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Looking to updrage from a HTIB and need help!

1420 Views 13 Replies 8 Participants Last post by bsweet0us, Nov 16, 2010

bsweet0us

Discussion Starter · Nov 6, 2010

Let me start by saying I know more about women than home audio, so that gives you an idea of what knowledge level you're catering to. Think of explaining home audio to a five-year-old and you're on the right track!

I am currently running an old Sony HTIB running a 5.1 setup which has been good over the years but I'm trying to move into the next generation but stay within a meager budget.

I know a home theater system can run upwards of $1000+, but I'm looking at a setup I think I can get for around $400.

First, the room. It's a pretty standard living room measuring 16' wide by 16' long by 8' high. Nothing too special.

The primary usage for the sound system is Blu-Ray movies and PS3 gaming. General TV watching is via a DirecTV HD DVR. Music is very low on the list of uses and the volume level will generally be low to average. We do have a four-year-old and one on the way, so we need it to not shake the house during naps. It would be nice to have a setup that can get loud if desired, but those instances will likely be few and far between.

Back to the potential system. I should be able to secure a Pioneer VSX820-K and a set of Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers for $400 - $500. The items are used, but in excellent shape. I like the receiver for the ability to minimize cables and use the auto-setup mic. The speakers have received positive reviews across the board, but I don't know enough about speakers to know if this is a good fit with this receiver.

Now for the questions.

1) Is this a good deal and worth the money?

2) Will this be a significant upgrade from a HTIB? By significant, I mean noticeable in movies and gaming.

3) Will the receiver and speakers mentioned be adequate for the room size quoted above?

4) Is there a better deal somewhere out there I should consider before proceeding?

5) Anything else you guys think I should consider. I'm a blank slate when it comes to this potential upgrade, so hit me with what you've got.

BTW: The budget really isn't negotiable as it's gonna be tough to convince the wife to shell out any money for something we "don't need." I'm hoping I can offset the cost some by selling my current setup, even if it's just by $50 - $100.

Thanks in advance for all opinions and options!

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brian6751

· #2 · Nov 6, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by bsweet0us /forum/post/0

Let me start by saying I know more about women than home audio, so that gives you an idea of what knowledge level you're catering to. Think of explaining home audio to a five-year-old and you're on the right track!

I am currently running an old Sony HTIB running a 5.1 setup which has been good over the years but I'm trying to move into the next generation but stay within a meager budget.

I know a home theater system can run upwards of $1000+, but I'm looking at a setup I think I can get for around $400.

First, the room. It's a pretty standard living room measuring 16' wide by 16' long by 8' high. Nothing too special.

The primary usage for the sound system is Blu-Ray movies and PS3 gaming. General TV watching is via a DirecTV HD DVR. Music is very low on the list of uses and the volume level will generally be low to average. We do have a four-year-old and one on the way, so we need it to not shake the house during naps. It would be nice to have a setup that can get loud if desired, but those instances will likely be few and far between.

Back to the potential system. I should be able to secure a Pioneer VSX820-K and a set of Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers for $400 - $500. The items are used, but in excellent shape. I like the receiver for the ability to minimize cables and use the auto-setup mic. The speakers have received positive reviews across the board, but I don't know enough about speakers to know if this is a good fit with this receiver.

Now for the questions.

1) Is this a good deal and worth the money?

2) Will this be a significant upgrade from a HTIB? By significant, I mean noticeable in movies and gaming.

3) Will the receiver and speakers mentioned be adequate for the room size quoted above?

4) Is there a better deal somewhere out there I should consider before proceeding?

5) Anything else you guys think I should consider. I'm a blank slate when it comes to this potential upgrade, so hit me with what you've got.

BTW: The budget really isn't negotiable as it's gonna be tough to convince the wife to shell out any money for something we "don't need." I'm hoping I can offset the cost some by selling my current setup, even if it's just by $50 - $100.

Thanks in advance for all opinions and options!

1. It's a good deal for what your getting

2. Yes it will be significant.

3. That becomes relative. But with your budget constraints I would go back to answer #2.

4. Newegg.com has the Onkyo s6300 set on sale for $500.

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NBR

· #3 · Nov 6, 2010

I just don't know the size of speakers you want but this is what I would do if I was upgrading from a htib with limited budget. I would go to newegg.com and buy the following: Pricing will range due to upcoming sales. Not sure if now or later time is the best time to buy but I'm betting near black friday/cyber monday.

1 pair of Polk Monitor 40

1 single center Polk CS2

Buy the Bic H-100 [email protected]

Buy the receiver wherever its cheapest.

Set these up and use your current Sony speakers as surrounds in the meantime.

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samsurd2

· #4 · Nov 6, 2010

Here's another possibility:

2 x Polk Audio R150 (L/R), $100 shipped ( http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107R150...50.html?tp=186 )

1 x Polk Audio CSR (Ctr), $100 shipped ( http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107CSR/...SR.html?tp=189 )

BIC F-12 12" subwoofer (apparent heir to the H-100), $184 shipped ( http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/...er_id=!ORDERID !)

Then do what NBR suggests: Buy the receiver wherever its cheapest and use your current Sony speakers as surrounds. When you have the next opportunity to upgrade, buy a new "front stage" (L/C/R) and use the Polks for surrround speakers.

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afrogt

· #5 · Nov 6, 2010

Can you have floorstanding speakers? If so get the Jamo S406 speaker system.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it..._c=site_search

Then buy whatever receiver you want with the remaining $170-$270. I'm guessing the top end of your budget is $500 since that's what the used Pioneer/Energy setup may cost.

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bsweet0us

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 7, 2010

Thanks for the input and suggestions so far. In doing more research, I've discovered I have more questions than I thought.

First, part of the reason I want to upgrade my receiver is the ability to switch HDMI within the receiver. Next, I'd like the ability to decode the HD audio signals sent from Blu-Ray movies.

I read somewhere on one of these forums that the PS3 will decode the HD audio signals so a receiver for that purpose is not a good reason to purchase one. Does that audio signal ONLY come over HDMI or will the Toslink carry that signal?

Another point is I had originally planned to try and move the existing system and help offset the price somewhat, meaning I'll have to make a 5.1 system essentially from scratch. I'm starting to realize piecing it together speaker by speaker is going to exceed my budget for a system that will be able to last for several years.

So, is there a better 5.1 (or 5.0 plus different sub) that is a better deal than the Energy Take Classic for around $250-$300? (Crutchfield has the Energy 5.1 RC-MICRO for $399. Is there a $100-$150 difference in quality between it and the Take Classic?)

If I upgrade speakers, how important is a receiver with HDMI or a new receiver in general? Will I be able to listen to HD audio with my Sony?

I certainly appreciate all the input thus far and I feel I'm getting closer to understanding how these components come together.

ETA: How much of an upgrade is the Denon DHT591 BA? I can get it for about $550 shipped.

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benclement11

· #7 · Nov 7, 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsweet0us

In order to get all the new surround codecs you have to use HDMI. It can not be passed via an optical cable or anything else for that matter. I have never heard the Energy speakers so I can't answer the second part of your question. Any piece part system you get will be better than a HTIB. You could get the new Pioneer speakers for around $400, but then you would still have to buy a sub and receiver. From your requirements I think the Energy system or Jamo that the guy above suggested will be perfect for you. I actually think you will be surprised with what you are getting for the money.

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bsweet0us

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 7, 2010

I really like the idea of getting the Jamo setup, but it looks like I'll need a sub to pair with it. Any suggestions? I'm thinking 5.0 Jamo's system ($229.88) + Pioneer receiver ($155.00) + sub (ideally $180.00 or less) ~ $550.00 which is about what I budgeted.

So, which sub(s) should I be targeting?

THANKS!

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Ataru074

· #9 · Nov 7, 2010

I suggest you take your time building your next toy.

with your budget constrain I'll focus getting one piece at the time.. start with the LCR speakers... focusing on the center channel

in the next few months you'll get a better subwoofer....

later on a receiver and last you'll get 2 better speaker as front L and R and move the current as surround.

just to say... you can get polk csi3 center for 130$, and 2 polk rti6 for 280$...

later on you can get 2 rti4 for 150$ (surrounds) or get 2 towers as front channels..

a bic subwoofer I guess runs for 220 or so...

and last you can get a good receiver for 4/500$ (less if you get it on sale).

been there...

been with the HTIB, been there with the energy take classic 5.1...

and don't get me wrong... for the price the energy are VERY good sounding...

but can't compete with decent speakers with 5 1/4 - 6 1/2 drivers.

if you save few bucks every month, in one year you'll have something that will run circles around an energy classic setup... and if you look at the overall picture is a little over 1000$

you just need a little bit of patience.

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crazyrob425

· #10 · Nov 7, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by bsweet0us /forum/post/19447737

I really like the idea of getting the Jamo setup, but it looks like I'll need a sub to pair with it. Any suggestions? I'm thinking 5.0 Jamo's system ($229.88) + Pioneer receiver ($155.00) + sub (ideally $180.00 or less) ~ $550.00 which is about what I budgeted.

So, which sub(s) should I be targeting?

THANKS!

The Bic F12 can be had for $183 shipped from amazon. It is an amazing sub for the money

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benclement11

· #11 · Nov 7, 2010

Hands down the BIC America F12 at that price range. I have it and love it. I think you will be very satisfied with your set-up and what you spent to get it. enjoy.

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benclement11

· #12 · Nov 7, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ataru074 /forum/post/19448608

I suggest you take your time building your next toy.

with your budget constrain I'll focus getting one piece at the time.. start with the LCR speakers... focusing on the center channel

in the next few months you'll get a better subwoofer....

later on a receiver and last you'll get 2 better speaker as front L and R and move the current as surround.

just to say... you can get polk csi3 center for 130$, and 2 polk rti6 for 280$...

later on you can get 2 rti4 for 150$ (surrounds) or get 2 towers as front channels..

a bic subwoofer I guess runs for 220 or so...

and last you can get a good receiver for 4/500$ (less if you get it on sale).

been there...

been with the HTIB, been there with the energy take classic 5.1...

and don't get me wrong... for the price the energy are VERY good sounding...

but can't compete with decent speakers with 5 1/4 - 6 1/2 drivers.

if you save few bucks every month, in one year you'll have something that will run circles around an energy classic setup... and if you look at the overall picture is a little over 1000$

you just need a little bit of patience.

Need to remember that not all people care as much about perfect sounding speakers as you do. I see this a lot... the OP asks for advice with in a certain budget and then is told to save his money to do this and that. This is good advice if they have a large budget or are willing to spend more down the road. Some people truly only want to throw $500-$600 at an audio set-up.

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Ataru074

· #13 · Nov 8, 2010

Quote:
Originally Posted by benclement11 /forum/post/19450612

Need to remember that not all people care as much about perfect sounding speakers as you do. I see this a lot... the OP asks for advice with in a certain budget and then is told to save his money to do this and that. This is good advice if they have a large budget or are willing to spend more down the road. Some people truly only want to throw $500-$600 at an audio set-up.

well... than the energy take classic would be a really nice upgrade.

I was just pointing that between the HTIB, the energy/receiver/sub and a "bigger" setup IMHO the difference is quite amazing for anyone... and is like black and white difference for each step... than to have the same "black and white" experience you have to really invest important amount of money not only in the equipment but also (in room treatment etc. etc. etc.)

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bsweet0us

Discussion Starter · #14 · Nov 16, 2010

Well, we've moved to a new thread and I appreciate the advice and suggestions thus far.

I decided on the Jamo S406 HCS 1 from Vann's and the BIC America F12 from www.shopblt.com (Amazon price went up!), but now I'm second-guessing myself as far as which receiver to go with.

If you'd like to contribute to that discussion, please feel free as I can use all the advice I can get.

THANKS!

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