Need help for New HT Setup - 2k budget

[spalm]

Hi All,

I've been checking out Blu-ray for a long time now, but just recently created an account as I could use some of your help! I'd like some help on building my new system. I'm looking for recomendations on a new receiver as well as 5.1 surround sound with hi def audio formats. Here is my current setup -

1. 61" DLP Samsung LED TV (2 yrs old)
2. PS3 40 GB
3. Sony 5.1 HTIB (5 yrs old) Guessing 500 watt total

So i'm looking at about 2k for spending money (Thanks wife...) and i've been looking at the onkyo 806 for about 600 bux. I'm open for other suggestions too.

When it comes to speakers, I have no idea. The room is a bit small for Floor standing speakers so Bookshelf might be the way to go. I'd like to stay away from HTIB's though. Any suggestions? I really want something that will blow everyone away. I'm also willing to hold off on the sub for now until I can afford an extra 500 or so to get a decent one. Thanks in advance for any help, and let me know if you need any other info!

[lojack1976]

Well first...welcome to the forum! You have a pretty decent budget that can get you a good setup. Have you by any chance auditioned any speakers? Also, you may not want to rule out floorstanding speakers at least for your fronts.

[spalm]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I just measured and the space is about 20 ft long by 15 wide. Maybe I can get the floorstanding speakers? I was told by someone that I have too small of a space, but i'm not sure how credible he was. I've auditioned a few setups.

I liked the Klipsch RF-82's, but I can't remember which center it was matched up with.

I've checked out the def tech pro monitor 800's and 1000's and they were pretty ok.

Pretty much, I've just been going into BB and ultimate to check out what they have. I know I have a lot more demoing to do, but just getting started.

I've also been told that the outlaw LCR's would be a good choice, but they seem a bit spendy to me and I've never even heard of them before.

Thanks again.

[lojack1976]

You have plenty of room IMO. Check out my gallery and you will see that my living area is not that big and I have floorstanding speakers for fronts in my 7.1 setup. Its good that you've been able to audition some speakers. So far what do you like most? I don't know what other stores are in your area, but you should try to audition as many speakers are you can. Maybe check out some Energy and Mirage speakers if you can find some in your area. Outlaw has a good reputation, but I personally haven't heard any of their speakers myself. Maybe someone else can chime in on those.

[blarneyrubble]

I have used the Onkyo 806 before and it is a really nice receiver. The biggest downside is the heat. Unless you have a well ventilated rack or use a fan you may run into a problem. I know some people were having a problem with 1080p transfers having blue speckles in the dark areas. Does anybody know if this has been fixed? If heat is going to be a problem I would look at Denon.

As far as speakers go, it is really a personal preference. Everybody hears differently and you must find the speakers that you like. Many people can recommend manufacturers if you need them too.

[crackinhedz]

eD A2 - 300 Subwoofer

...then build around that.

[crackinhedz]

You have plenty of room for Floor standing speakers.


Idea for Receiver:

Denon AVR-2310

coupon code: AFLDEN549

[crackinhedz]

Check out eD's "system" packages...

http://www.edesignaudio.com/htpackage.php

[ZedsDead]

I am in a similar boat as you, though I don't plan on upgrading until sometime next year. Anyways, I think bookshelf's might be the better option for you due to WAF. Plus, if you plan on upgrading your subwoofer in the future, once you set your crossovers, you probably won't be utilizing a tower speakers ability to deliver bass, and you might need to spend a few extra bucks and consider external amplification for some tower setups.

Also, bookshelfs will probably help you stay within your budget, and perhaps even leave some money left over for whatever you wish.

Anyways some of my favorite bookshelf's I've looked at so far have been (aside from Elemental Designs):

HSU HB-1 Horn Bookshelf ~ $200 each
PSB Image B25 ~$500 pair
Aperion Intimus 5B ~$450 pair
Axiom M22 v2 ~$470
Swan D2.1 se ~$600 pair

Happy Hunting

[tbizzle]

As lojack said, you're fine with tower speakers. Most people on this site have towers for a reason (even in smaller spaces), because they perform. When you say 'I want something that will blow everyone away', I would definitely stick with what you've been looking at. I've never heard the Klipsch 82's but a lot of people on this site have them and I've only heard good things.

That's a pretty nice budget you have as well. You definitely have enough for a kickass 5.1 setup. As crackinhedz said, definitely look into the Elemental Designs A2-300. That's earned the title of "official cheap and kickass sub" on this site, and there's a big thread on it here

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=61245

[callas01]

With a $2K budget, I say AUDITION as much as you can, but buy online if possible. For instance Lojack mentioned Energy there is an incredible deal on some Energys online that would let you maximise your dollar and get a very good AVR too. If you dont know anything about Energy speakers they are owned by Klipsch, but have a warmer more neutral sound, the Reference Series are high-end speakers and have a very good reputation. These speakers are great for both Music and Movies. Bass is solid, Mids are smooth and full, Highs are accurate and not fatiguing like Klipsch can be over long listening periods. Overall detail is excellent. These speakers are right up there with Paradigm, PSB, B&W, KEF & Klipsch in terms of high-end.

Here is the RC-30s $480/pr add the RC-LCR $300 and the surrounds RC-10s $300 Plus the Sub that Crackin showed the A2-300 for $350

Speaker total: $1430

That leaves you enough money to get the Onkyo you were eyeballin... or check out this Marantz 5003, has a full MFGs warranty, but it is an open item.

There you would have an awesome system worth $3500 and you would have stayed within your budget. You may even be able to buy the wife some flowers.

I hope this is helpful to you.

If you let us know where you live city, state, zipcode, I could help you find places to audition several different speakers.

Steve.

[spalm]

Wow, i'm really happy with all the replys and advice! Thanks to all so far. So far, I do like the klipsch 82's but I would love to try out the Elemental Designs or even energy's as i've heard great things about them as well.

Crackin: thats a pretty sweet deal for the 2310. I'm defintely going to check into that. Seems to have everything I want!

Zeds: I did get the ok from the wife on the floorstanding, as I think she is sick of our little setup we have now. I think she is in the same boat as me and she wants people to be like "wow" after watching 2 minutes of Crank or something:P

Callas: Thanks! That's a pretty sweet deal too! I live in Eagan, Minnesota. It's close by Minneapolis/ St Paul so I would think I have some options to go demoing. I defintely do like the look of the energy speakers.

BTW - all you guys have sweet setups! I'm jealous and hope to join you and post some pics once I get this all done.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by spalm

Wow, i'm really happy with all the replys and advice! Thanks to all so far. So far, I do like the klipsch 82's but I would love to try out the Elemental Designs or even energy's as i've heard great things about them as well.

Crackin: thats a pretty sweet deal for the 2310. I'm defintely going to check into that. Seems to have everything I want!

Zeds: I did get the ok from the wife on the floorstanding, as I think she is sick of our little setup we have now. I think she is in the same boat as me and she wants people to be like "wow" after watching 2 minutes of Crank or something:P

Callas: Thanks! That's a pretty sweet deal too! I live in Eagan, Minnesota. It's close by Minneapolis/ St Paul so I would think I have some options to go demoing. I defintely do like the look of the energy speakers.

BTW - all you guys have sweet setups! I'm jealous and hope to join you and post some pics once I get this all done.

Well there are several good choices for your listening pleasure, understand that most dealers carry on average 2-5 different brands at their locations. Klipsch makes good speakers, but to me, over long periods of time the horns on them can really make your ear tired. I say take some music that you are REALLY familiar with to audition speakers and perhaps a movie or two also.
Energy Dealers
Paradigm
PSB
B&W
KEF
Monitor Audio call this number 800-966-1535 they will tell you the closest place you can listen and buy speakers.
POLK
klipsch
Mirage
Definitive Tech

[Beta Man]

Audiogon! You can get a lot out of your $2k that way.

I was looking up something for someone else, and found my speakers sold recently for HALF of what I paid for them ....... My next upgrade will be on the pre-owned market....that's for sure.