Upgrading...what should be the next step (1 Viewer)

[MandyHan]

So I have two Yamaha floor speakers (777 model that retailed for 300 each), a $200 center channel, and some leftover home theater in a box speakers for surrounds. Oh yeah, and I have a 900 series Sony receiver from about 4 years ago.

I think the floor speakers and center channel are sufficient, so I guess its the surrounds and receiver I am most concerned about. Am I going to be happier with a Yamaha receiver? I think between surround speakers and a receiver, I'd like to spend around 1000-1200.

Lemme know what you think...thanks

 

[Arthur S]

You didn't mention having a subwoofer. If you don't have a sub, that should be your first priority. If you do, what kind?

 

[John Garcia]

With the receiver being Sony, that would DEFINITELY be the very next thing I replaced.

 

[Brian_cyberbri]

1000-1200 is a lot of money for an upgrade.

I agree. Take that budget and get a nice sub ($400-600) and a nice receiver ($300-400, you can find good deals on refurbs). Maybe some smaller surround speakers as well in that budget.

After that, the next $1000 could go towards new mains and center and you'd be set.

 

[MandyHan]

I actually have a pretty decent yamaha sub that I was happy with. I have to pick it up in Michigan next week, so I'll find out from there if I'm still happy with it.

I think the Sony Receiver is the next thing to go though.

Can someone link me to good surround recommendations? I was looking at some Polks off Crutchfield, but I wonder since my floor speakers are so much bigger if it makes a difference.

thanks

 

[Arthur S]

Mandy

Please take a look at these surround speakers. What I really like about them is that they can be switched from direct radiators to bipoles, to dipoles. This covers all the bases for surround applications. The company also has a 45 day return policy that is very generous.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/s...item=c1s300ZZZ

 

[MandyHan]

So the switch is on the speakers that I would switch if I was going from say watching a DVD to playing music?

 

[Arthur S]

That is exactly right.

 

[Chuck Bogie]

IMHO, see if you can buy some bookshelf speaks made with the same drivers as your floor speaks... Having the same general "sound" all the way around _really_ makes a difference (been there, done that...). I think that'd give you the biggest bang for your buck sonically... Next, I'd look toward a better AVR.

 

[MandyHan]

I'll probably get the rear surrounds and floor speakers at the same time. Just curious, how crappy are Sony receivers. This one was about 500 and after getting it I heard it has quite of bit of distortion, but I bought it at the time because the other stuff I had (400 disc changer, dvd) were Sony as well.

Is there anything wrong with getting Yamaha. I guess the others I'm looking at are Denon and HK.

 

[RichardH]

Denon, HK, Yamaha, those are all fine brands for receivers, and a step up from your old Sony (model dependent of course). Of those three I like Denon. You might also give Onkyo a look, they have very solid receivers in the $300-$500 range.