Wanting to build my first system from scratch

[kustow]

Hi, I am looking to begin building my first home theater system from scratch and looking for some advice. I really do not have much experience on this and any advice is appreciated. I believe i am looking to start with a 3.1 setup with a front left, front right, center speaker, and a sub-woofer. I would like to eventually upgrade the system to a 5.1 or better. I just don't have the money to do this right out of the gate. I am looking to invest around $1500. I have been looking at the Onkyo TXNR626 receiver. Most of the reviews that I have read for this unit seem to be good for reliability and quality.Not to mention is seems to have alot of the newer features i would be looking for. I am just looking for any suggestions on receiver and speaker setups. Also anything else I should look into for building my first system. Thank you in advance for any advice

 

[rojo]

Heya kustow, and welcome! $1500 is a pretty healthy budget for LCR.1 + receiver. Can you describe the room you'll be stocking with your new toys? How many cubic feet? Are you in the US? Would you consider a refurb receiver with a year manufacturer warranty?

 

[kustow]

Yes I want to at least have a 5.1 in the future but figured I could get a receiver that will accommodate that upgrade down the line. I don't want to drop the money and go straight to a 5.1 or better and sacrifice better speakers. The room is a 15'x22' with and 8ft opening on one on of the 22' walls flowing into my dining room. Yes, I am in the US. Not really to fond of refurbished units.

 

[j_garcia]

Probably go with the Pioneer BS22LR bookshelf + C22 center + HSU STF-2 sub maybe a SVS PB1000 and a good receiver and should be right around that price point.

 

[zieglj01]

Pioneer is nice for a starter system

Going 3.1 is a good way to start
3 ea SuperOne 2.1 is a nice option across the front
Look at third picture
http://www.nhthifi.com/

http://www.nhthifi.com/site/sc/images/apologyXsm.png

One of my favorite budget-friendly speakers - the Sony Core
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-core-series-5-3-way-bookshelf-speakers-pair-black/5721014.p?id=1219148662428&skuId=5721014

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-core-series-4-2-way-center-channel-speaker-black/5720006.p?id=1219148662291&skuId=5720006

Also, look into Wave Crest Audio
http://www.wavecrestaudio.com/

Then look at the SVS PB1000 or HSU Stf-2 as posted above

Another receiver option and new - Yamaha 675
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V675-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B00B981F1U/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1427317782&sr=8-12&keywords=denon+receiver

 

[kustow]

I really appreciate the help and feedback from all of you. After reading into these two subwoofers I am really liking the svs pb 1000. Now for my left and right front speakers are their any decently priced tower speakers I can go with? My shelving space is rather limited. Also should I try to keep my center speaker and my lr speakers the same brand? And what are the thoughts on the onkyo TX-NR636 receiver?

 

[zieglj01]

Now for my left and right front speakers are their any decently priced tower speakers I can go with? My shelving space is rather limited. Also should I try to keep my center speaker and my lr speakers the same brand? And what are the thoughts on the onkyo TX-NR636 receiver?

As far as Onkyo receiver, it can be hit or miss

Yes, it would be nice to keep the center speaker from the same brand

As far as towers - the Sony Core towers are nice
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-core-series-dual-5-3-way-floorstanding-speaker-each-black/5926456.p?id=1219171880508&skuId=5926456

Philharmonic Audio AA (modded Pioneer) speakers would be a real good
option for a nice/good starter system.
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

 

[kustow]

I am going back and forth between the onkyo TX-nr636 and the Yamaha rx-v677. They are both pretty similar when it comes to features reviews and output. I am also able to find them similarly priced. Just debating on which one to buy. I will be making a trip to best buy this Sunday to hear a few speakers.

 

[shadyJ]

If you don't have a large seating area, I would just stick with 2.1 for now. Two good bookshelf speakers and a good sub, and you are set. I would skip the Onkyo receiver. Too many reliability issues. While I like the andrew jones Pioneer speakers for the price, I would aim higher in your budget. I would be looking at some Ascend CBM-170s or Hsu HB-1 mk2s or possible some HTD Level Three bookshelf speakers. For a subwoofer, I would be looking at a Hsu VTF2 mk4 or Rythmik LV12r. Right now Outlaw has free shipping on their Ultra-X12, I think that might be worth making the stretch for.

 

[dodgers831]

For that budget, ditto on the SVS pb100 (500.00) and Affordable Accuracy LRC speakers from Philharmonic Audio; I'd go with the towers due to your room size (375.00, including the center). Then for the receiver I would look at the Denon AVR X2100, which is on sale at Crutchfield for 400.00 (reg 700.00). (I own an older Denon AVR 1912 and am very happy with the unit). Now you're at 1275.00 and you have some $$ remaining for speaker cables, interconnects, HDMI cables, etc. BTW, Dennis Murphy (i.e., Philharmonic Audio) is highly skilled at voicing his speakers for a balanced, open and accurate sound. I own a pair of his Philharmonitors and love them. Good luck!

Afterthought: You also might want to look at the Sony STR DN 1040, which was an audioholics.com choice for a budget receiver for 2014.

 

[SurvivalDad]

Just don't skimp on the sub. Wait til you can get quality before you buy. IMO