Updating & Confused

[robang]

New member to the Audioholics. Home Theater knowledge extremely limited.
I am neither an Audio or Videophile. I would just like to put together a decent system to enjoy a better or improved quality of television viewing.
I rarely rent or buy video media.

I recently purchased the Sony KV34HS420 HD ready wide screen and the Sony RDR-GX300. An earlier attempt at HT was the purchase of a Sony STR D1011 A/V receiver, Atlantic Technology System 150 HT speaker system...# 151 L and R, 153 Cntr., 154 Surrounds and the power-directed Sub. The 5 spkr's. are rated @ 110 W, Sensitivity @ 89dB...8 ohms, I know its dated but I was hoping to still be able to use it with todays advanced recvr's. (the spkr. sys. that is). I imagine the Sony A/V would go south.

I recently had DishNetwork Satellite installed with the HD 811 receiver for the main viewing room which is 14'w x 20'L an opening to the kitchen behind the seating for viewing the TV. The cntr. spk'r. is above the
TV but with a swivel base to cast it either up or down as fitting. The mains (bookshelf) are spaced approx. 40" either side of the TV. The sub is located on the floor, same wall as the TV but to the left.

I forgot to mention (if it is relevant) the Dish Pkg. also included the HD Pkg.

I hope that I have'nt rambled on, in leading to my main concern which is deciding on a new A/V recv'r. I believe that the unit I described above would not handle todays advances in HT.

I would greatly appreciate any input regarding the selection of a new A/V in the price range of $300.-400., and any other suggestions regarding the usability of the speaker system I have.

I would also appreciate being guided as to cables required for maximizing the hook-ups for the described units,( i.e. optical digital, digital coax, the 811 has optical out, the DVD has both) I am aware of one I need, that being the DVI from the 811 HD satellite recv'r. to the HDMI at the TV.

As anyone viewing this might discern, I need some guidance.

I thank you.

 

[zipper]

In regards to the receiver issue, do yourself a favor & budget for $600-$900 if it's possible. The only thing your going to find in the range you listed is basic,entry level stuff which may not be a whole lot better than what you already have. You're going to want a unit that has a sufficient amount of digital inputs (say 3-5 optical & coax combined) & at least 80 WPC. There is a lot to choose from so take your time & research this. You said you're not looking for any top of the line unit but if you buy a decent unit now you'll have it for years to come & will have room to grow if you wish.

Personally, I would look for something other than a Sony. While they make some excellent A/V gear, IMO receivers are not their forte. Browse this site for a while (& other sites) & you'll get some good ideas. The Yamaha 2500 & Denon 2805 are very popular units that will serve you well & can be had for around $700. If you just can't stretch that far, search on ebay for a used unit. But do your homework........there are deals out there but you gotta know what you want.

 

[Leprkon]

Starting with the cables, since that's the easiest thing to do, you can get very good quality cables and less-than-monster prices right down the street at Walmart. Either RCA or Phillips Gold, both of which are well-constructed and well-shielded, can be had for ten to twenty dollars per set.

here's a component set for about $ 18.00

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1717306&cat=4537&type=19&dept=3944&path=0:3944:3964:133270:4537

and your DVI cable is less than $ 30

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2625067&cat=4537&type=19&dept=3944&path=0:3944:3964:133270:4537

here's a link for a special Impact Acoustics (a very good on-line brand) is running for Audioholics:

http://www.impactacoustics.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=4002&engine=AHALF


If you have all the video connections you need on your TV, you won't have any trouble finding a solid receiver in your price range. Try places like www.etronics.com, www.jr.com, and www.onecall.com to find deals like this:

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=yamhtr5850&store=&catid=4118

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=yamhtr5860&store=&catid=4118

http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=haravr235&store=&catid=4118

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_23908.htm

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=371385&is=REG

any of these will give you excellent HT sound.

 

[robang]

Thank you Zipper for your response

Robang

 

[robang]

Leprkon,
Appreciate the sites and the suggestions.
Not sure if I am responding correctly to the answers to my posts.
Zipper responded also. If this goes through, thanks to both.
Robang

 

[robang]

Forgot to ask, any comments on the Atlantic Technology System 150 Home Theater speakers, mentioned in my orig. post?