Receivers

[Slammer]

G'day all,

New to this game but looking to set up a home theatre system shortly. Where do I start? Do I buy a receiver first or the speakers? My total budget for the sound system will be around $2500. Which are the best brands? Denon, Yamaha, Sony ??? Any help to put me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated..cheers Slammer

 

[markw]

Generally, you should decide on speaker first...

...since they have the most impact on the sound of your system. Then all you need do is find a receiver capable of powering them, which is no big deal. Get as good a subwoofer as you can since that's what determines the visceral "impact" of your system.

As to your reciver question, there is a lot pf preference in play there but virtually any good receiver will sound amazingly like another in the same price range. A lot depends on which ones have the features you need (I/O, upconversion, etc).

IMNSHO, I'm very fond of ny Denon but I'm sure I could have been just as happy with a Yammie, Marantz or similar.

I suggest you spend a little time reading some of the FAQ's in the top left of the main Audioholics home page, particularly ther buying guides and that area.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

Everyone has their personal opinions so your responses are going to vary!

For your budget I like (and is very similar to mine ):

<b>Receiver</b> Onkyo TXSR-702 $799.99 but going for $549.99 on CircuitCity.com!! Wow!
<b>Front Speakers</b> Polk Audio RTi8 $839.99 Pr.
<b>Center Speaker</b> Polk Audio CSi3 $239.99 Ea.
<b>Rear Speakers</b> Polk Audio RTi4 $319.99 Pr.
<b>Subwoofer</b> Polk Audio PSW-505 $549.99 Ea.

<b>Total:</b> $2500 on the nose. (if you go with the CC Onkyo )

That speaker setup is identical to mine but I have a Marantz SR-6400 Receiver. I would have an Onkyo, but I got a super deal on the Marantz!

Happy shopping!

~Chuck

PS. Prices taken from <a href=www.polkaudio.com>Polk Audio</a> and <a href=http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/Search.do?c=1&context=&keyword=txsr702&searchSection=All>Circuit City</a>

More info on the receiver can be found at <a href=www.onkyousa.com>Onkyo</a>

EDIT: Those Polk Audio speaker prices were taken from Polk's website. You can probably get them much cheaper from an <b>authorized</b> Polk Audio dealer/website!

 

[sdy284]

for ~$50 more...

SVS PB12 ISD

 

[shokhead]

Spend the highest % of your money on speakers. If i was buying new today,i'd go for 4 same good bookshelf speakers like the Axiom 22ti's and a good sub like a SVS 20-39 for 600 bucks. Thats around 1500 bucks. A grand left for a center and receiver shouldnt be a problen.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Try Ubid for the best deals

Check out the Onkyo 602 at Ubid. It should go for under $200.

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10509230

Consider the MBQuarts at Ubid. They're a bargain and compare to Polks. Here's some towers (you can get 4 at these prices). Keep in mind shipping will add to the cost.

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10509578

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=10510940


If you don't want to spend the big bucks for an SVS (the best out there, but pricey), here's a good deal:

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=901060213

If you added up the msrp's of all the above equipment, you'd be well over $2500. You just need to do some shopping and you can get way more than you ever though possible. Ubid.com is a great site. Also try www.jr.com for great deals (always check their "deals of the week" and "friday sales")