Need surround sound for about 1000 - Blu-ray Forum

minimo · 06-06-2008, 07:58 PM

Hey guys,

I just bought a new house and am going to upgrade my sound system. I tried looking in the forum for some ideas, but would really appreciate if you could addresse my situation.

I am looking to spend about $1000, and to be honest I don't know much about sound. Don't really care how many speakers I get (5.1,6.1, 7.1), . I am really into the look of tower speakers, so if there is a way to get those I would be happy. If you guys think I should save up a bit more I will, but prefer to get it soon. I also need a receiver.

Thanks for your help !!!!!

Beta Man · 06-06-2008, 08:03 PM

First thing first...

You say 'Upgrade'

what do you currently have for sound? speakers or Receiver of any sort?

Room size?

% of expected use for Music/Movies ?

hagar852 · 06-06-2008, 08:06 PM

You could easily spend the $1000 on just the tower speakers alone..

What will you be using the system primarily for? Movies? Music? Games?

Depending on what you want to do will steer your speaker needs, but for the most part you will want to spend a decent amount more on the speakers..

Yamaha V663 might be a good place to start for a receiver.. Can be had for $350 as far I know..

SS316SRV · 06-06-2008, 08:06 PM

I would say Yamaha RX-V663 and a 5.1 JBL set for under $500. There ya go.

dad2erin · 06-06-2008, 08:11 PM

Denon 788 on amazon

Energy take classics (not towers but sound good)

Should be around 1000.

minimo · 06-06-2008, 08:17 PM

I have a crappy panasonic all in one 5.1, I will be using primarily for movies, from the ps3

minimo · 06-06-2008, 08:18 PM

I am looking to buy everything from scratch

Beta Man · 06-06-2008, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimo

I have a crappy panasonic all in one 5.1, I will be using primarily for movies, from the ps3

In that case, I recommend "building" set-up.... The sub that came with your HTIB sucks, I'm sure.... but if you can use it for the time being, it leaves more money in the budget for other stuff... so what I'd do is this...

New Receiver, L/R/Center and use the Sub, and four of the speakers from the Panasonic deal for the rears/surrounds until you get more room in the budget to upgrade those too. (assuming the ohm ratings match)

So.. since you have a PS3, it can decode the audio codecs, so here is MY suggestion... which everyone has their own likes/dislikes... so take this with a grain of salt...

$250

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...-w/HDMI/1.html

$600 for a pair of these ($40 cheaper in black.. but these would be my choice)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&s=electronics

$130 for this center which is a very good match tweeter-for-tweeter

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...2784165&sr=1-7

There's My $1K suggestion... and if you like the "look" of towers... those towers certainly are pleasing to the eye.

hagar852 · 06-06-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

In that case, I recommend "building" set-up.... The sub that came with your HTIB sucks, I'm sure.... but if you can use it for the time being, it leaves more money in the budget for other stuff... so what I'd do is this...

New Receiver, L/R/Center and use the Sub, and four of the speakers from the Panasonic deal for the rears/surrounds until you get more room in the budget to upgrade those too. (assuming the ohm ratings match)

So.. since you have a PS3, it can decode the audio codecs, so here is MY suggestion... which everyone has their own likes/dislikes... so take this with a grain of salt...

$250

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...-w/HDMI/1.html

$600 for a pair of these ($40 cheaper in black.. but these would be my choice)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&s=electronics

$130 for this center which is a very good match tweeter-for-tweeter

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...2784165&sr=1-7

There's My $1K suggestion... and if you like the "look" of towers... those towers certainly are pleasing to the eye.

+1... That is a great suggestion for equipment... $250 for a Marantz sr4001!!

what a deal!!

Beta Man · 06-06-2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagar852

+1... That is a great suggestion for equipment... $250 for a Marantz sr4001!!

what a deal!!

Yep... I bought a sr5001 from them for my bedroom, and it showed up in like 5 days too

Refurbed.. but the manual/remote, etc.. was all still in the original sealed plastic bag etc... and I tested it without any faults.... I purchased an SR7001 a year ago brand new, from a local retailer.... and that is part of my main system.... thankfully the PS3 firmware upgrade hit while I was contemplating upgrading!!!! Comparing the two, the 5001 has the same sonic pleasantries as the 7001, so I'd expect the 4001 to be a real pleaser as well (I never auditioned that one though, I must admit )

minimo · 06-06-2008, 09:12 PM

Is this center as good as the other one because I need everything to be black

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...2784165&sr=1-7

JasonR · 06-06-2008, 09:19 PM

Actually, the CS10 & CS20 are in the TSi series. That is what you would want.

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...787038&sr=1-14

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...787038&sr=1-12

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...vidual/center/

JasonR · 06-06-2008, 09:24 PM

Can anyone tell me what the difference in the Monitors and TSi series is, except that the TSi is new and now selling at Best Buy?. They look exactly the same on Polks site.

prerich · 06-06-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimo

Hey guys,

I just bought a new house and am going to upgrade my sound system. I tried looking in the forum for some ideas, but would really appreciate if you could addresse my situation.

I am looking to spend about $1000, and to be honest I don't know much about sound. Don't really care how many speakers I get (5.1,6.1, 7.1), . I am really into the look of tower speakers, so if there is a way to get those I would be happy. If you guys think I should save up a bit more I will, but prefer to get it soon. I also need a receiver.

Thanks for your help !!!!!

Here's my contribution:
Athena Tower 5.1 tower system $595.00 (regular price $1215.00) link - http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=ATKLS500
Beta's Marantz or a Yamaha RX-V663 (350.00) or this little number from Denon http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=88231 Price is 379.00

minimo · 06-07-2008, 01:23 AM

I was thinking maybe these to start tell me what you think?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...22V6VMXZ87QCYV

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...3RV7Z1A3QJB1M9

with this receiver

http://www.accessories4less.com/make...-w/HDMI/1.html

JasonR · 06-07-2008, 01:55 AM

I have the 50s and the CS1, I am getting my new receiver and Monitor 30s for surrounds by the end of the month. I am very pleased with their performance thus far without the receiver upgrade...

I am looking beyond Polk for a sub, if you only want to spend around $100 that will do fine.

minimo · 06-07-2008, 01:08 PM

So can that receiver manage everything the ps3 throws at it?

darkpoet25 · 06-07-2008, 01:27 PM

Just remember to audition any speakers you are planning to purchase. Suggestions are nice, but it is up to you and your ears to decide for yourself what you like. If you find ones you like, such as the Polk's go to a local shop that carries them. Take a movie and/or a cd with you and demo them. Most stores have an in home trial period, so if you don't like how they sound, you can return them for another pair/set.

prerich · 06-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

Just remember to audition any speakers you are planning to purchase. Suggestions are nice, but it is up to you and your ears to decide for yourself what you like. If you find ones you like, such as the Polk's go to a local shop that carries them. Take a movie and/or a cd with you and demo them. Most stores have an in home trial period, so if you don't like how they sound, you can return them for another pair/set.

Audio advisor also has a 30 day trial period - if you don't like them- send them back for a full refund.

To the OP, The best and only real place to audition speakers are in your own home (you'll be surprised as to how different speakers can sound in different enviornments)

Beta Man · 06-07-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minimo

So can that receiver manage everything the ps3 throws at it?

The link pulled up just the main Accessories4less webpage, what model # receiver are you looking at? The Marantz 4001, 5001, and 7001 are all capable of playing HD MA audio with the PS3..... (I have the 5001 and 7001)

The Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo all recommended also are capable of playing HD MA audio.

06-06-2008, 07:58 PM	#1
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	Need surround sound for about 1000 Hey guys, I just bought a new house and am going to upgrade my sound system. I tried looking in the forum for some ideas, but would really appreciate if you could addresse my situation. I am looking to spend about $1000, and to be honest I don't know much about sound. Don't really care how many speakers I get (5.1,6.1, 7.1), . I am really into the look of tower speakers, so if there is a way to get those I would be happy. If you guys think I should save up a bit more I will, but prefer to get it soon. I also need a receiver. Thanks for your help !!!!!

06-06-2008, 08:03 PM	#2
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	First thing first... You say 'Upgrade' what do you currently have for sound? speakers or Receiver of any sort? Room size? % of expected use for Music/Movies ? Last edited by Beta Man; 06-06-2008 at 08:14 PM.

06-06-2008, 08:11 PM	#5
dad2erin Active Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:south hadley, ma Home Theater Gallery:9	Denon / energy Denon 788 on amazon Energy take classics (not towers but sound good) Should be around 1000.

06-06-2008, 09:24 PM	#13
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	Can anyone tell me what the difference in the Monitors and TSi series is, except that the TSi is new and now selling at Best Buy?. They look exactly the same on Polks site. Last edited by JasonR; 06-06-2008 at 09:29 PM.

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06-06-2008, 08:06 PM	#3
hagar852 Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:107	You could easily spend the $1000 on just the tower speakers alone.. What will you be using the system primarily for? Movies? Music? Games? Depending on what you want to do will steer your speaker needs, but for the most part you will want to spend a decent amount more on the speakers.. Yamaha V663 might be a good place to start for a receiver.. Can be had for $350 as far I know..

06-06-2008, 08:06 PM	#4
SS316SRV Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Appleton, WI Blu-ray collection:74	I would say Yamaha RX-V663 and a 5.1 JBL set for under $500. There ya go.

06-06-2008, 08:17 PM	#6
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	I have a crappy panasonic all in one 5.1, I will be using primarily for movies, from the ps3

06-06-2008, 08:18 PM	#7
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	I am looking to buy everything from scratch

06-06-2008, 09:12 PM	#11
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	Is this center as good as the other one because I need everything to be black http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...2784165&sr=1-7

06-06-2008, 09:19 PM	#12
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	Actually, the CS10 & CS20 are in the TSi series. That is what you would want. http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...787038&sr=1-14 http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Cen...787038&sr=1-12 http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...vidual/center/

06-07-2008, 01:23 AM	#15
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	I was thinking maybe these to start tell me what you think? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...X0DER&v=glance http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...22V6VMXZ87QCYV http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...3RV7Z1A3QJB1M9 with this receiver http://www.accessories4less.com/make...-w/HDMI/1.html

06-07-2008, 01:55 AM	#16
JasonR Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Trading Score:12	I have the 50s and the CS1, I am getting my new receiver and Monitor 30s for surrounds by the end of the month. I am very pleased with their performance thus far without the receiver upgrade... I am looking beyond Polk for a sub, if you only want to spend around $100 that will do fine.

06-07-2008, 01:08 PM	#17
minimo Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Linden, VA Home Theater Gallery:42	So can that receiver manage everything the ps3 throws at it?

06-07-2008, 01:27 PM	#18
darkpoet25 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2007 Location:Indianapolis, IN Home Theater Gallery:45 4K collection:50 Blu-ray collection:297 Blu-ray reviews: 4	Just remember to audition any speakers you are planning to purchase. Suggestions are nice, but it is up to you and your ears to decide for yourself what you like. If you find ones you like, such as the Polk's go to a local shop that carries them. Take a movie and/or a cd with you and demo them. Most stores have an in home trial period, so if you don't like how they sound, you can return them for another pair/set.

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