HT set-up

[bboy1234]

Ok I dont have to say im new you aready know it. I just purchased the panny PT-60lc13 TV and i want to set up a HT system. I have a mid to small living room, but may be moving into a new house with a larger living room. I have basically decided on the Yamaha htr-5760 for my receiver. I am going to set up the 7.1 system. I wanted to get some nice bookself speakers for the front speakers. (i plan on up grading to floor speakers when we move.) I was considering the bose 201 or 301 speakers. for the middle and rear speakers i was going to go with the bose 161 speakers. Im not sure of the sub or the center channel speaker. I want to listen to music as well as enjoy movies.
I need to keep my speaker costs around 1000.00 I am sure you all will tell me the bose suck so give me some suggestion. Thanks

[bboy1234]

Anyone???

[Worf101]

BOSE. Not too many folks round here will take you seriously when you throw that name around. Most here consider Bose's current offerings to be overpriced, under designed, overhyped crap. There's alternatives out there that cost less, sound better and are infinately more upgradable than Bose. But that's just my opinion. You can also to a search here and find out just about anything you need to know.

Da Worfster

[Eric Z]

bboy1234-

i suggest going to a local electronics retailer and check out what they have (try to avoid best buy and circuit city- they sometimes don't carry the best stuff. however, they do carry klipsch speakers that are pretty good). if you stick with a established company that specializes in speakers you should be in good shape. a few of these established brands are mirage, energy, canton, definitive technology, M&K, B&W, klipsch. of course there are plenty more, but these are the ones in which i am most familiar. remember, you don't need to go with 7.1 right away (or maybe not even eventually). i recommend going with 5.1 now and then move on up if you really want those extra 2 channels. the only problem is with a $1K budget, you'll get to that amount very quickly. also, you mentioned you would like to upgrade to floorstanding when you move- those can get quite pricey. as long as you have a decent subwoofer, the bookshelf variety should be fine. you can always go with some bookshelf speakers now for your fronts and then eventually move those as your rears. the biggest advice i can give you is to listen to as many speakers as you can. i may have jumped the gun buying my mirages- not that i don't like them (i think they're great), but i feel i didn't comparison shop enough.

you are right about people here and their opinions regarding bose.

i recently picked up the htr5760 receiver and really like it- a lot of good options and powers my speakers very well- a huge improvement over my older sony one.

another piece of advice- spend time putting your HT together. many people get excited and buy something they might regret later. upgrading is a very addicitive thing, so be careful.

one last piece of advice- remember not to pay the full price when you buy from an audio electronics store. usually, they are willing to haggle a bit- especially if you are buying more than just one component, speakers, etc. an example was when i bought a yamaha dvd player yesterday- it was a floor model that retailed for $299- they had it listed for $199 because it was a floor model. i was able to get it for $138. that's another good thing, if you can get a floor model/revious return, go for it. as long as it is in good shape, and they still offer a return policy and warranty.

good luck!
eric

[Bryan]

What size room will the HT be in at the new place? Will there be any openings into other rooms and, if so, what will there dimensions be?

Here is where you are trying to save money by buying equipment for your future home rather than something just for the interim. Additionally, know the sub can eat up your budget.

Look around for used gear. Build your system slowly. Time is your friend. Get an idea of what sound you enjoy. If you enjoy horns, Klipsch makes fine speakers and could be just the one for you. If you want something that is laid back, Odyssey would be the way to go. If you want something dramatically different, look into nOrh. (Personal plug here, but couple the set of nOrh 4.0s I have for sale for $450 plus shipping with an Adire Audio Rava for $450 and you'll be set for some time.)

For new:

Fluance SX-HTB - $260 delivered
Fluance AV-BP2 - $100 delivered (sides)
SVS 25-31PCi (retuned to 22Hz) - $549 plus shipping

Total - $909, plus extra for shipping

Rocket ELT - $999 plus shipping (includes subwoofer)

* Can add PBS (Powered Bass Stand) for the ELTs at $499 plus shipping per pair. These are not subwoofers. Basically, gets you into towers later on.

HSU Ventriloquist/VTF-3 MKII combo - $950 delivered

[kexodusc]

Honorable mention goes out to Athena, decent sound at a pretty low price, which I believe are available at Best Buy or Circuit City. I don't own any personally, but I've been impressed with the few demos I've done.

I must say though, $1000 will go along way on ebay if you're buying Klipsch, PSB, Energy, or Paradigm speakers. Probably a few others brands too...you'll get better speakers for your money buying used.

[bboy1234]

Wow thanks for the info Eric,Bryan, and Kexodusc. I am thanksful for your input. Now Worf if all your intrested in doing is flaming peoples posts and offering no input why even respond. Now i have one more question can the yamaha htr5760 run a 5.1 set-up or only 6.1 and 7.1??? Thanks

[HokieVT]

Note: The SX-HTB will cost you about $320 delivered, not $260