Choosing the Right Receiver ~$500

[Ason12]

So, the one thing that's always confused me when it comes to Home Theater is audio. That being half of it is pretty sad. Now, I'd really like to jump into audio by getting myself a nice receiver and a nice speaker set up. My budget is going to be approx $1000 all together, so I think that leaves about $500 for the receiver. I know next to nothing about sound. My only concern is I don't have a ton of room. Anything you guys have for suggestions on receivers or speakers would be great. Also, if you know of any sort of guides on further educating myself on home audio I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

[LordoftheRings]

First, about you tell us more on your room's dimensions, display, music & movies preferences, family?, kids?, overall habits for watching TV, and perhaps you should more concentrate of getting out there at some local audio stores for listening to various loudspeakers with some familiar music of yours.

The more you do that part the easier it is for you first and then us.

Right now, that's about the best that I can say.

[Ason12]

I don't know the room's exact dimensions, but it's on the small side. I'd say roughly 10x14'. My display is a Samsung LN32A450, not the best, but I'll be upgrading in about a year. I'm a Resident Assistant at a college and this is for my dorm room. So no family, but I do plan on having people in and out often. As far as preferences go, I prefer Sci-Fi/Action flicks.

Thanks!

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by Ason12

I don't know the room's exact dimensions, but it's on the small side. I'd say roughly 10x14'. My display is a Samsung LN32A450, not the best, but I'll be upgrading in about a year. I'm a Resident Assistant at a college and this is for my dorm room. So no family, but I do plan on having people in and out often. As far as preferences go, I prefer Sci-Fi/Action flicks.

Thanks!

Ok, small room, so a 5.1-channel surround system is all you need.
There are some nice HTIB By onkyo with all you need plus the sub at less than your buget price.
And if people tell you that it ain't good enough, don't let them discourage you.
Because you are brand new at this game, that's what I think is best to start off with.

I just give you some examples here, but Onkyo HTIB are in my opinion #1 for value and performance.

* @ http://www.hometheatermag.com/hometh...grated_system/

* @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/h...yo-ht-s9100thx

* @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s7200

* @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/h...h-prologic-iiz

*** Perhaps this one: @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s5200

* @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/htib/onkyo-ht-s3200

________________________________________________

Another better possibility is to get an Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver, with a 10" sub and some speakers from Emotiva; that would be in your price range all together.
Let me get back to you on this with exact links and prices.

Ok I'm back.
1. The Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver was $349.99 at Accessories4less (refurb with 1 year warranty), but it's sold out right now.
But the TX-SR607 is last year model and is excellent for you, plus it is only $279.99 right now.
* Here: @ http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

2. Subwoofer: Emotiva has a sale right now on the Ultra Sub 10 for only $269 (+ free shipping).
* Here: @ http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub10.shtm

3. Speakers (Fronts & Surrounds): The Emotiva speakers will get you over your budget, so I looked at Paradigm speakers, the Atom Monitor model that sells for $149 list price, each. But if you can find some used ones at Audiogon, you'll get them for much cheaper.
Two pairs (brand new) are $596, which is over your budget.
* Here's some info: @ http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/...4-1-1.paradigm

==> You can check the 'Buy & Sale' section Forums here; just make sure the seller has a good reputation (score). You would save a lot of money, which will allow you to get the last remaining speaker:

4. Center speaker: The Paradigm CC-190 retails for $299, which is too much for your budget.
So again, you'll have to look for a used one. Same tactic as the Atom speakers above.
...And you can get some info on it while navigating on the Paradigm web site from the avove link.

*** So, receiver = $280, plus sub at $269, that brings it at $549 so far.
That leaves you with $451 for 5 speakers (one center, two front & two surround speakers).

~~~ I'm sure someone else will pitch in for another suggestion on speakers in that price range.
I believe also Behringer might have some great ones for very little money that would suit the remaining of your budget.
** The Behringer B2030P speaker retails for $190/pair, but it seems that you can perhaps get them for only $130/pair.
* Check this out by reading the full article: @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...-shootout-2009

~~~ Last and not least, check out this TSAT-100-HT8-B full 5.1-channel speaker system for only $399, from The Speaker Company. ...With this speaker system plus the Onkyo TX-SR607, your total would be $679 which is $321 under your total budget. ...I don't know of any other system that includes this level of performance with this receiver, these five speakers and a subwoofer for a total of only $679. ...And if you add that other subwoofer from Emotiva, the Ultra Sub 10, your grand total is still under your budget of $1,000 at $948! ...That sill leave you with $52 to get all the speaker cables you really need from MonoPrice.com. And now you have the full 5.2-channel system shawbang!
Two subs in your small room will help to balance for some room modalities (unbalanced audio frequencies), or just start with one for now, and keep the $321 for other future expenditures. Either way you WIN BIG TIME.
* @ http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...sat-1000-ht8-b

Alright, that was my part for now.

P.S. Ason, I spent a lot of time with this post, probably the most so far since I became a member here at Blu-ray Forum; it was just the luck of the draw that it was with you that I spent the most time trying to help. ...And the reason is I think because you are totally new at this (Sound) like you were saying on your very first post. But I do still recommend that you go to audio stores that sell speakers from your area, and listen to them on your own with some music you like for a very unique and fun experience. And listen to as many speakers you can. That will give you a great base (foundation) in this 'Audio Sound Hobby' that is our "Passion", mine for sure anyway.

[Ason12]

LordoftheRings, Thank you so much for your numerous suggestions. You have been extremely extremely helpful. I have a lot to think on now, because all of your suggestions seem like the right thing to do. I appreciate the time you put into your post, it means a lot.

[LordoftheRings]

I just wish you the very best in your Sound exploration towards Audio bliss.