Rookie Needs advice Home Theater System

[cl0316]

So I want to get a system to compliment my Sony 42" TV with a PS3...My game room is small(less than 300 sq ft.) I decided to ditch to HTIB thing and look into putting together a good system. After hours of research I would like an opinion on this setup...

Receiver...Sony STR-DG720
Speakers...Fluance AV-HTB 5
Subwoofer....??? Have not decided yet.

My budget is around 500$ or a little more....I really like crisp sound and GOOD bass...This system will be used mainly for PS3 games and Blue Ray but I want to connect my cable box to it as well for surround. Would this be a good setup?

 

[cl0316]

I now think I want to add the sony sa-w3000 subwoofer...to complete the system. I might also add 2 surround speakers from fluance offers but for now this should be good at least I think. Thanks for any help.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Don't get a Sony sub. Look at the link below, these would eat the Sony like a small snack.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51315

 

[lsiberian]

At your budget price. I recommend you look at the speaker company bookshelfs and a Dayton 12 inch off ebay(they go for 90 usually)

You could also mimic some of my setup. I put together most of my system for around 500(until i upgraded receivers)

But what I suggest is that you actually just get an old used 5.1 receiver off ebay. 80 percent of your budget should be on speakers. The sub should take a good portion of that. But at your lvl the Dayton 12 would probably be your best option.

So only spend up to 100 on the receiver

maybe 150 on the sub(if you order from parts-express)

that leaves you with 250 left

for that you will want 5 speakers

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/LCR3-P-Series-Home-Theater-Front-Speakers-P41C6.aspx order and try those. They have a 30 day money back and if you don't like them.

Now you have 100 left

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/P5-PR-525-2-way-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair-P42C6.aspx

Those will probably work just fine for the back.

Ok that's about 500 dollars.

Now go find a decent used receiver for under 100 on ebay.

Now if you want to have a great system. I suggest you start of 2.0 with your budget by getting two towers and .
Then add a subwoofer, Center, Sides, Rears as you get the funds.

Then you won't be replacing you will be adding.

 

[cl0316]

Thanks for the info. however I am no expert but what is the differance between the speakers you suggest and the set I found that has two towers. I will take your advice on the sub instead of the sony thank you. I do not want a used receiver I prefer new and build off it like you suggest. However I cannot spend more than 400 on a receiver any ideas??

 

[jamie2112]

The Audioholics store has EMP's on sale and you should have a look at the AVR's they have as well.
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1866/66234/emp-htp-351-5-1-speaker-system

 

[lsiberian]

The Audioholics store has EMP's on sale and you should have a look at the AVR's they have as well.
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1866/66234/emp-htp-351-5-1-speaker-system

If you can swing for the emp's please do. You will not regret it!

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the info. however I am no expert but what is the differance between the speakers you suggest and the set I found that has two towers. I will take your advice on the sub instead of the sony thank you. I do not want a used receiver I prefer new and build off it like you suggest. However I cannot spend more than 400 on a receiver any ideas??

The Fluance speakers look like they may be a good deal. But the TSC's have a great return policy. So it's a no lose if you don't like them. If you can get an in home audition for both sets. Then do so and do a head to head comparison. Send back the ones you don't like. Please do share your thoughts with us on whatever you buy. It's always nice to read about different speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the info. however I am no expert but what is the differance between the speakers you suggest and the set I found that has two towers. I will take your advice on the sub instead of the sony thank you. I do not want a used receiver I prefer new and build off it like you suggest. However I cannot spend more than 400 on a receiver any ideas??

I find most people spend more than they can usually afford. So I do think staging your purchases would be best.

Get an awesome 2.0 setup first.

This will give you something you can add really good stuff over time too.

My receiver cost right around 400 It's an Onkyo SR705. I know the 606 is going for around 300. It has all the new decoders

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR6001/Marantz/SR6001-receiver-100w-x-7ch-HDMI-home-theater-surround/1.html

That is a good deal and the receiver has pre-outs you can use for an amplifier.

Browse that site and find what you want. Look for hdmi repeating.

They actually have Several KEF iQ's going for cheap. You could always pickup a pair of iQ3s or iQ1s.

 

[Phil Taylor]

Good advice above from Jamie and lsiberian. Whatever you do - listen/audition your speakers first - whether by going to a store or via an in-home audition which would be preferable as your room acoustics will affect the final audio perception. If you have to audition in-store at least take along your favorite CD so you will be familiar with the source material for comparison's sake.