[jrshap]

Hi All-


I am starting from scratch and redoing my Entire HT system.


I have recently purchased:

1) Panasonic TH-42PHD7UY - 42inch HD Plasma Display which is being delivered today.

2) Monster HTS-5100.

3) Tascam DA-45HR DAT Machine.

4) Philips Pronto Pro NG TSU-7000

and already own an Infinity Center Channel Speaker with voice tone matching dial.


I have been doing some research for the remaining 3 pieces but have become recently stumped and could use some assistance from the professionals on this great forum.


I have $10,000 left in my budget with 3 more pieces left. I approximated the costs of each piece but this can of course be changed.


How would you spend the $10k with the current pieces I ave in place.

1) A Receiver or Separates - Approx $4000. Not sure how to proceed here. I have been looking at the Denon AVR-5805 but separate components are also an option that I am not too familiar with. Typically I would look at a receiver but I know when you get up into the price range that the AVR-5805 is in, you might as well look at separates too. One thing I am sure of is that I want to have HDMI(2nd Gen) incorporated for future apps as well as current. DCDI is a option as well.

2)DVD Player - Approx $2000. I was looking at the Denon DVD-3910 because the DVD-5910 is not available yet. I have heard some great things about a Pioneer model. I think 59avi???? What about HD DVD? I don't think that is available yet.

3) Main Front Speakers - Approx $4000. I have been looking at Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home. Other than that I have not ideas. I listened to these at a Harvey Electronics store and they sounded great.


Thanks so much in advance for all of your help with this one. I have been agonizing for a while.


Jason

 

[VTGOLFER]

The std. cliche, only your ears can make that purchase for you but for $4000 I would look at B&K Ref. 50, Rotel, Anthem etc. You should be able to pick these up for around the 4k price. Unless you are planning on running multi room or two 5.1 systems I think the Denon might be going overboard. You can pick a nice set of seperates for that price. Just my .02 worth.


The speakers you have selected are nice. I own the Denon 2900 and have no complaints and I know the 3910 and especially the 5910 will better it as well as the Pioneer so I think your source component is more than adequate.

 

[dsmith901]

For $4K I would definitely go for separates over a receiver. Consider the Sherwood Newcastle P-965 for $1,500 and the Gemstone 7 channel for $2,400. Search the forum for positive reviews on both.

 

[pheroy]

I've been starting to look around a bit at the receiver/pre-pro landscape to see if anything fits my upgrade criteria. Digital connections for both hi-res audio & video would be near the top of my list, though video can be done elsewhere so it's not as critical to me. There are not many models at the moment that will switch DVI/HDMI (I'm assuming that DVI switch would be ok since an adapter can be used to convert to HDMI). The Sony STR-DA9000ES and the Denon 5805 are the only 2 that do it at the moment. I don't think there are any separate pre-pros, at least in your price range, that do it. The Denon probably does everything, the Sony's only missing DVD-A over i.Link. (Not sure if that's important to you though.)

 

[jheoaustin]

For front speakers, why don't you look at ATC SCM35? I've gotten some different custom build speakers using that same famous ATC midrange dome, and they are amazing and superb sounding drivers for both HT and music. I heard that SCM35 MSRP is down to $3300 now. It's a traditional 3-way design, and the dynamics and transparency of most important midrange is just awesome. I also read a good review on its treble and bass.

If you want, you can take my custom build speaker approach with some hassle...

 

[Bondmanp]

Unless you're willing to replace your center channel speaker, you're locked in to matching Infinity speakers for front L/R.

 

[T60 Bill]

Check into these:
http://reviews.iwon.com/pscAudioRevi...8_1594crx.aspx

I have had a pair of Ed's T60s' and I'm as happy with them now as when I first brought them home, several years ago.

 

[DMF]

You need to match your front three speakers or you won't be happy. Don't depend on a tone control.

 

[DanFrancis]

Personally,


I feel you need to match all 7 speakers in order to get that true sense of complete envelopment- at least the same drivers from 1k up.


Dan

 

[bubbawilly]

I agree with those that recommend separates over a receiver. You've got the budget for any number of preamp/amp combos. All of those recommended so far are great choices.


Either get Infinitys to match your center channel (L/C/R at a minimum), or start from scratch. I like your idea for Sonus Faber better.


Put another $1K from your DVD budget into speakers (or the bank) by going with either the 3910 or 59AVi at about $1K (street). You won't realize a $1K improvement in PQ or SQ by spending it here, IMO.


Oh, and don't cross-post this question in any of the related forums, or DMF will call you out!

 

[Alimentall]

I would definitely go separates, I would definitely spend LESS on the DVD player (soon to be obsoleted by BD or HD-DVD) and I'd spend more money on the main speakers/subwoofer.

 

[blb]

I would pick the speakers first. also as others have noted, you want them match the center as much as possible. As you like the infinity center, I'd get matching drivers. then you should pick a sub-woofer.


once you have picked the speakers, you will know their requirements and can demo receivers or preamps/amps with your choice of speakers. your choice may vary if this is a video only system vs a video/music system


after you have these components, see how much money you have left for dvd.


i'd budget as follows


50-60% speakers ($5000-$6000) and do at least 5 channel

30-40% receiver orpreamp/amp) $3000-$4000 you proably can get a better receiver than per/amp pair at this price

5-10% dvd (1K) the scalers are improving fast for these and you will want to replace in a year or two.


for a system like this - you will probably need about 500-$1000 for speaker wire and cables.

 

[jrshap]

Thanks to everyone for posting their ideas. This really helps and opens a whole new world of passaged I could go.


I am going to hold of on the $2k DVD player and spend less to add more to the Front Mains and go with a matching center channel speaker as recommended. Leaning towards the Denon 3910 but will check out the Pioneer further.


Now my search begins to look for a good pair of separates. Looks like I am out of luck on the HDMI switching. Still too new. Anthem seems to have some nice gear. Will continue to look further.


Thanks again to everyone. This is such a great forum.


Oh and by the way....The Plasma Panasonic looks amazing in HD. I am so excited about it.


Jason

 

[Landroval]

Quote:

Originally posted by jrshap I am going to hold of on the $2k DVD player and spend less to add more to the Front Mains and go with a matching center channel speaker as recommended. Leaning towards the Denon 3910 but will check out the Pioneer further.

Seems like a good plan.


If you want HDMI switching you could get a HDMI receiver first, maybe the Sony DA7000ES or something similar and later switch it to separates or add an amp or two.

 

[jheoaustin]

If DVDA/SACD is big for you, 1394 seems to be a must. But 1394-equipped pre-pro is too far away, only IR RDC-7.1 at $4000+ in the sight. Maybe buying Yamaha Z9 or Pioneer 59TXi/56TXi, and later add power amplifier might be a good option.

 

[dsm363]

[QUOTE

Now my search begins to look for a good pair of separates. Looks like I am out of luck on the HDMI switching. Still too new. Anthem seems to have some nice gear. Will continue to look further.

QUOTE]


I would seriously look at the Anthem D1 Statement pre/pro. It will have HDMI and firewire towards the end of this year. If you look around, I've heard you can get it for $4000 although the HMDI upgrade isn't yet included in the price.


Dave