starting from scratch

[Rookie]

I'm hoping that I may call on your expertise as I don't know a lot about this stuff, although I'm very mechanically inclined. I'm not certain what information is important so feel free to ask and I will answer that best I can. We have a new house and want to install new components. Don't need a TV and don't mind keeping installed Klipsch speakers - if it is acceptable.

What I have: Sharp 52" LCD in a large entertainment center with covered doors for right, left and sub speakers. Digital HD Cable service. House was pre-wired with Klipsch rear surround and outside adjustable patio speakers.

Room: large family room that is open to the dining room and kitchen. Family room is 90% carpet and balance is travertine tile.

Desires (I think):
listen to different music in the house and patio/pool area. (2 zones?)
blu-ray
home theater
receiver
etc...???

Thanks in advance for your thought, suggestions and ideas.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The first and most important thing should be the the LCR speakers. Spend as much as you can on these speakers. I would assume that you want to put them in the cabinet? not ideal but if you need to make sure they are at the very front edge and you will probably need to use front ported or sealed speakers.

Next is the sub, you cant skimp on this as a sub has to be able to pressurize the entire room volume which includes the rooms opened into your main room. A call to SVS would be a great starting point.

Almost all mid range AVRs have at least two zones so this will not be an issue. Just look at Yamaha, Denon and Pioneer.

I have no issue with using the Klipsch as surrounds and outside patio speakers.

PS3 hands down for the BD player.

Get all cables and wires from Bluejeans or Monoprice, no need to spend a lot of money in this area.

Your total buget would help us help you.

 

[Rookie]

Greg,

Thanks for the response. As for budget, is $3,000 - $4,000 enough? I'm so new to this that I don't know how much is needed. It needs to sound nice but doesn't need to be perfect.

 

[jamie2112]

Many choices

Your choices Are endless at that price point. I would try and audition as many speakers as possible. Greg is right don't skimp on a good sub.I would look into Axiom speakers. They make great sounding speakers and have great service. This is the fun part enjoy looking and listening.........

 

[ParadigmDawg]

3-4k range will put you into a nice system. The size of your room and any constraints would benefit us in helping you. (size = wxdxh, constraints = WAF, bookshelf vs. towers, size, willing to but ID or only from a brick and mortar store)

Speakers to audition should be:
B&W
Dynaudio
Paradigm
Monitor Audio
DefTech
AV123

One of the new Yamaha or Onk AVRs would get you into a great processor with all the latest tech. at a very affordable cost. Look for the Yamaha RX-V663 or the Onkyo 705.

For subs, I would look at SVS, HSU or the new AV123 MFW15.

 

[3db]

Put the PSB Synchrons or the Image series on your must audition list of speakers. The Synchron series is much more expensive than the Image series but I put out both because I don't know if you wanted a complete 5.1 packagae or just starting out with a left/right and center channel speaker configuration.