Help with helping a friend building a sound system

[blackraven]

I agree, look at a HT receiver like the Onlkyo 605,705, 805's or the Denon 2808CI or 3808CI's The denons have computer interfaces. Also consider NAD HT receivers. These receivers will give good 2ch sound and allow you to move into HT when your ready. My preference would be NAD but it is the most expensive of the bunch. If you want to do separate amp and preamp look at www.outlawaudio.com.

For speakers consider the B&W 683's or NHT Classic 4's, Paradigms and PSB's. The NHT Classic 4's will have the warmest sound and won't necessarily need a sub because they have a 10" side firing woofer and a 6.5" front woofer.

For a sub, I would consider the Velodyne SPL series, Martin Logan Dynamo which is excellent for music and has no boom or muddiness, REL subs from www.sumikoaudio.net. All these subs are non-ported and will give nice crisp bass.


For a CD/DVD player, you could consider a universal player like tha Marantz DV7001 or the Oppo 983. If you wanted to go with a separate CDP and DVDP then look at the Marantz SA8001 SACDP, Cambridge Audio 740c, Rega Apollo, Music Hall 25.2 which would be the cheapest. For a DVD player look at the Oppo 981 or 983 (www.oppodigital.com)