OK boys & girls. My wife just gave me $2500 in cash and said happy birthday now go get anything you want. I have decided that I want a new TV & Blu-Ray player. I do not want to spend tons of time doing homework.

So I want:
46" or 50" Plasma TV. 1080p & 120Hz HDTV
Blu Ray player
Receiver
Solid 5.1 Speaker system.

I have cables & I will set it up, so there should be no extra charges. It will be in a fairly dark basement. I will watch mostly movies, some sports, and a few video games via my xbox 360. I also will hook up a mac mini as my media PC vie firewire. I have been watching my local best buy ad for ideas.

Right now I can get:
Panasonic (TC-P50S1) 50" Plasma 1080P 600Hz TV
Panasonic (DMP-BD80K) Blu-Ray player
Yamaha (RX-V465) Receiver
Klipsch (QUINTET) 5-Channel Speaker Set
Klipsch (SW 350) 8" Sun

All for $2255 delivered and hooked up after all taxes.

My heart is not set on this set at all. Just a starting point in my price range. So if you had a friend with $2500 to spend and they needed a basic set up what would you tell them to go get???

THANK YOU ALL...

Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver cost around the same. Probably 70$ more than 5 channel Yamaha reciever.

noticed a fairly interesting deal in the hhgregg flyer yesterday...

samsung PN50B550
samsung 1600 blu-ray

both for <$1K

Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver cost around the same. Probably 70$ more than 5 channel Yamaha reciever.

And a better performer. Clean sound, actual wattage close to what's quoted, tons of features. Is that subwoofer part of a package or separate? If its separate how much for it? You can probably do better.

I second that vote for the Onkyo. I have the 605 and for the money you will not find a better receiver than the 607.

I also have the Klipsch Quintet III, you will not be dissapointed, although you may want to fork over the money for the Klipsch SUB12. For the $$$ you can also get the Def Tech Theater.

Get us some pics when it gets setup!

-B

I've been looking at some 5.0 speaker sets and Vanns (via Amazon) has the previous generation Klipsch Quintets (III) for $250 (free shipping).

Newegg has the Energy Take Classics for $180 (free shipping). They had a one-day special a couple of weeks ago for $150 and I bought a set for my basement.

Crutchfield has the Denon 1609 7.1 receiver (last year's model) for $230.

And a better performer. Clean sound, actual wattage close to what's quoted, tons of features. Is that subwoofer part of a package or separate? If its separate how much for it? You can probably do better.

SW is seperate.

If you can get a deal on OPPO BD-83 you can try that. But Panasonic players do an excellent upconversion. They have this combined deal (Blu Ray + Plasma) all the time especially on Amazon. You have few models to choose from there. G10 or S1. Try to go for G10. I have not seen any combined deal for V10 series.

Personally, I would ditch the Yammy AVR and especially the Klipsch sub. My preference would be the Pioneer 919 or Denon 590, a single pair of good quality tower or bookshelf speakers (~400-$500 street price, online, not from a brick and mortar), and a good 10" sub like the Outlaw LFM1 Compact or HSU (STF-2 or VTF-1). A good pair of mains will simulate/phantom the center channel fine and rears get so little play, any old pair of decent bookshelves can reproduce the bangs, booms, and swooshes in movies. Only hang up would be if you listen to 2x Stereo or surround music, you would want matched and quality rears for that. Onkyo's 600 series AVR's have a history of build problems (605 bomb, 606 buzz), and the auto calibration (Audysee 2EQ) is noticeably lower quality than AMCACC on the 919 and mutliEQ on the Denon.

Back in Nov of 06 I purchased this set up:

Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42" High Definition Plasma TV
Onkyo HT-S894 Component Home Theater System
Logitech Harmony 659 Universal Learning Remote

and a bunch of extras for $2800. My new set up will be replacing this one. I thought it was a fairly nice system for the longest time, but I do have a terrible issue with gradients. If there is a wall in the background that is green for instance the fade is terrible. It just bugs me to no end.

Once again the system I listed in my original post is not my first choice, just an option. If you were helping a friend or boss with this money what would you pick for them?

Also another thought: As we get closer to Christmas do you guys think prices will drop more or is now a good enough time to buy?

thanks again.

Back in Nov of 06 I purchased this set up:

Panasonic TH-42PX60U 42" High Definition Plasma TV
Onkyo HT-S894 Component Home Theater System
Logitech Harmony 659 Universal Learning Remote

and a bunch of extras for $2800. My new set up will be replacing this one. I thought it was a fairly nice system for the longest time, but I do have a terrible issue with gradients. If there is a wall in the background that is green for instance the fade is terrible. It just bugs me to no end.

Once again the system I listed in my original post is not my first choice, just an option. If you were helping a friend or boss with this money what would you pick for them?

Also another thought: As we get closer to Christmas do you guys think prices will drop more or is now a good enough time to buy?

thanks again.


If I had a friend who was in this spot, I would tell him to upgrade to the Pioneer KRP-500M monitor, this is the best monitor that can be had at any price, and can be had for as low as $1600-$1800. It is light years ahead of an S1, this is like a Ferrari and a toyota. I got this display and the pleasure it gives is amazing, you just are amazed every day watching this baby.

Even if this means you have to wait on other things like new speakers, this display is worth it. My new system purchased a few weeks ago consisted of the KRP-500M with stand, the pio Elite 23THX reciever and the pio Elite 23FD BD player. You can get these 3 for about your price of $2500, I think this is by far the best value for much higher quality items. Otherwise you may want to upgrade again. Now I have an Onkyo surround system purchased about 5 years ago, and I will eventually upgrade the speakers, but I am so happy with the display and the 23THX is an awesome receiver.

The capability to upconvert analog video sources has become standard on midrange receivers, but the feature is rarely well-implemented, with poor image quality being the norm. Denon's latest midrange model, the AVR-1910, is a standout in this regard, offering up the best upconverted image quality out of all the receivers we've tested in 2009.

- Cnet on Denon receiver

Just so you know, anyone budget you make, by the time you're done in this forum it'll end up being at least 50% more. I guarantee it. Set your budget to $1000, it'll find a way being $1500-2000. Set your budget at $2500, somehow it'll end up at $3000-3500. It's the curse of these forums. For every good purchase, there's something just a little bit better for just a little bit more if you can only stretch you budget a little.

All for $2700 + tax.

Any thoughts?
Yes, your wife gave you $2500. Your original post contained a shopping list where the total cost was $2255. Now that figure has migrated upwards and over budget. Take a step back.

OK here is my current cart at Crutchfield:
Samsung PN50B550
Samsung BD-P1600
Denon AVR-1910
Definitive Technology ProCinema 800

All for $2700 + tax. I am sure that if I start shopping around I can find it a little cheaper elsewhere. What do you guys think of a few of these items?

It looks like some of you are telling me to look at the Denon which I am happy to do. I do not know anything about "Definitive Technology" speakers but the online guy at Crutchfield said that they sound great. So this is my round two.

Any thoughts?

Yeah stop looking at crutchfield. Scour the web. you can get better for less. And +1 to what black_cat said.

If I had a friend who was in this spot, I would tell him to upgrade to the Pioneer KRP-500M monitor, this is the best monitor that can be had at any price

I'd have to agree with jonesy. The item that will make the biggest impact is the display and the KRP500M is just stunning and in your price range if you're willing to go with more affordable other components. A great receiver wont save an average display.

One thing about the Pioneer KP-500M...it doesn't come with a stand, so if you aren't planning on mounting it on the wall, go ahead and figure in another few hundy on a stand.

Sounds like most of you guys are saying the same things. I may have to find a display unit at a local store and see the quality of the Pioneer KP-500M.

Yes. Don't try to exceed the limit 2500$. Not worth it. After a couple of years you might find a better palsma technoloy. Receiver technology might not have huge change. So don't overlook that part. Pretty much all plasmas are good these days. Combo deals would be the way to go. It is not like in one TV people will come to life and jump out of the TV. The difference in quality is marginal. You might find some exaggerated views. Go through some expert reviews as well not just fanboys opinions.

Pioneer KRP-500M itself will already -$1900 http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-KRP-500M-50-Inch-High-Definition-Monitor/dp/B001PO5UAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1257265838&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PO5UAA?tag=avs-forum-20)

What else can you get with $600?

If that is the best price you can find, you are not trying hard. As 1 example, the display can be had delivered no tax from value electronics for lower and the stand is $99. Many members are quoting sub $1700 prices, but that may be non-authorized dealer.

Yes. Don't try to exceed the limit 2500$. Not worth it. After a couple of years you might find a better palsma technoloy. Receiver technology might not have huge change. So don't overlook that part. Pretty much all plasmas are good these days. Combo deals would be the way to go. It is not like in one TV people will come to life and jump out of the TV. The difference in quality is marginal. You might find some exaggerated views. Go through some expert reviews as well not just fanboys opinions.

The difference in quality is marginal? That is humorous, you really think there is a marginal difference between an S1 and the best Kuros? Yeah, don't listen to us fanboys, read the expert reviews: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13816984&postcount=3
The 500M is the monitor version of the 111FD, minus some connectability and a few features. But the writer of this review, D-Nice, says on this forum that the 500M outperforms the 111FD and has better blacks and color accuracy.

Here is another 111FD expert review, I have not seen a full review of the KRP-500M, probably because it was intended as a non-consumer model. D-Nice has extensive descriptions of its capabilties on this forum. The 500M is about half the price of the 111 and has a better picture.
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-elite-kuro-pro/4505-6482_7-33002556.html

I've seen the 65" Panasonic plasma drop recently to just under your budget total.

I'd grab that and add a sound system when you get another stimulus package from your wife.

I've seen the 65" Panasonic plasma drop recently to just under your budget total.

I'd grab that and add a sound system when you get another stimulus package from your wife.

If your viewing room can accomodate a 65 inch panel, the impact of the bigger screen is enormous.

A 65 inch panel has 100% more screen area than a 46 inch panel. That's a tremendous amount of impact.

Here is where you can compare screen area:

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

You might want to take a look at the Samsung B560 instead of the B550. It has the Crystal Full HD Engine video processing chip that makes for better picture quality. Amazon has had some great deals on them recently. Regarding the surround system, you might consider the Infinity Primus P162 for your fronts and rears and the Infinity Primus P350 center channel speaker, all on sale at Crutchfield. Add an 8 inch Velodyne subwoofer and that set up will blow that little Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 package away big time for a couple of hundred dollars LESS (although you might think about a 10 inch Velodyne which would probably make the cost about equal).

If your viewing room can accomodate a 65 inch panel, the impact of the bigger screen is enormous.

A 65 inch panel has 100% more screen area than a 46 inch panel. That's a tremendous amount of impact.

Here is where you can compare screen area:

http://www.cavecreations.com/tv2.cgi

I agree. Too bad i miscalculated my space limitations and went with 46" instead of 50"

To save some money and gain performance for the dollar I would take a look at craigslist in your surrounding area and see if you can pick up a mildly used receiver and speaker system. Very little goes wrong with those components and some bargains are available out there if you're patient.Good advice here.

Audio gear (especially loudspeakers) depreciates quite rapidly in price. Probably because it's more of a fashion/status thing than a performance issue.

I JUST spent this much on a new setup and absolutely love it.

TV:
$1500 - Pioneer KRP-500M (50" plasma)

Receiver:
$500 - Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH

Speakers:
$240 - Jamo S606 Surround Sound System

Blu-Ray:
$270 - PS3

If it were me in a smaller room I'd go with the 50s1 plasma, aperion 4b 5.1 system. An onkyo or denon reciever in the 3-400 range online price. And 130-70 ish blu-ray player and I'd throw in the extra cash if I had to, from my pocket, to get it.

I JUST spent this much on a new setup and absolutely love it.

TV:
$1500 - Pioneer KRP-500M (50" plasma)

Receiver:
$500 - Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH

Speakers:
$240 - Jamo S606 Surround Sound System

Blu-Ray:
$270 - PS3

I like this set up. I will check it out more. Where did you buy the stuff from, ie monitor mainly?

Some great info listed today. Keep it coming I am LOVING this guys. Thanks so far.

http://www.consumersearch.com/home-theater-receivers


If you go for HTIB go for THX certified system Onkyo HT-S9100THX . Only 2 HTIBS are THX certified. This is the latest.

travis you have a nice problem to have. Sooner or later somone who really knows there stuff is going to post just the right solution your looking for. Half the fun to me is not just getting the exact right set up but getting it for the cheaapest price I can it makes watching and listening that much sweeter. One thing that almost everyone agrees about is go as big as you can. I would rather have a bigger s1 than a smaller pioneer.

This is kind of a brain storming session :). It all boils down to what exactly he emphasizes on. He just has to absorb everything and make a decision.

Some great info listed today. Keep it coming I am LOVING this guys. Thanks so far.

Since you like that setup (and I do to), here is a little hint. The KRP-500M can be had for prices like this, but usually only from a non-authorized dealer. I have read that Pioneer is very strict in not honoring their warranty when not purchased from an authorized dealer. The trade off is price versus warranty.

I wanted to buy from an authorized dealer, found one more expensive on tv, but cheaper on components, they have the elite 21-THX receiver for $415, stand for $99 and best of all for me was the 23FD Elite BP for $325. I ended upgrading to the 23-THX receiver, $510. Both of these receivers are top notch and look great with the 500M, the blackness is wonderfull. Value electronics, many members have bought from them.

http://www.consumersearch.com/home-theater-receivers


If you go for HTIB go for THX certified system Onkyo HT-S9100THX . Only 2 HTIBS are THX certified. This is the latest.

You believe things you read on this site? yikes, they say that the Pio V10 has the deepest blacks of any HDTV, demonstrably false.

You believe things you read on this site? yikes, they say that the Pio V10 has the deepest blacks of any HDTV, demonstrably false.

Read on other sites as well about these receivers. Why are you talking about HDTVs here when my link was about receivers? :)

You believe things you read on this site? yikes, they say that the Pio V10 has the deepest blacks of any HDTV, demonstrably false.

UHH did you mean Panasonic?

I wouldn't bother with a HTIB. A lot of people who buy HTIB end up swapping out their speakers and keeping their AVR. Then they end up swapping out the AVR for a new one. If you want a bare minimum quality AVR with HD audio and don't need 7.1 surround, then go for the Denon 1610.

The difference in quality is marginal? That is humorous, you really think there is a marginal difference between an S1 and the best Kuros?
I think his point is that the quality difference may not be as dramatic as the price difference. Cheaper plasma sets are very good nowadays and while they can't touch the best sets in PQ, the difference is not necessarily night-and-day.

Other factors come into play like environment: cheap plasma in subdued light may look better than a Kuro under bright fluorescents. It's analogous to putting high-performance tires on a Geo Metro...you have to consider the whole package.

I'd honestly check out some of the setups offered at The Speaker Company. I currently have their lowest end setup, and it's fairly impressive. They have some crazy deals going on right now. The guy who lives in the dorm room right next to me has some quintets but at least a step up from the quintet III and he has a 10" klipsch sub, and at worst, our setups are equal. Considering he probably paid two times as much, I'm fairly happy.

Here's a review of their cheap line-up of speakers, and you can find some other reviews if you search around.

http://www.soundadviceblog.com/?p=838

They have a 30 day free return trial period, so you really can't lose.


I have a G10 Plasma, AVR 254 from HK's ebay store that can be had for incredibly cheap, and a PLCR161-HT8 setup from tSc.

I would get the Panasonic 65s1 and save for the rest. Then at least you have one whopper item instead of a lot of basic items.

I'd honestly check out some of the setups offered at The Speaker Company. I currently have their lowest end setup, and it's fairly impressive. They have some crazy deals going on right now. The guy who lives in the dorm room right next to me has some quintets but at least a step up from the quintet III and he has a 10" klipsch sub, and at worst, our setups are equal. Considering he probably paid two times as much, I'm fairly happy.

Here's a review of their cheap line-up of speakers, and you can find some other reviews if you search around.

http://www.soundadviceblog.com/?p=838

They have a 30 day free return trial period, so you really can't lose.


I have a G10 Plasma, AVR 254 from HK's ebay store that can be had for incredibly cheap, and a PLCR161-HT8 setup from tSc.

I've also got a speaker company setup that i'm pretty satisfied with. I've got TST3's up front, the TC2 center and 2 pairs of TSB bookshelves. I bought them during last year's overstock/black friday sales at hugely discounted prices.
They are hooked to a pioneer SC-05 reciever. I've also got the KRP-500m. You can't go wrong with the the pioneer gear! :)

thank you all so much. I am not in a hurry and have decided to do a little more home work this time around. I created a spreadsheet with all items listed so far in this post. I am looking up each item and looking at as much as I can find about them. I think I want to have a list of 3 different monitors, 3 different receivers, & 3 different speaker set ups. Wait until black friday to see if any of my selected items go on sale. Then place my order from any retailer who has some solid deals on the models I have pre-selected.

Please toss out any more ideas and a big THANKS to all who have helped me out so far.

Travis

Amazon is offering a free Panasonic blu ray player (BDP-60 or 80) with any G10 or S1 plasma. My advice would be to get the 65S1 + BDP-60 for about $2400 and worry about the surround system later.