HT Audio advise: Integra receiver and Monitor speakers

[ericc22]

Greetings,

Some great info throughout this forum!

I was hoping to get advise on what I am thinking of purchasing. All advise is most welcome!

The system is for my small home office. I have a Samsung 8000 plasma which I love. I will use the system mostly for music - CD and itunes - and also for home theater. I am trying to keep the budget to under $2,500 for everything including tax, wires, etc.

I've looked at Best Buy and 2 smaller shops. (I live in Essex County, NJ.) At this point I am leaning towards:
- Integra 30.3 receiver
- Monitor RX1 Silver for fronts
- Monitor Silver for center
- Sunfire subwoofer
- Monitor rears, inexpensive

I like the Integra receiver because it goes online for Pandora, and it seems easier to setup. I like that a microphone can be hooked up to facilitate balancing the system especially if I move seats (from my desk to the couch). I also like the interface on the Integra - it seems easier to work with. I've also looked at Pioneer Elite and Denon. I don't see a lot of reviews on the Integra so very curious for feedback.

I was going to try to save $ on the center as my office is small and I felt a smaller center would work but other threads have suggested I am best served to match the center and fronts. Make sense?

Then there is the sunfire. Again, I have a small room. But given that I am not getting floor standing speakers I thought the base would be particularly important for music and it seem well reviewed and certainly sounded great.

I am aiming for the Monitor RX1s because I like the way they sounded! I also heard Definitive, B&W and a few others and preferred these. The dealer was also recommending them and he seemed legit. I know these things are so subjective but I'd love to know your experience with Monitor and the RX1s. There are so many variables and of course I can't hear all the ones I like next to each other so who knows the impact of the different rooms or setups on the speaker.

All help is most appreciated!

Eric

[Hyfi]

The 30.3 is a nice unit and I have had no issues with mine after 2 months.

I do miss the Logic 7 mode from my older HK AVR635.

[ericc22]

Thanks!

What is Logic 7? Do you like something better than the 30.3?

E

[Hyfi]

Thanks!

What is Logic 7? Do you like something better than the 30.3?

E

Logic 7 was one of the custom audio modes that Harman Kardon uses which I liked more than the modes available on the Integra.

With the Integra, only modes encoded on the DVD or CD seem to be available for selection where the HK would convert from whatever was on the disk to whatever you chose, with some limitations.

I guess if you never had an HK, you won't miss the feature.

I like lots of units other than the 30.3 but that was my pricepoint. I got it for $699 at Worldwide Stereo. HiFi House also gave me a similar price.

[ericc22]

Thank you for the response.

And all opinions are most welcome. Any thoughts on the speakers?

Eric

[bobsticks]

Hey eric22 and, btw, welcome to the forums.

Integra has long been known as the upper line of the Onkyo franchise, possessing of fine build quality and up-to-date processing capability. Their items generally receive top notch reviews from HT reviewers of all stripes.

Monitor Audio too is known as solid choice in the second tier of Home Theater products. Their speakers have very musical qualities and are regarded by most as a good value---which should be evidenced by your own experience.

From what it reads, you are doing the smart thing with reserach and audition. I suspect you're well on your way to putting together a rewarding system.

Have fun,
sticks

[ericc22]

Thanks for the reply Sticks!

When you say Monitor Audio is in the 2nd tier, what do you mean? What is in the first tier?

Got anything to recommend I look at?

[Hyfi]

Thanks for the reply Sticks!

When you say Monitor Audio is in the 2nd tier, what do you mean? What is in the first tier?

Got anything to recommend I look at?

Dynaudio Excite Series will more than likely blow the Monitors away, but it does come down to personal preferences.

[ericc22]

Thanks Hyfi!

The Dynaudio x12 seem fabulous. At $1,200 they are almost twice as much as the Monitor RX1s. That would really push my budget. Hmmm.....

[blackraven]

Ericc22, the Monitor Audio RX1's are a good choice. I have a pair of its older siblings the S1's in my secondary system and they are a very good sounding speaker when hooked up to a good amp, preamp and source. They also take about 30 hours of break in to come into their own. They compare favorably to B & W 685's and Paradigm Titans which are also worth a look. In that $650 price range there are not a lot of choices for good bookshelf speakers.

You might also want to consider the RX2's-

Monitor Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/new_speakers_monitor_audio.htm)

[BadAssJazz]

From perusing various websites, it appears that Ericc22 cast a pretty wide net. Wise man. Let us know what you decided to get.

[ericc22]

Very true - a wide net indeed. I am so confused! I think what I've learned so far is to not put too much faith in what you hear in a retailer. This is a case where what I learn from the internet is far more valuable then anything I've found yet.

I am now looking at Sierra-1s for speakers, Onkyo vs. Integra for receivers, Denon, etc.

Ahhh! I have a small room - 12x9 about, willing to spend about $2,500 - and complete confusion!

Time for some audio therapy.....

Eric

[BadAssJazz]

We've all been there. Take your time and make the best decision for your ears.

Curious: did you include a blu ray player in your initial budget of $2,500?

[ericc22]

I have the tv and the blu ray. I am buying the receiver, 5 speakers, and a subwoofer.

Eric