How to start? (1 Viewer)

[Gschimma]

Been looking to start a home theater for some time but not sure where to start. Currently I have an older Panasonic HDTV that I'm happy with for now. My only other equipment is a PS3 that just bit the dust. It was used to stream Netflix, Vudu, Amazon, etc. as well as DVDs/ Bluray and movies on my computer via wifi. I think my first priority is a Bluray player to do the same thing as what the PS3 did, (thought about a PS4 Pro since I'm familiar but really don't have time to play games) but I'd like to consider future proofing it for 4K, Dolby atmos, etc. I guess I'd like to spend less than $400 but am willing to pay more for quality/ options. Next I'm guessing a receiver and speakers. Sometimes I think about doing the simple thing and buy a 'theater in a box' but other hand want to be able to add/ upgrade. Guessing I'd like spend less than $1500 for the bluray player, receiver, start up speakers. In retrospect, I'm guessing my best bet in getting a receiver with all the options as above.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[ArmSC]

Hey Greg welcome to the forum Let me see if I can get you started.

It sounds like you're wanting to replace a disc player that had some streaming capability. While that certainly is not hard the requirement of a 4k unit will up the cost considerably. I think I would stick with a normal BRP and sink more money into my speakers. That's just me though.

So let's move to the rest of the system. Are you looking for a 5.1 (5 speakers and a sub) straight away or do you want to go with something smaller like a two speakers or three speakers and a sub? What features are you looking for in the system?

 

[Gschimma]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I think what's most important to me is the ability to upgrade and add on. The first thing I needed was a streaming device (netfix, etc) for the wife and kids. I almost bought a roku ultra but then I noted some bluray players have streaming capabilities as well. I looked at the sony 6700 which advertises that it has access to over 300 streaming sites. I ended getting a sony ubp x800 today, mostly because I tired of the search. More than I need right now but seemed somewhat future proof. I assumed that it would have access to sites other than the embedded apps like netflix, amazon, etc, but it doesn't unless I'm missing something. Thinking about separating from cable so a Roku might be in the future. Or maybe exchange for the 6700.

Not really sure of my other wants/needs...not even sure what to ask. When I was younger I had a classic pioneer receiver and great speakers (cant remember brand). Now two young kids so mostly watching TV and kids movies and listening to pandora thru a sonos speaker. Ultimately I'd like a good setup for music and the occasional adult movie.

I understand that speakers are the most important. I'm guessing that I'd start with two floor speakers next to the TV then get a subwoofer and maybe bookshelf speakers for the back (atmos?). Looking at Klipsch but open to anything. For AVR's lookin at something like the Denon AVR 720W, but honestly, the more I research all of this, the more unsure I get. I also know that pretty much anything would be better than the speakers on my 9 year old panasonic HDTV. Seems like I could get an AVR and good speakers (2 floor, sub and 2 bookshelf) for < $1500.

Sorry for the long response...and thanks for your suggestions.

 

[ArmSC]

OK so lets see what we have. You're open to it seems like a 2.0-5.1, you need an AVR, considering floorspeakers and want to keep it around $1500. That sounds reasonable. I'm not sure that you need to go down the Atmos road as those are speakers that go above you on/in the ceiling. Let's get at most a 5.1 setup and take it from there.

AVR - Going refurb on the AVR is a good way to get more AVR for the money. However, if you want to go new there's some deals out right now because the new models are coming out. Here are some I would consider.

1. Denon X1300W $400 | Refurb $300 - Great AVR to get you up and going. Plenty of features and inputs.
2. Yamaha RX-V581 $350 | Refurb $280 - Another great choice. Less inputs and not as good of room correction as the Denon but easier to setup and a much better phone app.
3. Yamaha RX-A660 refurb $310 - AVENTAGE line yamaha with a few more bells than the above unit.

Sub - Lets through out the usual suspects. I went ported because normally they go a bit lower which is good for HT use.

1. SVS PB1000 $500
2. HSU VTF 1 Mk3 $450
3. Rythmik LV12R $570

Speakers - Here is where is gets interesting. You mentioned towers so I'll try to give you those options. Honestly if you go with a sub you could totally get bookshelf speakers as the sub will take care of the low end. However, there's nothing wrong with towers. At least with them you won't need stands.

1. Cambridge SX80 $500pr - These are black but they have brown too if that's more your flavor.
2. Polk Signature S50 $250ea
3. Boston Acoustics A250 $190ea

Depending on what you decide will determine what you have left for any other speakers.

 

[Gschimma]

Thanks very much! Others have recommended the dejon avr and I've always enjoyed polk audio/ boston acoustic speakers that old friends had. I guess I assumed that front tower speakers have the most range and therefore would be the first speakers to get, followed by a sub and speakers for the back (bookshelf or towers). Also, some have suggested that the front and surround speakers come from a matching set. Is this true? Good bookshelf speaker suggestions? Thanks again

 

[ArmSC]

Thanks very much! Others have recommended the dejon avr and I've always enjoyed polk audio/ boston acoustic speakers that old friends had..

I linked those because I feel they matched what you were going for with the budget and tower requirement. The new Polks actually sound pretty good. Some of their older lines were good some weren't as good. I've always liked BA and I think they are a solid product. I wouldn't feel bad about owning any of the units I linked.

I guess I assumed that front tower speakers have the most range and therefore would be the first speakers to get, followed by a sub and speakers for the back (bookshelf or towers).

If you're only going to get 2 speakers towers or large bookshelf speakers are the way to go. This is because they will give you the largest range like you mentioned. However, if you're using a sub in your system you really open up more speaker choices (bookshelf) because the sub is going to handle the low end. Tower used to have a larger advantage in the day's before subs became popular as they produced all the bass in the system. They also used to have dedicated mid-range speakers (3-way) due to the larger main/bass driver. Most modern towers use multiple mid sized bass drivers to get the lower end but these are also used for the mid range too. Most lower end towers will normally be a 2 or 2.5 way design. A good bookshelf and sub will do better than (IMO) than just towers as a sub will reach lower than most entry towers and the mids/highs will be just as good. So unless you're looking at listening in a 2.0 mode for music, I happen to like a 2.1 for music, then you're better off getting books and a sub as a way to maximize the budget.

Also, some have suggested that the front and surround speakers come from a matching set. Is this true? Good bookshelf speaker suggestions? Thanks again

You want the front right, center and left to the from the same series. This created a seamless front soundstage. The rears don't have to be matched unless you plan on doing a lot of mulit-channel stereo music listening. However, it never hurts to have everything timbre matched you just don't have to do it with the rears.

I can give you some bookshelf recommendations but I would like to know if you plan to wall mount use stands or are you just going to put them on furniture? Are you going to get a sub straight away or are these going to be stand alone units for a while?

 

[Gschimma]

Thanks. Good to know about towers. So as I mentioned, I plan to do this in stages. My first purchases will be a dvr, a sub, and 2 fronts. Later I'd add rear speakers for surround sound and a center and then maybe something for atmos and a second sub. Again, I'm sure anything will be an improvement over the hdtv speaker. I like the denon 1300 that you recommended. I think lows are most important for movies and music so definitely will get a sub. Looking at RLS 10s. (https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s-wireless/). I wouldn't be sad to get away from towers due to the size if bookshelves can compete. If I don't get front towers then the bookshelves would be placed in a wooden built-in entertainment center. The rear bookshelves would likely be placed on stands. Potentially going to remodel the living room so not ready to wall mount or put speakers in the ceiling. Thanks again for your thoughts.

 

[citywalker]

And don't buy PS4 Pro for UHD, because it's not 4k player. It is usual BR player with upscaling. It doesn't play UHD disks.

 

[Gschimma]

Thanks, I bought a Sony X800

 

[Gschimma]

And thoughts about wireless. I have a sonos and a little portable bose speaker that can be a bit frustrating.

 

[ArmSC]

I like the denon 1300 that you recommended. I think lows are most important for movies and music so definitely will get a sub. Looking at RLS 10s. (https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s-wireless/).

The Denon X1300 will do you just fine. Take advantage of it being on sale right now. The RSL Speedwoofer is a very capable sub from what I have read. I've not heard one but I have read that for larger rooms you probably want to go with two. That could be said for the others I liked but especially for the RSL.

 

[Gschimma]

Looking at the 1300 vs the 2300. What's gained in the step up model? Want to future proof as much as possible. Thanks.

 

[ArmSC]

Looking at the 1300 vs the 2300. What's gained in the step up model? Want to future proof as much as possible. Thanks.

It looks like your gaining more power, more inputs ( 7 vs 5 HDMI and component inputs) and not much more. I don't know that you can future proof too much with an AVR. They are bring out new stuff all the time. I would buy the AVR that has the features you need and that fits the budget. I wouldn't stretch too much as they are going to have new models coming out any day.

 

[Gschimma]

Thanks again. Recs for bookshelf speakers? And speaker wire?

 

[ArmSC]

Thanks again. Recs for bookshelf speakers? And speaker wire?

You're welcome for the help. Speaker wire is easy just get some 16ga or 14ga speaker wire and run it. I'm not one to get crazy with wire...it's just copper. I know they say you have to have special wire dipped into some special magical electro solution that reduces cosmic interference....whatever.

Speakers are a different issue.

• Did you now change to bookshelf speakers? I thought you were going towers?
• What is your budget for these speakers?
• Are you going to wall mount them or use stands?
• How large is too large?
• Are you going to use them as surrounds or mains?

 

[Gschimma]

I plan to do this in stages and it's for a medium sized room. Seems like my first purchases will be an avr, a sub and two front speakers. Later I'd add rear speakers for surround sound. I have a large built-in entertainment center with room for towers on each side or book shelf speakers on the shelves. I really like the lows in music and movies. You had mentioned previously that 2 bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer may sound better than just towers. Either way I think a sub will be one of the first purchases. bookshelfs vs. towers: seems like maybe only a size/ space decision? I have space for either and want whatever sounds best to start. The shelves are adjustable so able to accommodate any size speaker. Again, I'm sure anything will be an improvement over the hdtv speaker.

I like the denon 1300 that you recommended ($300) and I mentioned that I was looking at the RLS 10s or the SVS PB1000 (~$500). Leaves me with <$700 for the two front speakers. Later I'd like to set up surround sound with rear bookshelves placed on stands. Potentially going to remodel the living room so not ready to wall mount or put speakers in the ceiling. (just bought a sony ubp-x800 Bluray player, my 9 year old Panasonic HDTV is still enough for me but eventually will need upgrading). Rear bookshelfs, stands, and center for <$800.

 

[ArmSC]

I really like the lows in music and movies. You had mentioned previously that 2 bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer may sound better than just towers.

Yeah If you're a big fan of low end in your music and movies I think a 2.1 (sub and books in this case) would be the way to go. I'm a big fan of 2.1 setups for both music and movies. Of course you can expand to a 5.1 very easily going this route as you already have the sub taken care of.

. Either way I think a sub will be one of the first purchases. bookshelfs vs. towers: seems like maybe only a size/ space decision? I have space for either and want whatever sounds best to start. The shelves are adjustable so able to accommodate any size speaker.

Yes it's space and sound too. If you get a 3 way tower you can get better sound as it will have a dedicated midrange in addition to the tweeter and woofer. However, a good bookshelf speaker with a good sub in my experience can sound just as good or better. If you're going for movies and not just audio I would go with a 2.1 vs a 2.0 using towers. Others will disagree but I think this is the right way to go.

I like the denon 1300 that you recommended ($300) and I mentioned that I was looking at the RLS 10s or the SVS PB1000 (~$500). Leaves me with <$700 for the two front speakers.

I think the AVR and either sub would be good choices depneding on how large your room is. Here are some books that I would pair with either sub.

• KEF Q300 $500 - The larger of the Q series bookshelf speakers are still on sale.
• KEF Q100 $550 - The smaller of Q series white is still in stock. They are getting a redesign so if you're interested get them while they are still around. Either one of these two KEF will sound amazing. I'm a big fan of the Uni-Q design
• Polk S20 $300 - While not in the same class of the KEFs these do actually pretty good. For this price you can get the matching Center too.
• Cambridge AeroMax 2 $450 - I think the BMR and front port make these worth looking at. You could also look at the SX60 $240 for a cheaper offering. Still front port which I think is important if you're putting them in a book case.
• Q Acoustics Concept 20 $500 - My only think with these would be the rear port. Could also step to the 3020 $300 if you wanted something a bit less expensive. They both get rave reviews.
• HTD Level 3 $350 - Highly regarded internet direct speakers
• Klipsch RB-61 $330 - front port with a larger woofer. If you like the sound of a horn these might be the ones for you.

 

[crainone]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I also was considering an Xbox One X as my bluray/streaming player as well. I mostly stream from Sling and other apps, rarely use bluray, but would like 4K UHD availability for both my use cases. The Xbox One X (or PS4 Pro) is never a box I am going to struggle with when it comes to load times, and the software is well supported rather than dedicated blurays.

Any other suggestions for something to do 4K UHD bluray and streaming (for futureproofing purposes)?

 

[Sam Posten]

Any other suggestions for something to do 4K UHD bluray and streaming (for futureproofing purposes)?

The xbox one is excellent but it cannot play iTunes content. You will need an Apple TV to do that.

 

[Gschimma]

Wow, 2.5 years since I posted this and I never got anything! Life can get in the way! New suggestions for a receiver and speaker start up system?