speaker recommendation for HT

[johnny utah]

Hi Guys,

I just bought a Harman/Kardon AVR 507 Limited Edition. 50wx7channels.
I'm setting up a Home Theater...but I need some good speakers to go with this receiver.

Budget: $1,500 or less.
Receiver Specs: Harman/Kardon AVR 507 Limited Edition (Specifications) (http://international.harmankardon.com/products/?display=product&cat=REC&ser=AVR&prod=AVR%20507/230&language=ENGLISH)

1. Can you please recommend some good speakers for this receiver?
2. I am considering:

Yamaha NS-P436 Speaker Package (on the budget side...can get a cheap deal)
OR
Yamaha NS-515F, NS-M15, NS-C515 (front, back, center)
The 515 series has 100w (nom) / 300w (max)

SECOND QUESTION: Can I use speakers with 100w (nom) with an amp that has 7x50w output??

I could use some advice on this one.

Thanks,

Johnny Utah.

[Keith from Canada]

Hey Johnny.

First, some words to live by when looking at speakers -- 1) always buy from a company that makes only speakers. You can generally find good quality at virtually all price points. 2) The wattage rating on the back of a speaker is essentially useless. You can mate pretty much any speaker (providing it's reasonably efficient) with the receiver that you've chosen. 3 -- and most important...no one can tell you which speaker is right for you. You'll have to go out and listen for yourself...you will quickly realize which one jumps out and grabs you the best.

FYI -- some good companies to audition include -- PSB, Paradigm, Energy, Klipsch, Monitor, KEF, etc.

[TinHere]

Welcome Johnny Utah.

Check out the Rocket ELT's from the internet direct company AV123.com. Great value and extraordinary customer service.

Here's a link:
http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=13

Here's a review:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_1/onix-rocket-elt-1-speakers-3-2004.html

Happy hunting.

[nightflier]

Keith's list tends to be on the neutral side, so if you like more emphasis on the high frequencies, I would also recommend Infinity and especially Axiom Audio.

Stay away from Yamaha, they are OK for half the price, but you'll also get half the performance. Also, buy a sub from another company than your speakers. Look for a company that specializes in subs (Velodyne, HSU, SVS).

[Bryan]

SVS PB1-ISD (http://svsubwoofers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SSL&Product_Code=B-PB1-ISD-white&Category_Code=B-stock) - $549 plus shipping (ice white in color)
nOrh (http://www.norh.com) 4.0 video system in either wood or ceramic - $850 delivered

$1,399 give or take shipping on the SVS (shouldn't be any more than $50)

Basically the above system is similar to what I have (nOrh 4.0 video system - have wood 5.1 mains - and a SVS 20-39CSi powered by a Samson S700).

Another possibility is:

Magnepan MMG W mains and surround and MMG C center (http://www.magnepan.com/) - $897 (unsure about shipping)
HSU VTF-2 (http://www.hsuresearch.com) - $450 delivered

$1,347 give or take shipping for the Magnepans.

Those are just a couple other suggestions. Continue to do your research and look around. You may find something that will stave off upgraditis for quite some time to come. Enjoy!