Please Help Me Upgrade My Audio - Blu-ray Forum

Steve46 · 01-31-2009, 06:36 PM

Hey all,

About five weeks ago I entered the world of blu-ray, and upgraded my old CRT HDTV at the same time.

I'm now using the Samsung PN50A650 and the Panasonic DMP BD35.

So as you can see, I typically seek value for money rather than buying the absolute best equipment. I love the picture quality on the 21 blu's I have picked up so far, but using the TV speakers is killing the sound. I would like to experience my BDs with a good audio system.

My budget is flexible. I am really looking for two types of advice:

1) Should I go the HTIB route as my apartment is small and the TV is in a 15 x 12 room? Or should I look for a quality receiver and speakers?

2) What would you suggest based on your answer to Q1?

I realize that you get what you pay for to some extent, so I won't go for a budget system if it is a waste of money. I don't want to end up spending a fortune either. So considering the size of my room, what would be best? I have a huge CD collection too, so the ability to experience good music reproduction would be a plus.

Based on your answers I will research the options and spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 (if you convince me it's worth the money).

I really have no clue on what to buy. I don't even know whether I need an amp, or whether it is integrated with the receiver. What cables would I need (currently have two HDMI cables connecting the cable box and BD player to the TV).

Sorry for the dumb questions, but I figure a lot of you will have been in this position before.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.

Thanks.

Steve

Johnny Vinyl · 01-31-2009, 06:59 PM

Hi Steve,

Well it seems like your budget is rather expansive....from $500 - $1500. That's quite a range and tells me you want to do things right. So let me see if I can help out without killing your budget.

The first thing you want to keep in mind is that going slowly and building up with good quality componants is the best option. In many cases that means starting with a simple 2-channel setup. You can always add the rest later and trust me....watching/experiencing Blu-ray on a good 2-channel system is a very satisfactory experience.

Hence, this is what I would recommned.

1. Buy a decent 7.1 receiver. Many can be had from between $500-$750CDN. Some to consider are Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, Marantz, Sony and Onkyo.
2. Buy 2 solid Floor-standing speakers. Brands that come to mind are Polk, Def-tech, Klipsch, Energy, Mirage, PSB, Paradigm, etc. Most of these can easily be auditioned at the various larger B&M's around town. Spend another $500-$750 on these and you have your set-up.
3. As soon as finances permit buy a Centre Channel or a Sub (whichever you prefer) and then add 2 Rears. And then later some surrounds for that 7.1 experience (if you like).

Buy QUALITY...you will never regret it.

If you have more questions, I will be glad to answer as will all of the other good folks on here.

Good luck and have fun auditioning your potential new equipment.

John

Steve46 · 01-31-2009, 08:01 PM

Thanks John,

I was just looking at models in Future Shop to see what they stocked, although I would never buy something like this from there without a price match.

I certainly never regretted paying $7,000 for my Marantz hi-fi system ten years ago, but I gave that to a friend when I moved to Canada from the UK. I'm currently playing CDs on a thing I picked up for $20 and it's painful. It would be good to improve that along with adding decent audio to my HT setup.

Components is probably the way to go. I'll start my research.

Steve

Johnny Vinyl · 01-31-2009, 08:27 PM

Hi again Steve,

I agree...definately price match! And I can tell you from personal experience that any of the larger B&M's will negociate price, especially this time of year when sales have hit rock bottom at every retailer. I bought my Yamaha receiver from FS last year in December and they were still willing to deal, so I ended up with a good price (I paid $1,100 for a $1,500 reciever). This very unit, if you can find still them, now can be had for about $700 as new models have been introduced.

I don't know where in the GTA (Toronto area) you are, but there are a number of good specialty audio shops with great equipment and I have no doubt they are willing and perhaps desperate to deal as well. So have a look at those as well, especially for a broader range of speakers you won't find at FS and the like. You'd be surprised at the deals you can find if you're somewhat patient.

Another tip....re: speaker wire et al. When I bought my speakers I was able to secure upgraded wiring at a nominal cost in one instance and completely gratis in another. Get to know whomever you're dealing with and watch the offers flow in just to secure the sale.

John

Twitch9 · 01-31-2009, 08:29 PM

Futureshop does sell the Denon 789 and 889 for a good price and would be considered a very good 7.1 amp in the $600-800 range. Never buy speakers there but the Denon amps are a good deal.

Steve46 · 01-31-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twitch9

Futureshop does sell the Denon 789 and 889 for a good price and would be considered a very good 7.1 amp in the $600-800 range. Never buy speakers there but the Denon amps are a good deal.

Good to know. Thanks.

Steve46 · 01-31-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi again Steve,

I agree...definately price match! And I can tell you from personal experience that any of the larger B&M's will negociate price, especially this time of year when sales have hit rock bottom at every retailer. I bought my Yamaha receiver from FS last year in December and they were still willing to deal, so I ended up with a good price (I paid $1,100 for a $1,500 reciever). This very unit, if you can find still them, now can be had for about $700 as new models have been introduced.

I don't know where in the GTA (Toronto area) you are, but there are a number of good specialty audio shops with great equipment and I have no doubt they are willing and perhaps desperate to deal as well. So have a look at those as well, especially for a broader range of speakers you won't find at FS and the like. You'd be surprised at the deals you can find if you're somewhat patient.

Another tip....re: speaker wire et al. When I bought my speakers I was able to secure upgraded wiring at a nominal cost in one instance and completely gratis in another. Get to know whomever you're dealing with and watch the offers flow in just to secure the sale.

John

I definitely need to pay a few visits to some audio dealers once I have done my research. I'll check out your Yamaha too.

The only store I have checked out was Great Metropolitan Sound (two years ago for CD players) on Eglington East. I am living near Yonge and Sheppard but willing to look anywhere in Toronto. Or Markham if electronicsforless.ca has a good deal.

Great looking setup you have there

Steve46 · 02-03-2009, 12:23 AM

I found a Yahama HTR-6190B for $698 ($560 US) at The Brick. I'm considering it...

Johnny Vinyl · 02-03-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve46

I found a Yahama HTR-6190B for $698 ($560 US) at The Brick. I'm considering it...

Do it! It's a great receiver! Good power and it'll last you for many years. I'm very happy with mine.

Been looking around for you at FS/BB/2001 and the like...and none have stock of this unit......

The replacement HTR-6290 is $1,499 and only offers better Zone 1/2 integration. Other than that, it's identical to the 6190.

John

PS...NEGOCIATE with them.....these guys are on commission...they'll deal!

Squozen · 02-03-2009, 02:13 AM

Steve, my room is smaller than yours, so I would definitely recommend getting separate speakers and a receiver. The nice thing about small rooms is that you don't need to spend outrageous amounts for a subwoofer, as a small one will still fill the space quite nicely.

ZIPPO · 02-03-2009, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squozen

Steve, my room is smaller than yours, so I would definitely recommend getting separate speakers and a receiver. The nice thing about small rooms is that you don't need to spend outrageous amounts for a subwoofer, as a small one will still fill the space quite nicely.

DITTO!

Steve46 · 02-03-2009, 02:39 AM

Thanks for the advice on subwoofers, Zippo and Squozen, I'll remember that when I buy.

Steve46 · 02-03-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

Do it! It's a great receiver! Good power and it'll last you for many years. I'm very happy with mine.

Been looking around for you at FS/BB/2001 and the like...and none have stock of this unit......

The replacement HTR-6290 is $1,499 and only offers better Zone 1/2 integration. Other than that, it's identical to the 6190.

John

PS...NEGOCIATE with them.....these guys are on commission...they'll deal!

I'll pay them a visit tomorrow!

Thanks.

Santeria · 02-03-2009, 06:32 AM

Hey Steve.. my room is about 11 by 12.5 and i have an entire audio setup.

for starters educate yourself regarding HD audio and a HT setup in the HT Virgin Thread

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252

i knew absolutely nothing about HD audio and a "REAL" audio setup...

just read that thread and itll answer 87.88% of your questions

and this too..

i made a thread in dec and had the same questions..

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=75784

my setup was about under $850.

Steve46 · 02-03-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santeria

Hey Steve.. my room is about 11 by 12.5 and i have an entire audio setup.

for starters educate yourself regarding HD audio and a HT setup in the HT Virgin Thread

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252

i knew absolutely nothing about HD audio and a "REAL" audio setup...

just read that thread and itll answer 87.88% of your questions

and this too..

i made a thread in dec and had the same questions..

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=75784

my setup was about under $850.

Hey Santeria,

I have actually been following your thread because your enthusiasm is infectious and I like seeing people happy. You did a great job in your limited space. I hope to be enjoying decent sound soon.

About to lose my virginity...

Santeria · 02-03-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve46

Hey Santeria,

I have actually been following your thread because your enthusiasm is infectious and I like seeing people happy. You did a great job in your limited space. I hope to be enjoying decent sound soon.

About to lose my virginity...

DECENT? more like GREAT

, i know there are better options for more $$, but its great!

Steve46 · 02-03-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Santeria

DECENT? more like GREAT

, i know there are better options for more $$, but its great!

I can't wait!

Hoping to get a receiver today...

supersix4 · 02-03-2009, 02:44 PM

my advice get some polk/klipsch or one of the other starting/intro brands for HT

and buy an onkyo sr606

you will get the quality and not get crushed in the pocketbook.

my bedroom is about the same size and my 606 really packs a punch in that room 999999999999x better then the tv speakers.

Santeria · 02-03-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve46

I can't wait!

Hoping to get a receiver today...

i recommend buying online before instore its usually cheaper

and go to monoprice for ur cable needs!

Audiophile_At_Birth · 02-03-2009, 04:19 PM

Don't go the HTiB route. You'll be disappointed over time and feel like you wasted your time and money. I like polk for the quality to price ratio.

01-31-2009, 06:36 PM	#1
Steve46 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Oshawa, ON 4K collection:156 Blu-ray collection:1040 Blu-ray reviews: 79 Trading Score:16	Please Help Me Upgrade My Audio Hey all, About five weeks ago I entered the world of blu-ray, and upgraded my old CRT HDTV at the same time. I'm now using the Samsung PN50A650 and the Panasonic DMP BD35. So as you can see, I typically seek value for money rather than buying the absolute best equipment. I love the picture quality on the 21 blu's I have picked up so far, but using the TV speakers is killing the sound. I would like to experience my BDs with a good audio system. My budget is flexible. I am really looking for two types of advice: 1) Should I go the HTIB route as my apartment is small and the TV is in a 15 x 12 room? Or should I look for a quality receiver and speakers? 2) What would you suggest based on your answer to Q1? I realize that you get what you pay for to some extent, so I won't go for a budget system if it is a waste of money. I don't want to end up spending a fortune either. So considering the size of my room, what would be best? I have a huge CD collection too, so the ability to experience good music reproduction would be a plus. Based on your answers I will research the options and spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 (if you convince me it's worth the money). I really have no clue on what to buy. I don't even know whether I need an amp, or whether it is integrated with the receiver. What cables would I need (currently have two HDMI cables connecting the cable box and BD player to the TV). Sorry for the dumb questions, but I figure a lot of you will have been in this position before. Any advice or suggestions are welcome. Thanks. Steve

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01-31-2009, 06:59 PM	#2
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Hi Steve, Well it seems like your budget is rather expansive....from $500 - $1500. That's quite a range and tells me you want to do things right. So let me see if I can help out without killing your budget. The first thing you want to keep in mind is that going slowly and building up with good quality componants is the best option. In many cases that means starting with a simple 2-channel setup. You can always add the rest later and trust me....watching/experiencing Blu-ray on a good 2-channel system is a very satisfactory experience. Hence, this is what I would recommned. 1. Buy a decent 7.1 receiver. Many can be had from between $500-$750CDN. Some to consider are Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, Marantz, Sony and Onkyo. 2. Buy 2 solid Floor-standing speakers. Brands that come to mind are Polk, Def-tech, Klipsch, Energy, Mirage, PSB, Paradigm, etc. Most of these can easily be auditioned at the various larger B&M's around town. Spend another $500-$750 on these and you have your set-up. 3. As soon as finances permit buy a Centre Channel or a Sub (whichever you prefer) and then add 2 Rears. And then later some surrounds for that 7.1 experience (if you like). Buy QUALITY...you will never regret it. If you have more questions, I will be glad to answer as will all of the other good folks on here. Good luck and have fun auditioning your potential new equipment. John

01-31-2009, 08:01 PM	#3
Steve46 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Oshawa, ON 4K collection:156 Blu-ray collection:1040 Blu-ray reviews: 79 Trading Score:16	Thanks John, I was just looking at models in Future Shop to see what they stocked, although I would never buy something like this from there without a price match. I certainly never regretted paying $7,000 for my Marantz hi-fi system ten years ago, but I gave that to a friend when I moved to Canada from the UK. I'm currently playing CDs on a thing I picked up for $20 and it's painful. It would be good to improve that along with adding decent audio to my HT setup. Components is probably the way to go. I'll start my research. Steve

01-31-2009, 08:27 PM	#4
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Hi again Steve, I agree...definately price match! And I can tell you from personal experience that any of the larger B&M's will negociate price, especially this time of year when sales have hit rock bottom at every retailer. I bought my Yamaha receiver from FS last year in December and they were still willing to deal, so I ended up with a good price (I paid $1,100 for a $1,500 reciever). This very unit, if you can find still them, now can be had for about $700 as new models have been introduced. I don't know where in the GTA (Toronto area) you are, but there are a number of good specialty audio shops with great equipment and I have no doubt they are willing and perhaps desperate to deal as well. So have a look at those as well, especially for a broader range of speakers you won't find at FS and the like. You'd be surprised at the deals you can find if you're somewhat patient. Another tip....re: speaker wire et al. When I bought my speakers I was able to secure upgraded wiring at a nominal cost in one instance and completely gratis in another. Get to know whomever you're dealing with and watch the offers flow in just to secure the sale. John

01-31-2009, 08:29 PM	#5
Twitch9 Expert Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Canada Home Theater Gallery:83 Blu-ray collection:49 Blu-ray reviews:16 Trading Score:2	Futureshop does sell the Denon 789 and 889 for a good price and would be considered a very good 7.1 amp in the $600-800 range. Never buy speakers there but the Denon amps are a good deal.

02-03-2009, 12:23 AM	#8
Steve46 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Oshawa, ON 4K collection:156 Blu-ray collection:1040 Blu-ray reviews: 79 Trading Score:16	I found a Yahama HTR-6190B for $698 ($560 US) at The Brick. I'm considering it...

02-03-2009, 02:13 AM	#10
Squozen Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Melbourne, Australia Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:80	Steve, my room is smaller than yours, so I would definitely recommend getting separate speakers and a receiver. The nice thing about small rooms is that you don't need to spend outrageous amounts for a subwoofer, as a small one will still fill the space quite nicely.

02-03-2009, 02:39 AM	#12
Steve46 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Oshawa, ON 4K collection:156 Blu-ray collection:1040 Blu-ray reviews: 79 Trading Score:16	Thanks for the advice on subwoofers, Zippo and Squozen, I'll remember that when I buy.

02-03-2009, 06:32 AM	#14
Santeria Special Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:San Diego Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:20 Trading Score:4	Hey Steve.. my room is about 11 by 12.5 and i have an entire audio setup. for starters educate yourself regarding HD audio and a HT setup in the HT Virgin Thread https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=71252 i knew absolutely nothing about HD audio and a "REAL" audio setup... just read that thread and itll answer 87.88% of your questions and this too.. i made a thread in dec and had the same questions.. https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=75784 my setup was about under $850.

02-03-2009, 02:44 PM	#18
supersix4 Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Blu-ray collection:572 Blu-ray reviews: 53 Trading Score:3	my advice get some polk/klipsch or one of the other starting/intro brands for HT and buy an onkyo sr606 you will get the quality and not get crushed in the pocketbook. my bedroom is about the same size and my 606 really packs a punch in that room 999999999999x better then the tv speakers.

02-03-2009, 04:19 PM	#20
Audiophile_At_Birth Special Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:El Paso, TX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:8 Blu-ray collection:235 Blu-ray reviews:1	Don't go the HTiB route. You'll be disappointed over time and feel like you wasted your time and money. I like polk for the quality to price ratio.

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