[mat006007]

I am a college student who was pretty ignorant before college and essentially wasted over 400$ buying a bose companion 5 system only to realize later that bose is overpriced for what it is especially since I cant expand on my system since bose makes their speakers only compatible with themselves. My goal now is to start building a decent system on a relatively small budget. For now I am going to look for a receiver and a sub and then build around that. My current equipment is as follows:

42inch plasma 1080i tv

ps3 with blu rays

I want to use my companion 5 speakers still for now as my speakers until I get my system set up but I want to get a new sub specifically because the bose one does not provide very deep or pumping bass. I am addicted to bass pretty much so I want my sub to be very powerful. My interests right now are being able to listen to loud music and movies to' get that real home theater feeling with the blu rays. I don't mind mind buying things second hand off ebay so if there are older models out there that doesnt phase me. Here is what i'm looking for:

1. A budget receiver that will be powerful enough to provide the bass I need and process the video from the blu rays.

2. A receiver that will allow me to expand eventually to get other speakers.

3. The quality doesnt have to be up to absolute audiophile standards, power is more important than clarity although I don't want a muddy system.

4. A sub that can produce good deep bass, not just loud mids and lows

My budget for the receiver is roughly 200-300 but that is also taking into account that I would buy second hand, and my budget for the sub is probably 300-350

 

[SkiSmuggs]

The subwoofer is easy:
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=407

or maybe one from www.thespeakercompany.com


You may need to increase your budget some for a decent receiver, but check out the Onkyo TX-SR507 or a refurb TX-SR606, or a Pioneer VSX-819 or 919.


BTW, you don't need much power for bass when using a powered subwoofer, just when you are driving 4ohm or low efficiency speakers.

 

[Knucklehead90]

+1 on the Elemental sub.


Get a HK AVR 254 to run it and you'll be all set. Watch for Harman Audio 's buy it now option at the bottom of the page. If it isn't there - wait for it - it'll be back. Offer them $220 and it'll come with free shipping.

 

[Sonies]

I recently purchased a Denon 1610 (or 590) for $300 new, it seems to have a lot of features that I wanted. I also purchased a elemental designs sub, and it arrives today!

I'll let you know how bassy it is

 

[dsmith901]

Harman Kardon refurb receivers are a great bargain. They are sold direct by H/K, get the same warranty as new (2 yrs) and give you what many consider the best sounding receivers, at least in their price range. I used them for years with zero problems. Look for a model that has full preouts so you can add a separate power amp when you want. Buy at harmanaudio.com (specials) or the H/K eBay store. As for a sub I strongly recommend either SVS or Hsu Research. Their entry level subs are better than others at twice or three times the price.

 

[mat006007]

I was looking at the hk avr254 but I also ran upon a deal on a onkyo tx-sr601 which i'm considering also, any thoughts on the onkyo? I know the hk one is a solid bet either way. Also i looked at SVsound subs in addition to ED ones. Any suggestions as to the brand that offers the most bang for the buck while retaining its quality. I understand that ED has some pretty respectable subs as far as audiophiles are concerned but I dont necessarily need the most details sound I mostly want a powerful sub that isnt going to be muddy, so idk if there are other brands i should listen to that offer more bang for the buck but are still quality. If this receiver will be sufficient for the next 2 or 3 years or so I will be happy because I understand receiver tech changes a lot more often and would like to probably buy a new receiver with a lot more features when my system is built completely but dont wanna waste money now before i even have speakers and stuff...I just want something to power my woofer for now and whatever speakers I add on and then when its all said and done buy a reciever with everything in it. So let me know if this is a quality buy, its offered for 125 on craigslist. Thank You.