I have a friend that is wanting to upgrade into the HT world. Her room is 18x20 w/10ft ceiling. She is needing a new HT receiver and has a pair of Infinity Studio Monitor 150's. Also needed is a center channel (hoping to keep the current Infinity's if possible), surrounds and a good sub (I have a SVS 20-39PCi to show her). The budget is $2800. I need to come close to this and account for some new interconnects. Also, she wants 50/50 HT & music and wants to move toward both SACD & DVD-A. So a good recommendation for that would also help. Her DVD player is a little old so a new Sony w/SACD might help out there. She has a bigscreen TV, but it's not HD, so progressive is not important. She wants to get many years of enjoyment out of with without having to upgrade. I would greatly apprecaite any help here. Thanks Hank
Here is my best bet for her. DVD- Panasonic RP91 (also does DVD-A) or Sony NS900v(also does multi-channel SACD)~$450-550 new or used Receiver- Denon 3802, Sony DA5ES, Marantz 7200, or HK520 ~$600-800 new and used Speakers/Mains- Diva 6.1, Norh 7.0 or 9.0, B&W 603v3, Paradigm Studio 60 ~$900-1500 new and used Speakers/Surround- Diva 2.1, Norh 4.0, B&W 601v3, Paradigm Monitors or Studio 20 ~$300-500 new and used Speakers/Center- Diva center, shielded Norh 4.0 marble, B&W LCR, Paradigm Studio Center ~$250-400 new and used Sub- Hsu VTF2 or SVS 25-31PCi or Adire Rava ~400-500 new and used Total~ 2900-4250 This system will beat the pants off almost any system, and will perform equally well in music and movies. I know that it is a little bit over her budget, but if you dont need mains, then the total drops down between $900 and $1500 total, so it fits right into her budget. As for interconnects, try looking for used ones, as many times interconnects and speaker wire is just way too overpriced. Good luck
