Here is my original post in the General A/V forum:
Here is my current setup:
- Toshiba 50HX81, 50” RP
- Pioneer VSX-D711 Receiver
- Toshiba SD-3900 DVD Player
- Onkyo Speakers: D30 Left and Right Sats and a D30C center
I have 2 other D30's and an old Wharfdale Sub (model cube 8) but they are not hooked up as we're renting so running wires is not an option.
My living room is rather large, 23'x21' - It has a large archway into the dining room as well as a large cutout into the kitchen along the right side (21'). The left side is nearly all sliding glass doors (21'). The Front and rear wall are solid (23'). The ceiling is also high, I'd estimate 10' in the rear to 12' in the front.
Viewing distance is about 12 feet.
Its evident to me that it's time to upgrade all around - My question is where to start and how to divy up the budget ($3k-$4k hopefully).
Is anything worth holding on to? I loved this system 6 or 7 years ago, but it is definately dated now...
From a TV perspective, I'm leaning towards DLP - Just seems like a lot more bang for the buck. But I'm concerned I'll be disappointed in a couple of years and ready to upgrade again.
Thanks in advance for the help and for all the free advice the boards have provided already.
So the advice given thus far is to focus on speakers and acoustical improvement first then display. I'd love some of your expert opinions on my initial plans.
Here's what I'm thinking at this point:
- Add a sub and replace the onkyo speakers for about $2000
- Buy a new display (probably DLP) for about $2000. Although a local store has a 60" LG plasma 720p for $2200 (LG 60PC1D)
- Stick with the current receiver and dvd
The Pioneer recvr doesn't have any HDMI in/out's - Is this something I should be concerned about? Will the component cables I'm currently using suffice?
I've basically ruled out wireless rears based on what I've read on the forums and my room is too big for a soundbar - Are these decisions accurate?
Should I be looking to go 2.1 or 3.1 with $2k? I was looking at the CMT 340 SE from Ascend Acoustics based on some recommendations to others. I can get a pair w/ stands for $668, add a matching center for $298 then get a SVS sub - Maybe the PB12-NSD/2 for $900 - All in under $2k.
