Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.

I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
copy from the library).

Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.

Thanks in advance.

Steven

PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
so I am not used to very high quality audio.

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Steven <sstahl4006@aol,com > wrote:
> Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
> and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.

> I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
> question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
> have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
> systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
> Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
> the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
> As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
> copy from the library).

Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals
affecting cable sound in home audio?

> Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.

Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups.

$1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices
for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer.

> PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> so I am not used to very high quality audio.

You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room...
this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the
'blow you away' experience.

___
-S
"As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan <ssu...@panix,com > wrote:
> Steven <sstahl4...@aol,com > wrote:
> > Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
> > and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.
> > I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
> > question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
> > have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
> > systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
> > Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
> > the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
> > As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
> > copy from the library).
>
> Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals
> affecting cable sound in home audio?
>
> > Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> > us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> > pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> > come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> > system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> > different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> > where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> > for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.
>
> Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups.
>
> $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices
> for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer.
>
> > PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> > away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> > movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> > inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> > so I am not used to very high quality audio.
>
> You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room...
> this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the
> 'blow you away' experience.
>
>
> -S
> "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
> metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason

I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned
because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how
objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet
sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks.

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Steven <sstahl4006@aol,com > wrote:
> On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan <ssu...@panix,com > wrote:
> > Steven <sstahl4...@aol,com > wrote:
> > > Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
> > > and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.
> > > I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
> > > question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
> > > have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
> > > systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
> > > Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
> > > the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
> > > As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
> > > copy from the library).
> >
> > Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals
> > affecting cable sound in home audio?
> >
> > > Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> > > us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> > > pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> > > come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> > > system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> > > different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> > > where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> > > for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.
> >
> > Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups.
> >
> > $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices
> > for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer.
> >
> > > PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> > > away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> > > movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> > > inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> > > so I am not used to very high quality audio.
> >
> > You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room...
> > this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the
> > 'blow you away' experience.
> >
> > ___
> > -S
> > "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
> > metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason

> I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned
> because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how
> objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet
> sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks.

www .realtraps,com has lots of information and products.

Ethan Winer (the owner) posts often to AVSforum,com , audioholics,com and
other audio forums to answer questions about acoustic treatment. (Both of
those forums have subforums devoted to room acoustics and treatment) Terry
Montlick on AVSforum,com is another good source of information, and offers
room analysis services. http :// www .softwaredesign,com /

RPG Acoustics (www .rpginc,com ) and GIK Acoustics (www .gikacoustics,com )
are two other reputable acoustic treatment sources.

___
-S
"As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

On Dec 16, 4:26 pm, Steven Sullivan <ssu...@panix,com > wrote:
> Steven <sstahl4...@aol,com > wrote:
> > On Dec 14, 5:52 pm, Steven Sullivan <ssu...@panix,com > wrote:
> > > Steven <sstahl4...@aol,com > wrote:
> > > > Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
> > > > and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.
> > > > I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
> > > > question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
> > > > have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
> > > > systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
> > > > Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
> > > > the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
> > > > As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
> > > > copy from the library).
>
> > > Is harley still writing about the directionality of copper crystals
> > > affecting cable sound in home audio?
>
> > > > Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> > > > us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> > > > pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> > > > come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> > > > system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> > > > different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> > > > where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> > > > for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.
>
> > > Sound & Vision magazine now routinely reviews receiver + speaker setups.
>
> > > $1200 will get you an excellent AV receiver, and you should have plenty of choices
> > > for $3000 5.1 setups, though you shouldn't skimp on the subwoofer.
>
> > > > PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> > > > away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> > > > movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> > > > inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> > > > so I am not used to very high quality audio.
>
> > > You shoudl also consider spending money on acoustic treatments for your room...
> > > this will contribute as much, or more, than your gear choices, to the
> > > 'blow you away' experience.
>
> > >
> > > -S
> > > "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
> > > metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason
> > I subscribe to Sound and Vision magazine but I'm a little concerned
> > because it seems to be very advertising driven and I don't know how
> > objective they are in their reviews. Do you know of any good Internet
> > sources for acoustic treatments? Thanks.
>
> www .realtraps,com has lots of information and products.
>
> Ethan Winer (the owner) posts often to AVSforum,com , audioholics,com and
> other audio forums to answer questions about acoustic treatment. (Both of
> those forums have subforums devoted to room acoustics and treatment) Terry
> Montlick on AVSforum,com is another good source of information, and offers
> room analysis services. http :// www .softwaredesign,com /
>
> RPG Acoustics (www .rpginc,com ) and GIK Acoustics (www .gikacoustics,com )
> are two other reputable acoustic treatment sources.
>
>
> -S
> "As human beings, we understand the world through simile, analogy,
> metaphor, narrative and, sometimes, claymation." - B. Mason

Thanks for the link Steven.

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

"Steven" <sstahl4006@aol,com > wrote in message
news:fjugm0027si@news2.newsguy,com ...
> Sometime next year I am going to dive into the world of home theater
> and upgrade my 10 year old 32" Sony Trinitron.
>
> I'm looking at all the HDTV's now and narrowing down my choices. My
> question relates more to the audio component of my home theater. I
> have just read an excellent book on putting together high end audio
> systems, "Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems" by
> Robert Harley. The book explains all the aspects of putting together
> the best sounding system for any budget. I would highly recommend it.
> As a matter of fact, I think I will be buying a copy soon (read my
> copy from the library).
>
> Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Steven
>
> PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> so I am not used to very high quality audio.

My initial surround system was a Sony 100 watt per channel 7.1 channel amp
($1,000.00) and 5 Infinity surround speakers and a 500 watt powered Infinity
sub ($1,700.00). They are next class of Infinity above retail and into
special order. Since then I've replaced the fronts with vintage Altec 846As
($900.00) and the difference is not only incredible but it's a phenomenal
stereo for CDs. I also have the option of using the old fronts as side
fills. The only adjustment was the output level to the Altecs. Now it's a
Voice of the Theatre system with surround. That's well within your budget.

Bob Walker

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Steven wrote:

> Back to my question. Since I am on a budget (which I suspect most of
> us are), are their any resources online to find quality reviews of
> pairings of 5.1 speaker systems and receivers? Most of the articles I
> come across seem to be reviewing either the receiver or the speaker
> system, almost never both. I don't have the time to listen to all the
> different combinations of speakers and receivers and was wondering
> where I could find this information. My budget will be about $1,200
> for receiver and $2-3,000 for complete 5.1 speaker system.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Steven
>
> PS. For this money, I am looking for a system that will truly blow me
> away. Clean, crisp sound, Dolby TrueHD compatible, mostly for watching
> movies but also for listening to CD's. My current setup is an
> inexpensive 10 year old Yamaha receiver with 2 B&W bookshelf speakers,
> so I am not used to very high quality audio.

1st, let replies come in!

do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks!
i've seen too many people do posts like
yours and then buy something 3 days later!
don't do that!!

my one thought on your budget is that you may
be able to only spend only ~$800 for the AVR,
and use the extra $400 for the speakers

i'll do a 2nd post in 1 or 2 days and give
some additional/specific suggestions

re cables (you're going to need more than a few),
buy them from www .monoprice,com

re speakers, i've been very very happy with
my inexpensive (~$300) PSB Alpha B1 speakers;
(Atkinson/Stereophile gave them very high
marks, as do i) as well as my PSB center
(~$350) C40

to me they are likely a good starting point

buying on-line will likely provide savings

given that 5.1 movie surround appears(?) to
require a subwoofer (preferably 2, see:
www .harman,com /wp/pdf/multsubs.pdf)

i'm running my two Martin Logan Dynamo
subs ($1200) in a front back arrangement

but there are less expensive subs out there

more important is the front L/R. given that
you get 2 subs, you'll only need fronts that
are fair sized, and 2 way (meaning tweeter
and one/two fair sized mid range driver(s))

the competition for that type of front L/R
is intense and there are many many choices

above are some specific ideas to get you started

bill

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

On Dec 15, 11:26 am, willbill <t...@worldwide,net > wrote:

> 1st, let replies come in!
>
> do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks!
> i've seen too many people do posts like
> yours and then buy something 3 days later!
> don't do that!!

This is very good advice.

OTOH, if there's anyone out there who's lazy and just wants to be told
what to buy, here's what I'd say: Buy the best Paradigm speaker set
you can afford. And then buy the best Denon receiver you can afford
with what's left.

Can you do better? Probably. But for people who don't want to put the
time and effort into speaker evaluation, this approach at least
guarantees that your system will not suck.

bob

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

bob wrote:

> On Dec 15, 11:26 am, willbill <t...@worldwide,net > wrote:

>> 1st, let replies come in!
>>
>> do NOT buy anything for at least 2 weeks!
>> i've seen too many people do posts like
>> yours and then buy something 3 days later!
>> don't do that!!

> This is very good advice.
>
> OTOH, if there's anyone out there who's lazy and just wants to be told
> what to buy, here's what I'd say: Buy the best Paradigm speaker set
> you can afford. And then buy the best Denon receiver you can afford
> with what's left.
>
> Can you do better? Probably. But for people who don't want to put the
> time and effort into speaker evaluation, this approach at least
> guarantees that your system will not suck.
>
> bob

very good advice by you also

i figure i'll wait a few days and see if he
has the willingness to do any work with some
follow-up posting

i don't have any Paradigm speakers, nor knowledge
of them; i do have an inexpensive ($800) 1 year old
Denon AVR, and am rather impressed with it

a good AVR is a good AVR is a good AVR. :)

it is, however, the most complex piece of
hardware (music/video) that i've ever owned;
especially the remote. :( i still only know
half of what it can do and making 5.1 sound
adjustments (for the "6" speakers (5 +2 subs)
it a total pain

when i bought my 2nd sub 10 days ago, i asked
the sales guy (fairly knowledgeable) if any
of their other good AVRs (all Denon and Pioneer
Elite) were any more easy to use. he said:
"not really" which frankly shocks me

bill

Re: Home Theater Advice - Receivers and Speakers

Steven wrote:

>... 5.1 speaker systems

P.S. my self powered Dynamo subs cost
$600 each, $1,200 for the pair

bill