Opinions .. Old audio guy going 5.1

[DMHenrie]

I have been an Audio guy for years, but recently with the addition of a Sony
Grand Wega HDTV, I am turning to the home theater scene. Unfortunately I do
not have the budget I use to have, so I would like to use some of the more
quality components I already have in my possession, and add to them to
create a good 5.1, or 6.1 system. I have talked to local audio/video stores
and they just want to sell me everything new, and tell me that my old
equipment (primarily speakers that I want to reuse) are just old technology
and are poor. My conjecture is that quality is quality, and if I liked the
sound for the past 20 years, and they are still in mint condition, what is
wrong with re-useing them. In additoon, since my budget is around
$2000-$2500, either I reuse the present and add a new receiver and
rear/center speakers, OR I get a new THIB, which I believe to be of poorer
quality throughout. Problem is, that I cannot get any recommendations as to
which new speakers would match my older speakers. The ones I want to reuse
are "Either" Dahlquist DQ-20's, or JBL 4311 Studio Monitors (Whichever I can
match better). I also have a JBL Pro 12" sub, that I will continue to use
for time being. Receiver will probably be a new Harman Kardon AVR 7300, or
equivalent.
So what are your thoughts and recommendations as to which rear, and center
speakers would be a match for what I want. For those who dont know about my
current brands, The Dalhquist are large floor speakers, and rather
inefficient with a very flat response and good spatial quality, the JBL's on
the contrast are large bookshelf and rather directional speakers with high
efficiency. Both have wide frequency range, although the JBL's are slightly
brighter in sound. SO is $1000 of my budget goes to the A/V receiver, then
that will leave about $1000-$1500 for Rears, a good Center, and possibly the
beginnings of a better sub. Ideas or Opinions ?

[ddr]

I too am old and have also gotten into HT, but in a big way and still keep a
separate music 2chnl syst.

If you have 4311 and like them, don't sell them, enjoy them to the full
potential. Get on to Ebay or Audiogon. Search for additional used 4311,
they come up quite often. Get 4 more for under a grand easy.

Then, get yourself a nice sony or comparable receiver...something that is
easy for you to use and will display the navigation of setup and use on your
screen (priority for oldguys, screen easy, receiver led, bad).

Get a nice sub, and have fun.

I have been spending for years, and the key to happiness is fun.

Best wishes and enjoy the electrons.

Loren

"DMHenrie" > wrote in message
.. .
>I have been an Audio guy for years, but recently with the addition of a
>Sony Grand Wega HDTV, I am turning to the home theater scene. Unfortunately
>I do not have the budget I use to have, so I would like to use some of the
>more quality components I already have in my possession, and add to them to
>create a good 5.1, or 6.1 system. I have talked to local audio/video stores
>and they just want to sell me everything new, and tell me that my old
>equipment (primarily speakers that I want to reuse) are just old technology
>and are poor. My conjecture is that quality is quality, and if I liked the
>sound for the past 20 years, and they are still in mint condition, what is
>wrong with re-useing them. In additoon, since my budget is around
>$2000-$2500, either I reuse the present and add a new receiver and
>rear/center speakers, OR I get a new THIB, which I believe to be of poorer
>quality throughout. Problem is, that I cannot get any recommendations as to
>which new speakers would match my older speakers. The ones I want to reuse
>are "Either" Dahlquist DQ-20's, or JBL 4311 Studio Monitors (Whichever I
>can match better). I also have a JBL Pro 12" sub, that I will continue to
>use for time being. Receiver will probably be a new Harman Kardon AVR 7300,
>or equivalent.
> So what are your thoughts and recommendations as to which rear, and center
> speakers would be a match for what I want. For those who dont know about
> my current brands, The Dalhquist are large floor speakers, and rather
> inefficient with a very flat response and good spatial quality, the JBL's
> on the contrast are large bookshelf and rather directional speakers with
> high efficiency. Both have wide frequency range, although the JBL's are
> slightly brighter in sound. SO is $1000 of my budget goes to the A/V
> receiver, then that will leave about $1000-$1500 for Rears, a good Center,
> and possibly the beginnings of a better sub. Ideas or Opinions ?
>