What to buy first? Receiver or Speakers?

[SPAZZ2500]

Hi Guys and Gals. I am in the process of upgrading my home theater system and was wondering if anybody had a opinion on what I should start with first with regards to the Home Theater system? I am coming from an 5 year old HTIB. I am ready for the change. I just need to know if I need to buy the receiver first or the speakers?

Thanks

Spazz

 

[Seth=L]

You should always chose your speakers first.

What is your budget?

Other things to consider are your listening habits (movies, music, games, broadcast TV) and your room size.

 

[The Dukester]

I think it depends on how much time is going to lapse between purchases. The way receivers change (read more features, processing, etc for the money), if it's going to be awhile, then speakers first would be a no brainer. If you are going to buy both soon, then I would say not much difference.

One thing for sure, is to spend more money on your speakers than any other piece of gear as they will make the most difference in how it sounds. Also the speakers you buy will help determine how much power you will need. More info would help us help you as Seth=L said.

 

[mazersteven]

IMO you should concentrate on putting your time, and efforts into auditioning speakers first. After you have narrowed your choices down, and know the required specs of the speakers (sensitivity/efficiency, impedance, and recommended watts). Then you should seek electronics to compliment your speakers.

 

[fmw]

Speakers first. The truth is that the electronics aren't very important compared to the speakers. When you make compromises, the speakers are the last place to do so.

 

[markw]

to reinforce the others...

You should select your speakers first and then choose an amp/receiver that can drive them adequately. Some speakers are harder to drive than others.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Another Vote for Speakers

Since they are the MOST IMPORTANT component in your HT System, speakers should get all of your attention first. Now get busy.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

If you want to save money on the receiver, choose speakers that are rated at 8 Ohms and at least 89dB. That way, you won't need a lot of power.

 

[mazersteven]

If you want to save money on the receiver, choose speakers that are rated at 8 Ohms and at least 89dB. That way, you won't need a lot of power.

Choose speakers that sound good to you. IMO I wouldn't worry about ohms. There are always cost effective ways to supply power to speakers.

 

[Seth=L]

Choose speakers that sound good to you. IMO I wouldn't worry about ohms. There are always cost effective ways to supply power to speakers.

Very true, like the Behringer A500 combined with a Yamaha RX-V661, RX-V659, or an Onkyo TX-SR705

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Very true, like the Behringer A500 combined with a Yamaha RX-V661, RX-V659, or an Onkyo TX-SR705

So when you use the Behringer amps or other amps with gains (volume) controls, what levels should you set those gains? 12 o'clock (50%) position?

 

[stratman]

Ditto to what all the MEISTERS have said, audition speakers (within your budget) to your ears fall off, if some dealers allow you to bring them home, by all means. When you find a set that blows off your socks , BITE THE BULLET! Then research amplification.

 

[SPAZZ2500]

Speakers first. 60% Movies 40% Music!

Thanks for all of the input. I will concentrate on the speakers first. I have been listening to a few sets in store. To answer some of your questions, I am about 60% watching movies and 40% listening to music on this system. I guess I want a speaker that can manage both.

Thnaks

 

[adam71]

Thanks for all of the input. I will concentrate on the speakers first. I have been listening to a few sets in store. To answer some of your questions, I am about 60% watching movies and 40% listening to music on this system. I guess I want a speaker that can manage both.

Thanks

What brand and models have you been listening to so far?? You know you could always upgrade the front 3 first and then the surrounds at a later date. If you try to upgrade ALL 6 at once you'll find yourself settling too much to be able to afford ALL 6 at once. You didn't decide to upgrade overnight so you shouldn't worry about trying to buy everything at once either. Just my opinion.

 

[Davemcc]

If you find speakers that please you musically, there is a very high probability that you will also be happy with them for movies. The reverse is not always true. Movies do not always demand much in the way of fidelity, concentrating mainly on vocals and effects, while the sub handles the LFE. Music can challenge the speakers to reproduce sound across the entire spectrum of sound. You should concentrate your auditions on finding speakers that play music the way you like and you are unlikely to be disappointed with their performance on movies.

 

[rnatalli]

Another vote for speakers first...

 

[3db]

Dam I hate peer pressure!! Speakers 1st

Seriously though, speakers 1st becuase they have the biggest impact in sound, followed very closely by room acoustics. Electronics have less of an affect but its still there.

STAY AWAY FROM BOSE. Sorry for shouting but I'm rather passionate about this in particular. Its over priced poor quality crap.

Other than that, it's all fair game. Good luck and let us know how your doing with this .

 

[bj274]

Davemcc took the words right out of my mouth, buy for the way music sounds over movies.

If music sounds good through them then special effects is like feeding a dog a porkchop.