How to best spend my buddy's money?

I'm not one to give suggestions, as I'm no expert, but what is your buddy's budget? That's the number 1 thing people will ask with this sort of thing...

 

I have the Panasonic RP 56. Built like a piece of crap but plays wonderfully ($199 at Best Buy). Look at Axiom speakers...outstanding for the money at: http://www.axiomaudio.com You can buy an 85x5 Parasound HCA-855A power amp for under $350 at Ubid.com. My SVS 16-46PCi was $625 shipped (the 20-39PCi is about $575 shipped right now. If you go with a Denon 3802 receiver for about $800, that leaves you with about $1500 to spend on the Axiom speakers. I think he would be extremely pleased with this setup.

 

A buddy of mine has 2 different rooms of Axioms. I think they are great. (unfortunately, my wife says I am not in need of new speakers because of my new amp, processor, and SVS sub). The Denon alone should be great also. Others here have had improvement adding a separate amp to the Denon, but that can be done later. Without the added Parasound amp, you can get by under $3000 and have a very nice setup (in my opinion). I have always regarded Denon as a step above Onkyo, but others here will feel the opposite. Your best bet is to check them both out and buy which ever your buddy likes best. Hope I helped.
By the way, I read another thread where someone asked about the Axiom subs. From what others have posted, they are not as impressive as their other speakers, and I love my SVS.

Bill

 

I would get Axioms as well, or Divas. Paradigms at Canadian price. But PSB is a good option as well. I'd get the Stratus series though, at least for the front end. I think yawaonline has b-stocks of the Stratus as well. You could save a couple hundred by subbing the Denon 2802.

The RP56 is a good unit, but the RP82 will be out in a couple weeks and will have DVD-A and several other features at the same price point. Of course, if his situation is time critical, that isn't an option.

 

I'd place another vote for the Denon. If I had to do it again that's what I'd buy. I happen to own a complete Stratus setup and I think it is great but I hated the sound of the Image series...downright muddy compared to many speakers. I haven't heard the Axioms but they sure look nice...I'd consider getting a package from them along with the SVS sub.

 

If I were you I would go with this set up:
Denon 2802 or 3802=600-800shipped
SVS 20-39pci=575.00 shipped
Swan Diva 4.1 setup=1300.00 shipped
Panasonic RP-91=450.00 shipped
That would be one tough to beat home theater system for $3125.00 shipped!

 

i like the axiom/denon combo (though i still haven't purchased either)- i'm only speaking from thorough research. though, this is a moot point as i've yet to hear the combination. as for the denon, where could i buy the 3802 for a decent price (and still have the warranty coverage)??? are there any authorized sellers that will match internet prices? thanks in adv.

p

 

What you've selected (PSB+Onkyo) is an excellent system. The other suggestions are great as well... your buddy will need to audition and decide for himself. I seem to recall a problem with the 700 series of Onkyo receivers... you may want to research that a bit before making a purchase!

You didn't mention where you live but if it's in Canada (or close by) you can save a good bit of money by purchasing there...

 

$3500
outlaw 1050 $350 used on audiogon.com
Totem mite T center $200 used on audiogon.com
Sony or Toshiba dvd player $200
Sherbourn 5/1500 $900 used
Axiom or GR research rear surrounds $300 used
Dynaudio 1.8mkII $1800
Radio Shacks $200
$3750

 

Oh and Build your own box for a tempest and use the bridge channels on the sherbourn.