Quote Originally Posted by smreed32
Hi,

I have just set out to build my first ever HT setup and I have no idea where to start. Right now, I have a 50" Samsung DLP TV with a basic $600 Sony STR-DA1000ES A/V Receiver and a basic ($500) Sony DVD player. I have two Vienna Acoustics Haydn speakers right now and all components and speakers are connected with Audioquest cables. I ordered two more Vienna Acoustics Haydn speakers for the rear channel, a Vienna Acoustics Maestro for the center channel and a REL Stadium II Subwoofer for bass. Here is my question. I am supposed to pick up the ordered items from my local Hi-Fi Store (Magnolia Hi-Fi) this Friday and I am not sure if I am making a good decision. The speakers and subwoofer are pretty expensive, but I have enjoyed my Vienna Acoustics so much with music that I wanted to stay with the same for my HT system. So, here are my questions. With such high end speakers, am I doing myself a disservice by using only the Sony A/V receiver? It sounds ok with just my two Haydn's now, but I am told that the Sony receiver is not really a good match for speakers of this quality and that I am really missing out by not using an good amp or a better receiver like a B&K or something like that. Should I wait on getting the speakers until I have purchased better components? Does anyone have suggestions as to a good complete system or parts and pieces that I should get to complement what I already have? I am not yet educated on all the ins and outs of HT, so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks...
Almost any decent receiver will be able to play your speakers to a sufficient volume with no difficulty. The fact that it does it now with your system set up as a STEREO is proof. The problem comes when you want to have theater level performance using multiple speakers. The current draw may exceed the ability of the receiver and cause it to distort, or even go into overload. Action movies like Saving Private Ryan include battle scenes that were made to be played at high volume, and can be trouble for all but the best receivers. I've solved the problem in my system by using both auxiliary amps, and powered towers. I think that the auxiliary amp route is the most effective to get separate level performance from a receiver.

My suggestion is then;

Don't wait to get the speakers. If you find that the receiver is not powerful enough for the full system, then get a separate amp for the mains.

Oh, your salesman is not trying to cheat you in any way. To spend more than twice the amount for the subwoofer than the receiver is not the norm. Most people who have your level speakers have a taste for higher level components too. If he points that out, it doesn't mean he's trying to cheat you. It's called a balanced system. That being said, there's nothing wrong with the route you've chosen.

There are VERY few subwoofers that can perform as well as the REL. The fact that you've chosen to add identical speakers for the surrounds will make for an absolutely seamless sound field on SACD & DVD-Audio. I would recommend that you purchase several to play immediately when you set up your system. I'm sure your going to be quite happy with the way it turns out.