[StarGen]

I am upgrading my HT setup and have $2000 to spend. I will need a new receiver and speakers for a 7.1 audio setup.



I will be connecting the following devices to the receiver

50 Inch Samsung 5084

Xbox 360 (HDMI)

Wii (Component)

Sony BD player (HDMI)

Bell HDPVR (HDMI)


I am open to any suggestions.

 

[baronzemo78]

Spend $1500 on speakers and the rest on a receiver.

 

[TomsHT]

I would suggest putting more on the receiver specially if you want to get something with at least 3-4 HDMI inputs plus ability to decode high def audio tracks.

 

[StarGen]

I was thinkning I should spend around 800 on the receiver and 1200 on speakers. I was thinking about the Onkyo HT-RC160, but I cant find any reviews on it.

 

[Princess Aurora]

I'd suggest putting off 7.1 for the moment and putting it all into a better 5.1 setup. The $200-300 you might spend on back rear channels is better served getting better mains or a better subwoofer. You can always add 2 more speakers later, but it's very expensive and wasteful to upgrade existing ones.


The most important thing is the speakers. Once you get good speakers you really like, there's no reason to upgrade them ever. Receivers come and go with new technology, but speakers can go virtually forever with no need for replacement.

 

[StarGen]

what speakers would you suggest I get for the 5.1 setup

 

[TomsHT]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16840419


I was thinkning I should spend around 800 on the receiver and 1200 on speakers. I was thinking about the Onkyo HT-RC160, but I cant find any reviews on it.

I guess the big question is do you definitely want to get everything within this budget or perhaps on a piece plan that you can keep adding to it. You certainly can get a nice receiver for $800 so please dont let me put you off, Im just thinking of my pioneer elite which I spent $1,800 just for that (4 hdmi inputs). Also you could easily spend as much on a kick a$$ sub and you definetly can get speakers from a widdddeee range of prices....


Not sure of the hate towards 7.1 systems, I absolutely love hearing sound coming from an additional direction. Lets face it, its not actuall "surround sound" if its not coming from all sides...

Also Im not sure if this is something you want to do or not but now is a great time for buying used, you might be able to find some absolutely fantastic deals. You just have to know exactly what your looking for and there values.

 

[StarGen]

The problem I have is I dont really know where to begin. I guess I should first start by picking out a receiver. I need one that will give me 4 HDMI inputs and possible 2 outputs (Not sure if I can get that for my price range). I am looking for the best bang for the buck, but dont want to go over $1000 for the receiver.

 

[In2Photos]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16840540


The problem I have is I dont really know where to begin. I guess I should first start by picking out a receiver. I need one that will give me 4 HDMI inputs and possible 2 outputs (Not sure if I can get that for my price range). I am looking for the best bang for the buck, but dont want to go over $1000 for the receiver.

Why the need for 2 outputs? You can always get a splitter if you really need two outputs.


I would find your speakers first. You will likely have the speakers longer than any receiver you buy. My speakers are about to get put on their third receiver. For a $2000 budget I think you will be hard pressed to find a nice 7.1 setup. I would opt for 5.1 for now like mentioned above (not hating like also was said above). The internet direct folks will give you more bang for the buck, but you won't get to listen before buying. They offer 30 day money back guarantees, but you pay return shipping.


You could get something like this from Axiom: http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicmidi_main.html starting at about $1300. That leaves you with ~$700 for receiver and wires. A Denon 1910 or Yamaha Rx-V665 fits that bill.

 

[Ethenolas]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Princess Aurora /forum/post/16840442


I'd suggest putting off 7.1 for the moment and putting it all into a better 5.1 setup. The $200-300 you might spend on back rear channels is better served getting better mains or a better subwoofer. You can always add 2 more speakers later, but it's very expensive and wasteful to upgrade existing ones.

+1


Shoot for 5.1 and upgrade later.


The Infinity Beta line is fabulous for the money.


2 x Beta 50 fronts

C360 center

2 x Beta 20 surrounds

SW-12 Sub


Those should be in your range.


If these are in your area...Ebay #260445581635 What a DEAL!!

If you could land that you could get a pair of Beta 20s easily for 120 and have enough cash left over to get a SW-12 (~$400) and great amp/processor or receiver. At that price you could get another pair of 20s for 7.1 if you wanted.


Those Beta 50s should retail about 500 each btw...

the C360 ~400


Harman Kardon makes good receivers...they are rated honestly...so dont get turned off by specs.


You are going to need more than a 254 to power those 50s.


Look at a B&K receivers (AVR 307), maybe some more powerful HK

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by TomsHT /forum/post/16840493


I guess the big question is do you definitely want to get everything within this budget or perhaps on a piece plan that you can keep adding to it. You certainly can get a nice receiver for $800 so please dont let me put you off, Im just thinking of my pioneer elite which I spent $1,800 just for that (4 hdmi inputs). Also you could easily spend as much on a kick a$$ sub and you definetly can get speakers from a widdddeee range of prices....


Not sure of the hate towards 7.1 systems, I absolutely love hearing sound coming from an additional direction. Lets face it, its not actuall "surround sound" if its not coming from all sides...

Also Im not sure if this is something you want to do or not but now is a great time for buying used, you might be able to find some absolutely fantastic deals. You just have to know exactly what your looking for and there values.

5.1 has sound from all sides if setup right! 7.1 adds a back channel for more direct sound behind you it does really create more sound around you. A properly setup 5.1 sounds as good as a 7.1 which is processed from a 5.1 track anyways. Very few movies are 7.1 so 7.1 quality is related to the AVR processing quality. Note: I have a 7.1 system so Im not against it but Im logical about it and I try not to exeggerate too much.


Whatever he spends his money he should budget 3/4 or more towards speakers, its the best configuration. SQ is all about the speakers and not about electronics.....you are chasing ghosts when you start to worry about spending money on electronics.


The OP can pick up a 2 year old AVR below 300 that plays ALL formats just by using PCM. Something like the PS3 can decode it all and send it over PCM so its a completely foolish move to spend more then $300 on an AVR when your over all budget is $2K.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16840419


I was thinkning I should spend around 800 on the receiver and 1200 on speakers. I was thinking about the Onkyo HT-RC160, but I cant find any reviews on it.

Way too much on the AVR when you are spending ONLY 1200 on 5.1 speakers.....your system will not be that great compared to a guy with $1700 in speakers and one of the many $300 2 year old AVR options out there.


Yes, $500 increase in speakers is worth it....Note...the increase should be in the MAIN speakers...buy the cheapest viable surrounds you can and upgrade later!!

 

[s44]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16840419


I was thinkning I should spend around 800 on the receiver and 1200 on speakers. I was thinking about the Onkyo HT-RC160, but I cant find any reviews on it.

What country are you in? The Onkyo isn't a bad choice, but you can get it for $400 . That's about the right amount to spend, IMO.

 

[StarGen]

I am in Canada, but have family in the US that can ship stuff up to me if needed.

 

[StarGen]

ok, So it looks like I will expand my budget a little. Probably end up being closer to $2500.


I have decided I am going to go with the Onkyo TX-SR706. Should be able to get one for under $800. That will leave me with $1700 for 5 speakers and a sub. I am not really one for floor speakers as the kids might tip them over.

 

[HockeyKat]

If you go to 6ave.com and use their name your price sale, you might be able to get the Pioneer Elite SC-07 for $800-900... you can put multiple offers in at the same time so could try for the Onkyo at a lower price as well.

 

[penngray]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16841083


ok, So it looks like I will expand my budget a little. Probably end up being closer to $2500.


I have decided I am going to go with the Onkyo TX-SR706. Should be able to get one for under $800. That will leave me with $1700 for 5 speakers and a sub. I am not really one for floor speakers as the kids might tip them over.

I have a Denon 2809 just sitting around that I will sell for $750

 

[Ethenolas]



Quote:
Originally Posted by StarGen /forum/post/16841083


ok, So it looks like I will expand my budget a little. Probably end up being closer to $2500.


I have decided I am going to go with the Onkyo TX-SR706. Should be able to get one for under $800. That will leave me with $1700 for 5 speakers and a sub. I am not really one for floor speakers as the kids might tip them over.

How big are your kids? Those beta 50s weigh close to 70lb each and have carpet spikes and rubber feet lol

 

[MichaelJHuman]

I think speakers on stands are easier to knock over than floor speakers.


Bookshelf speakers are cheaper though, as a general rule.

 

[thebland]

Wait until you have $5000.... then get what you really want.