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Speaker/amp/receiver budget $1000

post #1 of 31
2/21/11 at 2:28pm
Thread Starter 
After relying on my TV's built in speakers for almost a year, I have decided it's time for an upgrade. My budget is "small" at $1,000 (American), and I need everything including a receiver, amplifier (if need be), and speakers. I have done quite a bit of research but haven't come to any conclusions. Since my budget is tight (in the world of Hifi ), I rather have a strong 2.0 system than a lower quality surround setup, but I am open to either option. I would like to possibly expand the system in the 3-4 years, so I would like these components to grow with me. My room is rather large at 20x14 feet with a cathedral ceiling. One of the room's walls is largely open and another has a 7x7 foot opening leading to another room. I have researched Magnepan, B&W, and several other well regarded brands but am impartial to any brand. I will buy used, but prefer new. I do not want to do any modifications/performance enhancements. Does anyone have any suggestion?

Edit: I plan on using this system for movies and classical/jazz music
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post #2 of 31
2/21/11 at 5:38pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone have any suggestions? I do not expect the speaker system to be top of the line (can't do that at my price point) only decent. As a pitiful noob, I need your help! .
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post #3 of 31
2/21/11 at 6:54pm
Pioneer Speakers Setup + BIC F12, My review: Best System for $1000 budget
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post #4 of 31
2/21/11 at 7:36pm
For speakers you might consider Boston Acoustics:
LCR: http://www.onecall.com/product/Bosto...tem/_/R-104909
Surround: http://www.dakmart.com/Audio-Home-Au...duct_info.html

That gives you 5.0 with $375 left for a receiver. Add a subwoofer later if you decide you want/need one.
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post #5 of 31
2/21/11 at 7:47pm
Posts 3 & 4 are good options.
Look at this
http://www.onecall.com/product/Denon...ver/_/R-104539
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post #6 of 31
2/21/11 at 8:02pm
Thread Starter 
Does anyone have a recommendation for a strong 2.0, 2.1, or 3.1 system for under $1000? A 5.1 surround system would be nice, but I am not keen on doing any rewiring, though it is not out of the question. I can always add to the system later if I want full surround.
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post #7 of 31
2/21/11 at 8:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg_77 View Post

Does anyone have a recommendation for a strong 2.0, 2.1, or 3.1 system for under $1000? A 5.1 surround system would be nice, but I am not keen on doing any rewiring, though it is not out of the question. I can always add to the system later if I want full surround.

How loud to you typically like to listen? Do you have a preference when it comes to speakers' aesthetics?
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post #8 of 31
2/21/11 at 8:17pm
For 2.1 I would recommend the following. These speakers normally retail at $1600/pr, but the product line is being replaced so they are on crazy clearance. The smaller RC-30's can be found for even cheaper right now as well.

That leaves about $500-600 for a AVR/Sub. Which you could go with a budget sub like a BIC, or stick with 2.0 for now and get the sub later.

The only real issue with this is finding the matching center (RC-LCR) for cheap, but it can often be found for $350.


http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecom...%20BLACK%20ASH
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post #9 of 31
2/21/11 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmryan821 View Post

How loud to you typically like to listen? Do you have a preference when it comes to speakers' aesthetics?

Up until now, I have relied solely on my Samsung TV's weak integrated speakers, so I am used to low volume. Loudness is not a priority, though I feel my rooms tall ceiling and openness may overwhelm quiet speaker. As far a aesthetics, everything would have to pass the 'wife' test, though I could probably convince her to accept any speaker (within reason) if I try hard enough
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post #10 of 31
2/21/11 at 8:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by avichayil View Post

For 2.1 I would recommend the following. These speakers normally retail at $1600/pr, but the product line is being replaced so they are on crazy clearance. The smaller RC-30's can be found for even cheaper right now as well.

That leaves about $500-600 for a AVR/Sub. Which you could go with a budget sub like a BIC, or stick with 2.0 for now and get the sub later.

The only real issue with this is finding the matching center (RC-LCR) for cheap, but it can often be found for $350.


http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecom...%20BLACK%20ASH

The RC-50 has me intrigued. Do you think these speakers would be better than say, the Magneplan MMG, or are these models 'apples and oranges.' Thanks for the help everyone, you are giving me some really good ideas!

Edit: I tried to find Energy RC-50 reviews but had very little luck. Do you know of any online reviews of the speakers?
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post #11 of 31
2/21/11 at 9:08pm
There are tons of reviews out there for the Energy RC-70's which are the top of the line speaker in that series.
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post #12 of 31
2/21/11 at 9:16pm
Infinity Primus P162's
PC250 Center
BIC Sub

Receiver of your choice with the rest. Here is a thread on how I got to my system.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1285022
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post #13 of 31
2/21/11 at 9:54pm
Thread Starter 
Do the RC-50 require an amplifier? How good do they sound without a center or sub? Finally, have you ever compared them with the Magnepan MMG speakers which are around the same price? Thanks for all the help!
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post #14 of 31
2/22/11 at 6:09am
Newegg is another great place to check as well as Amazon. A lot of the Polk Audio Monitor series is on sale currently. Also, they have Klipsch Synergy F30 speakers at buy one get one free. Definitely look around for sales and slightly used equipment. You can save money there. Was able to get an Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver and Klipsch RF-52 II speakers for 800 and couldn't be happier myself. Go to some local stores and listen to some setups there and see whats on sale. Some of the suggestions above are great as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=0&srchInDesc=
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post #15 of 31
2/22/11 at 6:33am
Also check out your local B&M stores.

Best Buy is around the country, then there are more regional chains like ABC Warehouse and Frys.

They can have some good sales, plus some closeout stuff.
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post #16 of 31
2/22/11 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg_77 View Post

Do the RC-50 require an amplifier? How good do they sound without a center or sub? Finally, have you ever compared them with the Magnepan MMG speakers which are around the same price? Thanks for all the help!

The RC-50s definitely require some type of amplification like an AVR. So do the MMG's. Actually the Maggies require more power, something more substantial than a basic AVR.
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post #17 of 31
2/22/11 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
How do the Klipsch F-30 and the Energy RC- 50 compare? I am still considering the Magnepan MMG speakers, but a powerful amp + receiver would likely exceed my budget, unless anyone knows of some affordable, high quality amplification. Oh, and thanks everyone for the responses so far. I am looking forward to ditching my TV's built-in speakers.
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post #18 of 31
2/22/11 at 11:52am
I haven't heard those specific Klipsch, but personally I prefer the RC-50's to even more expensive Klipsch because I prefer a more neutral sound for music. Honestly I can't stand Klipsch when listening to music (Not even my dads old La Scalas), but for home theater they will probably give more of a dynamic sound.
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post #19 of 31
2/22/11 at 6:25pm
"How do the Klipsch F-30 and the Energy RC- 50 compare? I am still considering the Magnepan MMG speakers,"

There have been several reccomendations listed, that will out perform the entry level Klipsch speakers.
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post #20 of 31
2/22/11 at 6:38pm
Thread Starter 
Does anyone know how the Energy RC-50 speakers compare to the Magnepan MMGs? Weird comparison, I know, but they are similarly priced.
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post #21 of 31
2/22/11 at 7:20pm
Thread Starter 
Do the Energy RC-50s require a center speaker, or do they work well in a 2.0 setup? Will a decent AV receiver, like the Denon AVR-591, power them? Sorry for all the questions!
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post #22 of 31
2/22/11 at 8:26pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone?
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post #23 of 31
2/22/11 at 8:55pm
Any two channel speaker will work without a center channel it is a matter of preference/how much you are willing to pay. And yes that AVR will drive the RC-50's, they are pretty efficient.
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post #24 of 31
2/22/11 at 9:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by avichayil View Post

Any two channel speaker will work without a center channel it is a matter of preference/how much you are willing to pay. And yes that AVR will drive the RC-50's, they are pretty efficient.

I ordered the RC-50s and can't really afford an sub or center speaker, so am relieved to hear that a center isn't a "requirement." Do you have any suggestions as to what receiver I should get? I was thinking the Denon AVR-591 (incase I decide to get surrounds).
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post #25 of 31
2/22/11 at 9:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg_77 View Post

I ordered the RC-50s and can't really afford an sub or center speaker, so am relieved to hear that a center isn't a "requirement." Do you have any suggestions as to what receiver I should get? I was thinking the Denon AVR-591 (incase I decide to get surrounds).

Well centers are a good thing to have in home theater set-ups and I would keep eye out for a center though cause they are going fast

Might want to get a receiver that will allow for pre-outs
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post #26 of 31
2/25/11 at 7:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyrob425 View Post

Well centers are a good thing to have in home theater set-ups and I would keep eye out for a center though cause they are going fast

Might want to get a receiver that will allow for pre-outs

Hmm... I would like a center but buying one would put me severely over budget. As such, I doubt I will be able to purchase a matching center before they are cleared out. Are there other centers that work nicely with the Rc-50s incase I can no longer find a matching RC-LCR?

Also, I did a little bit more research on receivers. Would the Denon 1911 be overkill? I will only have two speakers, so I am hardly taking advantage of the Denon's multichannel capabilities. I would get the Denon 591, but am not sure if its sould quality equals that of the 1911. Both receivers would be over kill for my needs, but I may get a center speaker and, possibly, a subwoofer in the future.
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post #27 of 31
2/25/11 at 8:58pm
The RC-LCR is available on eBay right now.

The new v-5.2-c center will probably work well
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post #28 of 31
2/25/11 at 9:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyrob425 View Post

The RC-LCR is available on eBay right now.

The new v-5.2-c center will probably work well

The denon avr-1911 has more power than the 591 and more features I would get the avr-1911
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post #29 of 31
2/25/11 at 9:10pm
How much are your willing to spend on a receiver? The 591 has enough power for my needs (Energy RC-10s, RC LCR and RC Minis in a bedroom setup). The 1911/791 has a little bit more power than the 591. The 891/2311 has even more power than the 1911 and is down in the $479-$499 range.
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post #30 of 31
2/26/11 at 11:55am
Thread Starter 
I want to spend no more than $350. The Denon 1911 exceeds that by $50-70 dollars, putting it just out of range. I would wait for a sale, but with my speakers coming in a few days I would have no way to test the speakers without a receiver. Do you think I could negotiate for the 1911 down to $350 from Best Buy or HHGregs? How flexible are retailers with receiver prices?
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