Complete Package for around $1000? (1 Viewer)

[RaviK]

Hi,

I've been posting the same question at various HT forums. I'm just another newbie looking for some pointers on where to start. Yes, my budget tight for a complete package. But then I guess this should be fine for a 300 sq ft living room. I am not interested in the "Home theater in box" kind of solutions, since I didn't read good reviews about them. I am willing to go upto $1200, though.

My friends were suggesting I should get a really good receiver and an average speakers so that I can upgrade easily later. Would like to know your take on this. Any advice very much appreciated!!

Current Configuration :
Panasonic Progression Scan 5 - DVD
Looking to buy a nice Panasonic Projection TV

Thanks!

 

[Ramon A]

You can get a really good receiver and average speakers for $1200 and that may work just fine .
But I personally went the other way and got really good speakers and a $100 receiver. And this has worked out. every one who heres it, thinks it's fabulous. Now I had a nice hk with average speakers and was not happy with the sound.
So I would go speakers first receiver second.
just my $.02

my speakers are klipch 5.1 system $2,000.00
wal mart system in a box receiver $100.00
this will get upgraded to dennon 7.1 system later
you could probably get good speakers for $1200 if you shop wisely and get a cheap receiver

 

[RaviK]

Thanks Ramon! Could you throw some suggestions? One of the forums suggested a Rocket ELT (it includes their speaker package and a Denon 1804). I'm seriously considering this, but like to research more before finalizing.

 

[JeremyR]

You could get 4 Paradigm Atoms

http://www.stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/664/


a Paradigm CC-170

http://www.audioreview.com/pscSpeake...4_2743crx.aspx


and a Dayton Sub (which I don't know anything about, but people seem to like)


http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshow...number=300-632



for around $600 (with 15% off retail from Paradigm dealer which you should expect to get)




Pair those up with a receiver such as

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....product&cmp=++



and you'd be all set for under $1,000





I have two atoms as surrounds, along with two Paradigm Titans for mains and the CC-170 and I love them.

 

[RaviK]

Any idea about Athena Point5 System MK II with ASP300? OneCall.com has an offer for them for $500. I was thinking I can easily upgrade the front speakers to an ASF2 later.

 

[David Judah]

I haven't heard the Athena's, but some owners have given them good reviews for a budget system on the AV Science Forum. Some have been pairing them with the Panasonic receivers with the digital amps(the SA-XR series, not the HE series)and have said it outperformed their expectations.

Incidently, Sears is going out of the component audio business and is running receivers 50% off. If they have any left in your area, you could probably get a great deal. I picked up a floor model Panasonic SA-XR25 for under a hundred bucks(regularly $270). Here is a coupon for an extra $10 off that is applicable to clearance items as well.

Good luck,
DJ

 

[Tim Stumpf]

Definately put more thought, time and money into the speakers. A good set of speaker that you really like are an investment that you'll enjoy for years. I've had the same tower speakers for more than 20 years and I still love them. In that time, I've had 5 different receivers.

 

[Drew_W]

Have you gone shopping yet? While H/T forums can be incredibly useful, we really can't substitute for actual auditioning. What works for someone may not work for you...

 

[RaviK]

I guess I will concentrate more on the speakers.


Drew,
Yes I went to a local sound track and tried the Klipsch RF15 package (matching sub and surround) on a Denon 1604. They sounded a little sharp to me. I guess on prolonged hearing, they will wear my ears down.

What I'm trying to do right now is to prepare an audition list based on all your recommendations. Once I have four to five items in the list, I will start auditioning them and finalize on something. Here is the list I have so far:

1) Rocket ELT - 1
2) JBL Combo: JBL E30, JBL E10, JBL EC25, JBL E150P.
3) Jeremy's suggestion above

The Rocket package works out to be a little more than my budget. But if they are really good, I might take them.

Receivers would be either a Yahama HTR-5760 or a Denon 1804