SO I've decided on my system...

[jbost002]

Thanks for all the help. Here is what I've decided to go with:

Onkyo TX-SR605 - $350
Boston Acoustics CR67 (Front, L&R) - $100
Boston Acoustics XB2 8" 50W Sub (low power, but I live in a townhouse) - $150
Cheapy Sony satellites (for now, to complete a 7.1 system - upgrade later) - Free, already had

All that is left is the center channel. I've narrowed to:

Boston Acoustics CRC7
Boston Acoustics VR10 or VR12 (depending on which I can find and for how much).

Total cost so far - $600, still need another $100 - $200 for a center speaker

Can anybody point me to where I might find a used VR10 or VR12? I've checked eBay...no luck. Help!

What do you guys think about my system decision?

 

[jinjuku]

For the $150 on a sub, dump the BA and get the Parts Express Sub-80 for $90 shipped, the Sub-100 for $124 shipped or the Sub-120 for $148 shipped. Simply adjust the volume to accommodate your living conditions, not the size of your sub.

 

[j_garcia]

How big is your room?

You might also consider the Onix X-sub for $199 from www.av123.com

 

[Alamar]

For its purpose I think your system is fine. Of course my opinion doesn't count .... only your opinion.

It seems like you're sticking with one company across your fronts and I assume [ugly word] that the front speakers will be relatively well matched to each other. For me this is very important ... I hate hearing transitions as a sound effect moves across my speakers.

I also want to feel that the crossover from speakers & subs is handled properly ....

I guess any "discontinuity" that you can think of I don't like.

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As far as living in a townhouse you probably don't want earth shattering base so I'm not sure if you want to put a lot of $ there anyway. There are certainly better subs for not much extra $ but if you're going to turn the sub's volume down are you really going to feel the difference????

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BTW I'm in a situation similar to yours but I'm looking for a real house now so I'm going to be in the market soon for a real sub

 

[jbost002]

Thanks for the replies - no less than one day after my original search began, I found the VR10 on Craigslist in Salt Lake City. I called the guy and arranged for him to ship it to me (and I threw in an extra $25!). Woo hoo! I can't wait to hear my new system now!

I'm considering making the jump to one of those Dayton subs...two questions for you though.

#1 - Is it OK that my subwoofer isn't Boston Acoustics?
#2 - Is the sound quality comparable from the Boston Acoustics and the Dayton? I don't want louder if it isn't better or at least as good.

 

[j_garcia]

Your sub doesn't have to match your system. I can't speak on the SQ of that one because I havent' heard it.

 

[jbost002]

So I will definitely be keeping the BA sub. I hooked it up tonight to my old crappy Sony HTIB system (replacing a non-powered) sub and I just can't believe the difference! I don't even have it half-cranked and it's already a bit too loud for my townhouse. I may want to upgrade when I move to a new house but it is plenty fine for now.

All I can say is...WOW does it sound great!! So much louder but sounds really clean. If the rest of my upgrade is this much of an improvement, then I'm in for a treat. This is awesome!