Suggest some options for a starter audio system

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
So I've had this TV: Philips 47PFL7422D/37 for a month and a half. I've got an XBOX 360, HD cable box, and a HD-A3 hooked up at the moment. The speakers on this set are pretty lacking, especially when watching an action movie.

Originally, I was going to pick up an Onkyo HT-SR800 HTIB. My living room is fairly small and I live in an apartment, so I can't have a very loud system. However, one feature that I really want is audio over HDMI. This, unfortunately, is a high midrange to high end feature.

So, recommend me some future-proof options to replace the SR800. I'm not sure what kind of budget I have, it really depends. I've been browsing AVSforum and google for a while, but I'm really stuck here.

I'd like a receiver that processes all the new audio formats over HDMI, with 2-3 HDMI inputs. Bonus points for component to HDMI conversion.

I'd like to get at least my two fronts with the receiver. Recommend some visually appealing and easy to match speakers. Bonus points if you find stands that will work. If they're cheap enough, I may even be able to pick up a sub and maybe even a center.

I know this is vague, but this is my first foray into HT audio. Post any clarifications or questions for me, and I'll answer quickly. :D Thanks for your help!


 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
I'm hoping for under $1000 for the front 3 speakers, sub, and receiver. I'd prefer to make some performance sacrifices for cost, but also willing to invest in something solid that's guaranteed to be future proof if I can find it.
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
have you listened to speakers that you liked? The next step in recommendation is that we need to know what your tastes in sound are. Do you like the type of sound Polk speakers generate? Klipsch? JBL? B&W? Dali? Paradigm? etc.?

Next, what are the dimensions of your room, is the room sealed, or open to other rooms? If open to other rooms, what is the overall cubic foot of the entire enclosed space? This determines subwoofer for adequate bass.

Next, what restrictions do you have in terms of size of speakers? Do you want real wood veneer finish or is vinyl fine?
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: Tiamat
have you listened to speakers that you liked? The next step in recommendation is that we need to know what your tastes in sound are. Do you like the type of sound Polk speakers generate? Klipsch? JBL? B&W? Dali? Paradigm? etc.?

Next, what are the dimensions of your room, is the room sealed, or open to other rooms? If open to other rooms, what is the overall cubic foot of the entire enclosed space? This determines subwoofer for adequate bass.

Next, what restrictions do you have in terms of size of speakers? Do you want real wood veneer finish or is vinyl fine?

Thanks Tiamat. The direction is very welcomed. :)

This will be my first home theater audio. I haven't really auditioned any speakers, and I don't think I would be able to tell a difference. My computer speakers are Klipsch Promedia 2.1s, I actually like their sound a lot, but I don't know if that would translate to their home theater line. I have some Boston Acoustics speakers and a Kenwood sub in my car. The BAs are actually kind of harsh sounding, I like rich mids. The Klipsch are a lot better sounding to me.

As for space, it's a very small room, about 15'x12', walls on 2 sides, glass sliding door and jealousies on the third, with a hallway and the kitchen on the fourth side. Including the kitchen space and hallway, I would guesstimate 2600 cubic feet. I don't want earth-shaking, window-rattling bass. Something a little bigger than the sub on the Promedia's would probably work fine if turned up.

My tv stand is black matte metal and glass. I'd like speakers with either a black reflective or matte finish. No wood, no silver, definitely not white.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: Muadib
Onkyo TX-SR605 $397.01
Polk Audio R50 $119.98
Polk Audio CSR$79.99
Polk Audio R150$49.99
Dayton HSU10$292.50

This is a 5.1 system that should meet most of your needs.
EDIT: I just saw your speaker requirements. You aren't making this easy.:p

Thanks Muadib. :)

I think I'd actually go one up on the receiver (700 series) for the additional HDMI port. I'll do some reearch on these Polk speakers.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)

They're not plastic. Its more of a textured paint...kinda like truck bed material:

maybe pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers, a center and a PB10 or 12

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)

They're not plastic. Its more of a textured paint...kinda like truck bed material:

maybe pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers, a center and a PB10 or 12

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Those are exactly what I'm looking for, appearance-wise. Maybe something a little smaller.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)

They're not plastic. Its more of a textured paint...kinda like truck bed material:

maybe pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers, a center and a PB10 or 12

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Those are exactly what I'm looking for, appearance-wise. Maybe something a little smaller.

They're pretty small by quality speaker standards. I believe the M2Ti from Axiom may be a bit smaller, but at that point its not significant. The subs from SVS are large(except the small box sub) but they pack a punch.
 

Zugzwang152

Lifer
Oct 30, 2001
12,134
1
0
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)

They're not plastic. Its more of a textured paint...kinda like truck bed material:

maybe pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers, a center and a PB10 or 12

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Those are exactly what I'm looking for, appearance-wise. Maybe something a little smaller.

They're pretty small by quality speaker standards. I believe the M2Ti from Axiom may be a bit smaller, but at that point its not significant. The subs from SVS are large(except the small box sub) but they pack a punch.

Am I going to find any unpleasant reviews on these speakers when I troll avsforum and google? Do you have these? They'll probably sound a lot better than the built-in ones on my TV. Would you consider these usable as a 2.0 setup with the receiver to start? Or should I stretch and get a sub as well?
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
How about 2 or 3 of these and 1 of these in satin black. The sub is out of stock now, but will get in probably soon. These seems to be a pretty good entry level system. If you want more bass, the PB-10 from SVS is a nice step up, but it is much larger of a box if that is a concern.

This should leave you with 400ish for the receiver.

Between AV123 and SVS, its hard to beat them for price/performance while having decent looks. These companies have 30 money back guarantee so you can try them in your home and make sure they don't make your ears bleed.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
No wood? Now that's a tough requirement.

SVS perhaps?

The cheaper speakers and subs all appear to be black plastic. I figured that would make it easy for me ot make it well below max budget. :p

If you have some suggestions, I'm more than open to checking them out. :)

They're not plastic. Its more of a textured paint...kinda like truck bed material:

maybe pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers, a center and a PB10 or 12

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Those are exactly what I'm looking for, appearance-wise. Maybe something a little smaller.

They're pretty small by quality speaker standards. I believe the M2Ti from Axiom may be a bit smaller, but at that point its not significant. The subs from SVS are large(except the small box sub) but they pack a punch.

Am I going to find any unpleasant reviews on these speakers when I troll avsforum and google? Do you have these? They'll probably sound a lot better than the built-in ones on my TV. Would you consider these usable as a 2.0 setup with the receiver to start? Or should I stretch and get a sub as well?

You would definitely want the sub. And I highly doubt you will find many negative reviews of SVS products.

I own an SVS PB10 but I do not have SVS bookshelfs
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
18,120
910
126
Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
Originally posted by: Muadib
Onkyo TX-SR605 $397.01
Polk Audio R50 $119.98
Polk Audio CSR$79.99
Polk Audio R150$49.99
Dayton HSU10$292.50

This is a 5.1 system that should meet most of your needs.
EDIT: I just saw your speaker requirements. You aren't making this easy.:p

Thanks Muadib. :)

I think I'd actually go one up on the receiver (700 series) for the additional HDMI port. I'll do some reearch on these Polk speakers.
The cheapest I've seen the TX-SR705 is $650. That's not leaving much for speakers.

 

underline man

Junior Member
Feb 16, 2005
15
0
0
I'm in the same boat, got the nice TV, 360, wii, Directv HD, and HD-DVD, but no speakers.

I was leaning twords the onkyo 605 or 705....and i think in the long run for my self the 705 would be the better future proof and i would match those with the

Polk Rb-61 for $379 which is on close out at a local audio/video store and then slowly add sub, center, 2 rears and then later 2 more some where to make 7.1

i just saw today 1.11.08 that on pricegrabber they have a 70 for 570+30 shipping and thats the cheapest i've seen that reciever.