Speaker upgrade question

[acritzer]

Hello all. I have a question on speaker upgrades. Currently, I am using an Onkyo HTR 520 system. I believe it's kind of a hybrid HTIB system? If this is the case, can I stick with the receiver and upgrade speakers? If so, are there reasonable recommendations for my center speaker?

Just trying to get a feel for what's realistic/worthwhile for my situation. To be honest I need to suck it up and at least upgrade my wire first (still using the stuff that came out of the box). Most likely 20 gauge or so.

Should probably mention I'm using a panny 55...to needing the receiver to decode isn't an issue.

[Beta Man]

budget?


Speakers make the biggest immediate difference, since they're the component that physically makes the sound..... so I'd start there (with new wire too, since it's pretty much a free upgrade... just go to monoprice, or the hardware store)

[acritzer]

Budget....well... this is assuming I can butter up my wife enough to let me even consider the idea. If I can, I'd like to get away with just a center...maybe around 150-200? If I manage to get some extra gigs I might be in the market for L/R as well, but that will be a long way off.

Hopefully a center that will go well with the Onkyo L/R that I have now?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Hopefully a center that will go well with the Onkyo L/R that I have now?

Not likely. If you're going to replace the center, it's best to replace all 3 across the front.

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Not likely. If you're going to replace the center, it's best to replace all 3 across the front.

Well, I know that's the preferred method but I really don't think that'll fly at this point. Any chance there'll be something that is acceptable?

[Steve]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Well, I know that's the preferred method but I really don't think that'll fly at this point. Any chance there'll be something that is acceptable?

You could always try this tactic, but may wind up shooting yourself in the foot. Replace the center with something really good. Then demonstrate how the left and right can't keep up any more and that it doesn't sound good together and see if you can replace them then. Of course she may just suggest you return the new center.

I honestly don't know of anything that will go well with Onkyo mains. Pretty much anything out there worth buying will leave them in the dust, or will sound so differently that your front stage won't sound good/right.