What you would buy in my situation...

[Brian_the_King]

OK, this is my current stereo system:

Reciever: Denon DRA-395
CD-Changer: Denon DCM-280
Speakers: Infinity Primus 250
Subwoofer: Yamaha SW215

Now I was wondering, if this was your system, what new reciever or new pair of speakers would you buy, at a limit of $600?
I know the reciever/speakers are a good mix as they are, but what would be the better option to upgrade?

Thanks if you reply ;p

 

[Sheep]

I would definately upgrade the receiver.

Having more clean power is key to having better sound. Speakers make a difference, but not when they are driven to clipping by an amp with no boot.

SheepStar
Edit: Stereo!?!?! I would buy a good, Multi channel receiver.

 

[Brian_the_King]

ok cool, but see i'm not buying a multichannel reciever because this is just for my bedroom, in which there will never be a tv.

Makes more sense to go stereo, right?

 

[Brian_the_King]

ok, still waiting for an answer to this question...^^
I mean, I don't want to waste money on things i'll never use [more than 2 channels, movie signal processing, added a/v in/out puts, etc.]

Since i'm getting [in theory] a new reciever, not speakers, any suggestions?
Remeber, $600 or less would be good. So far this is the best I can find.
Harman/Kardon HK3480
Nothing better from Denon, Onkyo, Sony, or Yamaha, unless I do go with a multichannel.

Thanks

Edit: Anyone own a Harman/Kardon reciever? I've heard they can be a little weak considering the power output they claim. They also claim "higher bandwidth" than normal recievers. Any input on that?

haha, Edit 2x: I'm seeing the H/K reciever on more than one website for under $300. Another thing to consider...

 

[Sheep]

You have to be patient. Some times it takes a couple days for a reply.

Consider this. A A/V receiver is the same price as your receiver, but it has the same amp, but more channels and more features to boot. All for the same price.

You never know, you might have a tv in your bedroom, and now you will be ready for a sound system in there.

SheepStar

 

[Brian_the_King]

heeh, you're right, i'm just used to over-populated forums.

I still don't know about the multichannle reciever, though...

 

[Nick250]

IMO spend the dough on speakers. No question in my mind. The sound you hear is 95% speakers and room acoustics. The receiver has very little to do with the sound you hear.

 

[gellor]

If you're just looking at stereo (2.1) check out the Outlaw RR2150 Stereo Receiver ... Its a stereo receiver with sub out and bass management.

That will give you plenty of power for any future speaker upgrades as well.

(Oh yeah...I know its out of stock right now...but at $599 its right in your price range when they get more in)

 

[Brian_the_King]

Thanks gellor [nice of you to include a link, too ;p]

OK, more questions from the newb...
What makes for better sound from an amp: better quality, or more watts [at decent quality, not HTIB stuff].

Becuase, my current reciever is 80x2, and the Outlaw is 100x2. The outlaw is $250 more than my denon, though... Does it have a much higher quality amp, I assume? Will it sound that much better, than say, a Denon DRA-685 or a Harman/Kardon HK3480?
I know the Outlaw has more features as well, but I need you to sell me on the fidelity of it before I drop $600 ;p


Also, does anyone else agree or disagree with Nick? [and why, would be nice]

Thanks

 

[jaxvon]

I think the bass management options alone should be a huge selling point. If you ever add a subwoofer to your setup, you'll be glad you bought the outlaw. Fidelity? I don't think there'd be too much of a difference between the options listed.

 

[Brian_the_King]

I think the bass management options alone should be a huge selling point. If you ever add a subwoofer to your setup, you'll be glad you bought the outlaw.

Read my 1st post, I do have a sub [no matter how crappy].

Fidelity? I don't think there'd be too much of a difference between the options listed.

If that's so, I probably don't to spend $600 on the Outlaw...

 

[westcott]

IMO spend the dough on speakers. No question in my mind. The sound you hear is 95% speakers and room acoustics. The receiver has very little to do with the sound you hear.

I agree with Nick but a US$500 budget is not much to work with for speakers. He may be better off buying a receiver with bass management, making his current speakers sound a lot better, especially the more budget oriented speakers.

Now give me US$1000-$1200+ budget for front speakers and I would definately upgrade the speakers before the receiver.

Good speakers last nearly a lifetime, spend wisely.

Happy New Year!

 

[Nick250]

I agree with Nick but a US$500 budget is not much to work with for speakers. He may be better off buying a receiver with bass management, making his current speakers sound a lot better, especially the more budget oriented speakers.

Now give me US$1000-$1200+ budget for front speakers and I would definately upgrade the speakers before the receiver.

Good speakers last nearly a lifetime, spend wisely.

Happy New Year!

I can see no point in buying a new reciver since it will not improve the sound. Brian, here is what I would do if I were in your shoes. Go out and audition every speaker you can find in your price range. Six Hundred US if I recall correctly. If you find a pair that you really like, buy them. Five years ago I purchased Paradigm Studio Monitors for a little over $600 and I am still pleased with the sound every time I listen to them. If you do not find speakers that sound better enough to you to warrent to spending the $600 on then do nothing. Save until you have enough to spend on speakers which you feel make the kind of improvement you are looking for.

Nick

 

[westcott]

I can see no point in buying a new reciver since it will not improve the sound.
Nick

Nick,

You do not think bass managment can improve the sound of a system?

 

[jaxvon]

Bass management in a system with a subwoofer is huge. If you don't think proper bass management can make a difference in a system, talk to Edwelly.

 

[Nick250]

Nick,

You do not think bass managment can improve the sound of a system?

Yes, I agree bass management certainly can (and will) improve the sound. My view however is that one builds a system around the best two fronts one can afford. Next add a good sub and if your receiver does not have a sub pre out, employ bass management by running the main speaker output through the sub (I do that now with my HSU VTF2 since the sub pre out on my receiver bit the dust, works seamlessly). The new receiver comes next and lastly the surronds.

Anyway, that is the sequence that makes the most sense to me but YMMV. Enjoy the music and enjoy the process of building one's system what ever the path.

Nick