First time setup questions. Good components?

[canonbomb1987]

Hi all,

recently my dad gave me the green light to build a home theatre system for our basement. In the past we always bought HTiB setups but i always knew that ones that you pick the parts for yourself are better. Here are the parts that i am thinking of getting.

Receiver: Harmon/Kardon AVR-247
http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-...3813420&sr=8-1
Front Speakers: JBL Stage
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Venue-Stag...3813542&sr=1-1
Rear Speakers: JBL Arena
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Venue-Aren...3813596&sr=1-5
Center Speaker: JBL Voice
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Center-Cha...3813596&sr=1-2
Sub: JBL Venue SUB10
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-SUB10-10-I...d_rhf_f_i_cs_3

The total setup comes to around 1100. Because I am already an Amazon prime member the shipping should be free and there isn't any tax charged by Amazon. Any recommendations on receiver, speakers or subs? I have heard of JBL before but don't know too much about them. Are other speakers better (Kilpsh? Sony?). I think the limit is around 1500 for the total setup. Oh and if amazon doesnt have the best prices then who does?

Thanks in advance.

[crackinhedz]

You would be more impressed with an Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver.

Never used JBL speakers before, but have not heard any negative on them either. Look into Polk speakers, they are quality. And I have no gripes about Sony speakers (which is what I use). But out of any, Polk makes the better speaker.

[musicman1999]

Well it depends, they probably are not bad and likely better than a HTIB.If however you are willing to take some time a build a system you could spend your budget on a receiver and 2 front speakers and then add the other speakers as you have the money.It will take longer and you wont have surround at the start but in the end your system will be much better.Speakers are important, you should spend as much as you can afford on them.

bill

[moviefan]

The HK receiver, and the Onkyo suggested above, are older models (2001) and don't have some of the latest features (like 1.3a HDMI)
A better choice might be the new Sony STR-DG 910. It has plenty of power, and great HDMI switching capability. It is also right in your price range.

It's important to "future proof" your system as best you can, and HDMI 1.3a switching as well as the newer audio decoding should be musts.
Good luck ... it will be fun!

[Marcusarilius]

Budget restraints are tough. As mentioned above, I would invest in a future proof receiver first. A minimum of the Onkyo 705. Preferably the 805. Get quality: two front mains and a center channel next. Surrounds after that and then a sub.

In the long run, you will be happier you went this route.

[canonbomb1987]

well this is just the initial estimate. i dont mind getting the best even if i can only get a receiver, front spearkers and a sub. i do understand what you guys are saying about future proofing the equipment. thanks for the tips so far.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by moviefan

The HK receiver, and the Onkyo suggested above, are older models (2001) and don't have some of the latest features (like 1.3a HDMI)

eh, the Onkyo 605 is HDMI v1.3 7.1PCM with Dolby TrueHD and Dts-HD MA decoding. Where did you get 'older model 2001'?

[cpgator]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

You would be more impressed with an Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver.

Never used JBL speakers before, but have not heard any negative on them either. Look into Polk speakers, they are quality. And I have no gripes about Sony speakers (which is what I use). But out of any, Polk makes the better speaker.

As a speaker brand, JBL is much better than Polk - not even close. And really, Sony speakers?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by cpgator

As a speaker brand, JBL is much better than Polk - not even close.

...your oppinion trumps any others I take it? I see it differently.

Sonys? yeah my man...its what my pay check minus bills and a wife allows me to afford, and they still kick ass. You ever own a sony speaker?

[Big Daddy]

In my experience, JBL speakers are too bright. They are better for rock music. On classical and jazz, I don't like them.

[cpgator]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

...your oppinion trumps any others I take it? I see it differently.

Sonys? yeah my man...its what my pay check minus bills and a wife allows me to afford, and they still kick ass. You ever own a sony speaker?

Is not just my opinion, but a fact. JBL makes amazing speakers, including professional speakers that go in most movie theaters. Speakers costing thousands of dollars, THX certified, etc. Polk speakers while fine, are not even in the same league.

And hell no, I have never owned Sony speakers (unless you count the one in my clock radio) - I wouldn't even know where to buy them except as part of HTIBs. And price is no reason to buy them since you can buy much better speakers for the same price.

In fact, I think you are the only person of have ever heard even suggest them as on option.

[crackinhedz]

Is not just my opinion, but a fact.

usually "fact" is accompanied with "facts".

hell no, I have never owned Sony speakers (unless you count the one in my clock radio) ... you can buy much better speakers for the same price.

Good advice always comes from those who've never used or tried something.


Thanks for being so informative.

[canonbomb1987]

So is that a thumbs up for JBL or one down? I have also heard good things about Infinity speakers. Any gripes about those? I really dont mind spending $1000 for a receiver (7.1), 2 front speakers (towers preferabbly), and a sub (10" or 12"). As someone else said, i can always add speakers later on. Maybe i can use that tax rebate in May to add rear and center speakers.

[crackinhedz]

I think most anything you go with will sound excellent...they all have good reputations, so making a wrong decision is not likely.

Although some members here insist you go with what they recommend as nothing else is good enough for them. (and apparently thats a fact )

The setup you have in mind sounds good. Go with what you can afford.

[crackinhedz]

a lot of places on the net have reviews of speakers, when you think you have something look it up and see what other actual owners say about it.

[canonbomb1987]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

I think most anything you go with will sound excellent...they all have good reputations, so making a wrong decision is not likely.

Although some members here insist you go with what they recommend as nothing else is good enough for them. (and apparently thats a fact )

The setup you have in mind sounds good. Go with what you can afford.

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

a lot of places on the net have reviews of speakers, when you think you have something look it up and see what other actual owners say about it.

thanks for all you help so far. i have read alot of reviews about the speakers i mentioned in post 1 but just wanted to get some personal advise. this forum has helped me find countless deals on blu-rays and so i thought why not get some advise on a HT aswell. my dad is currently in europe right now but will be back on the 14th. i should have some of the components finalized by then and will run them past you guys one last time. untill then keep the suggestions coming. all help is appreciated.

[cpgator]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

usually "fact" is accompanied with "facts".


Good advice always comes from those who've never used or tried something.


Thanks for being so informative.

Fact is JBL are highly regarded speakers, found in many recording studios and theaters. If you really question that, do some research.

And I can't believe I am actually have a discussing about the quality of Sony brand speakers. Out of all the A/V publications I have read, I have never even seen a professional review of a sony speaker. If you like yours, fine - but to actually recommend them over other brands in crazy.

You question my facts, but you are the one pushing Sony speakers over JBLs. Have you checked out speakers at places besides Circuit City?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Never used JBL speakers before, but have not heard any negative on them either. Look into Polk speakers, they are quality. And I have no gripes about Sony speakers (which is what I use). But out of any, Polk makes the better speaker.

I think most anything you go with will sound excellent...they all have good reputations, so making a wrong decision is not likely.

Originally Posted by cpgator

You question my facts, but you are the one pushing Sony speakers over JBLs. Have you checked out speakers at places besides Circuit City?

oh please wise one, point out in my statement where I say Sony over JBL? ...exactly, I don't.

Feel free to read my post a little slower next time. "I have never used JBL speakers...and have not heard anything negative about them"...also "I have no gripes with Sony speakers"

at what point do I make this "" statement?

If I have never used something, I don't pretend to know if its good or bad. You might like to try it someday, its called humble honesty.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

In my experience, JBL speakers are too bright. They are better for rock music. On classical and jazz, I don't like them.

I fealt the same when comparing them with other speakers. They aren't bad, I would go with Polks myself though.

[crackinhedz]

I would go with Polks myself though.

Uh oh. Here comes the flame.

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