Help Me Pick Out A New System! *I'm New To Home Audio* (1 Viewer)

[SuicideBobb]

Just a heads up, this is not a direct copy of the last thread. I'm going towards a similar goal but with a different approach, a thread revamp if you will. Sorry for any confusion!

I am planning on upgrading my dad's current system for Christmas. At the moment, it consists of a Sony STR-DE595 receiver, KLH E12D powered sub, Altec Lansing fronts and rears (crap), and a JBL center without a model # so I took some pics:




The other day, I picked up a Kenwood KS-401HT 5.1 system for $40, which I thought was a pretty good deal. It looks great, and the speakers sound pretty nice, but the sub actually isn't as good as the KLH...Not as clean, or as loud. I credit that for it being a $500 system (with the receiver) from like 1998, but still, I expected more from Kenwood. So, I plan on keeping the sub for myself, which is definitely better than no sub

The JBL center is also waaaay better, louder and clearer, which definitely doesn't surprise me since the JBL has 3 speakers while the Kenwood has a single 4". So...I'm keeping that guy, too.

By the way, I am kind of set on satellite speakers because we don't have room for much else. I may be able to squish some floorstanding speakers between the wall and the shelf that hold the receiver and stuff on one side (no problem on the other side), but I know that would make a ton of rattling noises. I guess I could fit some in the back too, which wouldn't be a hassle. I may change my mind though, If you guys could convince me outside of satellites. If you do, I guess I will just keep the kenwood's for myself

So, I'm kind of back to square one and I have maybe 20 days to find a new system under $200 (preferably under $150). Sounds impossible, but I have found some really killer deals on craigslist so nothing is too far out. Here are some examples of what I found today:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ele/1484241567.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/ele/1487688505.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/ele/1485966716.html

For the Pioneer/JBL system, do you think the problem with the large speakers is wiring, or something worse? Sounds like wiring to me. I'm sure that they would greatly complement the JBL center, and solve the problem of satellite fronts. Plus, I did some quick research and found that the large ones cost like $500 used...sounds like a good deal to me! But, would the receiver be better or worse than the Sony? I'll probably keep the worst of the two.

With the Klipsch system, I'm kind of wary of the sub. Our center table is much bigger, and we are not gunna move it. At the corner of our two couches is a similarly sized table, but we use it to set our drinks on and I fear that they will bounce right off with a big sub hit. Plus, I have no idea what to search to find the model #'s of the stuff...Can anyone help me out with all of this stuff?

I'm definitely liking the Klipsch KSW15, but he lists it as a 10 so I'm not sure if its the KSW10 or KSW15. They were $500 new, and its 800 watts compared to the 130 watt KLH, so I know its going to make an epic difference.

I just can't decide what to do because I don't have enough experience in the realm of home audio...but now is a good beginning! I only have a vague idea of what is good (Klipsch, JBL, Polk), and bad (altec lansing), so I have a hard to looking for a system outside of my comfort zone. If someone has some time to spare and could answer at least most of the questions I asked, and give some advice/tips on anything, I would greatly appreciate it. Maybe you even would want to do a Craigslist search starting here: http://portland.craigslist.org/ele/ and find an even better setup? Don't go out of your way unless you enjoy using craigslist (like me). Also...I'm only buying from Portland, OR Craigslist, so that should eliminate a lot of variables.

Thanks for any and all help! Every bit counts!

-Dylan

 

[Robert_J]

Please summarize the above informatin. What is your budget? What are your goals? What equipment are you looking for?

I'm not even going to address the incorrect comments above because there are too many. Start with an open mind and don't make assumptions.

 

[SuicideBobb]

Originally Posted by Robert_J

Please summarize the above informatin. What is your budget? What are your goals? What equipment are you looking for?

I'm not even going to address the incorrect comments above because there are too many. Start with an open mind and don't make assumptions.

I have no idea how to end a quote, so...

END QUOTE

Sorry, I had a feeling that plenty of the stuff I said was wrong. I have been in the car audio biz for a while, but I haven't even dealt with home audio at all. Here's my summary...

$200 budget, preferably $150. Currently prefer satellite/monitor speakers, need someone to convince me otherwise if there is a big difference. Need some opinions on the craigslist listings I posted. Need to know what in the current system is worth replacing (i.e. the receiver, sub, etc.). Would like it if someone would take the time to research craigslist for a good deal for me, only if they really want to go out of their way for entertainment, curiosity, etc.

Repost of current owned system(s): Sony STR-DE595 receiver, KLH E12D powered sub, Altec Lansing fronts and rears, a JBL center without a model #, Kenwood KS-401HT 5.1 (no receiver).

Thanks!

-Dylan

 

[Rich Allen]

Those Craigslist links don't seem to be there anymore. I keep getting a 404 error trying to look at them.

 

[SuicideBobb]

You have to delete the [404] thing at the end, for whatever reason this forum tacks that on there.

-Dylan

 

[Parker Clack]

Actually the links work they just are pointed to pages on craigslist that aren't there.

 

[SuicideBobb]

So I went out and got the Klipsch KSW-15 for $70...only to figure out its the KSW-150 *sigh*

Still a good sub, but only marginally better than the KLH. I'm starting to think that the KLH was a good decision by my father.

 

[SuicideBobb]

Why doesn't anybody on this forum answer my questions?

 

[JohnRice]

Well, I looked through your post and I'm not sure I even see any questions. Might have something to do with it.

 

[SuicideBobb]

ctrl+f

then

?

then

enter

thats how you can find my questions

 

[Robert_J]

Most of your questions refer to the Craigslist links that no one can get to. Your other question is so general "Can anyone help me with this?" it is just too wide open.

You answered my budget question but that is it. What are you wanting to do? Explain it in a way that doesn't assume we can read your mind or that we have been hanging out with you for years.

 

[SuicideBobb]

I still have no idea why no one can get to them. all you do is paste the link in the url bar and delete the [/url] part at the end.

I'll just update things to make it easier. I replaced the KLH sub with a Klipsch KSW-150 ($80), and the front altec lansing monitors with Wharfedale Valdus 400's ($60).

Questions:

1. Did I make the right choices with the Klipsch & Wharfedale's? Price and performance wise.
2. Is it worth it to replace the receiver at this point? Recap: It's a Sony STR-DE595
3. Should I invest more money in better rear speakers than the Kenwood KS-401HT bookshelf speakers (the larger ones)?
4. Should I add a rear center channel (the one from the Kenwood KS-401HT set) or would that make it sound worse?

I'm already pushing the budget, so unless spending a little more money is going to make a huge difference, I don't want to do it.

 

[SuicideBobb]

I just tested out the Wharfedale's, and they are epic! I can't believe how loud the tweeter is, and how clean the bass is! The sony can't push them enough though, and it makes the Wharf's distort eventually. Worth every penny of the $60 I spent on them.

 

[Jason Charlton]

Originally Posted by SuicideBobb

1. Did I make the right choices with the Klipsch & Wharfedale's? Price and performance wise.
2. Is it worth it to replace the receiver at this point? Recap: It's a Sony STR-DE595
3. Should I invest more money in better rear speakers than the Kenwood KS-401HT bookshelf speakers (the larger ones)?
4. Should I add a rear center channel (the one from the Kenwood KS-401HT set) or would that make it sound worse?

1) From the way you describe things, I would say, yes. In the end, it only matters how YOU like the sound.

2) I don't know that you need to update the receiver just yet. It does 5.1 just fine, and it has a set of 5.1 analog inputs that will serve you even if you jump to Blu-Ray (just get a player that has analog outs)

3) If your budget is tight as-is I wouldn't worry about the rears. They don't need the dynamic range, nor do they need to perform as well as your fronts. IMO, speaker priority is 1: Front soundstage, 2: Subwoofer, 3: Surrounds

4) No. You really couldn't make use of it anyway since your receiver is only 5.1.

 

[SuicideBobb]

Perfect. Thanks for the help. At first, I was all about the sub since I am experienced with car audio, but now its all about the fronts and center.

 

[SuicideBobb]

I'm ready to buy some rear speakers around $50, and I need some help deciding on which of these to get.

1. Boston Acoustics A70 - $50 http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1495999442.html
2. Boston Acoustics A60 - $40 http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1496003438.html
3. Boston Acoustics A150 - $20 http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1496418586.html
4. Polk Monitor 5 - $40 http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1496357979.html
5. Klipsch SB-1 - $60 http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ele/1495537882.html
6. Infinity Bookshelf Speakers on Stands (Unknown Model #) - $50 http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/ele/1494247923.html
7. Technic SB-CR77 - $40 http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/ele/1492010485.html

Every one that I looked up had good reviews by themselves, but I have no idea where they rank amongst eachother. So, if someone could point me in the right direction of which one to get, I would really appreciate it!

 

[SuicideBobb]

Look at this jewel I just found! (Cerwin Vega DX-9 for $25) - http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/ele/1496604618.html

If he says they are in perfect working condition with no surround tears, I am going to pick them up asap. I did some research and everyone looooves them, and they sell used for a minimum of $150 up to $350

And another goody - http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/ele/1496677230.html