What do you Audioholics think of this setup?

[Elvis1977]

I have this setup in a 15x 15 basement room in my home.

Front= JBL e100 (pair)
Center= JBL EC35
Surround= JBL e50 (pair)
Subwoower= 12" JBL e250p

All speakers connected by Audioquest "X2" 14 gauge speaker wire with all speakers on monster bannana plugs.

Receiver driven by ONKYO 804.
CD player = Denon DCM390 with monster Mseries analog 850 series cables.
DVD player = Sony dvdnc85h with Audioquest VDM-3 interconnect cable.
Subwoofer cable= Monster M series 850 cable with splitter.

Monster MK1000 2.0 clean power.
37" LG LCD 720p TV

What do you audioholics think of this setup?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Do you like how it sounds? If you do then it is an awesome set-up!

 

[Elvis1977]

Yeah is sounds totally incredible. The hk avr-745 is now on sale for under 1k. I'm tempted to buy it, but what will I do with my onkyo 804? I have been told though that Onkyo sound is better. What do you think?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You probably wont be able to tell a difference.

 

[j_garcia]

Overall, I'd call it a typical system in the price range. The one thing I'd change for sure is the sub. Between the Onkyo and H/K, I'd say stick with the Onkyo because H/K seems to be having some issues with quality lately...a friend had to send his receiver back TWICE within a few months.

 

[Elvis1977]

Which sub should I get to replace the JBL e250p? I have the setting at around 11 o'clock with the double bass OFF.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd look at the offerings from www.hsuresearch.com and www.svsound.com within your budget for starters They both make excellent subs; I've owned subs from each and was impressed with both companies.

Speakers make the biggest difference in a system, so if you are happy with the way these sound, then I think your battle is already most of the way done.

 

[mike c]

you need acoustic treatments in your square room.

you spent a bit too much on cables and connectors.

but the speakers and equipment look good to me.

 

[Sheep]

you need acoustic treatments in your square room.

you spent a bit too much on cables and connectors.

but the speakers and equipment look good to me.

X2.

You spent FAR to much money on cables. That money should have gone into the speakers, or room treatments.

SheepStar

 

[avaserfi]

The majority of the people here are probably going to say something along the lines of you spent too much on your cables and from our prospective you probably did. There is no reason to spend money on fancy cables or especially brands like monster who hike up prices just because they are a well known brand. Copper is copper and as long as you have the right gauge it doesn't matter but hey live and learn!

The real question isn't what do we think its what do you think and you seem to love it so thats great. I would also second or third the acoustics recommendation as they will help you greatly especially in your square room.

 

[Seth=L]

I am going to stop commenting on "snake oil" because I see it far to often, and if the member that happens to have snake oil pokes around on the forum for any amount of time they will find out sooner or later about the cables.

 

[Elvis1977]

One more question for audioholics!

Thanks to all audioholics who have responded. Yeah maybe I did pay alot for connections and wire but I did experiment with other brands and may I say i can tell the difference. For Example, the audioquest 14 gauge speaker wire sounded much more superior and fuller than standard 16 gauge wire. Also, that audioquest interconnect vdm-3 cost me $125. Let me say It was well worth it. Dynamic range and richness could me noticed. I think it was in the silver sodering of product that transfers the signal that made the difference.
One moe question to the Audioholics of this forum. I have the chance to buy an HK for $1000 on sale (discontiued item)(brand new) or stick with the Onkyo 804?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Naw...you cant tell any difference with those cables but if it makes you feel better; go ahead and play like you can...

I am just busting your balls but there really is not going to be any noticible change in the sound from one well built cable or wire to another. You can buy well made wires, cables and connectors for a very inexpensive price through monoprice or bluejeans and they are as good or better than Monster or audioquest. I use Home Depot speaker wire and all my other stuff is from monoprice.

Oh wait; I do have a 120 dollar sub cable from Monster but I only paid 3 bucks for it...

 

[j_garcia]

Thanks to all audioholics who have responded. Yeah maybe I did pay alot for connections and wire but I did experiment with other brands and may I say i can tell the difference. For Example, the audioquest 14 gauge speaker wire sounded much more superior and fuller than standard 16 gauge wire. Also, that audioquest interconnect vdm-3 cost me $125. Let me say It was well worth it. Dynamic range and richness could me noticed. I think it was in the silver sodering of product that transfers the signal that made the difference.
One moe question to the Audioholics of this forum. I have the chance to buy an HK for $1000 on sale (discontiued item)(brand new) or stick with the Onkyo 804?

As you can see, I use AQ also, but only their interconnects, and only when I find great deals on them. I've tried some of their most expensive speaker wire and heard no difference to speak of. I also tried a few of their video cables and this is one area where I definitely don't see their benefit because a $40 cable from BlueJeans easily matched their cables costing hundreds.

 

[obscbyclouds]

As someone said before, you won't find a lot of love for expensive cables/interconnects here , but if you are happy with it, that is all that matters!

 

[Elvis1977]

Yeah I understand what you guys are saying, But I believe most of the money on a cable goes toward the proper shielding. Maybe my ears are more sensitive than others, but I can tell a difference. Not a drastic difference I agree, but different. You guys tell me what I should do about the receiver issue? Should I buy the hk 745 for $999.00 to replace my Onkyo 804? This is a fantastic deal I probably won't see again. The 745 retails for $3500.00. I think the HK might drive my speakers better than the Onkyo.

 

[j_garcia]

$3500? Um, don't go by the MSRP on their site, it is bunk. That think likely retails for around the 800-900 it is going for. For $3500 and 85w it better wash the dishes too...

Shielding isn't going to make or break a cable unless you are running it right next to power wires.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Two people told you to stick with the Onk; what answer do yo want to hear?

Yeah I understand what you guys are saying, But I believe most of the money on a cable goes toward the proper shielding. Maybe my ears are more sensitive than others, but I can tell a difference. Not a drastic difference I agree, but different. You guys tell me what I should do about the receiver issue? Should I buy the hk 745 for $999.00 to replace my Onkyo 804? This is a fantastic deal I probably won't see again. The 745 retails for $3500.00. I think the HK might drive my speakers better than the Onkyo.

 

[Duffinator]

I think the HK might drive my speakers better than the Onkyo.

Why do you think that? If your Onkyo has the features you need and you like it then just keep it and send me your extra money. I'll second the sub suggestion. While a good sub can add a lot to movie sound tracks it can add just as much to music in two channel or MC mode. Your system is off to a good start. Hang out here more and you'll be upgrading forever! Have fun.

 

[Seth=L]

Keep the Onkyo. I think getting the Onkyo TX-SR805 would be more justified than getting the H/K AVR 745. The Onkyo TX-SR805 has the same amount of beef as the H/K, it costs less than the H/K, and it has more features than the H/K. That said, I would still hold off on the upgrade, your receiver is fine for now.