my first home theater system: help me save a little money (1 Viewer)

Hi. I need help with my first home theater setup. This is what I have picked out so far, but I realized I'm spending too much for my budget. I'd like to keep it under $3000 (including the TV).

Speakers: Axiom Epic Midi Home Theater System (with QSS4 and SS24 Stands)
$1287

TV: Toshiba 42H82
$1,300

Receiver: Marantz SR5200 (refurbished)
$350 w/shipping

DVD: Denon DVM-4800 (refurbished)
$360 w/shipping

Total: $3,300. That doesn't include AVIA, cables, an a/v rack and accessories.

The main two things I want to change are the reciever and DVD player (5-disc changing isn't required). I'm thinking about getting the Yamaha HTR-5550 receiver, which would be about $100 less than the refurbished Marantz. Is the Yamaha a good match with the speaker package?

As for DVD players, something in the $200 range would be nice. Is there a player in that range with progressive scan, SACD, and no chroma bug? I'm a little interested in SACD capabilities at this point, but it isn't required if I can't get it with my budget.

Any comments/suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Phil.

There is a Toshibs dvd player in your 200.00 or below price range that is progressive scan.It does not play SACD but it does play dvd audio.Nice unit for under 200.00 and has gotten many great reviews.Toshiba SD 4800 is the model number if you want to check up on it.BTW, if your looking at SACD or dvd audio players make sure the receivers your looking at has multichannel inputs for your SACD or dvd audio player.

Phil, I would go with the Yamaha. It will save you a little and be high current. As a general rule, spend half of the systems budget on the speakers since they will be the thing re-producing the music, sounds and dialog. I think the Axiom setup will splice well with the Yamaha well. The one thing I would sacrifice would be the TV. Maybe go for something for less. Half of the fun with HT is upgrading to better quality and newer technology in the future.

Well, the main reason I'm looking into the Toshiba RPTV is that I need something that can play both widescreen and full screen well. I watch a lot of X-Files on DVD, and the early seasons are all in 4:3. I heard the Toshiba is good for stretching 4:3 material.

What are some options for a cheaper TV?. The Samsung 30" Widescreen DynaFlat is under $1k. 4:3 material would look small on that, and I'm not sure how well it can stretch. I've never owned a HDTV, and my current TV is 27", so I'd definitely like to get a decent upgrade in screen size.

I'll look into the Toshiba SD 4800 tonight. I've been looking at lots of DVD players since last night, and I think I came across that one.

Ima disagree with Scott on getting the Yamaha. The marantz is a step up in reciever, and worth it. I've not heard axioms, but they are compared with Paradigm, as being slightly sibilant in the extreme highs, which will not match well with a Yamaha. The 5200 was very highly regarded sound-wise, and although it may be an older unit, it DOES provide 6 channels of amplification, something the yamaha does not. And for sure 6 channels of a sound that sound better than this yamaha would provide. Especially in 2-channel.

It'd be better to put together some DIY stands, and save some money there than by skimping on the reciever, IMO.

On a side note... ahhh... I remember the x-files from way back when. They were great, well up to the point when they moved to la. Then they went downhill, it's a shame I really enjoyed that show. :frowning:

I dunno much about TVs. The video display forums would be good reading for you. Run some searches, ask some questions, and you'll end up with a great system!

Heck yaa, go with the receiver that gives you more discrete channels for sure.

GEEEZ scott, that's twice you respond within like 30 seconds of my post!

The older 5200 does not, however do DTS-ES discrete. It is not "officially" DD-EX or DTS-ES matrix either, but it just uses a proprietary processing to achieve the same thing. (it's very simple to create a matrixed rear channel) Any difference(if any at all) is probably far outweighed by the differences in sound from the yamaha and the marantz.

My note of disclosure and bias: I own a 5300. IMO, yamaha is a little bit out-classed sound-wise by Denon/HK/Marantz.

It almost like Yahoo Messenger!

I decided to up my budget to $4000, I figured it would be better in the long run. I wasn't sure if I should make a new post or not, but if anyone reads this, let me know what you think.

Toshiba 42H83

Axiom speakers:
Millennia M22ti Bookshelves
QS4 Surrounds
VP100 Center

Adire Rava
Denon DVD-1600
Marantz SR5200

cables:
AR HT191 PRO SERIES COMPONENT VIDEO 6FT
AR HT152 PRO SERIES SUBW CABLE 12FT
AR HT180 PRO SERIES DIGITAL OPTICAL 3FT
AR HT131 PRO SERIES RCA AUDIO CABLE 6FT
(x3) AR HT220 PRO 12GA SPK WIRE & PINS 30FT

The TV is a little more expensive than the 42H82, but it has DVI. The 82 is "DVI upgradable". Both are on sale at Best Buy now.

I was going to get Acoustic Research cables at Best Buy. I noticed accessories4less.com (where I'm getting the Marantz) has everything in the Pro series, where Best Buy only sells the Performance series as far as I know. And it's nearly the same price! The s/h for the Reciever is $20, and it only went up $4 after adding the cables. So this really looks like a good deal to me.

I also noticed that a lot of people here with Axiom setups don't like the sub. The Rava worked out perfectly with this new budget, because everything listed totalled just 30 cents under $4k. This setup will be in my bedroom, which is probably 12x15ft. or so, so I think the Rava should be just fine from what I've read around here. The Axiom bookshelves and center are also an upgrade from the Epic Midi set.

Once again, any comments would be appreciated. I think I picked out the right cables. I won't be using the Denon's DVD-A yet, so I'm not getting the cables yet. I'll be running the DVD video to the TV, the DVD sound to receiver, and TV's audio to receiver.

phil, don't be afraid to use a yammi with axioms. i have the epic 60 package and use the yammi rxv1300, and love it.
dan