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#1
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Thanks in advance. Steven PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. |
#2
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
Steven wrote:
Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals affecting cable sound in home audio? Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups. $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer. PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room... this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the 'blow you away' experience. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason |
#3
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
"Steven" wrote in message
... Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Thanks in advance. Steven PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. My initial surround system was a Sony 100 watt per channel 7.1 channel amp ($1,000.00) and 5 Infinity surround speakers and a 500 watt powered Infinity sub ($1,700.00). They are next class of Infinity above retail and into special order. Since then I've replaced the fronts with vintage Altec 846As ($900.00) and the difference is not only incredible but it's a phenomenal stereo for CDs. I also have the option of using the old fronts as side fills. The only adjustment was the output level to the Altecs. Now it's a Voice of the Theatre system with surround. That's well within your budget. Bob Walker |
#4
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
Steven wrote:
Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Thanks in advance. Steven PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. 1st, let replies come in! do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks! i've seen too many people do posts like yours and then buy something 3 days later! don't do that!! my one thought on your budget is that you may be able to only spend only ~$800 for the AVR, and use the extra $400 for the speakers i'll do a 2nd post in 1 or 2 days and give some additional/specific suggestions re cables (you're going to need more than a few), buy them from www.monoprice.com re speakers, i've been very very happy with my inexpensive (~$300) PSB Alpha B1 speakers; (Atkinson/Stereophile gave them very high marks, as do i) as well as my PSB center (~$350) C40 to me they are likely a good starting point buying on-line will likely provide savings given that 5.1 movie surround appears(?) to require a subwoofer (preferably 2, see: www.harman.com/wp/pdf/multsubs.pdf) i'm running my two Martin Logan Dynamo subs ($1200) in a front back arrangement but there are less expensive subs out there more important is the front L/R. given that you get 2 subs, you'll only need fronts that are fair sized, and 2 way (meaning tweeter and one/two fair sized mid range driver(s)) the competition for that type of front L/R is intense and there are many many choices above are some specific ideas to get you started bill |
#5
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
Steven wrote:
... 5.1 speaker systems P.S. my self powered Dynamo subs cost $600 each, $1,200 for the pair bill |
#6
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
On Dec 15, 11:26 am, willbill wrote:
1st, let replies come in! do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks! i've seen too many people do posts like yours and then buy something 3 days later! don't do that!! This is very good advice. OTOH, if there's anyone out there who's lazy and just wants to be told what to buy, here's what I'd say: Buy the best Paradigm speaker set you can afford. And then buy the best Denon receiver you can afford with what's left. Can you do better? Probably. But for people who don't want to put the time and effort into speaker evaluation, this approach at least guarantees that your system will not suck. bob |
#7
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
bob wrote:
On Dec 15, 11:26 am, willbill wrote: 1st, let replies come in! do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks! i've seen too many people do posts like yours and then buy something 3 days later! don't do that!! This is very good advice. OTOH, if there's anyone out there who's lazy and just wants to be told what to buy, here's what I'd say: Buy the best Paradigm speaker set you can afford. And then buy the best Denon receiver you can afford with what's left. Can you do better? Probably. But for people who don't want to put the time and effort into speaker evaluation, this approach at least guarantees that your system will not suck. bob very good advice by you also i figure i'll wait a few days and see if he has the willingness to do any work with some follow-up posting i don't have any Paradigm speakers, nor knowledge of them; i do have an inexpensive ($800) 1 year old Denon AVR, and am rather impressed with it a good AVR is a good AVR is a good AVR. it is, however, the most complex piece of hardware (music/video) that i've ever owned; especially the remote. i still only know half of what it can do and making 5.1 sound adjustments (for the "6" speakers (5 +2 subs) it a total pain when i bought my 2nd sub 10 days ago, i asked the sales guy (fairly knowledgeable) if any of their other good AVRs (all Denon and Pioneer Elite) were any more easy to use. he said: "not really" which frankly shocks me bill |
#8
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan wrote:
Steven wrote: Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals affecting cable sound in home audio? Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups. $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer. PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room... this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the 'blow you away' experience. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks. |
#9
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
Steven wrote:
On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan wrote: Steven wrote: Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals affecting cable sound in home audio? Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups. $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer. PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room... this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the 'blow you away' experience. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks. www.realtraps.com has lots of information and products. Ethan Winer (the owner) posts often to AVSforum.com, audioholics.com and other audio forums to answer questions about acoustic treatment. (Both of those forums have subforums devoted to room acoustics and treatment) Terry Montlick on AVSforum.com is another good source of information, and offers room analysis services. http://www.softwaredesign.com/ RPG Acoustics (www.rpginc.com) and GIK Acoustics (www.gikacoustics.com) are two other reputable acoustic treatment sources. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason |
#10
Posted to rec.audio.high-end
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Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers
On Dec 16, 4:26 pm, Steven Sullivan wrote:
Steven wrote: On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan wrote: Steven wrote: Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron. I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it. As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my copy from the library). Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals affecting cable sound in home audio? Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200 for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system. Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups. $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer. PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers, so I am not used to very high quality audio. You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room... this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the 'blow you away' experience. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks. www.realtraps.comhas lots of information and products. Ethan Winer (the owner) posts often to AVSforum.com, audioholics.com and other audio forums to answer questions about acoustic treatment. (Both of those forums have subforums devoted to room acoustics and treatment) Terry Montlick on AVSforum.com is another good source of information, and offers room analysis services. http://www.softwaredesign.com/ RPG Acoustics (www.rpginc.com) and GIK Acoustics (www.gikacoustics.com) are two other reputable acoustic treatment sources. ___ -S "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy, metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason Thanks for the link Steven. |
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