Upgrading my setup (Help!) - Blu-ray Forum

iice74 · 04-10-2008, 07:38 PM

I am currently looking to get a full home theatre system: TV, Receiver and Speakers. (Got a PS3 of course!) And was hoping to get everyone’s opinion on what I’ve chosen.

For the TV, I’ve decided to go with the Samsung LN52A650A I’ve seen it at BestBuy and CircuitCity but Amazon has the best deal out there.

For the receiver I am torn between: Denon 3808 ; Onkyo 875 and Sony STR-DA5300ES. I am leaning towards Denon but will keep an eye and see if I can get a crazy deal on any of the other two.

Finally the one where I really need help is with the speakers, I passed by BestBuy and listed to their Definitives which sounded pretty good (I also sampled the Viennas which are pretty pricey but sounds great as well). What other speakers can I get for around $1,000 total? If I get towers for my front speakers does the entire system have to be towers as well? I am a complete noob here so please help!

MacDaddyOJack · 04-10-2008, 07:43 PM

I'm not sure what kind of speakers you heard, it was either Infinity or Definitive, both can be found at Best Buy. And no, your whole system doesnt have to be towers. In fact, the surrounds don't carry that much in the way of a soundtrack so buying bookshelf speakers is a great way to save some cash, just make sure they are timbre matched with your front and center speakers. Speakers are all about what sounds good to your own ear, so go with whatever you like.

As for a reciever, those recievers are fine. Sony does not have a great reputation with sound gear and I personally don't like them but if that is what you get, you should still be in good shape. But I recommend the Onkyo or the Denon.

Brian Cash · 04-10-2008, 07:45 PM

go with the onkyo or denon you wont regret it for speakers i would check out the polks or klipsch you can get 2 towers a center and surrounds for around 1000

moviefan · 04-10-2008, 07:50 PM

I have the Sony STR-DA5200 and love it ... wished I had known the 5300 was coming! Try mydigitaluniverse.com for a good price
On speakers, be sure to buy the same series in the same brand for best sonic matching.

iice74 · 04-10-2008, 07:51 PM

I'll see where I can find Polks or Klipschs around here (San Diego) and go listen to them, thanks for the input.

Have you experienced this with Amazon before: The TV was $2800 a couple of days ago, went to $3000, back to $2850 then to $3100 now its at $2750. What's going on with them? This is over 2 days...Good thing they price match themselves.

ClaytonMG · 04-10-2008, 07:53 PM

You also don't need towers for the fronts. Most of the time, it's best to have your speakers set to small and then let the subwoofer do all the bass work. If you have towers for your fronts and smaller speakers for the rest, it's actually harder to get the sound to match from all the speakers. If a sound effect with some bass pans across the front and your towers are set to large and your center is set to small, it'll be harder to get the bass to sound equal through the speakers...

Having said that, I suggest Klipsch bookshelf speakers. I have had Klipsch speakers for a very long time now and they're my favorite. For a reciever, I normally recommend Yamaha ones, but Onkyo or Denon are right up there. I myself am looking to upgrade my reciever, but I am waiting for a THX certified reciever that also decodes all the new codecs.

MacDaddyOJack · 04-10-2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

I myself am looking to upgrade my reciever, but I am waiting for a THX certified reciever that also decodes all the new codecs.

Have you missed the Onkyo 705 and up?

iice74 · 04-10-2008, 08:12 PM

I just went to http://www.klipsch.com and there are no dealers in San Diego, is that possible? Do any of the major retailers carry them?

MacDaddyOJack · 04-10-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iice74

I just went to http://www.klipsch.com and there are no dealers in San Diego, is that possible? Do any of the major retailers carry them?

Best Buy does and Circuit City carries Polk

iice74 · 04-10-2008, 09:22 PM

Do you lose a lot of sound quality with the flat wires?

guitarist155 · 04-10-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iice74

Do you lose a lot of sound quality with the flat wires?

you shouldn't, they are the same as round wires just flat

the main thing you want to pay attention to is the gauge of the wire, as in 12ga 14ga 16ga i would recommend 12ga if possible. that being said i keep wondering if a flat wire might be more or less susceptible to RF interference because of it's shape

ClaytonMG · 04-10-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Have you missed the Onkyo 705 and up?

The reason I am waiting is because I've heard some receivers have had issues decoding DTS-HDMA and add loud damaging pops to the sound and I can't remember which recievers cause this. Plus I loves me my Yamaha's

Though I have heard the Onkyo's sound just as good if not better than Yamaha recievers....

iice74 · 04-11-2008, 03:33 AM

Anyone have any experience with the OmniMount UCL-XB?

Thanks for all the great info, by the way. I really appreciate the help!

shelland · 04-11-2008, 03:56 AM

Is there something specific you're looking for in your receiver that you're looking at those models? IMHO, spending the same for your receiver as you spend on all of your speakers is overkill. I'd cut back on the receiver - something like the Onkyo 605 for $400 - and bump up your speaker budget. That is, unless you're looking for specific features in those higher level receivers.

Do some listening, and make sure you pick speakers that you like. Speakers are very subjective, and what others like may not be what you like. I happened to audition Polk, but liked Paradigm a lot better.

I haven't listened to Klipsch a whole lot myself, but know a lot of people here like them. But after reading HT sites for several years, I know they are not for everyone.That is one brand that people tend to either love or hate. But give them a listen for yourself and see what you think.

Doc_Stew · 04-11-2008, 02:23 PM

Check out the BIC Acoustech 5.1 setup - fared better than Klipsch for much less money. You can get a killer 5.1 setup for $1050 from Sound Distributors (just email them and ask for that price). HT88 fronts, HT85 center, HT63 rears, H100 sub.

http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAR04/component/comp1.html

Discussion thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=990726

iice74 · 04-11-2008, 02:33 PM

What I am looking for, is a setup that I know I will keep for a very long time and not feel like I am in need for an upgrade. So I want to try and avoid as much as I can buying something only to start saving or hoping that I will be able to upgrade again. I want something that I know will be ‘it’. (Until I can shell out $25K on a system! )

But you are absolutely correct, we all hear things different so I will go and listen to the various speakers prior to purchasing a set, I am planning on going to BestBuy, CircuitCity and Fry’s this weekend. The ones I’ve really like which I have not heard much on or been able to find good information on were the Definitives at BestBuy, I also liked the Viennas but those are too expensive for my budget.

If $1000 is not enough for really good speakers then I might wait a little bit longer and then get better speakers when I can add to my budget. From what I’ve seen over the past couple of weeks, prices on receivers and speakers (even the TV) vary a lot, I will keep an eye out until I get a really good deal on each part of the system.

shelland · 04-11-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iice74

But you are absolutely correct, we all hear things different so I will go and listen to the various speakers prior to purchasing a set, I am planning on going to BestBuy, CircuitCity and Fry’s this weekend.

I would also recommend hitting some stereo shops. Don't limit yourself to the big box stores. The stereo shops carry a lot of great brands that you can't get at BB, CC, etc.

When I started researching 5+ years ago, I didn't want to step foot in a stereo shop. I assumed that would be thousands more and a waste of my time. Fortunately, newsgroups (this was before forums were around!) convinced me to check out a couple stereo shops. Not only was I very happy with the products, I was pleasantly surprised that the prices were not necessarily higher (although they could have been, depending what I chose).

If you still prefer something from a big box store, more power to you. But at least do yourself a favor and listen a few other places. Check out brands like Paradigm, B&W and other brands that people will recommend here. (in addition to Klipsch, Polk, etc at the big box stores)

I would also personally recommend moving some of your receiver budget toward speakers, but others may disagree. I would say spend $1500 on speakers and $500 on receiver. Again, that's me...

Brian Cash · 04-11-2008, 02:55 PM

the problem about klipsch at bestbuy they dont have lot of there good models inless if the bestbuy has the mongolia theater or w,e its called so ive been told

iice74 · 04-11-2008, 04:04 PM

My homework this weekend is to find stores to go to and listen to the following speakers: Polk, Klipsch, Vienna, Definitive, B&W and Paradigm.

Should be a fun weekend.

Anyone in San Diego, know of good places to go to? I found this place http://www.stereodesign.com on the B&W website.

iice74 · 04-11-2008, 05:08 PM

Anyone have experience with http://thecameraprofessionals.com/pr...FRpOagodg2HMGA
?

Denon 3808 $980!

04-10-2008, 07:38 PM	#1
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	Upgrading my setup (Help!) I am currently looking to get a full home theatre system: TV, Receiver and Speakers. (Got a PS3 of course!) And was hoping to get everyone’s opinion on what I’ve chosen. For the TV, I’ve decided to go with the Samsung LN52A650A I’ve seen it at BestBuy and CircuitCity but Amazon has the best deal out there. For the receiver I am torn between: Denon 3808 ; Onkyo 875 and Sony STR-DA5300ES. I am leaning towards Denon but will keep an eye and see if I can get a crazy deal on any of the other two. Finally the one where I really need help is with the speakers, I passed by BestBuy and listed to their Definitives which sounded pretty good (I also sampled the Viennas which are pretty pricey but sounds great as well). What other speakers can I get for around $1,000 total? If I get towers for my front speakers does the entire system have to be towers as well? I am a complete noob here so please help! Last edited by iice74; 04-10-2008 at 08:13 PM. Reason: Definitives not Infinitives! Sorry!

04-10-2008, 09:22 PM	#10
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	Flat Wires Do you lose a lot of sound quality with the flat wires?

04-11-2008, 03:33 AM	#13
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	Mount Anyone have any experience with the OmniMount UCL-XB? Thanks for all the great info, by the way. I really appreciate the help!

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04-10-2008, 07:43 PM	#2
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	I'm not sure what kind of speakers you heard, it was either Infinity or Definitive, both can be found at Best Buy. And no, your whole system doesnt have to be towers. In fact, the surrounds don't carry that much in the way of a soundtrack so buying bookshelf speakers is a great way to save some cash, just make sure they are timbre matched with your front and center speakers. Speakers are all about what sounds good to your own ear, so go with whatever you like. As for a reciever, those recievers are fine. Sony does not have a great reputation with sound gear and I personally don't like them but if that is what you get, you should still be in good shape. But I recommend the Onkyo or the Denon.

04-10-2008, 07:45 PM	#3
Brian Cash Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Chicago Blu-ray collection:13 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:3	go with the onkyo or denon you wont regret it for speakers i would check out the polks or klipsch you can get 2 towers a center and surrounds for around 1000

04-10-2008, 07:50 PM	#4
moviefan Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Orchard Park, NY	I have the Sony STR-DA5200 and love it ... wished I had known the 5300 was coming! Try mydigitaluniverse.com for a good price On speakers, be sure to buy the same series in the same brand for best sonic matching.

04-10-2008, 07:51 PM	#5
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	I'll see where I can find Polks or Klipschs around here (San Diego) and go listen to them, thanks for the input. Have you experienced this with Amazon before: The TV was $2800 a couple of days ago, went to $3000, back to $2850 then to $3100 now its at $2750. What's going on with them? This is over 2 days...Good thing they price match themselves.

04-10-2008, 07:53 PM	#6
ClaytonMG Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2006 Location:New Brighton, MN Home Theater Gallery:16 4K collection:836 Blu-ray collection:2373 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:1	You also don't need towers for the fronts. Most of the time, it's best to have your speakers set to small and then let the subwoofer do all the bass work. If you have towers for your fronts and smaller speakers for the rest, it's actually harder to get the sound to match from all the speakers. If a sound effect with some bass pans across the front and your towers are set to large and your center is set to small, it'll be harder to get the bass to sound equal through the speakers... Having said that, I suggest Klipsch bookshelf speakers. I have had Klipsch speakers for a very long time now and they're my favorite. For a reciever, I normally recommend Yamaha ones, but Onkyo or Denon are right up there. I myself am looking to upgrade my reciever, but I am waiting for a THX certified reciever that also decodes all the new codecs.

04-10-2008, 08:12 PM	#8
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	I just went to http://www.klipsch.com and there are no dealers in San Diego, is that possible? Do any of the major retailers carry them?

04-11-2008, 03:56 AM	#14
shelland Member Member since:Mar 2008 Blu-ray collection:30	Is there something specific you're looking for in your receiver that you're looking at those models? IMHO, spending the same for your receiver as you spend on all of your speakers is overkill. I'd cut back on the receiver - something like the Onkyo 605 for $400 - and bump up your speaker budget. That is, unless you're looking for specific features in those higher level receivers. Do some listening, and make sure you pick speakers that you like. Speakers are very subjective, and what others like may not be what you like. I happened to audition Polk, but liked Paradigm a lot better. I haven't listened to Klipsch a whole lot myself, but know a lot of people here like them. But after reading HT sites for several years, I know they are not for everyone.That is one brand that people tend to either love or hate. But give them a listen for yourself and see what you think.

04-11-2008, 02:23 PM	#15
Doc_Stew Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:1	Check out the BIC Acoustech 5.1 setup - fared better than Klipsch for much less money. You can get a killer 5.1 setup for $1050 from Sound Distributors (just email them and ask for that price). HT88 fronts, HT85 center, HT63 rears, H100 sub. http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAR04/component/comp1.html Discussion thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=990726

04-11-2008, 02:33 PM	#16
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	What I am looking for, is a setup that I know I will keep for a very long time and not feel like I am in need for an upgrade. So I want to try and avoid as much as I can buying something only to start saving or hoping that I will be able to upgrade again. I want something that I know will be ‘it’. (Until I can shell out $25K on a system! ) But you are absolutely correct, we all hear things different so I will go and listen to the various speakers prior to purchasing a set, I am planning on going to BestBuy, CircuitCity and Fry’s this weekend. The ones I’ve really like which I have not heard much on or been able to find good information on were the Definitives at BestBuy, I also liked the Viennas but those are too expensive for my budget. If $1000 is not enough for really good speakers then I might wait a little bit longer and then get better speakers when I can add to my budget. From what I’ve seen over the past couple of weeks, prices on receivers and speakers (even the TV) vary a lot, I will keep an eye out until I get a really good deal on each part of the system.

04-11-2008, 02:55 PM	#18
Brian Cash Special Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Chicago Blu-ray collection:13 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:3	the problem about klipsch at bestbuy they dont have lot of there good models inless if the bestbuy has the mongolia theater or w,e its called so ive been told

04-11-2008, 04:04 PM	#19
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	My homework this weekend is to find stores to go to and listen to the following speakers: Polk, Klipsch, Vienna, Definitive, B&W and Paradigm. Should be a fun weekend. Anyone in San Diego, know of good places to go to? I found this place http://www.stereodesign.com on the B&W website.

04-11-2008, 05:08 PM	#20
iice74 Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:San Diego	Anyone have experience with http://thecameraprofessionals.com/pr...FRpOagodg2HMGA ? Denon 3808 $980!

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