Never had any sound system..

[moopher]

Currently, I live in a townhouse with my dad, and I live upstairs. But i'm in the process of buying a new house (almost closed on it!) and my first aim is to finally have a sound system since I will now be able to have my own living room dedicated to it. Where do I start? What do I need for a decent sound system? I've been told to buy in small amounts at a time, so even if it's 2.1 for now, I'd love to know what I need! Thanks in advance for any help!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hi moopher!

First of all, congratulations on the purchase of your house! Nothing better than having a place of your own!

Concerning your inquiry about a sound system, you seem to have listened well as it's better to go slow and build upon a good base. There are a lot of people that can help you in your quest to find something, but they'll need some basic information first.

What is your budget at the moment?
Do you want 5.1 or 7.1?
Are movies and music equally important?
Do you have any space restrictions?
Do you prefer floorstanding speakers or Monitor/Bookshelf speakers?
Etc, etc., etc!


If you could give us a little insight as to what you currently own and what you'd like, we can help you out for sure!

John

[Moefiz]

First thing is your budget...you need to figure how much you want to spend and how much you are willing to spend because you will go over...

Then you have to work on the stuff that John mention

[moopher]

What is your budget at the moment?
Do you want 5.1 or 7.1?
Are movies and music equally important?
Do you have any space restrictions?
Do you prefer floorstanding speakers or Monitor/Bookshelf speakers?

Currently my budget is somewhat flexible, I guess for the time being I guess I would say modest (Admitedly, i'm not quite the audiophile...but that's likely only because i've been watching movies through TV speakers my whole life). It's hard to say though budget-wise though, I have about $2000 saved up, but i'd like spread that around on new theater gear as much as I can. I will be buying a projector as well because a buddy of mine sells projectors primarily and can get me a smokin' deal on one.

I'd prefer 7.1 because it's available, but since I don't know how well i'd receive it, perhaps 5.1 will be fine (future-proof wouldn't be a bad idea though).

I'd say music is fairly important, I have a 400+ collection of CD's and would like to get a turntable and some vinyl in the future as well.

I think since I will be making this more of a dedicated room, there will be some slight space restrictions, but I believe the room is 10x11 (off the top of my head). It's possible for me to do it in the living room too, and that's pretty massive itself.

I really dig the classy look of floor standing speakers, but for the most part i'm pretty open as long as they get the desired job done.

I guess i'd be most open to mid-level sound gear as far as price goes, I like to test the waters first. I have usually been the one amongst my friends to pave the way, i'm actually headed out in a bit to help two of my friends pick out some shiny new TV's...so if I decide to upgrade down the road, I know i'll have friends who will want my setup after it knocks their socks off. They don't make much for technology purchases without calling me dozens of times first.

I'd be glad to answer any other questions as well!

[moopher]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

First thing is your budget...you need to figure how much you want to spend and how much you are willing to spend because you will go over...

Then you have to work on the stuff that John mention

That's why I decided I'd rather begin to build up first, I got a few thousand back in taxes and I got my monthly bonus, so i'm willing to spend. I imagine 2.1 is sweet spot to kick off with, but i'd like to to be future proof for when I decide to add more later down the road. How much would you say would I need to spend to hit that 2.1 spot?

Edit to add:

I might seem really indifferent and that's because I know nothing about the wide-world of audio.

[Canada]

PSB Alpha gear is nice that's what my parents have the Alpha T1's should not run you over $ 500

[moopher]

Originally Posted by Canada

PSB Alpha gear is nice that's what my parents have the Alpha T1's should not run you over $ 500

That sounds excellent, are those speakers?