Inexpensive home theater base update: bought

[boomhower]

I have run out of HDMI inputs so it's time to upgrade a real reciever. I'm am not an audiophile by any stretch, I was satisfied enough with the $300 Sony soundbar. What I need is a receiver with at least four HDMI inputs and some front speakers. Eventually I will expand to full surround sound but for the time being I just need the front. I guess I need three? Cheaper is better for now, I just need something serviceable not top shelf.

 

[blotto]

Denon 1612 or 1712. Accessories4less has refurbs for $189 and $249. 1712 is 7.1, 6 HDMI, and Audessy MultiEQ XT. 1612 is 5.1, 4 HDMI, and MultiEQ.
Great bang for the buck.

 

[boomhower]

After doing some searching last night I was actually leaning towards the 1612 but they are $10 cheaper than the cheapest price I could find.

Thoughts on a couple bookshelf and a center channel?

 

[Anubis]

After doing some searching last night I was actually leaning towards the 1612 but they are $10 cheaper than the cheapest price I could find.

Thoughts on a couple bookshelf and a center channel?

budget?

 

[blotto]

There's a thread on AVS about the new budget Pioneer speakers that are apparently unbeatable at their price point. You should have a read:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1278774/pioneers-speaker-genius-hits-low-price-point

 

[boomhower]

budget?

No more than $300 for the three. The linked Pioneers seem to be a winner and are $150 at Amazon. How about a center channel for $150 or less?

 

[Anubis]

there is a center that goes with those pioneers or you can just get 3 of the the bookshelf's if you have space to stand it in the center


http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-C21...oneer+speakers

 

[boomhower]

I have an entertainment center similar to this in build. Would the speaker sound alright on the shelves or should I look into stands or the 51 floor standing speaker which might just squeeze.

 

[Anubis]

shelfs work however they are rear ported so you would want a little room behind them, same with the sloor standers,

Also if the floor standing model is still ~200 for the pair you might want to look into the deal newegg is running on the Polk Monitor series right now - you get a free sub

http://promotions.newegg.com/PolkAudio/12-4008/index.html

 

[boomhower]

I'm going to switch to the 1613, the looks are worth the extra money and the Airplay will be nice as I am heavily vested in the Apple ecosystem. Also thinking of BS22's instead of the 41's. A bit cheaper and supposed be just as good if not better.

Let me try this pic again, don't know why it didn't show up last time.

 

[Kaido]

Woot has a 7.1 Pioneer receiver for $249 today:

http://www.woot.com/

 

[boomhower]

Woot has a 7.1 Pioneer receiver for $249 today:

http://www.woot.com/

Decent deal but the 1613 for the same money seems to be a better buy. If your looking for 7.1 then the Pioneer may be the way to go but I don't see myself ever going that route, if I do whatever receiver I buy now will be outdated.

 

[s44]

If you've going on-shelf in that cabinet you probably do want front ported... though you could also just let Audyssey correct the boominess out.

 

[Nintendesert]

Newegg seems to have decent deals at times on receivers and Pioneer bookshelf speakers. I got a receiver that was normally 250 for 200 bucks plus a pair of 99 dollar bookshelf speakers thrown in for free. Just need to check their daily deals. Not sure how long you can wait though.

 

[boomhower]

If you've going on-shelf in that cabinet you probably do want front ported... though you could also just let Audyssey correct the boominess out.

They are going to be sitting on the shelfs, I am open to front ported suggestions. Infiniti 163's? Difference in sound going to be worth almost twice the money?

Right now I'm looking at this:
Pioneer B22's and C22 for now
Denon 1613

Later:
Another pair of B22's
BIC F12 sub

Since we are this close to Black Friday I'll probably wait and see what deals pop up. The components I have selected now are pretty much dirt cheap and can't get much cheaper. But with the sales I might be able to land something better for the same money. Really it's just the speakers up for debate. With good looks, airplay, and Audessy for $250 I'm pretty set on the Denon receiver.

 

[Childs]

If you want to do it on the cheap, check out:

Dayton Audio B652 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair - $34
Dayton Audio CCS-33B 3-Way Center Channel Speaker Black - $50

 

[boomhower]

I ordered everything this morning:

Denon 1712
2x Polk Monitor 50's ($75, couldn't resist)
Polk CS1
BiC F12

Hopefully I'll get able to get it set up next weekend.

 

[purbeast0]

i may see if i can grab one of the 1712's that are on clearance at best buy for $199.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I love my 1712. Its a great value.

 

[purbeast0]

I love my 1712. Its a great value.

do you know if it has the "party mode" feature? i was googling but it seems like i couldn't get a definitive yes or no, but i also didn't see anything scream that it does have it.

 

[poofyhairguy]

No I don't think it does.

 

[purbeast0]

No I don't think it does.

Ah okay thanks. that is definitely a requirement of the 2nd one i get so that it can play well with my 4311.

 

[boomhower]

i may see if i can grab one of the 1712's that are on clearance at best buy for $199.

I tried as well, mine was sold out.

 

[vshah]

what is party mode? pipe one receiver's audio to another?

 

[purbeast0]

what is party mode? pipe one receiver's audio to another?

yea basically.

you set up one receiver as the 'host' of the party, and then setup the other receivers as 'attendees' to the party. whatever music the host plays will be output on the attendee receivers as well. this is for receivers on the same network. pretty sure i read in my manual that you can have up to 4 attendees.

when i'm all done with my HT setup (in my basement with 5.1 or 5.2) i also want to have a 2.1 setup in my living room area which is a floor up. and i want to be able to have the same music going on in my living room as my basement when we have parties and company.