[dcaperton]

First let me start by saying I'm new to audio systems. I have owned a few ~$200-$300 HTib systems which have all been pieces of junk. I've been researching on-line and trying to learn as much as I can, which I must admit there's more to this then I first thought. I think I have it narrowed down to a couple different options that I'm having a hard time deciding between. I was hoping some of you seasoned veterans could give me a bit of guidance.


Must Have:

Several HDMI ports to plug in my HTPC, xBox, Wii, DVR (Upscaling prefered)

7.1 capable

THX certified since I split the usage about 90% Movies, tv & Gaming and 10% Music


Other Info:

Room Size 15X20

I only need a receiver and speakers

I hang the front speakers on the wall next to my tv, so it would be nice if they weren't those tiny speakers. I want something with some meat

~$1000 to spend



Option #1:


Pioneer VSX-9040TXH I have seen several great reviews on the web

Now this is the part that's giving me some trouble, finding the right speakers. All I have around here is a fry's which doesn't have a huge demo selection, so I can't really demo my purchase (this is a drag). While I was researching I found several I thought I liked but it always seems like they were 4ohms and the pioneer is 8. It seems that the ohms are very important when making this choice. At this point I'm throwing a dart at the wall to choose a good set of speakers. This is where I need the most help and part of the reason option #2 looks so good to me. I'm looking at the reviews for cnet to get opinions, this is the extent of my knowledge. I need a few ideas on this.



Option#2:


Onkyo S9100-THX


At first didn't want to get another HTiB but then I seen this thing and I have to say I'm very impressed with the features and reviews. I was getting a little frustrated with finding speakers so I decided to take a long look at this.

My concerns are

1. It's been out for quite some time and I would hate to order it with a new model right around the corner

2. I'm starting to think I can put together something better for the $999 price tag on amazon.


Thanks in advance for all the feedback. I welcome ALL suggestions.

 

[phantom52]

Does that Fry's sell Polk Monitor series? If they do connect some of those to that Pioneer AVR. By the way you can problably get the Polk Monitors cheaper at the Polk E-Bay store. Just a thought. You should be trying to spend about 2/3 rds of your budget on speakers and the rest on your AVR. The speakers you choose will be around longer than any of the other parts of your system if you get some good ones.

 

[Gertjan]

Did you take a good subwoofer into account in that budget? Since you're doing mainly movies, a good sub will be important for a good experience.


Take a look at these guys: http://www.hsuresearch.com/packages.html SVS also has packages (see http://www.svsound.com/products-sys.cfm ), but they seem to be out of your budget. Both Hsu and SVS have been known around here for a long time for delivering a quality product.

 

[cornhulio]

For music Energy RC-10's are hard to beat. Also look at Infinity Primus, Jamo, Emotiva, etc.

 

[afrogt]

Its going to be hard to beat the total combo of the Onkyo THX receiver, 7 speakers and a sub for $999, especially since the THX receiver cost $500 by itself.


Before The Speaker Company closed down it would have been much easier to do but that shipped has sailed.


You could get a pair of Polk Monitor 40's, CS1 center and Monitor 30 surrounds for ~ $320 shipped if you catch the right sale at Newegg.com. That leaves you with $180 for a sub.


But be aware this is a 5.1 system, not a 7.1 system that you'd get with the Onkyo 9100. Its probably a better system even though its only 5.1.

 

[dcaperton]

Polk is offered at my local fry's. They were actually my first choice. I really like the sound of the LSi7's even more than the LSi9's, but they were obviously out of my price range. Not to mention they are 4ohms. It's fun to imagine though.


I do really like the vm series. They are very nice on the eyes, but still a little to much for me. I haven't heard the monitor series. I'm going to see if fry's has them. I'm a little concerned the 30's aren't going to be enough speaker and the 40's might be to big to mount. Maybe I need to re-think mounting them beside the tv


I'm not married to a 7.1 configuration as long as I have the option to add in the future.


Do you guys honestly think I can make a better sounding system then the 9100 for the same price? If so what would you buy. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[dcaperton]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/18213466


You could get a pair of Polk Monitor 40's, CS1 center and Monitor 30 surrounds for ~ $320 shipped if you catch the right sale at Newegg.com. That leaves you with $180 for a sub.

What sub would you recommend?


EDIT: This one is 188 at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-...236392&sr=1-21

Any Good?

 

[cassnlogan]

IMO you should start out slowly with maybe a good 3.1 system instead of settling for an inferior system because of budget. Let me suggest Aperion Audio at aperionaudio.com for unparalleled customer service and the most liberal try it/return it policy in the business. Not to mention top notch quality speakers. They allow you 30 days to try your purchase out and if you don't like it, call them up get a RMA, pick up a Fedex label, and they even pay return shipping. Fantastic product and great company. I would check your local craigslist to try and find a sub. I found my HSU STF-2 on CL for $155, so there are deals to be had. Find some good quality speakers and they could be around for a long time. Your AVR will come and go.

 

[Sethropf]

Good luck with your decision, I just purchased the 9040 myself, and it will be here in 3 days! I will post some impressions if you haven't already decided by then.

 

[III Zombi3 III]

I too, just bought the Pioneer VSX-9040THX....just waiting for my Speaker Wire to come in, so I can get started hooking every thing up...I'll let you know how it sounds when I'm done.....

 

[dcaperton]

Sethropf & Zombi3 - What kind of speakers are you using?

 

[III Zombi3 III]



Quote:
Originally Posted by dcaperton /forum/post/18220594


Sethropf & Zombi3 - What kind of speakers are you using?

I am using B.I.C America Venturi Speakers and their F12 Sub that I got from Amazon.... They are sounding great with my Onkyo 804.

Cant wait for my speaker wire, so I can get my Pioneer hooked up to them...

 

[Gertjan]

I also started out with a 5.1 HTiB solution. Then i upgraded pieces over time. The benefit: Each time i added / upgraded a piece, i got to enjoy an improvement, either in quality or functionality

I replaced the receiver with a 7.1 one, and used some old speakers for the rear. Then i added good front L/C/R speakers, and moved my HTiB speakers around to up the sound quality some more. Then i replaced the HTiB sub with a real one (that i built myself). Each time it was a noticeable upgrade. And i was able to save up for each step and accumulate a good set of equipment that way, instead of compromising more if i had tried to do it all at once. Something to think about...