Where to start? - Blu-ray Forum

masob98 · 04-23-2009, 09:59 PM

I have a Sony HTIB that I got a couple of years ago. At this present time I cant really afford to get a HD receiver, but I do want to upgrade the speakers for now. Where should I start? I want to start with the center, then fronts, then sub and finally the rear. Does that sound like a pretty good order?

JJ · 04-23-2009, 10:05 PM

Shoot us, your uhh, budget first. And, it should still be your receiver first. Decent receivers run around $400, and if your budget for speakers is less than that, I suggest you save up a bit more to enjoy it better in the future. Then again, good speakers last a lot longer than receivers...hmm.

masob98 · 04-23-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Shoot us, your uhh, budget first. And, it should still be your receiver first. Decent receivers run around $400, and if your budget for speakers is less than that, I suggest you save up a bit more to enjoy it better in the future. Then again, good speakers last a lot longer than receivers...hmm.

You make a good point, but I just want to get the speakers first and then once that is squared away I'll get the receiver.

sandman6662 · 04-23-2009, 10:31 PM

Go and listen to them all...let you'r ears decide for you ..

mgrimsley · 04-23-2009, 10:33 PM

i bought a sony htib and instead of replacing my speakers i replaced the dvd player part with a sony a/v receiver and wired my speakers straight into that instead. So i now use my htib speakers with my ps3 and a/v receiver and it works great. Just an option before you decide to change your speakers first.

masob98 · 04-23-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgrimsley

i bought a sony htib and instead of replacing my speakers i replaced the dvd player part with a sony a/v receiver and wired my speakers straight into that instead. So i now use my htib speakers with my ps3 and a/v receiver and it works great. Just an option before you decide to change your speakers first.

Im sorry I used the wrong term, I have a surround sound system, it doesn't have a dvd player. As stated before I just want to replace the speakers for now and then work on getting a receiver. It doesn't matter what brand, I just want to know what order, you know where to start?

Driver_King · 04-23-2009, 10:53 PM

Here is a receiver to look at. As for speakers, how big can they be?

masob98 · 04-23-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Here is a receiver to look at. As for speakers, how big can they be?

Thats a good price for that receiver. Any reviews on it?

callas01 · 04-23-2009, 11:12 PM

Most Sony HTiB receivers operate at 3 ohms, I am not too sure how 8 ohm speakers handle a receiver that is that much different, perhaps others can enlighten you a little. Also Sony uses that dreaded plug (phone cord looking plug) into the back of the HTiB, if that is the case in your situation then you will have to cut the ends off to attach to your speakers.

I really suggest that you try and decide on a budget first and let us know and go from there. It is hard to advise you of anything without an idea of what you are willing to spend. Like JJ said and DK pointed you to, a receiver is the best place to start.

maygit · 04-23-2009, 11:12 PM

I was lucky enough to get my onkyo 606 from ecost for about $280 after shipping, it was such a huge improvement over my pioneer vsx815.

I don't recall a budget you were looking for for your speakers. Also, post a model number of your receiver so we can see the specs so we can make sure it's strong enough to power the speakers we recommend.

Like mentioned, and you probably don't want to hear it again, your receiver is the first thing you want to upgrade and then build from there. When i first got my pioneer receiver, i was rolling with throw away speakers my bro gave me and some other speakers from an old minishelf stereo system. Talk about a ghetto set-up! But, slowly upgrade after upgrade it has really transitioned into a great system.

Driver_King · 04-23-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masob98

Thats a good price for that receiver. Any reviews on it?

It's not really a review but...here. And how big of speakers can you have?

masob98 · 04-23-2009, 11:27 PM

Ok I see everybody's point, I think I'm gonna wait on the speakers for now and keep saving for a receiver. So Im gonna ask a question that Im sure has been asked a million times, can I get a decent HD receiver for around 300 and what are some good brands?

Kai Winters · 04-23-2009, 11:31 PM

You can get some very nice hd receivers for around $300. Try looking at the new Yamaha 465, perhaps a refurb Onkyo, etc. They are out there you just have to look.

callas01 · 04-23-2009, 11:35 PM

From driver kings sig

Driver_King · 04-23-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masob98

Ok I see everybody's point, I think I'm gonna wait on the speakers for now and keep saving for a receiver. So Im gonna ask a question that Im sure has been asked a million times, can I get a decent HD receiver for around 300 and what are some good brands?

That is an HD receiver...

efesbe · 04-24-2009, 12:01 AM

I'm nowhere near an expert but I would suggest saving your money first for the speakers since you already have a receiver. Speakers tend to not become old technology and there always seem to be some new feature on receivers every year or so. I remember buying my receiver for almost full price of $1200 and a year later they came out with DTS-HD MA which I don't have. Now I need a new one and can't afford one that I really want. Just my personal experience but I'm sure there will be some that agree. I had my previous speakers for over 10 years and they are still good now but I just had an upgrade bug that replaced them. I really didn't need to, but I couldn't pass up a deal. So with that said, get some decent main speakers (L,C,R) first. Use your current surrounds and save for some better ones later. Next, buy a receiver. You can get a very good used one on some forums and ebay. Spend more on the Speakers.

Grevlin · 04-24-2009, 12:12 AM

I've just recently made the upgrades you will be doing. I bought an Onkyo 606 after reading through this forum, and I love it. Mine was around $390. One huge thing to remember is that when you upgrade your receiver, your HTiB subwoofer might not work with it. My HTiB used an un-powered subwoofer, and the the 606 has a pre-out so I needed to buy a powered subwoofer. My advice is to read through this forum and take your time.

masob98 · 04-24-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efesbe

I'm nowhere near an expert but I would suggest saving your money first for the speakers since you already have a receiver. Speakers tend to not become old technology and there always seem to be some new feature on receivers every year or so. I remember buying my receiver for almost full price of $1200 and a year later they came out with DTS-HD MA which I don't have. Now I need a new one and can't afford one that I really want. Just my personal experience but I'm sure there will be some that agree. I had my previous speakers for over 10 years and they are still good now but I just had an upgrade bug that replaced them. I really didn't need to, but I couldn't pass up a deal. So with that said, get some decent main speakers (L,C,R) first. Use your current surrounds and save for some better ones later. Next, buy a receiver. You can get a very good used one on some forums and ebay. Spend more on the Speakers.

Yeah that makes sense as well. I kind of had that thought running in the back of my head. I guess I'll just wait and save my money and see where I go from there. I dont want to get in a hurry and end up regreting what I buy or dont buy.

Driver_King · 04-24-2009, 01:08 AM

If you wait, you will be disappointed when you find there aren't any good deals left on the receivers. I found a really good deal on a used Yamaha 663 (sells for $400 plus shipping or more generally new). I am a member over there and found it while looking around. If the Marantz isn't good enough, the 663 is even better since it has pre-outs in case you want to purchase a separate amplifier.

efesbe · 04-24-2009, 03:52 AM

You're a perfect example of what I was talking about Driver King. From your gallery, I noticed all the older style speakers and apparently you still enjoy them and use them. If they sound good to you, why change it. I still have my Polk Audio's from the early 80's but apparently not being used, but I can't bring myself to get rid of them. You can update the electronics anytime and there will always be good deals on them because something new keeps popping up and people want to upgrade.
If you just buy the speakers you really want, that you can afford, get them first and they should last you for a long time.

04-23-2009, 09:59 PM	#1
masob98 Power Member Member since:Apr 2008 Home Theater Gallery:15 4K collection:9 Blu-ray collection:384 DVD collection:9 Blu-ray reviews:11	Where to start? I have a Sony HTIB that I got a couple of years ago. At this present time I cant really afford to get a HD receiver, but I do want to upgrade the speakers for now. Where should I start? I want to start with the center, then fronts, then sub and finally the rear. Does that sound like a pretty good order?

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04-23-2009, 10:05 PM	#2
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Shoot us, your uhh, budget first. And, it should still be your receiver first. Decent receivers run around $400, and if your budget for speakers is less than that, I suggest you save up a bit more to enjoy it better in the future. Then again, good speakers last a lot longer than receivers...hmm.

04-23-2009, 10:31 PM	#4
sandman6662 Expert Member Member since:Feb 2008 Home Theater Gallery:35 Trading Score:24	Go and listen to them all...let you'r ears decide for you ..

04-23-2009, 10:33 PM	#5
mgrimsley Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Swansea, Uk 4K collection:124 Blu-ray collection:344	i bought a sony htib and instead of replacing my speakers i replaced the dvd player part with a sony a/v receiver and wired my speakers straight into that instead. So i now use my htib speakers with my ps3 and a/v receiver and it works great. Just an option before you decide to change your speakers first.

04-23-2009, 10:53 PM	#7
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Here is a receiver to look at. As for speakers, how big can they be?

04-23-2009, 11:12 PM	#9
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	Most Sony HTiB receivers operate at 3 ohms, I am not too sure how 8 ohm speakers handle a receiver that is that much different, perhaps others can enlighten you a little. Also Sony uses that dreaded plug (phone cord looking plug) into the back of the HTiB, if that is the case in your situation then you will have to cut the ends off to attach to your speakers. I really suggest that you try and decide on a budget first and let us know and go from there. It is hard to advise you of anything without an idea of what you are willing to spend. Like JJ said and DK pointed you to, a receiver is the best place to start.

04-23-2009, 11:12 PM	#10
maygit Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:76	I was lucky enough to get my onkyo 606 from ecost for about $280 after shipping, it was such a huge improvement over my pioneer vsx815. I don't recall a budget you were looking for for your speakers. Also, post a model number of your receiver so we can see the specs so we can make sure it's strong enough to power the speakers we recommend. Like mentioned, and you probably don't want to hear it again, your receiver is the first thing you want to upgrade and then build from there. When i first got my pioneer receiver, i was rolling with throw away speakers my bro gave me and some other speakers from an old minishelf stereo system. Talk about a ghetto set-up! But, slowly upgrade after upgrade it has really transitioned into a great system.

04-23-2009, 11:27 PM	#12
masob98 Power Member Member since:Apr 2008 Home Theater Gallery:15 4K collection:9 Blu-ray collection:384 DVD collection:9 Blu-ray reviews:11	Ok I see everybody's point, I think I'm gonna wait on the speakers for now and keep saving for a receiver. So Im gonna ask a question that Im sure has been asked a million times, can I get a decent HD receiver for around 300 and what are some good brands?

04-23-2009, 11:31 PM	#13
Kai Winters Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Northern NY...Brownville Home Theater Gallery:4	You can get some very nice hd receivers for around $300. Try looking at the new Yamaha 465, perhaps a refurb Onkyo, etc. They are out there you just have to look.

04-23-2009, 11:35 PM	#14
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	From driver kings sig

04-24-2009, 12:01 AM	#16
efesbe Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Home Theater Gallery:24 Blu-ray collection:14	I'm nowhere near an expert but I would suggest saving your money first for the speakers since you already have a receiver. Speakers tend to not become old technology and there always seem to be some new feature on receivers every year or so. I remember buying my receiver for almost full price of $1200 and a year later they came out with DTS-HD MA which I don't have. Now I need a new one and can't afford one that I really want. Just my personal experience but I'm sure there will be some that agree. I had my previous speakers for over 10 years and they are still good now but I just had an upgrade bug that replaced them. I really didn't need to, but I couldn't pass up a deal. So with that said, get some decent main speakers (L,C,R) first. Use your current surrounds and save for some better ones later. Next, buy a receiver. You can get a very good used one on some forums and ebay. Spend more on the Speakers.

04-24-2009, 12:12 AM	#17
Grevlin Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:82	I've just recently made the upgrades you will be doing. I bought an Onkyo 606 after reading through this forum, and I love it. Mine was around $390. One huge thing to remember is that when you upgrade your receiver, your HTiB subwoofer might not work with it. My HTiB used an un-powered subwoofer, and the the 606 has a pre-out so I needed to buy a powered subwoofer. My advice is to read through this forum and take your time.

04-24-2009, 01:08 AM	#19
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	If you wait, you will be disappointed when you find there aren't any good deals left on the receivers. I found a really good deal on a used Yamaha 663 (sells for $400 plus shipping or more generally new). I am a member over there and found it while looking around. If the Marantz isn't good enough, the 663 is even better since it has pre-outs in case you want to purchase a separate amplifier.

04-24-2009, 03:52 AM	#20
efesbe Active Member Member since:Dec 2008 Home Theater Gallery:24 Blu-ray collection:14	You're a perfect example of what I was talking about Driver King. From your gallery, I noticed all the older style speakers and apparently you still enjoy them and use them. If they sound good to you, why change it. I still have my Polk Audio's from the early 80's but apparently not being used, but I can't bring myself to get rid of them. You can update the electronics anytime and there will always be good deals on them because something new keeps popping up and people want to upgrade. If you just buy the speakers you really want, that you can afford, get them first and they should last you for a long time.

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