Looking for a good home thearter..

[Jorden_23]

I don't have a ton of money right now since am going to buy a new car. I'm looking to spend at the most 1,500 and need the best home theater. Need receiver and speakers and sub woofer.. Any suggestions please send me message.. Thanks jorden

[nezff]

KEF Iq50 or Iq70-$550-$700
KEF Iq60 center-$300
KEF Iq8d surrounds-$350
Onkyo 708 or 808- $650
Elemental Designs A2-300 $400

thats about $2400 depending which way you go on the receiver and floorstanders.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by nezff

KEF Iq50 or Iq70-$550-$700
KEF Iq60 center-$300
KEF Iq8d surrounds-$350
Onkyo 708 or 808- $650
Elemental Designs A2-300 $400

thats about $2400 depending which way you go on the receiver and floorstanders.

A bit high? More like 60% higher!

Start with a good AVR that can handle all of your audio requirements, enough HDMI inputs and preferably more than one output, plus pre-outs for future considerations so a seperate power amp can be added.

Then start with a
2.0 (front L/R speakers only),
2.1 (front L/R speakers and sub) or a
3.0 (front L/R speakers and a Centre channel).

Concentrate on your front soundstage first....

[JJ]

KEF KHT2005 - $800
Yamaha RXV667 - $500

This would be a great starter system, in my opinion.

But personally, I would do what John said. Get a great entry level receiver, two fronts and a sub for $1,500, then build piece by piece.

A receiver is $500ish, tops - lets say the Yamaha, a similar Onkyo X08 series, or a Pioneer.

Leaves $1,000 for a 2.1 system - that's a lot. I could take that in MANY ways, but - let's get some preferences, here!

I'd say great Bookies with some Elemental Designs stands. Maybe some Paradigm Monitors, or B&W 600 series? Then $300 for a sub? Maybe a Velodyne? No, definitely one of the entry level eDs, like a A2-250...

[nezff]

Originally Posted by John72953

A bit high? More like 60% higher!

Start with a good AVR that can handle all of your audio requirements, enough HDMI inputs and preferably more than one output, plus pre-outs for future considerations so a seperate power amp can be added.

Then start with a
2.0 (front L/R speakers only),
2.1 (front L/R speakers and sub) or a
3.0 (front L/R speakers and a Centre channel).

Concentrate on your front soundstage first....

we have been talking via pm and his budget seems to be more than he posted here.

[JJ]

And by the way, I'd DEFINITELY go with new car before home theater upgrades!

[Jorden_23]

Yea im looking to spend around 3,000 for home theater system i messed up on this post...

[callas01]

Focal 714s $1095
Focal CC700 $495
Focal 705s $495
Elemental Designs A2-250 $350
Marantz 6004 $550

Speakers can be bought at Music Direct.com, and the Marantz at accessories4less.com, sub at edesignaudio.com.

Im sure you could get a discount on the speakers at least 10%.

I have heard Kefs and Focals, I like the Focals better.

[JJ]

Oooo - I like Callas' idea.

[Dase]

Originally Posted by Jorden_23

Yea im looking to spend around 3,000 for home theater system i messed up on this post...

Sweet

Originally Posted by John72953

A bit high? More like 60% higher!

Start with a good AVR that can handle all of your audio requirements, enough HDMI inputs and preferably more than one output, plus pre-outs for future considerations so a seperate power amp can be added.

Then start with a
2.0 (front L/R speakers only),

Concentrate on your front soundstage first....

This^^

If I could take a mulligan and start over again, John's recommendation is the one I would take. Start with a nice AVR that will serve the functions you need and then sink the rest into the best pair of fronts you can get (based on your own opinions after you have auditioned them). Add the rest a piece at a time later. A good 2 channel setup will blow away most starter HT systems.

I would caution against just trying to fit it all in one swoop with your beginning budget, epsecially if this is a hobby that you are really going to enjoy. The smarter you start from the get go, the less equipment merry-go-round upgrading you will do as time passes and you aquire more knowledge/funds.

Hope this helps and enjoy!

[Adam.C]

Originally Posted by callas01

Focal 714s $1095
Focal CC700 $495
Focal 705s $495
Elemental Designs A2-250 $350
Marantz 6004 $550

Speakers can be bought at Music Direct.com, and the Marantz at accessories4less.com, sub at edesignaudio.com.

Im sure you could get a discount on the speakers at least 10%.

I have heard Kefs and Focals, I like the Focals better.

This!!!!

Of course if you can try and audition as many different speakers as you can. But the Focals are ver nice .

The Marantz is a good rcvr, but I am a little biased and I would say also check out what Onkyo has. The 808 would be in that price range on a4l.com.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Adam.C

This!!!!

Of course if you can try and audition as many different speakers as you can. But the Focals are ver nice .

The Marantz is a good rcvr, but I am a little biased and I would say also check out what Onkyo has. The 808 would be in that price range on a4l.com.

I checked the 808, its not at the $550 price range he would need given his budget, unless he gets the 10% off from Music Direct. And if that happens, then I would say he is better off getting an A2-300 sub from elemental Designs then the Onkyo 808, put more into the subwoofer. The Marantz 6004 is a very capable reciever for that setup.

[RowingMunkeyCU]

Hey guys, I'm looking to add a similar system to the OP. I just acquired my first HDTV (Panny Plasma 50GT25) and have a need to add in a sound system to match (aka - incoming tax refund burning a hole in my pocket).

Just a few notes to consider, I live alone in an apartment, no kids or non-aquatic pets, and can't really change walls or drill things. I'd like to keep the total price to less than $2k... preferably around $1.7k. Receiver should be able to handle 3D, a blu-ray player, a game console and a dvr as inputs.

My current layout (to scale):


The system I'm looking at (7.1):
Receiver: Marantz SR6005
Center: Polk CS20 (is there a difference between the CS2 and CS20?)
Front L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 70s
Side L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 40s
Rear L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 40s
Sub: ???

Anything notably wrong with it (or areas that I could improve)? Will the center and the monitors have matching timbre? I've heard Polk subs are pretty 'meh', so any suggestions around the $200 price point?

[Jorden_23]

With all your help and looking at some stuff I'm going to list what some people have told me and let me know what you think.

Home Theater Setup what u think.. Is it good for great Blu Rays and good sound..

Receiver-MARANTZ SR6005 $649.99
Front L/R- Focal's 714v $1,095.00 or Polk Monitor 70 $919.95
Rear L/R-Focal's 705v $495.00 or Polk Monitor 40 $349.95
Center- FOCAL JM LABS - CC700V $495.00 or Polk Motion CS20 $349.95
Sub-A5s-300 Subwoofer $550.00 or any thing else

If any one can think of some thing else people let me know type them like i did so that I can understand thanks Jorden_23

[roar]

I'd say that is a pretty great first go at a surround system, though I haven't heard those speakers I suspect you are going to be pleased, congratulations. My only contribution would be not to leave out your interconnects and speaker wire, may I suggest looking to monoprice if you haven't been there before, it should help keep you in budget.

[Jorden_23]

This is a stupid question but could you help me find all the right cords for any of those setups i posted I am not that good with that stuff. Just to let u know I have a Ps3 and Xbox 360 42" Vizio lcd hdtv and Verizon fios hd box.. So If you could help that would be great..

[roar]

Originally Posted by Jorden_23

This is a stupid question but could you help me find all the right cords for any of those setups i posted I am not that good with that stuff. Just to let u know I have a Ps3 and Xbox 360 42" Vizio lcd hdtv and Verizon fios hd box.. So If you could help that would be great..

Well, one way to setup this system would be with a single HDMI cable from the AVR to the TV, then an HDMI cable from the PS3, XBOX360 (Assuming your 360 has HDMI) and HD BOX into your AVR, so if you don't have them already you'd be looking at 4 HDMI cables. Me personally, I'd probably grab 4 new ones of the appropriate length as to avoid clutter, perhaps even different colours from your devices to your AVR, I'd probably stick with black from you AVR to your TV. These are cheap at monoprice, you are probably look at <$20 for the 4 cables shipped. You are now set for your audio/video between sources, lets move onto speakers.

For a tidy install I'd look towards banana plugs to terminate both at your speakers and your AVR, so look at some of these:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...&cs_id=1040115

Lots to choose from here, all relatively inexpensive, but worth it imo for a clean look and ease of installation. They come in pairs and you want a set at each end, I believe the speakers you are looking at are of enough quality that they come with terminals that will accept banana plugs, worth asking though. So 10 pairs will get the job done.

Next look for a cable for your sub, I haven't taken a look at your sub or AVR, but assume it doesn't take a balanced input so you are left with a simple RCA cable. Length will depend on where in your room you are thinking of putting the sub, but pricing on these are cheap and lots to choose from:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10236

Next up is some speaker cable, I think you'd be more than fine at 14 or 16 gauge (Heck 18 is fine too, but speaker gauge is another argument for anther day ), assuming you aren't running this wire over 25ft, but there will be those that suggest 12 gauge. Lots to choose from again here at monoprice, do consider if you will run any of this cabling in your walls or ceiling because you'd want to look at the in-wall jacketed wire then.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10239

You shouldn't need a whole lot more than that with your setup to be honest. You can look at some cable management perhaps, like velcro zip ties or wall plates if you are going in wall, but that would be a quick list off the top of my head.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Jorden_23

With all your help and looking at some stuff I'm going to list what some people have told me and let me know what you think.

Home Theater Setup what u think.. Is it good for great Blu Rays and good sound..

Receiver-MARANTZ SR6005 $649.99
Front L/R- Focal's 714v $1,095.00 or Polk Monitor 70 $919.95
Rear L/R-Focal's 705v $495.00 or Polk Monitor 40 $349.95
Center- FOCAL JM LABS - CC700V $495.00 or Polk Motion CS20 $349.95
Sub-A5s-300 Subwoofer $550.00 or any thing else

If any one can think of some thing else people let me know type them like i did so that I can understand thanks Jorden_23

The Focals will blow the Polk Monitors out of the water. Focals all the way.....

This guy, he had Polk Monitor 60s, CS2 and M30s surrounds, and he just upgraded to Focals, read this post

https://forum.blu-ray.com/4289621-post222.html

Well the 806v's arrived, and i couldnt be more pleased with the quality of these speakers. The seller from audiogon took really good care of these babies, not a scratch or dust on them. He even still had the plastic coating that you peel off the speakers, Im very pleased!

After going through and checking each speaker for being blown or damaged, i notice that if i use both hands and press at the same time on each end of the speaker there is no scratching, so All is good, before i was using one hand and i must have been pushing it off axis.

They sound beautiful. Way better than my polks.

Im very excited to watch some movies tonight, but im even more excited for the 816's to come on monday..... Ahh the wait!!!

Once again Thanks to everybody that helped me choose.

And may the Focal(force) be with you!

This decision is a NO BRAINER!!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by RowingMunkeyCU

Hey guys, I'm looking to add a similar system to the OP. I just acquired my first HDTV (Panny Plasma 50GT25) and have a need to add in a sound system to match (aka - incoming tax refund burning a hole in my pocket).

Just a few notes to consider, I live alone in an apartment, no kids or non-aquatic pets, and can't really change walls or drill things. I'd like to keep the total price to less than $2k... preferably around $1.7k. Receiver should be able to handle 3D, a blu-ray player, a game console and a dvr as inputs.

My current layout (to scale):


The system I'm looking at (7.1):
Receiver: Marantz SR6005
Center: Polk CS20 (is there a difference between the CS2 and CS20?)
Front L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 70s
Side L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 40s
Rear L/R: 2x Polk Monitor 40s
Sub: ???

Anything notably wrong with it (or areas that I could improve)? Will the center and the monitors have matching timbre? I've heard Polk subs are pretty 'meh', so any suggestions around the $200 price point?

marantz 6005 $650
Hsu STF-2 Subwoofer $350
Energy CF-30s $199, but on Saturday and Sunday they are $120 each, buy them on the weekend.
Energy CC-10 $299
Energy CB-5 $99

There you go, an Amazing setup for $1702. And its better then the Polks youre looking at.

[canonbomb1987]

What do you guys think about this deal?

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.asp...CESTXNR708JAMO

Buy this package for $750ish and hopefully sell the speakers for $300ish. Now you've got yourself a Onkyo 708 for around $450. I'm just suggesting this as a starter plan for someone who wants to get a good receiver and build from there.