Money Well Spent: Improve Audio or Improve Video?

[JJ]

My current set up is shown below, plus a $500 Samsung HTiB.

Should I improve TV (I'm thinking the Sony 52XBR4 or the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U that just came out) first, or should I go the HD Audio route and pick up an Onkyo 7 or 8 class and a set of some great Klipsch speakers (reference class)? That's my dilemma - step up to lossless audio, or go for a visual improvement first? Or perhaps there are other TVs around the $3000 mark that are recommendable?

As far as TV choices, I'm leaning towards Plasmas.

Personally, I am leaning towards the Audio; but I felt the need for speed, I mean - to ask for advice.

Thanks.

[rragland]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

My current set up is shown below, plus a $500 Samsung HTiB.

Should I improve TV (I'm thinking the Sony 52XBR4 or the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U that just came out) first, or should I go the HD Audio route and pick up an Onkyo 7 or 8 class and a set of some great Klipsch speakers (reference class)? That's my dilemma - step up to lossless audio, or go for a visual improvement first? Or perhaps there are other TVs around the $3000 mark that are recommendable?

Personally, I am leaning towards the Audio; but I felt the need for speed, I mean - to ask for advice.

Thanks.

You definitely need to upgrade your audio. Your video will suffice for now, but you need a better audio experience.

[Blu As Hell]

I'm with you...I would change the audio now, because you have a decent HDTV. Or you could possible finance the TV somewhere and have both.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by rragland

You definitely need to upgrade your audio. Your video will suffice for now, but you need a better audio experience.

I have to admit, I am drooling over the prospect of finally realizing the lossless audio experience. But I felt as if I should ask first, you know, this being America and a democracy...polls...votes...haha. Thanks, R.


Honestly, Blu, I hate financing on some things, I dislike being in debt - car, house, alright - but, the TV can wait in that case.

[Blu As Hell]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Honestly, Blu, I hate financing on some things, I dislike being in debt - car, house, alright - but, the TV can wait in that case.

I agree with you 100 percent on that one!!!!! I just offered it as an option. I myself am going through a decision making procees. I trying to decide on a tv for my bedroom.

[rragland]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

I have to admit, I am drooling over the prospect of finally realizing the lossless audio experience. But I felt as if I should ask first, you know, this being America and a democracy...polls...votes...haha. Thanks, R.


Honestly, Blu, I hate financing on some things, I dislike being in debt - car, house, alright - but, the TV can wait in that case.

Yeah, I hate to finance something I cannot pay for when the statement arrives. I do not pay interest charges. But 12 months, no interest, hey,where do I sign?

[aygie]

Audio - without it films are nothing.

[ixlegitballinxl]

thats a tough call, my order was tv > reciever > speakers ...just dont settle on any of your upgrades, get what you want, and build it slower if you have too

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

My current set up is shown below, plus a $500 Samsung HTiB.

Should I improve TV (I'm thinking the Sony 52XBR4 or the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U that just came out) first, or should I go the HD Audio route and pick up an Onkyo 7 or 8 class and a set of some great Klipsch speakers (reference class)? That's my dilemma - step up to lossless audio, or go for a visual improvement first? Or perhaps there are other TVs around the $3000 mark that are recommendable?

As far as TV choices, I'm leaning towards Plasmas.

Personally, I am leaning towards the Audio; but I felt the need for speed, I mean - to ask for advice.

Thanks.

Audio would be the biggest difference for you now..

But there are other speaker options besides Klipsch in the same price range and better build quality.. Furniture grade veneer instead of vinyl for ex..

Axiom
AV123
Ascend
Paradigm
Aperion(I own these..sig below)

For starters...

[JJ]

Originally Posted by hagar852

Audio would be the biggest difference for you now..

But there are other speaker options besides Klipsch in the same price range and better build quality.. Furniture grade veneer instead of vinyl for ex..

Axiom
AV123
Ascend
Paradigm
Aperion(I own these..sig below)

For starters...

In all honesty I haven't done much research in speakers outside of JBL and Klipsch brands - although Paradigm sounds familiar, as does Aperion. Websites to look into?

[MPDIEHL]

In the Miami area check out Sound Advice...
They have Klipsch, Ref series as well as Martin Logan and Polk Lsi.
The Sony is nice but while your there take a look at the new Samsung
LN52A750 brand new and looking good (less money too)
Panasonic is also available there.
12 month no interest no payments available with only sales tax paid up front.

In fairness I do work for this company over in Sarasota but it may be a good place to check out some of the items your looking for..
Good Shopping
Mike

[jsteinhauer]

I agree with all of those who recommend against financing!

I also agree with upgrading the audio, since you already have a good display. Bigger is always better, but flat panels are still improving year upon year with better colors, blacks and motion, while you can't get much beyond lossless sound, so a new purchase in the audio realm will likely be satisfying for a longer period of time than a new display.

I admittedly didn't shop around; I went to the local dealer and listened to the systems in my price range at the time, before settling on my speakers. While I can't compare to your other choices, my Paradigms have been exceptional for the price I paid.

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

In all honesty I haven't done much research in speakers outside of JBL and Klipsch brands - although Paradigm sounds familiar, as does Aperion. Websites to look into?

www.aperionaudio.com

www.av123.com

www.axiomaudio.com

not sure about the other sites...

You can start with these I guess

[Downhere]

Originally Posted by hagar852

Audio would be the biggest difference for you now..

But there are other speaker options besides Klipsch in the same price range and better build quality.. Furniture grade veneer instead of vinyl for ex..

Axiom
AV123
Ascend
Paradigm
Aperion(I own these..sig below)

For starters...

I definitely agree with this. Go with upgrading your audio first and take a look over at the speaker forums at AVS. Lot's of information on all the internet direct brands and retail brands. I would skip buying anything from local electronics stores, unless you just want to listen to some gear. In which case, Sound Advice, Brandsmart, etc. will be your avenues for listening test. The brands mentioned above would all be great to look into.

Originally Posted by hagar852

www.aperionaudio.com

www.av123.com

www.axiomaudio.com

not sure about the other sites...

You can start with these I guess

Don't forget www.ascendacoustics.com and I'll throw in www.svsound.com as well.

[Blu Haze]

Originally Posted by hagar852

Audio would be the biggest difference for you now..

But there are other speaker options besides Klipsch in the same price range and better build quality.. Furniture grade veneer instead of vinyl for ex..

Axiom
AV123
Ascend
Paradigm
Aperion(I own these..sig below)

For starters...

Yea anything but Klipsch. I would say Aperion as you can return them for free aftter 30 days if you dont like them and shipping is free. Or Bic Acoustech like i will have. B and W.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by rragland

Yeah, I hate to finance something I cannot pay for when the statement arrives. I do not pay interest charges. But 12 months, no interest, hey,where do I sign?

Nowhere. You save a bit longer and ask how much discount you'll get if you pay cash. :-)

[richteer]

Upgrade your audio, definately, but I'm not a huge fan of Klipsch. They're a bit too bright for me...

[Ben123]

Definitely upgrade your audio. The 47" TV should serve you well for BD or DVD PQ but the HTiB definitely don't do justice to Blu-Ray's lossless audio. It's like driving a BMW Sports car with bicylce tires.

Get yourself a good set of hometheater speakers and a good receiver with HDMI and lossless audio decoding.

But if your budget allows, I'll say upgrade both for the best overall improvement.

[Squozen]

Audio x1000. Seriously.

[meckel]

Upgrade you audio now, as others have said. Your TV is better then your current audio.
If you wait on the TV (think winter time pre/post holiday) I think you will find better deals. You may be able to get the XBR5 for less the the 4 is now. There were a lot of great Superbowl deals this year and with the analog cut off in Feb '09, I think they will be even better deals to be had on TVs later this year or early next.

just my 2 cents