Advice for $2k system

[evman333]

I am working on setting up my home theater. I have a pionner 5.1 864 watt surround sound and its just not cutting it. Want to replace it and move the pionner to the bedroom. I want to spend around 2 thousand on a surround sound system . what would you do if you had 2k to spend on a surround sound unit. Thanks to all in advance

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by evman333

I am working on setting up my home theater. I have a pionner 5.1 864 watt surround sound and its just not cutting it. Want to replace it and move the pionner to the bedroom. I want to spend around 2 thousand on a surround sound system . what would you do if you had 2k to spend on a surround sound unit. Thanks to all in advance

Two questions:
1. How big an area are you trying to fill?
2. What role to esthetics play in your decision?

If the area is not large, you can get very, very good sound, from good looking equipment, in this price range. You can go 5.1, with $1,000 on speakers, $400 on a sub, and $600 on a serious receiver.

Lots of options in there, and absolutely, listen to the gear with films and music you're familiar with (take a Blu disk and a CD with you to listen) when you audition this stuff. Advice on subs will vary, but try to get one that looks good and fills your area.

[jomari]

as blu-dog has primarily indicated, the more information we have, the better response we can give to assist you.

are you using this primarily for movie watching?
how about music listening, how much importance do you place in such?
2 channel an option for you?
how big is the room? dimensions?
living room, or dedicated area?

*edit: ive also checked your current setup, and was pondering as to how you'd like to do this.
more questions based on your setup,
- if you plan to get towers or bookshelves, are you going to move those 'tower shelving units'?
- on the left side, is that the sofa? will you be rearranging the room to accomodate your area?
- in regards to your center, are you willing to place it on top of your 'HT system', or will you allow space on top creating a shelving unit?
- subwoofer placement might be tricky on this note, we cant see more details, more pictures?

all in all, there are a couple of ways for us to cook this up for you, make suggestions, but in the long run, we can only assist, but not spend the money for you. its a great learning process, researching, listening and auditioning speakers, finding out who to setup your room, is definitely part of it.

we await your reply kind sir.

[evman333]

Originally Posted by jomari

as blu-dog has primarily indicated, the more information we have, the better response we can give to assist you.

are you using this primarily for movie watching?
how about music listening, how much importance do you place in such?
2 channel an option for you?
how big is the room? dimensions?
living room, or dedicated area?

*edit: ive also checked your current setup, and was pondering as to how you'd like to do this.
more questions based on your setup,
- if you plan to get towers or bookshelves, are you going to move those 'tower shelving units'?
- on the left side, is that the sofa? will you be rearranging the room to accomodate your area?
- in regards to your center, are you willing to place it on top of your 'HT system', or will you allow space on top creating a shelving unit?
- subwoofer placement might be tricky on this note, we cant see more details, more pictures?

all in all, there are a couple of ways for us to cook this up for you, make suggestions, but in the long run, we can only assist, but not spend the money for you. its a great learning process, researching, listening and auditioning speakers, finding out who to setup your room, is definitely part of it.

we await your reply kind sir.

actually looking to buy a house right now so really couldnt give you the dimensions yet it would be in the living room. And i am open for anything . Yall are the experts im just thankfull for your great advice

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

If the area is not large, you can get very, very good sound, from good looking equipment, in this price range. You can go 5.1, with $1,000 on speakers, $400 on a sub, and $600 on a serious receiver.

I agree with this breakdown as well, although I wouldn't go 5.1 just yet. Instead I'd go 3.1 and get some surrounds later on. $200 per speaker for 5 speakers is cutting it too thin for a good quality HT setup. I'd say spend $600 on 2 Fronts and $400 on a Centre (yes, the Centre is THAT important to warrant a big slice of the speaker pie).

John

[Slec]

If you go the 2-channel route with AVR and slowly build up you'll reduce the level of upgrade-itis. It can never be fully put down.

That being said, you can also build a really great system $2000, hell that's what my speakers and sub cost me!

Make sure you get out and audition speakers. Many great recommendations will come from the crew here but make sure you're listening to what your getting. (actual listening, not just 'heeding advice').

Finally, resist the urge to get what everyone says is the 'best sub' or the 'best AVR'. Your tastes may differ from theirs, your budget may differ from theirs, and this isn't popularity contest. it's about great sound.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Slec

If you go the 2-channel route with AVR and slowly build up you'll reduce the level of upgrade-itis. It can never be fully put down.

That being said, you can also build a really great system $2000, hell that's what my speakers and sub cost me!

Make sure you get out and audition speakers. Many great recommendations will come from the crew here but make sure you're listening to what your getting. (actual listening, not just 'heeding advice').

Finally, resist the urge to get what everyone says is the 'best sub' or the 'best AVR'. Your tastes may differ from theirs, your budget may differ from theirs, and this isn't popularity contest. it's about great sound.

Very well said! Get what YOU want, which is why auditioning is so important.

John

[evman333]

thanks for the great advice guys i will def do what your telling me

I love this website

[rded]

I say purchase your home first, audition as many receivers and speakers. Then decide on which one you want-that fits the aesthetics of your home, has great WAF and that's within your budget.

[anntong]

I agree with this breakdown as well.

[lojack1976]

Have you auditioned any speakers, and if so what do you already like or dislike? I'm sure the guys up here can give you some good recommendations based on a sampling of your tastes. As for receivers, I think you can get something nice for $600 or less if you shop around. Prices on receivers seem to fluctuate a bit, but great deals always pop up. I will assume that you like Pioneer since you are using one of their HTIB setups. I would suggest a Pioneer Elite receiver. I've seen certain models around the $600 price point, and they are excellent receivers. You could also look at Marantz...very sexy receivers.