Receiver & stereo speakers ~ 1200

[Guster24196]

Hey guys,

I've been wanting to buy a basic setup for music and movies for my room next year, and I want to buy something that can be easily upgradable. I've been reading a lot about various receiver/speaker combinations and I've settled on buying Axiom 22's as speakers, but i'm having a little trouble picking a receiver. I want something that I can easily connect to my computer, that has good sound quality, and that preferrably has dolby headphone. So far i've looked at the HK 635, the pioneer elite series, the yamaha 2600, then denons, and the boston acoustics 7120 over at onecall for 1k. Given that the 22's cost roughly 400, i have 800-1000 to spend on a receiver, and i want to make sure that I get a worthy investment that won't be completely obsolete in 5 years since i'm looking to buy more speakers to get a full surround setup. You guys have any opinions on the matter? The setup will primarily be used for music (roughly 90%). I'm also considering buying a cheaper receiver (HK 240) and seeing if that will hold up for a few years.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[Pianoman84d]

Not sure if you know this or not, but it is commonly said that the Axiom m22's really need a subwoofer to sound their best (even for music). Just thought I'd make sure. On to your main question, I'd spend the bulk of the budget on the speakers and sub. Loudspeakers are the objects in a system that become obsolete the slowest. If you buy a receiver today, it will be obsolete as soon as all the new hidef formats are straightened out and common. i.e., I'd buy the H/K 240 and wait 2 years for something better and badder to come out.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker budget.

I agree with the above post. Consider upgrading to the axiom floorstanders or M22's + sub and use the remaining $3-400 for a receiver like the HK 240 or Yamaha HTR-5860, etc. The Axiom's are efficient 8 ohm speakers so any receiver can easily drive them. Any receiver can connect to a analog or digital (coax or optical) output from your PC.

If you are only willing to budget $400 for speakers, you should also check out the Onix X-LS speakers and X-sub. $400 for both. They also anounced a floorstander version of the X-LS speakers for only $300 a pair, but no ship dates yet.

 

[JMO_PWR]

The end result of the output sound on your sound system is approx 70% speaker dependent. As mentioned above not only about recent formats (personally i couldnt care less about HD-DVD, Blu-Ray etc) however the differance of spending 500$ more on your speakers compared to 500$ more on an amp will be more than worth it. I personally would recommend Jamo E855's however i'm unaware of the price tag where you are.

And perhaps a Marantz, Denon or Yamaha (factory repack) receiver. Marantz 5500 maybe?

Anyway. Good luck.

PM me to discuss more if you want