Help me assemble a $2k home theatre system

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Oh, and about demo-ing, most of these nice online speaker companies give you a period of time to audition them and then if you don't like them (or find something you like better), you can return them and only pay return shipping.

It might be worth it to order a pair of front bookshelf speakers from the final 2 or 3 companies you narrow it down to and then do an in home demo. When you decide which ones you like best, send the others back and order the rest of the system for the ones you liked.

You can also set up a demo with someone in your area for a lot of these companies. Check out the forums for the different sites and see if you can get a demo of them.

 

[sygyzy]

Unbelievable. I posted a long reply and had a log-in error. PISSED.

Adul - Thanks for the recommendation. Why so low on the receiver? That seems to be a much higher ratio on the speakers. Why?

rleemhui - So you recommending splitting the video and audio off from my source. Again, I use a VCR as an example. Rather than having both go into the receiver, then out via s-video to my display, you have the VCR plugged directly into the display, then the audio routed through the receiver? Man, now that's even more of a pain. Like you said, this is not too much hassle, but the $100 extra seems more and more worth it.

Remember, all this is theoretical. I don't think I have any devices that have composite. But I think a few have S-Video ONLY. Actually, scratch that. They might all have component. Anyway, I'd like the peace of mind of being able to upconvert if needed. Maybe I making too much of a deal out of this?

While we are on topic, what about this scenario:

Direct TV receiver with two video outs. One goes via component into receiver. The other goes via S-Video into the ReplayTV. Replay TV has output to the receiver via component. Will the receiver need to output to the plasma via S-Video since I introduced it into the loop? I assume so. If that's the case, there is one real-world example of why I might need upconversion.

If you were too choose between the AVR-635 or the Denon 2805, which would you pick, and why? Taking into consideration the trade-off's, of course.

My friend said that the rear Axioms are downward firing. I had never heard of this before. I plan on putting them on stands or (most likely) on end tables next to my sofa. I cannot wall or downward mount them. Does this eliminate Axioms as a choice for me?

YOyoYOhowsDAjello - I did check the system advisor and you are right, you can get the 340 fronts. But add that with the $700 AVR-635 (if I go that route), plus $200 or so for stands, and we are looking at $2300-2500 and that is like 20% overbudget!

I was planning on getting matching stands for the 340's. They don't make matching stands for the 170's but they offered a universal set they make. I think they look cheap though. What are my other choices for stands? Say the mfg does not make matching stands, what are some popular/affordable stand solutions? Give me some sites to check out please, if you know any.

Is it the best idea to buy the subs (SVS, HSU) from the mfg themselves, pricewise? Why do you think the STF-2 is a better choice than the VTF-2? VTF has variable tuning which sounds cool but I am not sure what it means.

What model SVS would be best for my application, price?

Asd for auditioning, that is a good idea but shipping costs would be immense.

Pictures of current setup for you to get an idea of wall and room configuration.

Room Link

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy

YOyoYOhowsDAjello - I did check the system advisor and you are right, you can get the 340 fronts. But add that with the $700 AVR-635 (if I go that route), plus $200 or so for stands, and we are looking at $2300-2500 and that is like 20% overbudget!

I was planning on getting matching stands for the 340's. They don't make matching stands for the 170's but they offered a universal set they make. I think they look cheap though. What are my other choices for stands? Say the mfg does not make matching stands, what are some popular/affordable stand solutions? Give me some sites to check out please, if you know any.

Is it the best idea to buy the subs (SVS, HSU) from the mfg themselves, pricewise? Why do you think the STF-2 is a better choice than the VTF-2? VTF has variable tuning which sounds cool but I am not sure what it means.

What model SVS would be best for my application, price?

Asd for auditioning, that is a good idea but shipping costs would be immense.

Pictures of current setup for you to get an idea of wall and room configuration.

Room Link

I think the shipping costs depends on the speakers... I think a set of 340s is only like $40 for shipping or something. It might be worth it to just get a set of two at first to see how you like them before you get a full set.
Ascend lets you get system discounts spread out over time (as in you'd still get the package deal if you got two speakers first and then added the others in a different purchase).

I think the HK 435 would be a great option for you vs the 635.
I personally had an HK 325 and it was very nice. I recently replaced it with a Pioneer 1014 due to some circumstances that I'm not going to get into right now

Have you thought about getting a refurbished receiver? I got my HK 325 for $360 shipped over a year ago off the ebay seller harmanaudio. That's HK's manufacturer refurbished outlet sales. They come with a full warranty. Mine came in almost perfect condition (a couple minor scratches on the top of the unit) and I thought it was a nice deal.
My Pioneer 1014 was a floor model and I got it for $287 I think.

As for the ratio of speakers to receiver, spending more on speakers will give you a better final sound than getting a better receiver. I think I might be a little lopsided with my own $2400 speakers/sub shipped to $300 receiver ratio, but I'm sure I'll even it out more someday

As for stands, I'm not too sure on good ones. I actually found the ones I was using before this set on the side of the road :Q

I know this isn't exactly what you're looking for, but I was looking at this thread about speaker stands for my center channel. Maybe there are some good regular stand options from the sites linked to in that thread.

As for subs, I got my SVS from SVS. I'm not actually sure if you can get them anywhere else. They sold them at Plasmadocs, but their site has been down for maintenance for a couple months now.

I think the only SVS in your pricerange would be their budget model, the PB10. That's the one I have. I got it on pre-order in October when it was $399.
The next cheapest would be the 25-31. It would have a little more oomph than the PB10, but it actually wouldn't go as low.

For the VTF-2 and its tuning points, you can put a plug in the port and then it will go lower but not as loud. Even in max extension mode, it still doesn't go as low as the SVS. The other mode is maximum output that gets you higher volume, but it wont go as low.

I guess I really didn't see the appeal of being able to change that.

Wait... what receiver do you have now?

EDIT: and speakers for that matter.... you could use your current mains for surrounds if you wanted to to save some money.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Unbelievable. I posted a long reply and had a log-in error. PISSED.

rleemhui - So you recommending splitting the video and audio off from my source. Again, I use a VCR as an example. Rather than having both go into the receiver, then out via s-video to my display, you have the VCR plugged directly into the display, then the audio routed through the receiver? Man, now that's even more of a pain. Like you said, this is not too much hassle, but the $100 extra seems more and more worth it.

Remember, all this is theoretical. I don't think I have any devices that have composite. But I think a few have S-Video ONLY. Actually, scratch that. They might all have component. Anyway, I'd like the peace of mind of being able to upconvert if needed. Maybe I making too much of a deal out of this?

While we are on topic, what about this scenario:

Direct TV receiver with two video outs. One goes via component into receiver. The other goes via S-Video into the ReplayTV. Replay TV has output to the receiver via component. Will the receiver need to output to the plasma via S-Video since I introduced it into the loop? I assume so. If that's the case, there is one real-world example of why I might need upconversion.

If you were too choose between the AVR-635 or the Denon 2805, which would you pick, and why? Taking into consideration the trade-off's, of course.

My friend said that the rear Axioms are downward firing. I had never heard of this before. I plan on putting them on stands or (most likely) on end tables next to my sofa. I cannot wall or downward mount them. Does this eliminate Axioms as a choice for me?

#1. No I am not saying to split the audio like that. You can if you want. But I would go through the receiver. What I am talking about has to do with comb filters which upgrade composite inputs to S-video at your TV. I wouldn't worry about this.

Just hook them up with the highest possible connection you can. At most you might need 3 cables going to your TV. Less if you don't have any devices that use composite. And just one if they are all Component.

If 3 cables is too much running to your TV then go ahead and get the 635 with the upconversion. I don't find it much of a hassle to hook up a few more cables if needed but you might.

The 635 would trounce the 2805. The 3805 is closer to the 635 IMO. But I would still say that the 635 is the better buy.

No the rears I suggested are not downfiring. If you buy there speakers that are specifically surround speakers, then they are. But the ones I listed are just high quality front firing speakers. So no, they should not be out of consideration. I think Axiom has a policy that you can try out the speakers in your home for quite a while. Check it out and e-mail them. They will help you out.

If you need any further clarification, feel free to follow up

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I just started looking through Harmanaudio's old auctions...

I haven't found a 435 or 635 yet, but it looks like 630s go for about $525 shipped fyi.

 

[sygyzy]

What's up guys?

YOyoYOhowsDAjello Thanks for helping me with the legwork on the refurbished HK seller. I'd prefer not to buy "last year's" model. So 435 or 635 would be best for me. I am sort of gearing towards the 635 for $100 more and I get the switching.

To answer your question, I currently do not have any receiver. But my roommate has a nice Denon.

You are saying you'd choose the 435 over the 635 depsite not having upconversion? $100 is not cheap but it seems like a reasonable price to pay for not having to deal with multiple plugs.

Your $2400 to $300 ratio does seem rather lopsided. When I read your post, I was scratching my head about how that happened. If you are going to go the cheap route, why not get a digital receiver? Just an idea that you and another user presented me in your thread.

How do you have your rears mounted?

I definitely need a center stand. The best I have seen is this clear plexiglass stand that sits in back your your plasma, on the same surface as it. Then it hovers over the top of your display. If you look at my setup, my plasma is on a stand. It is not hanging on the wall. So I need a way to get my center mounted. My roommate decided to just leave his on the floor. It's so hard to hear movies. We have to turn it up really loud or place a box under the front to tilt it up.

Would it be better to get the budget SVS 25-21 or HSU VTF-2? Both are around the same price.

For the VTF-2 and its tuning points, you can put a plug in the port and then it will go lower but not as loud. Even in max extension mode, it still doesn't go as low as the SVS. The other mode is maximum output that gets you higher volume, but it wont go as low.

I am not sure what any of this means.

rleemhui - I actually understood everything you said! Why did you choose the lower end center? Just because of budget? Just curious. And do your suggestions "match?"

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What's up guys?

YOyoYOhowsDAjello Thanks for helping me with the legwork on the refurbished HK seller. I'd prefer not to buy "last year's" model. So 435 or 635 would be best for me. I am sort of gearing towards the 635 for $100 more and I get the switching.

To answer your question, I currently do not have any receiver. But my roommate has a nice Denon.

You are saying you'd choose the 435 over the 635 depsite not having upconversion? $100 is not cheap but it seems like a reasonable price to pay for not having to deal with multiple plugs.

Your $2400 to $300 ratio does seem rather lopsided. When I read your post, I was scratching my head about how that happened. If you are going to go the cheap route, why not get a digital receiver? Just an idea that you and another user presented me in your thread.

How do you have your rears mounted?

I definitely need a center stand. The best I have seen is this clear plexiglass stand that sits in back your your plasma, on the same surface as it. Then it hovers over the top of your display. If you look at my setup, my plasma is on a stand. It is not hanging on the wall. So I need a way to get my center mounted. My roommate decided to just leave his on the floor. It's so hard to hear movies. We have to turn it up really loud or place a box under the front to tilt it up.

Would it be better to get the budget SVS 25-21 or HSU VTF-2? Both are around the same price.

For the VTF-2 and its tuning points, you can put a plug in the port and then it will go lower but not as loud. Even in max extension mode, it still doesn't go as low as the SVS. The other mode is maximum output that gets you higher volume, but it wont go as low.

I am not sure what any of this means.

rleemhui - I actually understood everything you said! Why did you choose the lower end center? Just because of budget? Just curious. And do your suggestions "match?"

I guess if the difference is only $100, I guess it would be a good buy. I was thinking it was more than that to move from the 435 to the 635.
If you already have cables though, you might think about saving the $100 and just doing the 435. I really didn't mind hitting 1 button to switch inputs for my system.

I originally was just planning on getting an Ascend Acoustics package of 340s up front and 170 rears and keeping my HK AVR-325, so that's why I wasn't planning on a new receiver. I ended up spending significantly more on speakers than I had planned, and then I basically ended up in a situation where I could take my pick of keeping my HK or taking a Pioneer 1014.
Ironically, one of the reasons I chose the Pioneer was for upconversion so I wouldn't need to run three 30foot+ cables to my projector from my receiver.
Another reason I chose it was that the older HKs took a few seconds to switch in digital modes. Anyways, I probably listed the reasons in one of my old threads already

My rears are mounted just like my fronts
I'm considering getting the Rocket stands that raise them up a little bit though. Maybe I can spend some of my overtime money from this week getting Lion Mall at the Milwaukee County Zoo operational. I'm on track to put in about 105 hours for these two weeks

I think any SVS of HSU would be a good choice. From what I've read though, it seems like SVS usually has the edge for Movies and the HSU may be a little better for music. If you're doing as much Movies/games as you say you are, then it seems like SVS would be a solid choice.
If you e-mail SVS the guys would be able to recommend a sub that would be good for your room size, budget, and speakers.

For the tuning points... uhhh....
Ok, so sound frequencies are measured in Hz...
The lowest sound generally said that humans can "hear" is about 20hz. Below that you can still "feel" the sound.
So anyway... for movies especially it's nice to have a sub that can get good sound pressure even at the really low notes. A nice sub will be able to move you hair or pants legs during explosions if you so desire
The HSU sub has two modes. In maximum extension mode it is able to play down to 25hz before it rolls off (the point at which the sub starts getting a lot quieter). In maximum output mode, you unplug the port and it is able to move more air and be louder, but it isn't able to go as deep, so it will roll off at 32hz but be louder on notes higher than that than in 25hz mode.

Did that make sense?

Anyways... any of these subs should be plenty for a medium sized room, so I don't think overall volume is going to be a problem. I really think the PB10 is a great value. It goes down into the upper teens for extension and should be plenty for most rooms. (says the happy owner of one)

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
What's up guys?
rleemhui - I actually understood everything you said! Why did you choose the lower end center? Just because of budget? Just curious. And do your suggestions "match?"

Glad it made sense, I was typing at work on the floor of the store so needless to say I was typing fast

I chose the lower end center for budget because I think the money could be spent better elsewhere. Yes, all these speakers will match. The M22ti's are known for their accuracy and musical ability. The M3ti's are small but actually have good bass response. This way you will get a nice full sounding surround with and accurate R and L speakers. Most of the low end stuff up front is explosions and stuff so the sub will handle that. I think it is a good balance of musical ability and HT quality.

Like I said, I am getting the 435 because for me upconversion isn't necessary. all it means is I might need, at most, 3 cables running from my receiver to my TV instead of 1. However, I really will only need two as I have no composite sources. Paying $100 to run one less cable 3 ft is simply not worth it in my case. The real case for upconversion comes as JELLO said, when you have a projector and don't wanna run extremely long cables. In your case, if you are wall mounting your plasma, I could see some need for upconversion if you want to hide the wires. However, in most other situations I think it is unnecessary

 

[sygyzy]

Hi fellas,

I don't have any cables yet so that's another added cost to the whole package. I realize now that it's going to be pretty darned hard to stick with a hard $2k budget. That's fine though, we can stretch a bit.

Have we forgotten any other players? I am all about the best bang for your buck crowd so that's why I haven't looked at Energy or Paradigm or ____. Should I? My friend just completed his HT with a set of Paradigm Studio 20's and he seems to love them. And I think they have speakers in my price range. I think it's sort of cool not getting it from a big brand though. Ascends and Axioms seems to be little best kept secrets.

YOyoYOhowsDAjello - I thought your fronts were towers. Does that mean your rears are towers too? Sorry, I thought they might have been bookshelfs.

You might have given me the push to get a SVS. I do watch movies and play games more than I listen to music on my HT.

So, the HSU sub has the different modes but you switch between them by physically plugging a port? I thought it was an extra electronic component. That sounds kind of cheesy.

rleemhui - Since so much of the sound perceived out of the system is through the front 3 speakers, especially with dialogue through the center, you still think it's better to save the extra money over the higher end center and use it elsewhere?

Right now it's a competition between:

rleemhui's Axiom Set

Center - Axiom VP100 $240.00
R/L - Axiom M22ti - $440.00
RL/RR - Axiom M3ti - $300.00
Sub - VTF-2 $500
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total- $2060 and one kick ass system

and Ascend 340's + 170's

CMT-340 Fronts
CMT-340 Center
CBM-170 Surrounds
Hsu VTF-2 MK2
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total - $2227

Of course add another $100 to this if I upgrade to the HK635.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: sygyzy


rleemhui - Since so much of the sound perceived out of the system is through the front 3 speakers, especially with dialogue through the center, you still think it's better to save the extra money over the higher end center and use it elsewhere?

Right now it's a competition between:

rleemhui's Axiom Set

Center - Axiom VP100 $240.00
R/L - Axiom M22ti - $440.00
RL/RR - Axiom M3ti - $300.00
Sub - VTF-2 $500
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total- $2060 and one kick ass system

and Ascend 340's + 170's

CMT-340 Fronts
CMT-340 Center
CBM-170 Surrounds
Hsu VTF-2 MK2
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total - $2227

Of course add another $100 to this if I upgrade to the HK635.

Feel free to get the better center channel, I was just staying as close to your budget as possible.

 

[Excelsior]

Why not check out the Pioneer VSX1015TXK? MSRP $499.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_26741.htm

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Hi fellas,

I don't have any cables yet so that's another added cost to the whole package. I realize now that it's going to be pretty darned hard to stick with a hard $2k budget. That's fine though, we can stretch a bit.

Have we forgotten any other players? I am all about the best bang for your buck crowd so that's why I haven't looked at Energy or Paradigm or ____. Should I? My friend just completed his HT with a set of Paradigm Studio 20's and he seems to love them. And I think they have speakers in my price range. I think it's sort of cool not getting it from a big brand though. Ascends and Axioms seems to be little best kept secrets.

YOyoYOhowsDAjello - I thought your fronts were towers. Does that mean your rears are towers too? Sorry, I thought they might have been bookshelfs.

You might have given me the push to get a SVS. I do watch movies and play games more than I listen to music on my HT.

So, the HSU sub has the different modes but you switch between them by physically plugging a port? I thought it was an extra electronic component. That sounds kind of cheesy.

rleemhui - Since so much of the sound perceived out of the system is through the front 3 speakers, especially with dialogue through the center, you still think it's better to save the extra money over the higher end center and use it elsewhere?

Right now it's a competition between:

rleemhui's Axiom Set

Center - Axiom VP100 $240.00
R/L - Axiom M22ti - $440.00
RL/RR - Axiom M3ti - $300.00
Sub - VTF-2 $500
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total- $2060 and one kick ass system

and Ascend 340's + 170's

CMT-340 Fronts
CMT-340 Center
CBM-170 Surrounds
Hsu VTF-2 MK2
Receiver - HK435 - $580

Total - $2227

Of course add another $100 to this if I upgrade to the HK635.

Yeah, budgets tend to get surpassed in just about every thread I've seen like this .

As for other players, I did find a few other good picks in this range that I meantioned or were mentioned in my speaker thread.
Like Adul mentioned, Swan could be another good option for you.

For Paradigm, I've read on several occations how the Ascend 340s perform favorably vs the Paradigm Studio 40s. With studio 40s running $1200 a pair, Ascened seems like an incredible deal.

When I was looking at speakers, the 5.0 set rleehui mentioned was pretty much what I was considering except for I had the better center selected.
I spent several hours reading through reviews of the different brands I had narrowed my picks down to.
Out of Swan, Rockets, Ascend, and Axiom, it seemed like Axiom had the biggest proportion of negative reviews. All these brands had overwhelming positive comments, but Axiom seemed to have the most complaints. They were practically all about the tweeters being harsh/too bright/etc. I've never listened to any so I don't know if it would really bother me, but in my mind I had decided that I wasn't going to buy an Axiom system unless I did a demo of a pair of them first to see if I liked the tweeters.

Even though I didn't go with Ascend, it seemed like they were at the top. The only negative thing I could find about them was "lack of bass", but you and I would both have them coupled with a nice sub that would be taking care of the low end anyway.

If you can listen to your friend's Studio series speakers, I think that would be a good guide to how Ascend would sound (very neutral and detailed).

I have four towers and a nice big center
This set

One of the first things I listened to with my SVS was the opening explosion from Terminator3 and it was a beautiful thing .
The PB10 really got me into tactile sound, something that I really hadn't experienced before. Unfortunately due to me being in a dorm, I really couldn't let my SVS do its thing but I was addicted to the rumbling it could provide.

Here, it was something like this (starts about halfway through it)

So, I couldn't do that because I was shaking the display cases that were mounted on the 10" thick concrete walls opposite my room... so I got some bass shakers to make up the difference while I had my sub turned down.

The tuning points for the HSU are plugs that go into one of the ports on the sub as far as I know. SVS does this on some of their subs too so it's not like it's a unique thing HSU has going.

 

[sygyzy]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
Why not check out the Pioneer VSX1015TXK? MSRP $499.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_26741.htm

How does it compare to the HK 435, 635 and Denon 2805? (3805 is too expensive)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

This one might be a little helpful to you

I'm really liking my 1014. The 1015 added another component input... and that's about it. They might have fixed the power outage issue, I'm not sure.

I haven't done a personal demo of the 325 vs the 1014 as I'm sure I should, but I'm happy with what I have now and I'm pretty lazy.

 

[Excelsior]

What Jello said. I just mentioned the 1015 because it is the newer model, but the 1014 is virtually identical and can be found for $100+ less. I am sure you would be very happy with it.

 

[funboy6942]

Forget needing a am/fm tuner and pick up a set of Logitech Z5500's and keep $1700 of the money you saved for other cool stuff

10" sub with earth shattering bass
6 digital inputs with dtd and dd
5 matched THX speakers
Almost 600 watts of RMS power.

Try to find anything close this this much power and good sound for less and it wont happen. Find something with this much power and sound just as good and you may have to spend over $2k to get it. If it was me (and soon will be) Id go without the radio feature and get a kick butt THX set up for cheap

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: funboy42
Forget needing a am/fm tuner and pick up a set of Logitech Z5500's and keep $1700 of the money you saved for other cool stuff

10" sub with earth shattering bass
6 digital inputs with dtd and dd
5 matched THX speakers
Almost 600 watts of RMS power.

Try to find anything close this this much power and good sound for less and it wont happen. Find something with this much power and sound just as good and you may have to spend over $2k to get it. If it was me (and soon will be) Id go without the radio feature and get a kick butt THX set up for cheap

Boooooooooo!!!!

(oh, and THX certification for computer speakers is pretty low)

Anybody who spends over $2000 to get something comparable to Logitech must have gotten bose

Oh, and the subs we're mentioning have half that much power already
(you haven't heard earth shattering yet, by the way)

I do agree that they're a great value, but if you have more to spend, then what the heck?

EDIT: oh, and since when does it have 6 digital inputs?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42
Forget needing a am/fm tuner and pick up a set of Logitech Z5500's and keep $1700 of the money you saved for other cool stuff

10" sub with earth shattering bass
6 digital inputs with dtd and dd
5 matched THX speakers
Almost 600 watts of RMS power.

Try to find anything close this this much power and good sound for less and it wont happen. Find something with this much power and sound just as good and you may have to spend over $2k to get it. If it was me (and soon will be) Id go without the radio feature and get a kick butt THX set up for cheap

Boooooooooo!!!!

(oh, and THX certification for computer speakers is pretty low)

Anybody who spends over $2000 to get something comparable to Logitech must have gotten bose

Oh, and the subs we're mentioning have half that much power already
(you haven't heard earth shattering yet, by the way)

I do agree that they're a great value, but if you have more to spend, then what the heck?

EDIT: oh, and since when does it have 6 digital inputs?

From Logitech website:

Powerful, distortion-free bass: The new, larger 10-inch long-throw subwoofer driver with flared bass port delivers 188 watts of thunderous bass.
Innovative driver technology: Polished aluminum phase-plug satellites combine two drivers into one--the clarity of a tweeter with the richness and fullness of a separate mid-range.
Digital equalization: The Z-5500 Digital actively adjusts frequency response in real time for the cleanest, most accurate sound reproduction.
DTS® 96/24 support: Enjoy studio-quality sound thanks to the Z-5500's support for 96 kHz / 24-bit digital audio streams
Amazingly powerful controls: The Digital SoundTouch? Control Center lets you control volume to all speakers, set inputs, and much more. And the separate wireless remote is great for home theaters and video game consoles.
Innovative satellite design: Cloth grilles are removable for a pro-audio look. Pedestals rotate for easy wall mounting or desk placement. Center channel can be mounted on wall, above or below monitor.
Connect to multiple sources: Simultaneously connect 6 audio sources including PCs, video game consoles, and DVD, CD & portable music players? and control it all from the Digital SoundTouch? Control Center.

And if your talking bose well bose is crap. They have taken thier speakers in to get THX certification and it never passed. Thier speakers are old technology made of PAPER and may have cost $.50 to make. Your buying a name and that is all.
Proof One
Proof two
Both taken from your sig.

So if logitechs is such crap why did they get thx certified and Bose cannot? And every review on the Logitech's have been rave reviews so I dont see why the need to spend $2 grand when all things be told that Logitech Z5500's can do everything and more then buying seperate pieces.

And edit I said close to 600 watts rms when its 500 watts rms and I am guessing you have not heard these speakers in person to make a true objective comment on them.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

From Logitech website:

Source Inputs
Digital optical for DVD or CD players, PlayStation®2, Xbox®**
Digital coaxial for DVD or CD players or PC sound cards (requires coaxial cable, sold separately)
6 channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 2, 4, or 6 channel PC sound cards OR
6 channel direct (3 stereo-mini connectors) for 3 stereo analog mini audio sources, like CD and DVD players, Playstation 2, Xbox, or 2 channel PC sound cards (some devices may require stereo mini to dual RCA adapter, sold separately)
Analog stereo-mini (on side panel of control center) for portable CD, MP3,or MiniDisc® players

So, that's one digital coaxial and one digital optical, right?

Yeah... I know bose is overpriced.

THX certification for computer speakers is different than hometheater THX certification as I mentioned above.

THX certification doesn't even mean much for HT applications.

Just because something gets good reviews and is a good buy doesn't mean there isn't a reason to get something better.
Yeah, the 6600gt is a great card, but there is a reason people pay extra to get a 7800. (lame computer analogy)

I have only heard these speakers briefly in a retail store. I had z-560s for several years and liked them.

I didn't call them crap. They are a good buy for under $300.

Have you heard any of the options in the pricerange this thread is about to say that the z-5500s "can do everything and more"?

 

[funboy6942]

Ok you win

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: funboy42
Forget needing a am/fm tuner and pick up a set of Logitech Z5500's and keep $1700 of the money you saved for other cool stuff

10" sub with earth shattering bass
6 digital inputs with dtd and dd
5 matched THX speakers
Almost 600 watts of RMS power.

Try to find anything close this this much power and good sound for less and it wont happen. Find something with this much power and sound just as good and you may have to spend over $2k to get it. If it was me (and soon will be) Id go without the radio feature and get a kick butt THX set up for cheap

Audiophiles all over the world are reading this and shaking their heads.

Do you really think that system comes anywhere near my H/K 630 and Definitive Technology speakers?

My receiver probably outweighs that entire system, and yes that matters.

 

[sygyzy]

YOyoYOhowsDAjello - Thanks for the link. It seems the overwhelming consensus is that the 1014 is the better choice over the AVR325. But what about the 425? or 625? I think the price difference between the 1015 and 1014 is small enough that if I went the Pioneer route, I'd go for the 1015. Another big debate is between the Onkyo 602 and the 1014/1015 it seems as indicated by http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/message...58105&highlight_key=y&keyword1=pioneer">this thread</a>. What do you guys think about Onkyo? I am really looking at things in the 400-700 range. It's easier to make comparisons when you are comparing the same range.

So I think that includes Onkyo 602, HK 425, 625, Denon 2805, and Pioneer 1014/1015, right?

To clarify: you originally were leaning towards the Axioms but since it has the most disfavorable reviews, you were pretty much set on going with the Ascends. Then the Rockets came along? So if it weren't for the rockets, you were going to go with the Ascends, despite the Axioms being your initial choice?

Thanks for the info regarding the Paradigms. The Studio 40's are a step up from the 20's (right?) and if the Ascends outperform them, then that is all I need to eliminate them from the running.

Thanks so much for the links. The extra bit of time you spend in your posts really helps me figure this all out.

Still having a tough time deciding between all of this. I have a handful of choices for speakers (well mostly Axiom or Ascends), the subs (HSU vs SVS) and receivers.

Edit: It seems like the Onkyo 602 is less expensive than the Denon or HK. The 1014 is really cheap too. $350-400. Are these meant to compare to the 2805/3805 and 425/625 for $200-300 less? Or are they in a lower "class"? Should I save some money and go to these choices instead or spend $600-700 for the HK or Denon? Confused.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: funboy42
Ok you win

So, still going to get the z-5500s for your own system, or are you going to be looking into something better?

(the real test if I won)

 

[sygyzy]

My God. The 1015 has everything going for it. It has upconversion, 3 component inputs, inputs through the front, and 120W per channel for $449 with free Fed-Ex 3 day from One Call. What am I missing here? Comparable HK would be the 625 for $700. What is going on?

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42
Ok you win

So, still going to get the z-5500s for your own system, or are you going to be looking into something better?

(the real test if I won)

Hell no I am a cheap skate that likes to get alot for my money so I am still sticking with the Logitech z5500's. I cant see how spending $1700 more will give me $1700 more worth in sound to want to make me go DAMN I need to spend all that. I have the money now to afford more but I still wont do it.

Maybe ONLY maybe if it did me some sexual favors for spending that much more for it but that wont happen. Will it?