Upgrade Help needed

[dave98svt]

I just sold my entire audio system to upgrade. I sold 2 polk rti12's fronts, a polk csi5 center, a velodyne spl-1200r sub, and a yamaha rx-v1700 reciever. I already purchased 2 Anthony gallo reference 3.1's. I am going to be running them with an old carver TFM-35 for now, until i can afford to upgrade to a newer, better amp. Ive spent hours researching forums and reading reviews, so now I'm asking advice on upgrading my other equipment. I am very picky about my sound quality, and I'd say as far as importance, its 60/40, music/HT. I don't want to have to upgrade again anytime soon, and hopefully i never will.
I have a friend that works for a wholesale company, and can get what his company sells at cost. The problem is that i cant demo anything before buying, so i have to base my purchases on research. I will list my potential choices, and their prices. I don't expect somebody to answer all these questions, but any advice would be greatly appreciated, even if you think I can get something different than what i list for around the same price.

Recievers: Id like to keep under $1300, and i am interested in features such as True-HD and DTS-hd, but sound quality is ultimately most important

Yamaha rx-v3800.....my cost is $1080
Denon avr-3808ci.....my cost is $1100
Marantz 7002...........my cost is $925
Marantz 8002...........my cost is $1320


Center Channel: Id like to keep price around $350, id like to get the matching gallo center, but its $1300.

Atlantic technologies 4200ec....my cost is $360
Polk lsi..................................my cost is $280
Better suggestions around the same price would be great.


Subwoofer: This is the hardest part for me. Everyone seems to have their favorite. I liked the Velodyne spl 1200r, but it was a little overpowering for music, at least where i had it placed (right behind me). It was fairly accurate, but i had it turned down to only 20 percent to make it so. I was thinking a 10 inch sub may work better, but not sure. I don't want to spend too much more than $1000, under $1500

Sunfire true subwoofer EQ.................my cost is $1050
sunfire true subwoofer EQ signature....my cost is $1420

These are the only subs my friend has available but i know that there are many subs available around that price. Im not sure if anything will be better for the price from what ive read, but ive never actually heard it..I want sharp deep accurate bass that wont overpower my Anthony Gallo's.

Thanks for taking the time in reading my VERY long post. I appreciate any help anyone can give me.

 

[enrique]

If it was me i would definately get the matching center most of all.You may have to get a less costly sub which i know are out there instead of the sunfires.Either marantz would be my choice.I would actually get the 7002,a less costly sub,that way i would be able to get the matching center.I really think that if you skimp on the center your going to regret it.And if you could manage the 8002 it would be even better.

 

[dave98svt]

first, i need a reciever........you think the marantz would sound noticably better than the yamaha or denon? I will probably save for the matching center. How do you think gallos sub compares to the others in the same price range?

 

[gus6464]

I say take the Yamaha 3800. But I am a Yammy fanboy

 

[enrique]

first, i need a reciever........you think the marantz would sound noticably better than the yamaha or denon? I will probably save for the matching center. How do you think gallos sub compares to the others in the same price range?

I've had yamaha just not the ones you mentioned.I also have a cpl of marantz's but older models than what you have mentioned.I always preferred Marantz over the others you have selected.But thats just me.You will have those that favor others.Since your not going to audition,your going to have to take a shot and hope for the best.You can always search for reviews if that helps.

 

[bandphan]

first, i need a reciever........you think the marantz would sound noticably better than the yamaha or denon? I will probably save for the matching center. How do you think gallos sub compares to the others in the same price range?

for music i think the yamaha,more neutral sound(and they are the worlds largest music instrument manfacture) As for the sub,you did have a good one, but id throw the martin logan gratto into the mix for 1200, and a 10 with individal crossovers for movies and music.

 

[Dezoris]

I just picked up a 3800 after auditioning the Denon.
And in many ways these receivers have gotten so good in this class its hard to go wrong.

You have to play with the GUI, figure out what you need the most out of the features, look at the remotes and aesthetics and make your choice. They all offer almost exactly the same thing.

I think as mentioned the Yamaha offers very flat sound is what I like.