HT System Recommendations, 14'X12' room (1 Viewer)

[Mike_Dikun]

I'm not looking to break the bank with a home theater system that will be going into my bedroom which is 14' x 12'. However I am a firm believer in spending a little more to get quality components.

I am also into car audio and have built my system piece by piece, each time waiting and saving so I wouldn't waste my money on crap.

Having said that, I want to keep my total budget for a DVD player, Reciever, Cd player, 2 mains, 1 center, 2 surrounds and a sub to around ~2000.

Please let me know right away if I cant get quality components for around that price and I wont even bother starting to build a system.

Being that this system is not going into a huge room, I figured that a quality reciever like a HK AVR 320 would be sufficient or maybe even a Yamaha, which seems to be a good bargain.

As far as the rest goes I have no idea what I want. I was hoping to get pointed in the right direction, maybe some brands that I should look into that fit into my budget and that I should begin to demo.

Any recommendations are most appreciated.

 

[Mike_Dikun]

One important thing that I want my system to exhibit is warm sounds, I DO NOT like harsh highs. Now I know I will be told that sound is in the ear of the beholder but I know that in car audio some brands are naturally very bright and 90% of people will agree.

 

[Bradford_B]

Dear Mike...
Well to start with I'm a Home theater bedroom owner due to my circumstances. I have a Denon 1602 5.1 receiver (390.00), a Toshiba SD2700 DVD player (gift), a Boston CR2 center channel speaker (gift), Paradigm Atom speakers for my fronts (175.00pr.), a Definitive Technology 8" subwoofer (350.00) and Boston CR6 bookshelf speakers in the rear (150.00pr.) Support items include a Monster 1000 surge protector and current processor that cleans the current and gives an improved sound (150.00) and about 150.00 worth of speaker cable. So including my generous brother's gifts of a DVD player and a center channel speaker my system tops out around 1400.00 It sounds awesome both as a audio system and a home theater system. The highs are crisp and clear, the sound is warm...and the subwoofer is incredible...it matches the music and sound effects beautifully! The only thing you might do is make the front ans rear speakers Paradigm Atoms. I have the Bostons because I too have put this together piece meal over about a six month period. Try them out at your audio store that carries these products and judge for yourself...
Good luck... Brad

 

[Mike_Dikun]

Brad,

Thank you for your response. I checked out the specs on the Denon 1602 and noticed that it is 70watts per channel at 8 ohms. The recievers that I was considering are only 50watts per channel. Just curious as to how big your room is and if you think that amount of power is overkill, perfect or underpowered.

Mike

 

[peter_anderson]

Mike: The harman/kardon receivers are "understated". The AVR 220 will trounce on the Denon 1602, as would the AVR 320 (even moreso). Also, if you have not heard Denon or Yamaha before, they tend to have a "bright" sound, but are otherwise very good receivers. A harman/kardon receiver is probably the best choice for you because of their neutral to warm sound.

P.S. I am selling one in the Hardware for Sale/Trade forum

 

[Mike_Dikun]

Peter, I have decided anyway that I like the sound of the Onkyo's and HK's over the Denon's and Yamaha's. At least that was my take last night when I went demoing. I have narrowed my choice down to either Onkyo or HK. I will go as high as $400 for a reciever. I dont have a problem buying over the internet so that is an option as well if I feel the company is reputable.
Would the HK 220 put the Onkyo 500 or 600 to shame also or are they about equal. I've heard that Onkyo's have pretty strong amplifiers.
Only got to listen to a few HT speakers, the likes of JBL, Sony and Polk. I liked the Polks the best out of those. Couldnt tell you the model number though.
I am very tempted to try the Axiom line because of all the praise that they have recieved and the price
But first things first, I will need a Reciever to power the speakers
I've decided to either buy an Adire Rava for $400 or build a sub myself. I have decent carpentry skills and have built a couple of boxes for my cars.
Any suggestions as to a brand or features I should look for in a DVD player?

 

[peter_anderson]

Mike: I still think the 220/225 would be a better choice than the Onkyo 600, since the 220/225 have a warmer sound AND outputs for external amps(!).

I was about to buy some Axiom M22Ti before i decided to sell my receiver. I have heard nothing but great things about Axiom speakers.

If you have carpentry skills and most of the tools already, you MUST do a DIY sub!

To keep it simple, just get a Panasonic DVD player. I have the RP56 and it is great, plus it has progressive scan for that HDTV i will never buy.

 

[John Garcia]

If you like the sound of HK and Onkyo, you should really give Marantz a listen also. SR5200 and 6200 are in that price range.

 

[Bradford_B]

Dear Mike...
My room is about the size of yours that you are considering setting the system up in. The receiver is not over powered in my opinion at all. It gives enough juice to my subwoofer to carry the day with any music of film sound scape that I want...Good luck.
Brad