I am looking for an surround sound audio system. I live in a condo with a medium sized "entertainment" room. My budget for the audio system is $5,000. I only now realize how important audio is...:o

My main uses are tv(cable), movies, gaming and a little music.

Right now my setup includes:
Pioneer 60" tv
LG blue ray player
Xbox 360

I need some good advice on speakers, receiver, etc. (I don't know all the device terms either) Thanks in advance.:rolleyes:

For that money you can get something pretty good. How big a room are we talking? I'm assuming you want to buy now and aren't willing to wait for gear that may be just around the corner from being released (or not).

I'd probably start thinking along the lines of:

Onkyo PR-SC886 pre/pro
Emotive seperate amp setup depending on power requirements
B&W floor standers matched at all locations.
A couple of low frequency SVS tube subs.

Something like that would get you in the ballpark of your budget, maybe even below depending on which amps and speakers you choose, and sound killer.

As a "newbie" in a condo, just starting out...
a Denon or Onkyo receiver will be more than adequate for starters.

As for speakers/sub, that's a tough call without knowing the dimensions of the room.

You can probably estimate well under $5K. No need to spend your budget just because it's there. ;)

As a "newbie" in a condo, just starting out...


I never said I was "just starting out". I put the 5k budget because I don't feel the need to pay more than that. Thanks for the advice from both of you. I appreciate it. How is the Denon AVR-3808CI? It is rated very highly. Is there anything better than that? Thanks again. ;)

I never said I was "just starting out". I put the 5k budget because I don't feel the need to pay more than that.

Wow... take it easy!:confused:

There's probably no need to exhaust your $5K budget.

I only gave my suggestion based on your comment, "I live in a condo with a medium sized "entertainment" room. I only now realize how important audio is...

Sorry if I offended you... do as you please by all means.

I think you misunderstood me. I am not offended at all. I just wanted to let you know that the 5k budget is for audio only so that I get the recommendations accordingly. I really do appreciate your help.

And I ask again...
what are the dimensions of your room?
floor standing... wall mounts for speakers?
... will your neighbors complain with loud audio (especially with a big sub)?
lots of options depending on your desires and/or limitations.

The dimension of my room is 26 x 20. I haven't had wall mounts for speakers put in yet, so they can be any size. My neighbors will not complain if it is too loud. I just basically want the best sound for the price.

PSB
Axiom
Martin Logan
Definitive Technology

Subs:
SVS
PSB
JL

... best bet is to look and audition speakers personally. You will probably get many suggestions and more BS from rebuttles as to why one brand is better than the other. Who do you believe? Who do you blame if you are unhappy?

Use google and read reviews. Look in the speaker forum here and read pros/cons.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=60&f=89

Sorry, but suggesting a speaker for your home/room/desires/tastes/ears is like telling you what mattress or condom to buy. :)

My neighbors will not complain if it is too loud.

Famous last words. :rolleyes:

.....is like telling you what mattress or condom to buy. :)

I usually start with whatever fits. :eek:

Sorta applies to speakers too. :D

Thanks alot Ratman, I appreciate it. I will do some more research on my own. Thanks for your help.

I usually start with whatever fits. :eek:

So, if you are old and gay--the best fit would be a queen size bed.

What size if you are young, and flaming? Would that be a single, a double or a bunk bed?

j/k btw ;)