Hi everyone,
I've read a lot of info over the past few days (and nights) and am beginning to understand some of this audio language; and, am running out of time as the investment of time is eating into our meager coffer :-O If you could please help me narrow down our best value options, I'd be ever so grateful.
So, the situation is... We have a 22' wide x 14' deep living room w/ 9' ceiling open/adjacent to an identical sized kitchen (we sit on sofa at the 14' mark halfway between LR and Kitchen). After 14 years of pain and suffering, we are finally replacing a 37" tube tele with a new 65" Panasonic plasma Smart TV P65s60 (watch almost exclusively movies and always after lower-energy-cost 6 pm) with horrid sound coming from TV only.
We, obviously, have not engaged in the audio/video enthusiasts' lifestyle in the past, but are looking to invest in a new, 90% HT/ 10% music system which may be expandable in the future. We've checked out the Bose Acoustimass 6 III series at Costco for $750 but before opening the box I noticed there are no tweeters... hence my research began as it occurred to me that we might be able to get an awesome quality, expandable system for just a bit more. We clearly want the best we can get or never would have drooled over Bose for so many years.
In addition, we are looking at either an Ashley TV console, leaving room for floor standing speakers or wall mount speakers. Or, the entire entertainment center with side bookcases and a top bridge thereby limiting to bookshelf speakers for the front.
I am willing to give up the bookcases and case bridge provided that wall mount or floor speakers would provide the greatest sound-bang for our buck and better meet our goals. Plus, we're open to waiting for rear speakers when we can afford wireless add-ons. Surely, $1500 system without rears would blow us away compared to the current Toshiba tv “assault.”
So, my questions is... We have $1500 max and in search of the best beginning HT sound system at that price point.
AV receiver: I am looking into either the Yamaha HTR 3066 (same on comes with the Bose Acoustimass 6) at $299 MSRP or cnet's recommended Sony's STR DN840 at about $450. However, I would prefer to stay around $300 for the receiver and put the remaining $1200 into the sub woofer and/or speakers. After grazing your forum, am considering Onkyo.
Keeping in mind that it would be awesome (although not requirement) to have the option to add 2 speakers ea. for a second & third zone down the road. Which AV receiver do you recommend for us?
Speakers: Was looking at the highly acclaimed Energy Take Classic 5.1 or Monoprice 10565. And now, after gleaning your forum, wondering if floor standing speakers makes more sense. Would the M-Lores provide a better beginning set-up for future awesomeness? Or, do you have a better recommendation?
Subwoofer: No idea. I've read that it's better to, I think, "streamline" the components. Does this mean to keep within the same brand/line.
We have Wii, Dish Network, Macbook, iPad and iPhones
Got any suggestions that meet our needs?
Bottom line, $1500 to invest in great beginning HT surround sound system setup. Just not sure where to start in building a new system.
Thank you so much for your time and effort to rescue us newbies from audio-investment woes.
Angela
I've read a lot of info over the past few days (and nights) and am beginning to understand some of this audio language; and, am running out of time as the investment of time is eating into our meager coffer :-O If you could please help me narrow down our best value options, I'd be ever so grateful.
So, the situation is... We have a 22' wide x 14' deep living room w/ 9' ceiling open/adjacent to an identical sized kitchen (we sit on sofa at the 14' mark halfway between LR and Kitchen). After 14 years of pain and suffering, we are finally replacing a 37" tube tele with a new 65" Panasonic plasma Smart TV P65s60 (watch almost exclusively movies and always after lower-energy-cost 6 pm) with horrid sound coming from TV only.
We, obviously, have not engaged in the audio/video enthusiasts' lifestyle in the past, but are looking to invest in a new, 90% HT/ 10% music system which may be expandable in the future. We've checked out the Bose Acoustimass 6 III series at Costco for $750 but before opening the box I noticed there are no tweeters... hence my research began as it occurred to me that we might be able to get an awesome quality, expandable system for just a bit more. We clearly want the best we can get or never would have drooled over Bose for so many years.
In addition, we are looking at either an Ashley TV console, leaving room for floor standing speakers or wall mount speakers. Or, the entire entertainment center with side bookcases and a top bridge thereby limiting to bookshelf speakers for the front.
I am willing to give up the bookcases and case bridge provided that wall mount or floor speakers would provide the greatest sound-bang for our buck and better meet our goals. Plus, we're open to waiting for rear speakers when we can afford wireless add-ons. Surely, $1500 system without rears would blow us away compared to the current Toshiba tv “assault.”
So, my questions is... We have $1500 max and in search of the best beginning HT sound system at that price point.
AV receiver: I am looking into either the Yamaha HTR 3066 (same on comes with the Bose Acoustimass 6) at $299 MSRP or cnet's recommended Sony's STR DN840 at about $450. However, I would prefer to stay around $300 for the receiver and put the remaining $1200 into the sub woofer and/or speakers. After grazing your forum, am considering Onkyo.
Keeping in mind that it would be awesome (although not requirement) to have the option to add 2 speakers ea. for a second & third zone down the road. Which AV receiver do you recommend for us?
Speakers: Was looking at the highly acclaimed Energy Take Classic 5.1 or Monoprice 10565. And now, after gleaning your forum, wondering if floor standing speakers makes more sense. Would the M-Lores provide a better beginning set-up for future awesomeness? Or, do you have a better recommendation?
Subwoofer: No idea. I've read that it's better to, I think, "streamline" the components. Does this mean to keep within the same brand/line.
We have Wii, Dish Network, Macbook, iPad and iPhones
Got any suggestions that meet our needs?
Bottom line, $1500 to invest in great beginning HT surround sound system setup. Just not sure where to start in building a new system.
Thank you so much for your time and effort to rescue us newbies from audio-investment woes.
Angela
The Hybrid packages look better (spec wise) than the Orbs or the Pioneers I was referred to and they appear to have a 7 yr warranty: 
