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Is this a good system for $800?

#1
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5/27/09 at 8:18am
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Paradigm Cinema 90 CT v.3 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System $600

AVR Denon 1709 $200.

Room size 17x20, used for music and a few movies once in a while.

That is basically what i set as a budget. Both items are brand new in the boxes.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks
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#2
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5/27/09 at 11:22am
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

Receiver -- the 1709 doesn't do audio over HDMI which is desirable these days, probably the reason you are finding it discontinued & on clearance. The cheapest I'd go on receiver is Yamaha 465/Onkyo 507 in the $330-345 range.

Speakers -- for that Paradigm set it's mainly whether you prefer dipole surrounds or standard direct radiating, that set uses dipole. That's more of a personal preference thing, there are arguments both ways.

If going with the more expensive receiver, and thus needing cheaper speakers to stay in budget, I'd go with something like the Energy Take Classic package. Or just up the budget if you prefer the Paradigm set.
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#3
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6/3/09 at 7:09am
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

How about this instead for a starter setup?
AVR
Onkyo 507

Speakers
And i noticed that there are several places that have the Energy C100 Bookshelf and Center Channel speakers marked down. So I am thinking get the C100 front L/R and center use my current rear surrounds and down the road pick up an SVS or HSU Sub.

I think it would run about $600 without the Sub

Do I really need the sub right now given the c100's are bookshelf speakers?
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#4
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6/3/09 at 8:22am
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

You need a sub with bookshelves. Really I think most home theater enthusiasts think a sub is required, period. The bookshelves are only going to get you bass response to maybe 65-70 hz. Really need the sub to cover the bottom two octaves. If you are looking for cheaper sub than SVS/Hsu then maybe try thespeakercompany T-250 @ $250, which has gotten some good reviews.

With a good sub I think that would be a good long term setup, not just a "starter".
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#5
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6/3/09 at 9:15pm
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

Since they are only $40 more do you think the Onkyo 507 could adequately power the C200's? Will there be a noticeable difference between the C100's and C200's when i add a sub down the road?
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#6
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6/4/09 at 9:49am
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

Power wouldn't be a problem, but if you are going to crossover at 80hz you really wouldn't be getting much benefit from the 200's greater bass extension when running with a sub.
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#7
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6/4/09 at 5:38pm
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Re: Is this a good system for $800?

I am glad you are here Stephen, thanks for you help. I currently have in wall speakers in my kitchen, will i be able to use those as Zone 2 with the Onkyo 507.
My old HK had an a/b button on it but i don't see one on the Onkyo.
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