Lance Hworth
Auditioning
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2002
- Messages
- 2
I have an old Sony STR-DA1ES. I think I got it back in 2003 and if I remember right, it was the "entry receiver of Sony's top of the line ES line". I paid up for it but it was not the absolute best Sony had. I paired it with a set of Infinity home theater speakers (center, two fronts, two surround). Those speaker were probably purchased in 1998 or so. I also have two 10 inch powered subs (one Infinity, one Polk Audio). I have a home theater room (roughly 12X16). All this has been matched with my Sony 60 SXRD TV that I bought in 2006. I watch regular TV (in surround sound) and movies on DVD and Blu Ray. For the most part I have been very satisfied with the whole package, understanding that it was all getting dated. Well, the TV just blew up (it's own story) and I am replacing it with another 60 inch Sony LED. Sony is giving me a deal on the TV so I have a little extra money to spend. I was thinking about going ahead and updating the audio part. I have identified two what I think are pretty good deals on a receiver and speakers. The Pioneer VSX-821 (regularly $330, on sale $200) and the Polk Audio RM85 speakers (regularly $500, on sale $150). My question: If I replace my existing audio equipment with this newer equipment, will I even be able to tell a difference? Is a middle of the road 2011 receiver better than a really good 2003 receiver? My current speaks show no wear at all, but does 15 years degrade sound quality? Thanks for any help or opinions you can offer. Anything is better than nothing, I promise!