Pricing a new system

[Edh63]

I'm thinking about upgrading my surround system so I can participate in all the new codecs on the BDs today. My Bose system has served me well for the last almost 6 years, but I'm into Blu-ray now and I just can't justify having the Bose any longer due to its lack of audio processing.

What I'm asking for is some clear advice and recommendations on a surround system. What I don't need is a bunch of lofty personal wisdom from some why I shouldn't have bought my Bose system. It's been a great system and served my personal taste well these last few years. So let's bypass the stupidity and focus on what I'm looking at right now. There's no disrespect intended in what I'm saying here toward anyone, but some of you have really got to get over what others do that satisfies their own tastes.

Now, since I've only had one system, Bose, I'm learning more and more as I read more and more. I'm not looking to spend a fortune on components but I don't mind spending money on something that will get my needs met. And hookers are not a part of this, by the way. I want bang for the buck and I am someone that does have an ear for detail. I have a musical background in vocal, instrumental and soundboard operations so I can, and do appreciate quality sound and the technology that drives it. I only give you a very brief history simply to make the point that I do care about sound quality. With that said, let's talk about meeting needs.

I'm thinking about the Onkyo TX-SR805, TX-SR705 or TX-SR606. I know that the 805 would be better, but I want to know, for the money, would a less expensive model equipped with the tech to get me all I need be sufficient?

Here's where I get a bit lost. I need satellite speakers that hang from the ceiling since my Bose satellites are ceiling mounted already. I despise floor speakers, personal opinion, and think book shelf speakers look even worse. I have a large media room with 13 foot ceilings and ceiling mounts have always appealed to me. So, with all that said, I would like to mount some very nice looking well performing speakers. I don't need advice on how to hang my speakers and at what height they should be, I just need advice on good brands (5.1) that will perform and are reasonably priced.

I am also at a loss when it comes to the sub. Again, I would like a nice responsive sub without spending a crap-load of cash. Surly there is a sub that has deep tones and not bottom out when the movie asks for it that won't cost an arm and a leg.

I need to know what entails the wiring set-up since all I know is the Bose boutique package system. What connectors would I need along with other pieces that will get me plugged and played. I have my BDP already and I have a couple of HDMI cables. I really look forward to getting rid of the optical cable and going complete HDMI to the receiver.

So, there you have it. I am a relative longtime Bose listener that is now ready to convert to a system that is more functional and has better sound. However, don't think for a minute that any of you Bose haters will convince me that my choice 6 years ago was a bad one. My choice served me well up to this point, but I'm ready to move on. So what I'll ask is that you make my conversion a good one and lead me, don't insult me. If this thread begins to get stupid and retarded then I will quietly bow out and you can throw feces all over each other without me.

[crackinhedz]

Onkyo TX-SR805 (no sales tax unless in VA)

...for the price, this receiver is tops.

MIRAGE Nanosats can be hung from the ceiling and are of excellent quality (much better than BOSE).

and for a subwoofer...

Acoustech H-100 Cinema Series 500-Watt Front-Firing Subwoofer
probably the best performing sub in its price class. Will definitely hit all the low's and then some!



...although this is just great ideas for a modest budget, you could get better but would cost more.

[JasonR]

If you can afford it, these are the satellites I would get.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/displa...fid=1183&sc=ht

If you are looking for cheaper, the digs Crackin gave you would be awesome as well.

Edit:

The M-1 speakers priced at $200 each

http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-lo...er-system.html

[aramis109]

If you like your speakers but don't like the receiver, is keeping them out of the question?

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by aramis109

If you like your speakers but don't like the receiver, is keeping them out of the question?

I don't want to keep the Bose because it doesn't have the capacity to decode all the new audio codecs on BDs today. All the Bose speakers plug into the Acoustimass module, so keeping speakers doesn't seem to be an option. Even if I could use the speakers, I don't think I want to. I'm ready to move on and try other things. I would imagine Bose will eventually come out with a Lifestyle unit that does offer more versatility, but I want a system today that I can change things around without being limited by a proprietary company.

The Acoustimass box also won't handle the bass when you have the movie cranked, especially now that these BDs are offering more quality audio reproduction. Eventhough I have a non HDMI receiver and running optical, the sound enhancement is a marked improvement form the standard DVD. It will bottom out at times and that is unacceptable.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by JasonR

If you can afford it, these are the satellites I would get.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/displa...fid=1183&sc=ht

If you are looking for cheaper, the digs Crackin gave you would be awesome as well.

Edit:



http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-lo...er-system.html

Yeah, these are well over what I would like to spend and I can most likely find some well performing speakers without spending so much. Those do seem to be nice. A bit contemporary looking, but I'm sure they perform... thank you.

[Driver_King]

What's wrong with floorstanding speakers? Floorstanding speakers can look ugly but they can look like artfully crafted gems if you find the right ones. It's kind of like saying cars look ugly. Well, cars can look ugly but of course, there are stunning cars out there too. Floorstanding speakers quite often outperform almost all bookshelfs and satellites. You should at least consider floorstanding speakers. If you're dead set on small speakers, Parts Express has a good deal on quality speakers. This might work for a sub. You just need to get an amp. If you wanted to, you could buy four of them and get amazing results. At that price, I might just pick a couple up!

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

What's wrong with floorstanding speakers? Floorstanding speakers can look ugly but they can look like artfully crafted gems if you find the right ones. It's kind of like saying cars look ugly. Well, cars can look ugly but of course, there are stunning cars out there too. Floorstanding speakers quite often outperform almost all bookshelfs and satellites. You should at least consider floorstanding speakers.

Please don't stand on feelings in this post. I'm not insulting anyone's taste or choice. My personal taste dictates that I would rather not have speakers on the floor. Although this is a media room, it is still a place that I entertain guests and speakers on the floor is not something that appeals to me. Your car analogy, although nicely said, makes no sense. Speakers on the floor are not an option... period. My car will not be sitting in my media room. This is not what you think it should look like, it's what I think. Remember, I'm not out to be sold on configurations or how I want it to look like in my house. I'm needing some good advice on equipment that fits into the specs that appeal to me. I do, however, highly appreciate your recommendation.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by JasonR

If you can afford it, these are the satellites I would get.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/displa...fid=1183&sc=ht

If you are looking for cheaper, the digs Crackin gave you would be awesome as well.

Edit:



http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-lo...er-system.html

I got these (no sub) for the bedroom, and they're great. I wouldn't get a B&W sub though... but that's just me.....

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I got these (no sub) for the bedroom, and they're great. I wouldn't get a B&W sub though... but that's just me.....

I looked at these and they do seem to be quite impressive, although I really like the look of the Mirage OMNISAT v2. You know when you see something and it just screams out "THIS IS IT"? The Mirage set-up seems to be talking to me.

I've learned through my years that typically the one that grabs my attention first is going to be what I gravitate towards. I'm always driven by aesthetics first; the appeal to the eye, and then I research the meat of that product and make a concerted decision.

The Mirage set-up is calling my name...lol.

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by Edh63

I looked at these and they do seem to be quite impressive, although I really like the look of the Mirage OMNISAT v2. You know when you see something and it just screams out "THIS IS IT"? The Mirage set-up seems to be talking to me.

I've learned through my years that typically the one that grabs my attention first is going to be what I gravitate towards. I'm always driven by aesthetics first; the appeal to the eye, and then I research the meat of that product and make a concerted decision.

The Mirage set-up is calling my name...lol.

All you have to do now is pull the triggah.. (I am from New England and that is how we talk up here)

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Onkyo TX-SR805 (no sales tax unless in VA)

...for the price, this receiver is tops.

MIRAGE Nanosats can be hung from the ceiling and are of excellent quality (much better than BOSE).

and for a subwoofer...

Acoustech H-100 Cinema Series 500-Watt Front-Firing Subwoofer
probably the best performing sub in its price class. Will definitely hit all the low's and then some!



...although this is just great ideas for a modest budget, you could get better but would cost more.

You've pointed out some very reasonable equipment here. The one "major" problem I'm having though is my limited measurements to get that hulking Onkyo in the armoir I have to put it in. My measurements in the armoire would be Depth = 13 1/2" Height = 11" Width = 29 1/2". I'm going to need a receiver that will fit into my space. Any suggestions for a quality receiver beyond Onkyo that would scale down in size to meet these needs? Look at the top right hand corner of the armoire. This is the hole it would go into. All the others below are even less in measurement.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Edh63

You've pointed out some very reasonable equipment here. The one "major" problem I'm having though is my limited measurements to get that hulking Onkyo in the armoir I have to put it in. My measurements in the armoire would be Depth = 13 1/2" Height = 11" Width = 29 1/2". I'm going to need a receiver that will fit into my space. Any suggestions for a quality receiver beyond Onkyo that would scale down in size to meet these needs?

I dont have any measurements, but other good choices (and smaller) include:

Yamaha RX-V663
Onkyo TX-SR605
Onkyo TX-SR606
Onkyo TX-SR705
Sony STR-DG820

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I dont have any measurements, but other good choices (and smaller) include:

Yamaha RX-V663
Onkyo TX-SR605
Onkyo TX-SR606
Onkyo TX-SR705
Sony STR-DG820

What is the difference between the 606 and the 605? I noticed the 606 is the only one that doesn't have Dolby Digital Plus. Is this a problem? The 605 and 606 would fit in the lower rack area, but which one is better?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Edh63

What is the difference between the 606 and the 605? I noticed the 606 is the only one that doesn't have Dolby Digital Plus. Is this a problem? The 605 and 606 would fit in the lower rack area, but which one is a better?

the only difference I noticed was the 606 has more HDMI inputs, and video upscaling to 1080i.

If it decoded dolby truehd, it will decode dolby digital plus. ...not to mention not too many 'dolby digital +' sources around. Wouldnt even worry about it.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Edh63

I have a musical background in vocal, instrumental and soundboard operations so I can, and do appreciate quality sound and the technology that drives it. .

O.K. your credentials have met the criteria..... it's safe to say, that you can go out, listen to various equipment and speakers, and pick which one sounds best "To you" If you want recommendations of what you should audition (my, amongst other's personal favorites) then I'll need a budget