Need advice on upgrading my HT

[andymanc120]

Right now I have a Marantz SR-96 Receiver, a Marantz DP870 digital decoder, a Sunfire Mark 2 Subwoofer, KLH 4132's for the front, Boston HD8's for the rear, and a Boston CR1 for the center channel. I have a Samsung LN52A850 LCD television and use my PS3 to watch movies in blu-ray. I use my system 95% for watching movies.

I just moved and I haven't set up my home theater gear yet. Does anyone have advice on what pieces should be upgraded first? In particular, I want the highest quality audio effects. I am most interested in the receiver first, because I want to get it hooked back up, but I don't want to spend all the time just to tear it out in a month.

My priorities:
HDMI 1.3
Highest quality audio support (I may use another player in the future, I want to be as future proof as possible for up and coming audio standards)
I do not have a large place, so I am not concerned with wattage. I want superb sound quality, and beyond that, something that is as compatible as possible with my PS3/Samsung LCD.

Budget wise, I am not looking to waste money, but I can see going 1-2k for the receiver, and a similar amount for new speakers.

I could really use recommendations for a good receiver in terms of bang for the buck. I am not looking to cheap out, but I am not looking to spend money if it doesn't really benefit me to do so. (I am looking for the sweet spot in terms of cost and value, but I am not afraid to spend money, as long as I am getting something nice in return for it)

Andrew

[Beta Man]

Emotiva multi-channel amp would be a good buy


Projector???? (obviously that strays from the audio focus)


Maybe some acoustical room treatments?

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by andymanc120

Right now I have a Marantz SR-96 Receiver, a Marantz DP870 digital decoder, a Sunfire Mark 2 Subwoofer, KLH 4132's for the front, Boston HD8's for the rear, and a Boston CR1 for the center channel. I have a Samsung LN52A850 LCD television and use my PS3 to watch movies in blu-ray. I use my system 95% for watching movies.

I just moved and I haven't set up my home theater gear yet. Does anyone have advice on what pieces should be upgraded first? In particular, I want the highest quality audio effects. I am most interested in the receiver first, because I want to get it hooked back up, but I don't want to spend all the time just to tear it out in a month.

My priorities:
HDMI 1.3
Highest quality audio support (I may use another player in the future, I want to be as future proof as possible for up and coming audio standards)
I do not have a large place, so I am not concerned with wattage. I want superb sound quality, and beyond that, something that is as compatible as possible with my PS3/Samsung LCD.

Budget wise, I am not looking to waste money, but I can see going 1-2k for the receiver, and a similar amount for new speakers.

I could really use recommendations for a good receiver in terms of bang for the buck. I am not looking to cheap out, but I am not looking to spend money if it doesn't really benefit me to do so. (I am looking for the sweet spot in terms of cost and value, but I am not afraid to spend money, as long as I am getting something nice in return for it)

Andrew

I'd suggest checking out the Yamaha RX-V1900 receiver. It's primary focus is to provide highly detailed and accurate sound for both music and movie soundtracks. It includes all the latest lossless audio decoders, Burr Brown 192kHz / 24 bit DACs on all audio channels, and it uses Anchor Bay video processing, which are a good thing at this price point. Here are links to some more info on it:


http://www.hometheaterreview.com/equ...ewed001162.php

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/p...4&CTID=5000300

I strongly considered buying the 1900, but I ended up buying the 861, which was also mentioned in the review above. I found it for $279, so I couldn't pass it up at that price. It's been an incredible receiver, but the 1900 is a nice step up. It retails for $1,400 but online you can find it for around $975.


I think you'll be very pleased with the Yamaha.

[primaz]

Originally Posted by andymanc120

Right now I have a Marantz SR-96 Receiver, a Marantz DP870 digital decoder, a Sunfire Mark 2 Subwoofer, KLH 4132's for the front, Boston HD8's for the rear, and a Boston CR1 for the center channel. I have a Samsung LN52A850 LCD television and use my PS3 to watch movies in blu-ray. I use my system 95% for watching movies.

I just moved and I haven't set up my home theater gear yet. Does anyone have advice on what pieces should be upgraded first? In particular, I want the highest quality audio effects. I am most interested in the receiver first, because I want to get it hooked back up, but I don't want to spend all the time just to tear it out in a month.

My priorities:
HDMI 1.3
Highest quality audio support (I may use another player in the future, I want to be as future proof as possible for up and coming audio standards)
I do not have a large place, so I am not concerned with wattage. I want superb sound quality, and beyond that, something that is as compatible as possible with my PS3/Samsung LCD.

Budget wise, I am not looking to waste money, but I can see going 1-2k for the receiver, and a similar amount for new speakers.

I could really use recommendations for a good receiver in terms of bang for the buck. I am not looking to cheap out, but I am not looking to spend money if it doesn't really benefit me to do so. (I am looking for the sweet spot in terms of cost and value, but I am not afraid to spend money, as long as I am getting something nice in return for it)

Andrew

I would not get a reciever since you have enough of a budget. I would get the new upcomming Outlaw Audio 997 surround sound processor preamp which does have HDMI 1.3, Trinnov Optimizer, and great specifications. http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/997.html

Then for the price I would look at the Emotiva or the Outlaw Audio for a separate multi channel power amp.