakers using my old crappy receiver. I've been advised by Strube to go with an Onkyo 805 (NOT 806) for my purposes, which is a great bargain and apparently a better fit for my uses...altho i can afford the bells and whistles. What's your take? Do I dump the speakers and use the savings (between the 876 and the 805) on better ones?

 

[Davemcc]

Interesting situation. I've never heard the Cambridge Soundworks speakers but based on their specs and design, I would suggest that even the 805 is overkill for that situation. The 606 would power that system just fine. To be honest, I would reconsider the speaker choice given the size of the room and that you still have that option. If you can do some local auditioning, you should go around and listen to as many speakers as you possibly can in a variety of price ranges, find your own balance between price and sound quality. Then we can reconsider the choice of amplifier.

 

[esqueejy]

huh...you might be going over my head a little since I'm new to this world. Are you saying the speakers are underkill and might not perform well enough to reproduce the sound needed for the space? what might you suggest for a room like this? one of the problems I've had is that I didn't trust all the speaker brands I didn't recognize when I was looking, but now I'm finiding the deeper I get into this thing that there are tons of "unheard of" brands that are considered incredible. Maybe the easiest way is this: if you had my living room, what would you put in it if you had, say, $2,000-$2,250?

edit: meaning the total cost for speakers and receiver

 

[strube]

I didn't know you still had a trial on the CSW speakers...

I would have recommended the same - different speakers first (I actually put something in but edited it out because I didn't want to make you sad ).

You probably won't recognize better brands until you are "in the game" a little bit longer.

Another note in case you haven't heard: don't buy Monster cable or Bose.

I personally like Paradigm speakers (as you can see from my signature), mostly because that is what the local dealer sells and they have lots of lines that allow them to fit with any budget (and they are good too, IMHO).

 

[Davemcc]

I find it hard to keep up with U.S. pricing but I can offer some suggestions to look at in that range that have had good reviews here.

First, I would start with a sub that can really work the room, like an SVS PB12-NSD or SB12-Plus. http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm $699

Follow that up with a set of 5 decent speakers, examples:
Aperion Intimus - Skip the sub since you have the SVS and just get the speakers, about $1100. http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/New-Intimus-4T-Hybrid-SD,170,35,416.aspx, or

The Emotiva 5 speaker set. I was really impressed when I heard these but they require a better amplifier because they are 4 ohm. http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=25

If you shop local stores, you could probably put something together with the Focal Chorus 700 series, one of the Paradigm lines, Monitor Audio Bronze or even some of the commercial lines from Infinity, Polk or Klipsch. There really is such a broad range of choices in speakers that you could (read: should) dedicate a separate thread just for that choice.

I think the SVS sub is an excellent choice no matter what you do. The 876 would drive most, if not all these choices. The actual choice of speakers will really depend on your personal taste and bargains available at the time of purchase. And I will say that we have some real bargain hawks that can point you in the direction of a great deal when you have a better idea what you want.

Edit: One more to consider: The AV123 X-series with an MFW-15 subwoofer instead of the SVS sub. http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,282/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 

[esqueejy]

Thanks guys. I did look at the Aperion actually...they were my first choice (god are they purty)...then I got roped in by the 40% deal at CSW. Unfortunately, I just got off the phone and I'm stuck with them because the last return day was Tuesday (I think they're counting wrong, based on the original order, which they had screwed up, but it's probably not worth the fight).

What precisely is wrong with the CSW equipment? Any suggestions on what to do to compensate?

Thanks again.

 

[EJD]

The CSW website says that You’ll also get 30-days to “audition” our products.

To me, that says your trial period starts from they day you received them - not the date your order was placed. That date should be pretty easy to determine by the tracking number of your shipment.

 

[strube]

The CSW website says that You’ll also get 30-days to “audition” our products.

To me, that says your trial period starts from they day you received them - not the date your order was placed. That date should be pretty easy to determine by the tracking number of your shipment.

Yeah esqueejy, I would personally fight it a bit more (you're a lawyer or something right? ), you never know what will happen if you even just get another service rep.

As for your question of why - I will answer that after this take-home final is freaking turned in

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Maybe they will still let you trade up. See if they would do these vs. what you got if they wont let you return the whole thing

The CSW website says that You’ll also get 30-days to “audition” our products.

To me, that says your trial period starts from they day you received them - not the date your order was placed. That date should be pretty easy to determine by the tracking number of your shipment.

 

[esqueejy]

Indeed..."received"...

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=cs_guarantee_30day

hopefully I get the same numbskull on the phone when I call back

I'll have to check the UPS site first...I forget when they arrived haha

Still, any details on why CSW is "bad" (or at least, "not good")?

 

[strube]

Still, any details on why CSW is "bad" (or at least, "not good")?

Actually I think part of the general disdain for them is that they are massively mass produced in China and Taiwan which may or may not be why I have heard less-than-stellar things about their quality control.

They used to be more reputable quality-wise before they were bought out by Creative Labs (originally decent PC sound card makers - but the quality of those have tanked as well).