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  1. #1
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    Holy crap batman I'm a noob...

    Hello everyone, I have been reading alot of the threads and I cant say how great it is to see people help others so freely and quickly, and honestly. So heres the situation I have a little money left from the tax return that my wife is letting me keep. While I feel the need to horde it I also want to have a decent system. At the current time I have crap except for my projector which is a Epson 1080 UB pro series. So guys with $1500.00 dollars and this equipment what should I do? Remember I know nothing about amps benefits of 2ch vs surround yada yada. PLEASE help me. I have a 7.1 channel yamaha RX-V1400 receiver, crappy infinity speakers, 4 primus 150s for rears and sides and 2 primus 360 towers for fronts and a primus c25 center channel. This backwards ass system also has a nice active 12" klipsch subwoofer. Now please tell me what to do? I dont know if I should keep the receiver and replace the speakers, replace the receiver, buy an amp, throw everything away buy a system in a box and live with being a noob forever, so on and so on... Remember I wont have much money to work with for the next say 18 years because we had our first baby so hook me up with something I can live with and still feel decent about in years to come. Oh ya Im a total dork and love playing PS3 video games online. If this is rambling Im sorry baby doesnt sleep. Thanks ahead of time for all the help audio gods.

  2. #2
    Retro Modernist 02audionoob's Avatar
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    This depends on your goals. I'm a music fan and a movie fan, but I'm happy with a low-end HT system and not with a low-end music system. So for MY goals, I'd leave the HT system alone and get myself a 2-channel system. With a clean slate, I might start with a new Marantz integrated amp and CD player, a Pro-Ject turntable and a nice pair of bookshelf speakers. There have been two threads here recently where forum members were very pleased with their new Mordaunt Short speakers. This could maybe even fit in under the $1500 budget.

  3. #3
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    Thanks for replying so quickly. First I mostly interested in movies and gaming sorry I didnt mention that. Second the room is 12' x 15' with the screen aand couch going on the 12' walls with no way to change that, fireplace on one 15' dimension wall and bar is on the other. So what is a HT system? I dont really need a cd player since most of my music is on my Ipod. Now another question can I run an amp in conjuction with this receiver and what are the benefits of an amp? Thanks again.

  4. #4
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    You have a good HD projector with HDMI, PS3 with HDMI which can take care of your blu-ray and dvd. Because the projector lacks any sound out connections and the PS3 only does HDMI out, you should look at replacing the receiver and at least the fronts or front & center speakers. Personally, I like Klipsch and would keep the powered sub. Because of the range of music and types of movies we watch, we have all Klipsche speakers -- I don't like the muddy sounds of some of the others, that's a personal preference and everyone is different when it comes to that.

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    Thanks for the advice and the promptness. If I dont leave for work now I am going to do this all day. See everyone this evening.

  6. #6
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    Actually I was wrong about the PS3. You can get an audio cable (fiber) that will give you surround sound if you didn't want to replace the receiver just yet. There are others here who have more experience using the PS3 for gaming & blu/dvd playback.

  7. #7
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by euchreb
    Hello everyone, I have been reading alot of the threads and I cant say how great it is to see people help others so freely and quickly, and honestly. So heres the situation I have a little money left from the tax return that my wife is letting me keep. While I feel the need to horde it I also want to have a decent system. At the current time I have crap except for my projector which is a Epson 1080 UB pro series. So guys with $1500.00 dollars and this equipment what should I do? Remember I know nothing about amps benefits of 2ch vs surround yada yada. PLEASE help me. I have a 7.1 channel yamaha RX-V1400 receiver, crappy infinity speakers, 4 primus 150s for rears and sides and 2 primus 360 towers for fronts and a primus c25 center channel. This backwards ass system also has a nice active 12" klipsch subwoofer. Now please tell me what to do? I dont know if I should keep the receiver and replace the speakers, replace the receiver, buy an amp, throw everything away buy a system in a box and live with being a noob forever, so on and so on... Remember I wont have much money to work with for the next say 18 years because we had our first baby so hook me up with something I can live with and still feel decent about in years to come. Oh ya Im a total dork and love playing PS3 video games online. If this is rambling Im sorry baby doesnt sleep. Thanks ahead of time for all the help audio gods.
    First, thingt, grow a pair.
    When did the wife start wearing the pants?
    Second, I would reccomend speakers, but a better pair is outta your budget.
    After skepticism of the brand I am a big fan of Emotiva they make a great amp,
    in several flavors. GET ONE.
    Then get a receiver with pre outs, to plug into the amp, this will give you the latest
    codecs.
    LG 42", integra 6.9, B&W 602s2, CC6 center, dm305rears, b&w
    sub asw2500
    Panny DVDA player
    sharp Aquos BLU player
    pronto remote, technics antique direct drive TT
    Samsung SACD/DVDA player
    emotiva upa-2 two channel amp

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by pixelthis
    First, thingt, grow a pair.
    When did the wife start wearing the pants?
    What a dick! You obviously have a one sided relationship if you are even married and have no clue what a real marriage is. When two people get married, they act as 1 which means open honest teamwork and decisions made together.

    You don't need to interject your ignorance and dickheadedness into every post or reply to or make, just answer the OPs questions and keep your personal crap to yourself.

  9. #9
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    Thanks for trying to protect me Hyfi but I took it in good fun. My balls are actually in a jar in my wifes purse so to get some I have to ask for them back. LOL. And she started wearing the pants this year as she now has a MBA and makes more money then me. But seriously should I get an amp before a new receiver and speakers or should I start with speakers? By the way what are codecs?

  10. #10
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    What a dick! You obviously have a one sided relationship if you are even married and have no clue what a real marriage is. When two people get married, they act as 1 which means open honest teamwork and decisions made together.

    You don't need to interject your ignorance and dickheadedness into every post or reply to or make, just answer the OPs questions and keep your personal crap to yourself.
    Hyfi, these kinds of outbursts are unacceptable!
    Sir Terrence

    Titan Reference 3D 1080p projector
    200" SI Black Diamond II screen
    Oppo BDP-103D
    Datastat RS20I audio/video processor 12.4 audio setup
    9 Onkyo M-5099 power amp
    9 Onkyo M-510 power amp
    9 Onkyo M-508 power amp
    6 custom CAL amps for subs
    3 custom 3 way horn DSP hybrid monitors
    18 custom 3 way horn DSP hybrid surround/ceiling speakers
    2 custom 15" sealed FFEC servo subs
    4 custom 15" H-PAS FFEC servo subs
    THX Style Baffle wall

  11. #11
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    I can't believe the audacity of some people on the internet! A little courtesy is in order towards the OP!

    euchreb,

    In terms of sound quality, speakers are by far the most critical. Problem is, they are also the one thing you need to spend the most money on. You can use a cheap receiver, fairly low cost amps, cables, etc and get exceptional sound. But even with the most expensive of everything else, a system will only ever sound as good as the room and the speakers. On a $1500 budget where SQ is the goal, you'd be mad to do anything but focus on the speakers and room.

    The best answer I can give is DIY. If you are handy enough to put something together, you can put together a killer system. All you need is to put the budget into buying parts and for $1k you can make a $5k speaker easily. The rest can go into a killer DIY sub! Pay a visit to diy audio which is a great forum for diy enthusiasts. If you can build the box, you can do it.

    If this isn't something you could consider, then start hunting for 2nd hand. Either way, focus the money where it will make a difference - speakers and room.

    I still scratch my head why people put so much into cables, amps, DACs and even suggest the same to those who barely even have enough money to buy decent speakers. If you have to cut corners, don't do it with the speakers.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by euchreb
    Thanks for trying to protect me Hyfi but I took it in good fun. My balls are actually in a jar in my wifes purse so to get some I have to ask for them back. LOL. And she started wearing the pants this year as she now has a MBA and makes more money then me. But seriously should I get an amp before a new receiver and speakers or should I start with speakers? By the way what are codecs?
    I have a modest HT setup that incorporates my main 2CH system. I prefer to put the money into 2CH music playback but have slowly been upgrading parts of the HT setup.

    I would start with the best speakers you can afford that have the sound characteristics you like. Some speakers have deeper bass but sacrifice mid-range. Some speakers have metal tweeters that can make your skin crawl after a few hours of loud listening.

    Next I would focus on a good high current amp that will drive down to 4ohms comfortably, as many higher end speakers can be 4 or 6 ohms and require a little juice to get their full potential. You may just upgrade someday.

    Cables can make a difference and many can't hear it. Definitely replace the $2 cables that come in the box but until you put your system together, don't focus too much on high end cables, just well built with proper shielding.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible
    Hyfi, these kinds of outbursts are unacceptable!
    Joking or not, and on the internet one can never tell, all too often his opening remarks are to make people look small or stupid or whatever it is he thinks makes him look better, bigger, smarter, or more macho.

    Telling someone to grow balls as the first answer to a first time poster should not be acceptable or condoned here. The poster asked for help with an audio question and last I looked, this was not a Marriage Counseling Forum.

  14. #14
    M.P.S.E /AES/SMPTE member Sir Terrence the Terrible's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi
    Joking or not, and on the internet one can never tell, all too often his opening remarks are to make people look small or stupid or whatever it is he thinks makes him look better, bigger, smarter, or more macho.

    Telling someone to grow balls as the first answer to a first time poster should not be acceptable or condoned here. The poster asked for help with an audio question and last I looked, this was not a Marriage Counseling Forum.
    Now you know what I have to deal with. LOL
    Sir Terrence

    Titan Reference 3D 1080p projector
    200" SI Black Diamond II screen
    Oppo BDP-103D
    Datastat RS20I audio/video processor 12.4 audio setup
    9 Onkyo M-5099 power amp
    9 Onkyo M-510 power amp
    9 Onkyo M-508 power amp
    6 custom CAL amps for subs
    3 custom 3 way horn DSP hybrid monitors
    18 custom 3 way horn DSP hybrid surround/ceiling speakers
    2 custom 15" sealed FFEC servo subs
    4 custom 15" H-PAS FFEC servo subs
    THX Style Baffle wall

  15. #15
    Forum Regular BadAssJazz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paulspencer
    In terms of sound quality, speakers are by far the most critical. Problem is, they are also the one thing you need to spend the most money on. You can use a cheap receiver, fairly low cost amps, cables, etc and get exceptional sound. But even with the most expensive of everything else, a system will only ever sound as good as the room and the speakers. On a $1500 budget where SQ is the goal, you'd be mad to do anything but focus on the speakers and room.
    Strongly agree. The speakers should be your first priority. Start your research there and audition wherever possible.

    Also, make sure you touch base with the wife to see what speaker designs meet her approval. I'm not joking, I'm serious.

    Unless you are building a dedicated man cave, this room falls under "common area" and the last thing that you want to hear is how your wife doesn't feel that YOUR speakers clashes with HER furniture (even if you bought the furniture...lol!) day in and day out.

    My brother lives that nightmare now. Seems his wife was under the impression that he was going for an understated HT setup with bookshelf monitors, when my brother had tower arrays in mind. He brought home towers; he hasn't known a moment's peace since.
    *Panasonic 60" Plasma HDTV
    *Marantz AV7005
    *Marantz MM7055
    *Oppo Digital BDP-95
    *Silverline Audio Sonatina MK II
    *Silverline Center Stage
    *Silverline Audio SR11
    *SVS SB12

    http://www.panasonic.com
    http://www.marantz.com
    http://www.oppodigital.com
    http://www.silverlineaudio.com
    http://www.svsound.com

  16. #16
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by euchreb
    Thanks for trying to protect me Hyfi but I took it in good fun. My balls are actually in a jar in my wifes purse so to get some I have to ask for them back. LOL. And she started wearing the pants this year as she now has a MBA and makes more money then me. But seriously should I get an amp before a new receiver and speakers or should I start with speakers? By the way what are codecs?
    Glad to see you have a sense of humour, hate to think I OFFENDED you..
    I said codec but perhaps thats not entirely accurate.
    Its really formats like DTS master, etc, the new ones that are on Blu ray.
    They are half of what Blu is all about.
    Normally I would suggest new speakers, but with HT the primary task, I think that if you can live with the current ones, I would concentrate on a upgraded receiver, maybe a
    amp (something like outlaw or emotiva).
    One route you might consider is a flat screen.
    While smaller you can get a 52" in your price range now, 120hz.
    Might be a better fit, although I KNOW YOU PROJECTOR TYPES love your
    screens(GM for example).
    An Onkyo for around a grand would give you some decent sound, and versatility
    LG 42", integra 6.9, B&W 602s2, CC6 center, dm305rears, b&w
    sub asw2500
    Panny DVDA player
    sharp Aquos BLU player
    pronto remote, technics antique direct drive TT
    Samsung SACD/DVDA player
    emotiva upa-2 two channel amp

  17. #17
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    And I guess I am one to talk about being "whipped", my last girlfriend was 24, I am
    53, talk about no bargaining position WHATSOEVER.
    Ended badly of course, but if you waste time thinking about your car hitting the ground
    after going off a cliff, you wont enjoy the ride down.
    Attached Images Attached Images  
    LG 42", integra 6.9, B&W 602s2, CC6 center, dm305rears, b&w
    sub asw2500
    Panny DVDA player
    sharp Aquos BLU player
    pronto remote, technics antique direct drive TT
    Samsung SACD/DVDA player
    emotiva upa-2 two channel amp

  18. #18
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pixelthis
    And I guess I am one to talk about being "whipped", my last girlfriend was 24, I am
    53, talk about no bargaining position WHATSOEVER.
    Will you ever figure out how to write a paragraph without unnecessary carriage returns?

    Do you expect for anyone to take this ridiculous question seriously?

    rw

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    Thanks for all the advice. Sorry you didnt like my humor E-Stat. I also didnt know that my grammer was being judged in the audio forum. Sounds like the majority leans towards speakers so thats where I am going to start doing my research. Thanks again everyone.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by euchreb
    Thanks for all the advice. Sorry you didnt like my humor E-Stat. I also didnt know that my grammer was being judged in the audio forum. Sounds like the majority leans towards speakers so thats where I am going to start doing my research. Thanks again everyone.
    Nah, you have to look at the quoted text in a reply to see who the response was to. eStat was obviously talking to someone else

    Good luck with your upgrade!

  21. #21
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by euchreb
    Thanks for all the advice. Sorry you didnt like my humor E-Stat.
    Look again at my post and note to whom I was responding. Hint: it was not you.

    rw

  22. #22
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    Sorry E-Stat I thought it was aimed at me due to my lack of coherent paragraphs. Should have looked at quote. LOL

  23. #23
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    Angry

    Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
    Will you ever figure out how to write a paragraph without unnecessary carriage returns?

    Do you expect for anyone to take this ridiculous question seriously?

    rw
    Somebody did.
    That was who I was responding to.
    HERES A QUESTION that is not rediculous.
    HOW long will I BE TREATED LIKE a second class citizen around here?
    Just curious.
    Not that I mind the abuse, being treated like dirt by stuck ups like yourself
    just tends to make me post more
    LG 42", integra 6.9, B&W 602s2, CC6 center, dm305rears, b&w
    sub asw2500
    Panny DVDA player
    sharp Aquos BLU player
    pronto remote, technics antique direct drive TT
    Samsung SACD/DVDA player
    emotiva upa-2 two channel amp

  24. #24
    Vinyl Fundamentalist Forums Moderator poppachubby's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by pixelthis
    Somebody did.
    That was who I was responding to.
    HERES A QUESTION that is not rediculous.
    HOW long will I BE TREATED LIKE a second class citizen around here?
    Just curious.
    Not that I mind the abuse, being treated like dirt by stuck ups like yourself
    just tends to make me post more
    Dude, your first response to a new poster was pretty harsh. He doesn't know you from Adam. This site is hurtin for more posters, and that's how you start?!? Can you not see how that might be perceived as rude? At least this guy is honest about his situation, He gets my respect. Honestly, where's a mod when you need one? Go to other sites and watch how much they tolerate that kind of chat...

  25. #25
    Forum Regular pixelthis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by poppachubby
    Dude, your first response to a new poster was pretty harsh. He doesn't know you from Adam. This site is hurtin for more posters, and that's how you start?!? Can you not see how that might be perceived as rude? At least this guy is honest about his situation, He gets my respect. Honestly, where's a mod when you need one? Go to other sites and watch how much they tolerate that kind of chat...
    What a maroon.
    If you can't discern an obvious joke, which even he found funny, as what it was,
    you need to get a life, pronto.
    Sorry if I don't gear my responses to the politically correct nazis that rule our current universe, really, when did these guys sneak in and take over?
    Tell a little joke and they want to hang you , well, I am tired of walking on tippytoes
    just to please you left wing types who want to throw free speech out the window
    because its not possible to control everything people say.
    What really bugs me is that someone on this site called me a Nazi once, no one cared about that.
    And thats the whole problem with political correctness, you can aim it at whoever you want to, people you agree with get a free pass.
    Get a little perspective, okay?
    Guys have been talking about how whipped they are for ages, its a common thing.
    Nothing to blow a gasket about.
    LG 42", integra 6.9, B&W 602s2, CC6 center, dm305rears, b&w
    sub asw2500
    Panny DVDA player
    sharp Aquos BLU player
    pronto remote, technics antique direct drive TT
    Samsung SACD/DVDA player
    emotiva upa-2 two channel amp

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