System Check - weak links or better value?

[Digi]

I'm upgrading some outdated pieces (Yamaha's from the early 90's) and wanted run this system by ya'll:

- Pioneer SC-37
- Aperion Audio Verus Speaker (Towers, sat, center - not sure about sub yet - HSU or something else?)
- OPPO BDP-93 (when it's released)
- Panasonic 54" Verio Plasma (already own)

I know there's no right/wrong answer and selection is very subjective, but want to know if there's any major pitfalls in my selection.

Thanks!!!

 

[GranteedEV]

Sounds great, although I'm not personally a Pioneer guy.

for a sub, it would help what size room you have!

 

[Digi]

I've actually been looking at Yamaha for a while, but felt like the Pioneer was a better unit. Of course, I've been looking at NAD, HK, Denon and others.

The room is 19x18' w/ 22 ft ceiling, so a good size space.

Sounds great, although I'm not personally a Pioneer guy.

for a sub, it would help what size room you have!

 

[its phillip]

That's a huge space, so you'll definitely need multiple subs. I'd wait for this subwoofer comparo to be finished before making a purchase, but I'd definitely be looking at two of the new HSU subs at the very least.

 

[sholling]

I have no comments on the speakers because I haven't heard them and there aren't any reviews yet but they sure look nice. I'd for sure wait on the receiver until you nail down the speakers for sure and look at Denon and Onkyo seriously. I just like Audyssey. You're going to need a heck of a sub or a more likely a pair of subs in a space that size.

 

[Digi]

Ya, I'm a little leary to buy something I've never listed to, but they seem to deliver the goods, at least at that price level and I live relatively close, so if they really disappoint and I can return them personally. Too many good options...

 

[GranteedEV]

DIY a pair of Sonotube Tempest X's

 

[96cobra10101]

Did you look at these? They're sort of comparable to the ones you listed, but they're in the Audioholics store. Just a thought, I have been looking at speakers recently too. Those Verus' are sexy though. I have also been considering some Emotiva's, but there considerably more.
Also, have you considered a less expensive receiver (less power) and go with an amplifier for power (Emo or Outlaw)? I went separate amp recently and I love it.

Good luck!

 

[Digi]

The EMP's seem to be lacking, imho, but are a nice speaker.

This company and their products are intriguing and get good reviews. mordauntshort dot com

Just for simplicity, I'm forgoing separates and trying to get the best integrated unit I can find, within my budget (about 5-6K for BD, speakers and receiver).

Keep the ideas coming...

 

[GranteedEV]

The EMP's seem to be lacking, imho, but are a nice speaker.

lacking... what? They kick ***.

 

[Digi]

Some of the reviews I've read say they are a little weak on the low end and mid's are a little reserved. Nothing a sub or two can't fix and some receiver tweaking.

Everyone loves their owns stuff or they wouldn't of purchased it. Having been removed from the audiophile world for a bit, I'm just looking for some honest reviews on what folks like and why. Tastes and what you're listening to differ and I'm just trying to avoid the "gotchas", but not my choices aren't set in stone as the above is my starting point.

Besides, half the fun is the researching.

lacking... what? They kick ***.

 

[sholling]

Well if you bump your budget a tiny bit you could get a set of Salk Song Towers, a Song Center, and Song Surround II. Add a Hsu VTF-15 (or two) and an Onkyo TX-NR708 and an Emotiva XPA-5.

 

[Digi]

Funny you should mention those ...Those were the first speakers I had my mind set on...but wanted to see what else was out there. Then Aperion came out with their new line...mmmm. What's the biggest diff I will in a separate amp? Like Horse Power, you can never have enough...maybe with two subs, but not sure the budget (ie. wife) will allow for it.

Well if you bump your budget a tiny bit you could get a set of Salk Song Towers, a Song Center, and Song Surround II. Add a Hsu VTF-15 (or two) and an Onkyo TX-NR708 and an Emotiva XPA-5.

 

[Digi]

The other thing I should note is listening habits are about half music and half video - we also love listening to recorded live concerts via DVD.

 

[sholling]

Funny you should mention those ...Those were the first speakers I had my mind set on...but wanted to see what else was out there. Then Aperion came out with their new line...mmmm. What's the biggest diff I will in a separate amp? Like Horse Power, you can never have enough...maybe with two subs, but not sure the budget (ie. wife) will allow for it.

You can always add the XPA-5 and second sub later and start just within budget. I ran the STs off my TX-NR906 for about 6 months before adding the amp.

 

[96cobra10101]

Get the onkyo TXNR1008 ($900.00) and an Emotiva XPA3 ($529.00). All the bells an whistles with a ton of power.

 

[GranteedEV]

The bass indeed could extend deeper. The mids however are anything but reserved.

 

[Digi]

Ya, an amp seems like a no-brainer, especially at those prices. but may have to do what you suggested and build on it later.

Thanks for all the good advice. The only sure thing in all of this so far is the OPPO (waiting for a release date). I need to make some decisions soon, so I can start enjoying it.

You can always add the XPA-5 and second sub later and start just within budget. I ran the STs off my TX-NR906 for about 6 months before adding the amp.