suggestions for home theater components (1 Viewer)

[Richard_Long]

I recently came into some money and am looking to setup my first home theater. I have asked for and received much advice from the basice forum on what television I should choose and have thus narrowed it down to either a Sony KV-34XBR800 or a Sony KV-32HS510 (both are widescreen). I was also told to choose my display device then choose my speakers, amplifier and receiver.

I am here to get suggestions on what speakers and receiver I should get and also to find out whether or not I may need an amplifier. I have only looked at these components for a few the last few hours since I was previously considering a Sony "home theater in a box" system, until I was told and read reviews that those systems don't offer good quality sound.

I have decided to turn to the forum for advice because since I started looking for my audio components I have discovered that I know absolutely nothing about home theater audio.

So hit me with any suggestions you may have or advice you can give. I want to spend under or around $1200 for all the audio components. I will be willing to go a little higher since I believe in quality over quantity. So far the only components I have come up with are:

Sony STR-DE485 reciever
Sony SA-VE345 six speaker set
Sony DVP-NC655P/B DVD player

In case you can't tell I have a Sony jones but I am definitely open to other brands. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.

Richard

 

[Arup]

If you go SONY then go for their ES series. Also audition Yamaha recievers and speakers as well as Marantz, Denon and Onkyo.

 

[LaMarcus]

Personally I'd get the new
Pioneer VSXD912 6.1
$350

Jbl s26 (front/rear)
Jbl S-center
$500

SVS PCi 25-31
$549

Grand total of $1400. This would be a VERY respectable sound setup for the price range, trust me I can't see you beating this setup at that price. A excellent HT receiver, THE BEST sub for the money, and some terrifice speakers for that price.

And if those televisions cost more than 2 grand, I'd get a front projector, hands down.

 

[Richard_Long]

Thanks for the point in the right direction, I will definitely take a look at those. What types of cables should I use to hook all this equipment up? Any suggestions out there? I've heard Monster cables are good but I really have no idea. Thanks for the help

Richard

 

[Richard Moya]

I second the Sony ES recommendation. I recently purchased a STRDA2ES and I am quite pleased with it. If you leave room for future expansion, go with the DA4ES with 7.1 decoding.

 

[Thomas_Berg]

Harman/Kardon '320-Z $399 or Marantz SR7200 $499

see your local Paradigm dealer for speakers ($500)

Adire Audio RAVA sub $399

for DVD players, see your local Best Buy/CC for their selection of Panasonic players. $80-125

 

[Thomas Nichols]

I had an old Sony receiver that I thought was really not user friendly. I have a Sony TV and DVD player. I love their video products but am not sold on their audio.

I have an H/K AVR125 receiver and love it. I also have 4 Polk R20 and CSi30 center speakers. I think make a really good match with the HK. I got all of this for around $800. Well below your price range. I think it sounds really really good for the money. I would like to add a subwoofer(leasebreaker) to my system...but I don't think my neighbors would like it. There are tons of options out there. I would go to a Circuit City or some other store in your area and take a listen.