Denon 1919 w/ ok speakers vs Pioneer 820 with really nice speakers

I am a complete audio newbie. I took a lot of time, weighed all of the receivers vs my needs and decided that the Denon 1910 was the system for me.

However, I when I started looking for speakers in my price range ($200), I found out that I really should be investing more in speakers than the receiver.... I bet this is a common rookie mistake.

I want a mic for setup (i don't know how to setup a system).

I am a gamer / movie watcher with a 15' x 15' room. I don't care about sound volume as much as quality of sound. I love to hear the small distinctions more than a big booming bass.

So, here are a few options I am considering. I hope to start some conversation.

1. Denon 1910 with Jamo S 413 HCS 5. - total cost 600+ship

2. Pioneer 820 with Jamo S 413 HCS 5. - Total cost 450+ship

3. Pioneer 820 with Energy Classic (or micro) - 650+ship

- I am little humbled by the options -

John

I was afraid you would agree with the 2:1 rule. What I don't understand is, these speakers are not twice as expensive as the 1610 or the 1910, would they truly be a good match? Or would I have to spend 1000+ on the speakers to make stepping up to the denon worth it. That is why I was suggesting going with the 820.

I will try to find a shop nearby that has Jamo's. For $200, they could be a great option.

My dilemma is that I don't know if I will turn into an audiofile. I tend to be very picky about all of my other gear so I expect that I will want to upgrade later.

Having access to Denon 1910 units for only 375 shipped seems like a unit that I could upgrade in the future.

I am tempted to get that receiver with the energy take classics. I do not need a lot of power. I just want a very clear signal and I want the signal to be clearly separated to the channels. I like the low hz and low ohms of the Jamo's though.

Conversely,

So, if I were to get a $200 unit, and I could spend $500 on speakers, what speakers should I be looking at? Any suggestions. (this sounds like a slippery cost slope) What is a good mid range speaker in that price range? Or this might be more helpful. If you had only $500-$700 for the total system, what would you buy?

Thanks for the help so far guys,

John

Used / Refurbished are okay. Just as long as it seem reputable.

I have looked through only a few pages of the Jamo thread before. I was turned off because they were talking about the top of the line Jamo's, not the entry level ones that i am interested in.

I currently don't have a big size limit. I have ones that are 40" tall and 10" width and depth now. They are junk though. I guess i wouldn't want something too much bigger.

Keep in mind that I don't need a huge amount of sound, just clear. (i don't know why I would need really tall speakers) I would like to keep the rear speakers smallish. I planned on wall mounting them.

I was thinking that Jamo 406 setup might be good for a little bit. Then I can determine if I want to get a sub later. If I decide I don't like the front speakers, I can always upgrade later, keeping the rear ones the same. Would that be good paired with a Denon 1610?

Okay, I stumbled on this system. It is a touch over $500 so it is getting out of my price range.

Klipsch HDT1000 HD Home Theater Speaker System
-looks like it has good watts and okay hz. Not as good Hz as the Jamo though.

I also was thinking about this from Definitive Technology -

5.1 home theater speaker package
ProCinema 60.6 (Black) - $400

Or this setup as suggested in another forum - I like this setup because I can upgrade the center channel later. If i want to I could bump up to a better L and R from the same company.

Infinity P142 X 5 =$225 http://www.theaudiovideosource.com/InfinityPrimus.html

BIC V1020 Sub = $145: http://www.amazon.com/BIC-V1020-Down...f=pd_rhf_p_t_2


How would these setups compare to the energy classic for clarity? I have found the energy classics for $300.

Another option is 2 Polk Monitor 50 floor standing in front -

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Mon.../dp/B0002Z240M

and 2 infinity 142 in back

and that BIC sub for 150. That puts me at 450+ship.

Better than the Klipsch package deal?

From what I saw, the Jamo's had great reviews. I am quite tempted. But it is still great reviews for a low / mid level speaker (i am assuming). I think that the systems that Donoman wants me to purchase are a little pricier.

How do the Jamo's compare to the Energy classics? I still haven't found a setup (even 4.1, I need to set this up as surround to start for gaming) that fits my needs and would be in that good mid level range.

Well, I am a sucker for quality (which is why I am scared of this new hobby) so I picked up a pair of Paradigm Titans. I will use them with my current knock off brand speakers as a 4.0 system until I get the cash to upgrade.

I do appreciate the support guys. I was very tempted to get the Jamo's. They looked like a great deal. Funny that I would be dissuaded by the low price.

~John

Okay, here is an update to my situation. I had some bad luck with used speakers so I am looking again.

- I bought a denon 1910 receiver for $360 shipped.
- I bought a pair of paradigm V4 titans. One showed up broken. It probably broke in shipping. I returned them.
- I bought paradigm cc370 center with ADP-170 v.2 rears. The center arrived with a broken tweeter. I am in the process of returning them.

Now, I am looking again. I went to ultimate electronics and listened to some speakers.

There are 2 speakers that I can afford that I liked the sound -


Mirage OS3-FS. My favorite from the showroom. They sounded great. Found them for $300 a piece.

Def Tech BP6 - good price point speaker. Found them for $225 a piece.

Klipsch Icon Series WF-35 - sounded awesome but i can't afford them.

Since these both are at the top of my range, I will just use my old white van MTS speakers as rears until I can afford more. I will run a 4.0.

I can keep looking for other fronts at $300 a piece.

My concern is that the mirages seem like a great deal but I am hesitant to purchase because of reviews that they sound very different at home. The ult electronics guy said that it is one of his most returned speakers. I have carpeting and walls on 3 sides around my stereo. The left side is open to another room. I wonder if I would have good luck with it.

1 more option is a guy is selling paradigm monitor 7 speakers that are 8 years old but still in good shape for $250 total. These ones I can listen to make sure they work but it will be in a garage. (poor acoustics)

I still have the option of the Jamo 5.0 setup for $250.

With the new price point of 2 speakers for $300 a piece, what do you guys think I should look into next?

Thanks,

John

Some other options are

Polk Monitor 70 - $170 a piece or
infinity primus 362 - $200 a piece

Thanks again guys.

John

They were used e-bay purchases. The first one was not packaged very well and it must have taken a serious hit. The second one seemed to have a wiring issue or something inside. I didn't want to tear into it instead of returning it.

I am surprised that you didn't like the Mirage OS3 option or the Def Tech speakers. Those seem like good companies.

I really like the idea of floor standing speakers. I don't have a bookshelf system to set them on. I suppose I could hang them from the wall but it isn't ideal.

Thanks,

John