Upgradable Home Theater System - Denon DHT-391XP

[yacpro13]

Hey all,
I'm new to this forum, but I've been an avid Audioholic reader for a long time.

I've recently moved out, and the time has now come for me to actually buy my first Home Theater System. I've been dead set on getting the Energy Take Classic speakers ($500), and I was just shopping/reading reviews for a decent entry-level receiver. I'm leaning towards the Denon AVR-391 right now ($250). So that's a $750 system.

I then later noticed that Denon offers the DHT-391XP ($400) which has the AVR-391 receiver and a 5.1 speaker set.

Question: As a first home theater system, do you think the DHT-391XP represents a good upgradable system? (ie. I could start with this system and upgrade the speakers to the Take Classic later on).

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[jostenmeat]

Speakers first. Even if it means just buying the front three that you want right now, or even just a pair for that matter. Check out the Infinity P162, looks like quick google says $85 each at Crutchfield(?). 3x those for $255. Hm, not enough for a sub quite yet with receiver, so then I say entry level receiver at $300+, then 5x P162 ($425), for total of say about $800. One day, next year, get a sub worth having. JMO. Good luck.

 

[yacpro13]

Hey Josten,
thanks for the tip. Funny thing: since posting this msg, I've been researching all my options and came down to the Infinity TSS-500. I was'nt too impressed by the specs, however. After hours of looking things up, I stumbled upon the P162s at Crutchfield. I will likely be ordering 3 of these to get started.

Now I notice you suggested these yesterday - could of saved me quite a bit of work looking through reviews and articles, but I'm happy we're coming to the same conclusion!

So 3xP162s and the AVR-391 receiver for now (any suggestions on receivers )

I'll later get the surrounds and the woofer.

 

[jostenmeat]

Sorry, I don't keep up on entry level receivers. I will run a search right now for you.

You can "subscribe" to this thread, so that when anyone responds, you receive an email response.

Ok, will search, advanced search, using keywords of $350, $300, etc, under "titles only".

$350 titles
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/search.php?searchid=4816804

$300 titles
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/search.php?searchid=4816806

"teach a man to fish . . . "

edit: btw, if you get a 3rd identical speaker, you'd want to use it upright, and on the same plane. If above the plane, flip it upside down. The compromise by not getting the C250 or C350 is the ability to push more air with the dual woofers (as the center channel is more demanding), but OTOH you would gain the best possible acoustic match as well as not having to deal with any "lobing" issues that occur with horiz mtm's.

Still, I'd take either combo over the Energy's (which has a center that only has one woofer in any case, and a very tiny one at that).

 

[anamorphic96]

I would get the Denon AVR-591 instead of the 391. Mainly for the Audyssey system that even EQ's the sub. For 349.00 its one of the best budget receivers on the market.

 

[yacpro13]

Now susbscribed Josten!

I've done even more research since typing this thread, and I think I'll have to eliminate the P162's because they are quite massive, and I need to wall mount them.

That being said, I'm now leaning towards the Beringer B2030P's. I'd get a pair, and probably a Dayton sub for the lower frequencies.

As I expand the system, I'd move the Beringer's to the rear and get new left/right/center.

I'm looking at the Dayton subs because they seem to have a great quality/price ratio. More specifically, I'm looking at the Sub-80, but I would probably get 2, as I hear the Beringers sound amazing in a .2 setup.

All your comments/suggestions have been noted for when I get around to the receiver - Thanks!