[pmccaffrey]

Just starting the process of choosing a 5.1 speaker system with a new AV receiver to go with my new Syntax 32" HDTV and am looking for help. This new system will be used 60% listening to music or watching concert DVD's and the balance watching DVD's and HDTV. As you can see music is the driving force here. I will be leaving behind my 25 year old Bose 901's in order to step into the multi-channel universe. Let's say the budget is in the $2000 (preferably less) and the room is about 18' x 12'. What speakers are going to make me forget the Bose? (Please, let's keek the Bose bashing to a minimum if we can). The fronts need to be bookshelf or wall mounted and the rears would be wall mounted. And what receiver will I need to drive them? I also have an older Acoustimass 5 system. Could the cubes be used for the rear surrounds? Thanks.

 

[DMF]

98% of music is still stereo. Why not just stay with a good stereo system? Since there are many fewer components, you can afford a much higher quality. And the used market is flooded with high-end stereo gear. Get a HTIB for the movie venue.


Don't try to re-use any of the Bose components. Each alone is pitiful and depends on the others to prop them up.

 

[TrojanHorse]

Maximize your shopping dollar... you may want to expand on DMF's advice and get 3 speakers for the front. personally, if music is 2 channel, I turn off the surround and listen to it in 2 channels.


Get yourself some nice towers that will reproduce the full range (maybe down to 30 Hz or so if you can find some you like) and a nice amp setup)


Then someday down the road you can add the rear channels and a sub for movies. If you buy nicer stuff up front, you won't feel the need to upgrade it anywhere near as soon.