Home theater upgrade on budget: HELP

[jimbowne]

Hello all, I currently have Logitech's Z-5500 digital system hooked up to my computer (Believe me I know these are not the best speakers). About a week ago the coax input stopped working, and I am looking for a replacement setup. Here are some of the guidelines.

i) I want the setup to have hdmi

ii) I want the setup to be able to decode the new hd audio (Dolby True hd and Dts master)

iii) I would prefer 7.1 but 5.1 is also acceptable.

I am considering two options:

a) The onkyo ht-s6100 HTIB

b)The onkyo sr-507 reciever and buying seperate speakers.

Finally, here comes the bad news. I am on a very tight budget. I have around $800 to work with, so I am leaning toward the ht-s6100 because I probably cannot get decent speakers with the sr-507 reciever and be under my target price. Any and all help would be greatly appreiciated.

 

[rexter]

Just my opinion, but with SR 507 here: http/www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR507-5-1-Channel-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001VEI290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247107083&sr=1-1 you can get a good set of low brand speakers set like these ones:

http/www.amazon.com/Fluance-Surround-Theater-Speaker-AV-HTB/dp/B00064JWSG/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247104171&sr=1-22

http/www.amazon.com/Fluance-Speaker-Surround-Theater-SX-HTB/dp/B0002WRHZC/ref=sr_1_69?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247104281&sr=1-69

and http/www.amazon.com/Fluance-DB-150-Subwoofer-150-Watt/dp/B0006B5SR8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247104623&sr=1-8

http/www.amazon.com/T-Rex-Raptor-Speakers-theatre-Speaker/dp/B001LNMFB2/ref=sr_1_95?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247104342&sr=1-95

http/www.amazon.com/Raptor-Cherry-Speakers-theatre-Speaker/dp/B001LNM58A/ref=sr_1_97?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247104369&sr=1-97

would be better than like the onkyo ht-s6100 HTIB system.

 

[jimbowne]

I think those speakers would be a good option, thanks rexter. Has anyone looked into the SONY STR-DH800 reciever? It has true hd and dts hd decoders and 7.1 channels @ 110 watts per channel. Would anyone recommend that instead of the onkyo 507?

 

[rexter]

Sony's Channel Power Rating : 7.1 Channel Power Rating: 110W x 7 Amp Power (8 ohms, 1KhzTHD 1.0%)

http/www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665793060

Onkyo's THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) 0.08% (Rated power) - Front and Surrounds = 100 W + 100 W (6 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.1%,

http/www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR507&class=Receiver&p=s

I'll take Onkyo anytime with its lower THD.

 

[jimbowne]

What about the yamaha vx-465? its a 5.1 av receiver; Anyone like yamaha better than onkyo?

 

[jimbowne]

Or the pioneer 819?? Is that any good?
-Jim

 

[rexter]

All receivers at the same price range are fine, other people looks for power, features and connectivity while others like me look for sound quality first features and connectivity 2nd.

You decide which you like better, They're all capable.

 

[jimbowne]

So this is what I've settled on. The Acesonic 510 surround sound speakers and the Pioneer 819h-k. Since the Acesonic 510's come with a passive sub, I will be without a sub until I get some extra cash. I will post my findings.

Acesonic 510 - 269 - (bing cashback + Ebay bucks) = 243

Pioneer 819h-k - 269 - (Bing cashback) = 255
-Jim

 

[rexter]

That's pretty good combo. Enjoy it...

 

[jimbowne]

So Iset this up yesterday and all I have to say is wow. The speakers are built really well, the fronts are bi-amp capable, and they look incredible in person. Even without the subwoofer (since the sub is passive), this setup sounds amazing. I don't know whether its the speakers or pioneer receiver that make it sound that great (possibly the combo), but it blows away my z-5500's in quality/clarity. The most impressive thing out of the speakers is the highs. They are really sharp and have no static or distortion even at high levels. With these I compared songs of mp3 (192k) with the cd counterpart (1411k) and the difference was like comparing ghandi and lil' wayne.

The pioneer 819h is incredible. I was able to set this up in less than 5 minutes (where others claim it took at least an hour). Without the sub I have the fronts set to large and music sounds great. Movies seem a little less impressive without a sub but that will be solved when it is added. Overall I am very impressed with the quality for this setup, and cannot wait the get a blu-ray player and experiance Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.

I would definately recommend this setup, Especially with a pricetag of under $500. I found it comparable to much more expensive packages (probably $1000+) at the local bestbuy.

So now I am deciding on a subwoofer amp for the Acesonic subwoofer. Any suggestions?

 

[rexter]

I know what you mean about the quality between Z-5500 or the Pro Media's from Klipsch.

This route is my usual alternative options for my customers who can't afford my first recommendation depending on their preferred applications.

I'm glad you're enjoying your system. I suggest you wait until your speakers gets brake-in 'till you decide what kind of Subwoofer you should get. But if I would suggest anything then the:

Axiom EP125 - http/www.axiomaudio.com/ep125.html

SVS PB10-NSD - http/www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm which I never heard but cjl always recommend it so I trust he's judgment on that because it also have good reviews.

Here are good other subwoofers: anywhere 120W - 300W will be good addition for your system.

Acoustech, BIC, Boston Acoustic, Cerwin Vega, Definitive, Energy, Infinity, JBL, Klipsch, Martin Logan, Mirage, Polk Audio, Velodyne.

http/www.amazon.com/s/qid=1248914151/ref=sr_st?rs=172568&page=1&rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A667846011%2Cn%3A172563%2Cn%3A172568&bbn=172568&sort=reviewrank_authority

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