Buying new or used home theater equipment (1 Viewer)

[Beckham]

I need some expert advice. I am new to this site and thought there might be some true experts here.
I am looking to buy a decent home theater package and not spend a ton of money. I was looking to buy a NEW Onkyo ht-s5100 for around $400.00 This system looks ok to me, is complete and has everything I would need. I now have the opportunity to by a Yamaha RXV-2095 receiver with 2 Klipsch rs-3 speakers and 1 Klipsch ksw-12 sub for $500.00. I know this reciever was high end for its time, (ten years ago).Also I would need to buy a center speaker and two rear speakers and a Ipod dock. My question is this. Is the used system too old and would not match up to the new Onkyo system I was looking at for $400.00 or would I be foolish to not buy the better Klipsch/Yamaha equipment? Any opinions out there?

Thankyou…Paul

 

[David Willow]

Hi Paul,

It's amazing what 10 years will do with electronics. When the Yamaha was new, it was quite impressive. It came with a price tag of $1500 or so. However, the receiver that comes with the Onkyo package is the 506. I would say the 506 is actually better then the old Yamaha. Feature wise, there's no comparison. The Onkyo wins due to the HDMI and updated listening modes.

The speakers, on the other hand, do not change alot and 10 years is nothing. If they sounded good before and they were taken care of, they should sound good now.

Have you listened to the Klipsch?

 

[Beckham]

David thanks for the advice, that's nice to know and I was kinda thinking what you told me. I have never heard the Klipsch speakers, but I do know they are good, probably way better than the speakers that come with the Onkyo system. It sounds like I would be better to go with the new Onkyo?
I don't know a whole lot about this stuff. That's why I came here.

Paul

 

[David Willow]

Paul,

If you haven't heard Klispch, you should before you buy. They have a sound that some folks really like, and other really dislike. They are a quality brand, they're just not for everyone. So while they may be way better on paper, you may not like them, which is what is really important.