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?

[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

[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 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.

[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.

[Driver_King]

I don't know. I've just never heard of people say that floorstanding speakers aren't appealing because you entertain guests in the same room. That's fine with me though. I'm not going to change your opinion. I take pride in seeing my floorstanding speakers to people and letting people I entertain enjoy them as they are. If I had these CV's, I'd be glad to show them off to people. I do have to say the car analogy does make sense. I'm not going to purposely say something that would insinuate you putting a car in your media room. I hope you can find a way to fit that 805 in your media center. Can you place it on top of something? Maybe you can put it out of sight somewhere instead of in your media center. It need breathing room.

[Edh63]

Yeah, that's my concern, that it needs room to breathe. No, I don't have a place outside the armoire to set it on either. I could arrange somewhere outside, but I'd like it to be inside. I would like everything to be inside the center so I can close it off and can't see if I want.

[mdabb]

Here are a few options you may be interested in. All have received excellent reviews and are wall mountable and/or can be placed on stands.

SVS website must be down or it's not working for me right now but if you do a search and go to the site check out the package deals.

svsound.com

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast2.html

http://www.cerwin-vega.com/CVHD.php


I would pair any of these setups with the onkyo 805 or whatever receiver you prefer. Just some food for thought. Hope it is of help.

I should also add they are all very reasonably priced.

[Edh63]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Here are a few options you may be interested in. All have received excellent reviews and are wall mountable and/or can be placed on stands.

SVS website must be down or it's not working for me right now but if you do a search and go to the site check out the package deals.

svsound.com

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast2.html

http://www.cerwin-vega.com/CVHD.php


I would pair any of these setups with the onkyo 805 or whatever receiver you prefer. Just some food for thought. Hope it is of help.

I should also add they are all very reasonably priced.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vt-12.html

Now this is more to the size I would like, but can anyone corroborate the quality of sound that these produce? I really like the size format of these satellites and it drills right down to what I'm looking for aesthetically. And, this looks to be a 6.1 speaker set-up. Am I correct in my assessment? I guess I wouldn't have any push-back on installing a rear center for rear imaging. Nice find here, mdabb.

I'm still needing some input on an alternative to the Onkyo that will accommodate my armoire.

[mdabb]

If you do a search on any of the different brands / model numbers on "google", Hometheatermag.com, soundandvisionmag.com, and maybe even CNET. You should find the reviews by professional reviewers.

All have gotten really nice reviews from what I've read in "Home theater Mag" and "Sound and Vision Mag".

SVS website seems to be down for me anyways. If that is they case for you then too I would also check their packages out too. When you can.

[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.

[Edh63]

Would the 705 be a better receiver than the 606? What about subs? This is what I'm seeing right now...

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm2.html
http://sounddistributors.com/buynow....red+Subwoofers

Thoughts on these and any other recommendations?

I'm looking at these satellites...

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...y=Mirage&tp=34
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vt-12.html

I'm still needing to hear from anyone on the VT-12 satellites as to your impression of sound quality if you've heard them. I'll visit the SVS site once it comes back up to read reviews. Or, are there any other hanger satellites that you would recommend that you've heard?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Edh63

What about subs? This is what I'm seeing right now...

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm2.html
http://sounddistributors.com/buynow....red+Subwoofers

Thoughts on these and any other recommendations?

definitely the BIC sub.

...personally I would not get a subwoofer any smaller than 12". Thats just me. I've always felt a sub 10" and under just could not hit the low frequency good enough...mainly from my car audio days, I guess this has spilled over into my HT mentality. Not saying smaller subwoofers couldn't sound good, but for that house shake I need >12" sub