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Need some advice on my first system

post #1 of 7
9/4/10 at 1:16pm
Thread Starter 

 

I'm looking to build an audio system from the ground up to go with the great video I have. I have Blu-Ray (PS3) and a full HD Sony TV using HDMI and all that, but the built-in speakers on my TV are obviously nowhere near good enough. I wouldn't call myself an "audiophile" by any stretch of the imagination, but I think I have pretty good ears for more subtle differences in speakers and headphones. My main question is what exactly do I need to buy to have a good setup. Right now I'm tracking that I should pick up:

 

- Receiver

- Speakers

- Subwoofer

- Cables for it all

- Power protection 

- Brackets/furniture, etc

- Universal remotes

- SPL meter

 

I don't really want to spend too much money on this, but it's looking to be significantly more expensive than I imagined. I've seen that in general a HTiB is not nearly as good as something custom built, but they seem to be much cheaper.

 

My first question is are there any HTiBs worthwhile that wouldn't sound completely terrible?

 

Second question is can someone please recommend some brands to look at for the components I'd need to custom build?

 

Third: do the brands of equipment need to match? For example, is using a Pioneer receiver with Paradigm speakers and a Yamaha woofer okay?

 

Fourth: Is it possible to build a good system for less than $3k?

 

I appreciate the help!

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post #2 of 7
9/5/10 at 4:13pm

Hi Andrew,

 

The only HTiBs that are kinda worth the money are the ones made by Onkyo.  The Onkyo's come with a real receiver and with standard connections.  This means you can update speakers later if you want.  Of course the speakers are still cheap....

 

Brands:  For receivers check out Onkyo, Denon, Pioneer, Yamaha, and Harmon Kardon.  Avoid Sony stay far, far away from BOSE.  My favorites are Onkyo and Denon (I like the auto EQ that ships with them).  

 

Speakers:  Go to local stores and listen.  Then look online at SVS, Axiom, HSU, and others.  Regardless what you choose, always get the sub online (you get way for your money).

 

Get cables from monoprice.com or Blue Jeans Cables.

 

Only rule is keep the front soundstage 'timbre matched' (voice matched).  This means getting the speakers of the same brand that were meant to work together.  Most folks get the same brand for the surrounds as well (again, keeping things timbre matched). The sub can be from anyone. Other than this, no need to match brands.  

 

You can create a great sounding setup for $3000

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post #3 of 7
9/7/10 at 5:30pm

Agreed all around.  Pioneer used to have a HTIB that wasn't trash, not sure if they still do or not.

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post #4 of 7
9/7/10 at 5:48pm

Andrew,

 

You want the receiver that will be the hub of your system where all of the audio and video sources are connected together.  The receiver will then send the Video to your TV which will be nothing more than a monitor and the Audio will be sent to your speakers.   Receivers vary in their ability to do this.  Some of the entry level HTib don't do this very well therefore you need to spend more to get the results you wish to receive.

 

Once you decide on what functions you want your receiver to perform then how your system will sound will be determined by the speaker system you select.  This will be the most difficult choice for you to make as a $1,000 receiver cannot make a cheep speaker system sound good.

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post #5 of 7
9/12/10 at 6:39pm

Greetings Andrew

 

There are countless possibilities for a nice sounding HT system in the $3K ball park.  I would be happy to discuss your room/sound needs further.  More importantly, I can offer you a great system quote over your local national brick and mortar retailer.  Keep in mind these retailers are corporate/shareholder based, not always selling consumers products for their best intentions but rather for the needs of the company.  Look me up when you get some free time.

 

Regards,

Frank

info@htesolutions.com

www.htesolutions.com

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post #6 of 7
9/13/10 at 9:03am

I just want to point out that Frank is currently a sponsor

of Home Theater Forum and that he is a trusted dealer.

 

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post #7 of 7
9/13/10 at 6:31pm

Thank you Ronald for posting your comment.  I only wish to provide open/honest communication to the forum members. 

 

Regards,

Frank

www.htesolutions.com

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