System upgrade

[jared555]

I am trying to decide what to upgrade when I actually can afford it.


My current system is:
Receiver - Onkyo TX-SR602 - http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR602&p=i&class=Receiver

L/R - Pioneer S-H253B-K - http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Support/HomeEntertainment/Speakers/Pioneer-Speakers/ci.S-H253B-K.Support?tab=F

Center, Surround L/R, Rear Center - Polk Audio R15 - http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/individual/bookshelf/r15/

Subwoofer - SVS PB10-ISD - basically... http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

DVD/BR Player - Playstation 3
Game System - Wii
Game System - Xbox

Junk cable box

TV - Pitiful 19" CRT


Of course if I could afford to, as many of us here probably would, I would end up getting a full set of RBH speakers and the separates to power them.... but since that isn't an option.... I am considering getting either the VP150 center from axiom ( http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp150.html ) or the M80's. I am guessing one of those two upgrades would be the most beneficial.

I could get the center channel much sooner than the floorstanding ones. Right now I am in an apartment so the subwoofer is already more than enough. No one is in the next apartment so I was able to go over into there with my PS3 remote.... I could hear all the lyrics from music in 2.1 mode perfectly clearly with the receiver at -20dB to -15dB (calibrated approximate reference)

The room is L shaped, about 2200 cubic feet, but I hope to be able to use it if I move into a larger place.

 

[mazersteven]

IMO I would up-grade your mains before anything else. Your subwoofer is an excellent performer. So I feel that would be your last up-grade. After the mains I would purchase a center channel.

Depending on your choice of speakers you might have to up-grade what you power them with.

 

[jared555]

notice that I specified I would likely be getting the M80 v2 which would push back my purchase quite a bit. The reason I said the center is I thought it might improve voice on movies a fair bit. Also, I listed what I would be powering the speakers with

 

[mike c]

i think the tv should go first

 

[jamie2112]

You should upgrade your main speakers first as they are the most important component in your system at this point. Your receiver is a good piece and I would recommend the front speaker upgrade. Good luck

 

[jared555]

mike c, so do I, but I would end up having to wait 10 years to upgrade everything else if I got the TV I wanted LOL

 

[mike c]

19" CRT? get into the 90's man!!

just kidding ... but i still think it will give you the most "upgrade" for your buck

 

[jared555]

heh, considering I want 32-50+", 1080p minimum.... could be a while before I can afford it, especially since my main source of income is going to be SSI.

 

[mazersteven]

heh, considering I want 32-50+", 1080p minimum.... could be a while before I can afford it, especially since my main source of income is going to be SSI.

Ever check television repair shops. Older CRT televisions that people didn't want to pay $200-$500 for repairs, and just left behind. Most places will sell the television just for the cost of the repair.

 

[mike c]

i dunno, having a ps3 with a 19" CRT is IMO like a bicycle with jet fuel

but, i guess it's up to you on what floats your boat.

 

[jared555]

Hey, one of you guys could always send me a used tv of yours I would pay shipping.... lol

 

[jared555]

i dunno, having a ps3 with a 19" CRT is IMO like a bicycle with jet fuel

but, i guess it's up to you on what floats your boat.

I actually saw someone that put a high power rocket motor on a bicycle, so that could maybe work too....

 

[mazersteven]

I actually saw someone that put a high power rocket motor on a bicycle, so that could maybe work too....

That someone is Clint DeBoer

 

[3db]

I'm with Mazer and the others that suggest replacing your main speakers. I just question your choice on the M80s. Have you heard them or have a chance to hear them? The point I'm trying to make is go out and audition as many speakers as you can before deciding on which pair to buy. The Axioms are good speakers but they may not be the speaker for you. By auditioning many brands, you'll get an idea of what kind of sound you like/dislike etc and then you can narrow down your choices. Speakers to audition are PSB, Paradigm, Polk, Boston Acoustic, Totem, Mirage, Energy, Kliptsch, Sinclair, Athena, ProLinear.

Figure out the sound from them and if you want to go ID, then people eho have more experience here with ID speakers can point you to the offerings made by these companies should you choose to go this route.

 

[jared555]

well I was planning on taking advantage of the home trial partially. The best home audio stores around here that I know of at least are best buy and circuit city.... I know someone I might be able to talk to that MIGHT be able to help though....

Although i check the website for the place I think they work for and see a big push on monster cable as the 'exclusive' solution they use now....