AtomicCEO Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I probably pay more in taxes than you gross, so give me a break. You are the coolest. I long to be more like you. Way to take a joke, Oscar Meyer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffraff Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I'm looking at getting a new surround sound system. I know next to nothing about audio. I've got a budget of $2,500. What should I get? R2D2 is all you need. I want one. Especially the remote. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 (edited) So personally, I'm a big fan of Definitive Technology speakers for home theater. They have excellent sound and a very dynamic range. And being a bipolar design, they have a very diffuse sound field that is great for the movie viewing experience. Unfortunately, they are in high demand and you don't see them advertised for less than MSRP very often. That doesn't mean that you can't get deals on them. When I recently bought my main speakers (BTW, they have build in subwoofers) to replace the sub I sent to H8Tank, I got them at Magnolia Home Theater inside of a Best Buy. They can and will negotiate price as they are set up more like a Mom and Pop store rather than a Big Box store. In my case, speakers with an MSRP of $1199 each cost me $850 each. So while I can't find you any advertised specials on these speakers on line, and the MSRP will press your budget, I'm going to toss this out for you. Also, so, while I'm listing a Denon AV receiver other brands you should consider in this price range are Yamaha and Onkyo. Most importantly, this is only a suggestion. You should find someone that sells these components and others suggested in this thread, arm yourself with your favorite DVDs, and go listen to them. I cannot stress this enough. You may or may not like the same sound as someone else, my hearing or your hearing may be slighty damaged or just worn out and we may hear different things. That being said, here's something to look at and listen to: Receiver Denon AVR-788 - MSRP $549 but I've seen it advertised on line for under $400. Find a local dealer and get them to price match. It's a 7.1 channel receiver but most of them are nowadays anyway. Speakers All speakers are from Definitive Technology. The main speakers include built in Subwoofers so you won't need to purchase a separate sub. Center - C/L/R/ 2002 - MSRP $529 Mains - BP7006 - MSRP $649 ea Surrounds - BP1.2x - MSRP $199 ea. Total for the entire system at MSRP is $2774 but like I said, you should be able to get these prices down into your budget. Edited May 2, 2008 by Kid Cid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I linked you a Harmon Kardon link from ebay...I know ebay sucks but that seller represent Harmon Kardon direct so you are getting refurbuished receivers with a 1yr warrenty and they are last years models. They rarely/do not sell current refurbished models. I purchased from that guy many times and never had a problem. And from my udnerstanding if you do have a problem he will work with you and not be a typical ebayer. You def. get more bang for your buck if you go there. And Harmon Kardon makes one of the best receivers IMO. I am not sure if Kid Cid agrees with that or not but they are def good and you should explore their receivers. Both the receivers and brands kid cid rec. above are fantastic units as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I linked you a Harmon Kardon link from ebay...I know ebay sucks but that seller represent Harmon Kardon direct so you are getting refurbuished receivers with a 1yr warrenty and they are last years models. They rarely/do not sell current refurbished models. I purchased from that guy many times and never had a problem. And from my udnerstanding if you do have a problem he will work with you and not be a typical ebayer. You def. get more bang for your buck if you go there. And Harmon Kardon makes one of the best receivers IMO. I am not sure if Kid Cid agrees with that or not but they are def good and you should explore their receivers. Both the receivers and brands kid cid rec. above are fantastic units as well. I got no problem with Harmon Kardon units, my MIL has had one for years with no issues. It's not my personal taste but you wouldn't go wrong buying one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 Perch - Have you decided which your getting yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I got no problem with Harmon Kardon units, my MIL has had one for years with no issues. It's not my personal taste but you wouldn't go wrong buying one. I love my Harmon Kardon. I need a new center channel speaker. Any recommendations? ~$200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 (edited) I love my Harmon Kardon. I need a new center channel speaker. Any recommendations? ~$200 I have man love for ascendacoustic speakers (for the price). Edit: Just saw the ~200. I am not sure which I would get for ~200. I would probably try to get a refurb and snatch a deal somewhere Edited May 15, 2008 by MrTed46 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I have man love for ascendacoustic speakers (for the price). Edit: Just saw the ~200. I am not sure which I would get for ~200. I would probably try to get a refurb and snatch a deal somewhere That's the problem I'm finding. It's either crap/okay or amazing/expensive for center channels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted May 15, 2008 Author Share Posted May 15, 2008 Perch - Have you decided which your getting yet? I'm trying to decide between 3 different systems right now. I'll post them later, when I have all the information on hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 That's the problem I'm finding. It's either crap/okay or amazing/expensive for center channels. I would seriously consider saving up more $$$. ONce you get into the $500 range your options expand tremendously. ~85% of all sound in a movie or television mix is sent through the center channel, it is the single most important speaker in the system. Don't skimp there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I would seriously consider saving up more $$$. ONce you get into the $500 range your options expand tremendously. ~85% of all sound in a movie or television mix is sent through the center channel, it is the single most important speaker in the system. Don't skimp there. I agree 100%. you can skimp (if you must) on the surround sound portion of the system but I wouldnt skimp at all on the C channel. A receiver, C channel and sub are not worth skimping on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 (edited) I'm trying to choose between these three systems. The price quoted is installed. System 1 Cost $3,152 Onkyo TX-SR606 DefTech BP706TL (2 each) DefTech CLR202 DefTech ProSub 800 DefTech BP1.2X (2 each) System 2 Cost $2,999 Yamaha RX-V663 Paradigm Monitor 7 (2 each) Paradigm CC190 Paradigm PDR-10 Paradigm ADP-190 (2 each) System 3 Cost $2,447 Onkyo TX-SR605 Klipsch RF-82 (2 each) Klipsch RC-52 Klipsch RW10D Klipsch RSX-4 (2each) Edit to add: I might could jack with System 3 some, possibly getting a bigger center channel, and slightly larger surrounds and still stay with-in budget. I know that System 3 is the best value, because my cousin is a dealer and is giving me a decent break on the stuff. Anyone that wants to weigh in please do so. Again, 95% of the time the system is just going to be used for watching movies. Edited May 16, 2008 by Perchoutofwater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonorator Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 You are the coolest. I long to be more like you. Way to take a joke, Oscar Meyer. hey atomic. sorry to hear about your income problems. hang in there buddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Perch, System 1 and System 2 are a clear step up from System 3 in my mind. My preference for home theater is for Def Tech over anything else in teh same price range, but that is me. I don't think you would go wrong with either System 1 or System 2. Do yourself a favor and go listen to both systems though. The Onkyo through the Def Techs will not be as bright or as forward as the Yamaha through the Paradigms due to the fact that the Def Techs have a much more open sound stage (being bi-polar in design) and the Yamaha is much brighter in general. If you have hearing dificulties, then System 2 may be the better choice for that reason. Still, I can't stress strongly enough that you need to hear them for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 hey atomic. sorry to hear about your income problems. hang in there buddy. As long as I get my government cheese, I can make it to the next welfare check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted May 27, 2008 Author Share Posted May 27, 2008 I ended up getting the following: Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver DefTec BP7006 Super Towers DefTec C/L/R 2500 Center Channel DefTec BP1.2X Surrounds The speakers are on order. I'll let you know how it sounds when I get them in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrTed46 Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 I ended up getting the following: Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver DefTec BP7006 Super Towers DefTec C/L/R 2500 Center Channel DefTec BP1.2X Surrounds The speakers are on order. I'll let you know how it sounds when I get them in. :divingboard: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 I ended up getting the following: Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver DefTec BP7006 Super Towers DefTec C/L/R 2500 Center Channel DefTec BP1.2X Surrounds The speakers are on order. I'll let you know how it sounds when I get them in. Interesting you went with the C/L/R 2500. I think you will love this system. Now, I think you said you're gonna have someone come in and set this up for you, but I doubt that they will callibrate everything. If they do that's a bonus, if not, please trust me when I say that you're not quite done yet. What you need to do is to go and purchase something called the Avia Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials. They are both home theater calibration DVDs (you only need one). You will also need an SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Meter. The analog one from Radio Shack works just fine. The DVDs explain how to use this tool to correctly balance the sound such that everything is at the same volume at the listening position. They also have a section to adjust your TV or projector for optimum viewing conditions. Correctly adjusting things using these setup DVDs makes a HUGH difference in the overall home theater experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted May 28, 2008 Author Share Posted May 28, 2008 Interesting you went with the C/L/R 2500. I think you will love this system. Well you said you need a good center channel, so I chose to upgrade. I also wrote the wrong model down for the towers. the ones I'm getting are the BP7004 in lieu of the BP7006's I was originally considering. So I got bigger towers and center channel. I left the surrounds the same as what you recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 (edited) Well you said you need a good center channel, so I chose to upgrade. I also wrote the wrong model down for the towers. the ones I'm getting are the BP7004 in lieu of the BP7006's I was originally considering. So I got bigger towers and center channel. I left the surrounds the same as what you recommended. OK, that makes sense. You will REALLY love this sytem. One thing to make sure is that speakers with a bi-polar design want to be placed farther from the wall than normal speakers. 12 to 24 inches is about right. I have the BP7002s as my mains and they are about 18" from the wall. Oh and make sure you have power as well. Each of the mains and the center has a sub built in so it will need to be plugged in as well as have the speaker wires run to it. Edited May 28, 2008 by Kid Cid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Interesting you went with the C/L/R 2500. I think you will love this system. Now, I think you said you're gonna have someone come in and set this up for you, but I doubt that they will callibrate everything. If they do that's a bonus, if not, please trust me when I say that you're not quite done yet. What you need to do is to go and purchase something called the Avia Guide to Home Theater or Digital Video Essentials. They are both home theater calibration DVDs (you only need one). You will also need an SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Meter. The analog one from Radio Shack works just fine. The DVDs explain how to use this tool to correctly balance the sound such that everything is at the same volume at the listening position. They also have a section to adjust your TV or projector for optimum viewing conditions. Correctly adjusting things using these setup DVDs makes a HUGH difference in the overall home theater experience. I need to get this from Netflix again. I haven't adjusted since I bought a new receiver, tower speakers, and surrounds. I guess there really isn't anything that's the same since the last time I did it. It sounds nice, but I know I can make it sound better after doing that again. Thanks for the reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 I need to get this from Netflix again. I haven't adjusted since I bought a new receiver, tower speakers, and surrounds. I guess there really isn't anything that's the same since the last time I did it. It sounds nice, but I know I can make it sound better after doing that again. Thanks for the reminder. That's why I just went and bought a copy. I know it seems a bit pricey, but every little change in a system means a recalibration is necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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