Home Theater - $5000 budget

[Purplegrasshopper]

Hell everyone,

I've been saving money, and now I'm finally ready to make the plunge. I have a $5000 budget for my entire home theater - TV, audio package, and Blu Ray player.

• Blue Ray player: I've already decided on the PS3 for my Blu Ray player, so that's set. Cost is $399.
• TV: As far as my TV, I want at least 52 inches. I'm leaning towards LCD, since the room will have lots of light from windows and other sources. I was thinking something like the Sony KDL-52W4100???
• Sound system: Here's where I need the most help. I figure if I spend around $2000-$2500 on the TV, I will have around $2000-$2500 to spend on the speakers, receiver, sub, and cables. I'm leaning towards 7.1 if I can afford it; if not, I can settle for 5.1. I'd like to get in-wall speakers if I can, but from what I've read, the quality just isn't there with in-wall speakers.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

[Uniquely]

What is the size and shape of the room? Is the room able to be closed off, or is it open to other areas of the house? This info would help determine what kind of sound system will fill your space.

[HAMP]

Also tell what kind of sound system you have already heard.

And from that tell:

1. What'cha loved
2. What'cha really didn't like
3. What'cha kinda liked and wouldn't mind spending less then $1500 on with some great internet deal.

I know you said a budget of $2000-$2500, but number 3 will tell us your minimum taste.

[JJ]

It's all on personal research, friend - we can recommend brands and whatnot, but in the end it is up to you to go out and give all the receivers/subwoofers/speakers a listen and decide what fits best for you.

Let me just throw some brands out there for you:

Receiver:
-Marantz SR-6003/7002
-Denon 2309/3809
-Yamaha 663/863
-Pioneer 1018/VSX-94

Subwoofer:
-Martin Logan Dynamo
-Elemental Designs A2-300
-HSU VTF MK2
-SVS PC-Series
-av123 MFW-15

Speakers:
-Axiom Mv60 line
-Polk RTiA line
-Paradigm Monitor series
-Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series
-Klipsch Icon series

TVs, I'm not too knowledgeable on, but as for Blu-ray players, I would also recommend the new Panasonic DMP-BD35 or BD55 as well.

[Purplegrasshopper]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

What is the size and shape of the room? Is the room able to be closed off, or is it open to other areas of the house? This info would help determine what kind of sound system will fill your space.

Attached is a crude drawing of the room. It's 16x20.

Here is the key:

A - 3-sided fireplace (looking to mount the TV above the fireplace; I measured, and can fit up to a 65" TV on the wall there)
B - Half-wall open to the hallway
C - Hallway
D - Breakfast bar open to the kitchen
E - Huge sliding glass door to backyard
F - Front door and opening to dining room/sitting room
G - Kitchen
H - Window in kitchen
I - Window in kitchen
J - Sectional couch

[Purplegrasshopper]

Originally Posted by HAMP

Also tell what kind of sound system you have already heard.

Hey Hamp....I'm new to the home theater world, so I really haven't heard any systems. Guess I can head to Best Buy and give a listen to some of the set-ups they have there.

[LifeOfAPirate13]

I found really good deals on my Klipsch reference series speakers totalling about 2k total depending on if you want a high quality reciever then you have about 1k there and that leaves 2k for a tv. Just an idea that is what I did I bought my Samsung plasma even though I know you are shooting for an LCD for 1799.

[PanasonicPlasmaMan]

If you are fixed on an LCD the Samsung Ln52a650 is on amazon for 2k shipped (thats a good deal)

if you are considering LCD vs Plasma also look into the Pan th50pz800u around $2200

Good Luck!

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Purplegrasshopper

Hey Hamp....I'm new to the home theater world, so I really haven't heard any systems. Guess I can head to Best Buy and give a listen to some of the set-ups they have there.

Yes Bestbuy would can be a start, also you may want to look into any audiophile shops in your area also.

Tell what you like and so many people on here will give you the best advice.

[Beta Man]

For a higher quality in-ceiling speakers, I suggest trying to audition some B&W CCM 65's they're about $225 each, so you could get 5 of them and still hit your budget..... My wife wanted to go this route, but ultimately I won out

[Kevinbsiemens]

don't forget to price in the Warranty $$$$ for your items

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Kevinbsiemens

don't forget to price in the Warranty $$$$ for your items

I'd consider getting a warranty for the t.v. BUT THAT IS ALL....

No need for it on the speakers if you get them from a reputable store, and a reputable brand.

No need for it on an AVR, because they'll pretty much all come with a 1-year Manufacturer's warranty, and they're basically "disposable" after a year anyways.

[Midnightsailor]

I'd take a pick from JJ's list of audio equipment. Those are some fine choices.

[fronn]

On a 2-2.5k budget for speakers + electronics, don't bother with 7.1 -- the money is already spread a bit thin as it is (not that you can't get a satisfying experience out of 2-2.5k, not at all -- just that you'd be better off with 5.1 for now).

[VinnAY]

That's a bad floor-plan to try and lay out even a mediocre surround system in. Not trying to be rude, just honest.

[VinnAY]

Originally Posted by fronn

On a 2-2.5k budget for speakers + electronics, don't bother with 7.1 -- the money is already spread a bit thin as it is (not that you can't get a satisfying experience out of 2-2.5k, not at all -- just that you'd be better off with 5.1 for now).

With that floor plan, 5.1 is all I would do. the crude drawing is tough to decipher but he'd probably be at a loss as to placement of the L/R rear surrounds.

[jetydosa]

I personally would NOT mount a TV above a fireplace. Every house Ive been in with one causes very odd neck angles that is uncomfortable for even casual viewing, much less a home theater.

There is some guide somewhere Ive seen that says the center of the screen should be within X inches of eye level, but I cant seem to find it right now.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Purplegrasshopper

Attached is a crude drawing of the room. It's 16x20.

Here is the key:

A - 3-sided fireplace (looking to mount the TV above the fireplace; I measured, and can fit up to a 65" TV on the wall there)
B - Half-wall open to the hallway
C - Hallway
D - Breakfast bar open to the kitchen
E - Huge sliding glass door to backyard
F - Front door and opening to dining room/sitting room
G - Kitchen
H - Window in kitchen
I - Window in kitchen
J - Sectional couch

How big is the Sectional? That's a ruff drawing....

[crackinhedz]

Onkyo TX-SR805

Sticky: Elemental Designs A2-300 Review Thread

my thoughts.

[LifeOfAPirate13]

If you live near a tweeter they have all speakers and receiver and everything tv's for 40-50% off might wanna look into that!