Trying to get ideas for HA setup, Help please..

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

Well now that we are moving into a house id like to start piecing together a good quality sound setup. Right now i just have a older model Sony setup that i bought which has 4 surround, 1 center, a seperate sub and receiver. Sounds ok, but id like to get more output and sound quality. Looking for suggestions. Id like to stay around 800-1000 i suppose for the whole thing. REally want a kickass sound quality paired with a nice low end, probably a 15. Let me know what you guys would suggest. Also, im wondering if i can use my current receiver for a short time, maybe until i get the new sub in?

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[joetama 5,000+ posts]

Are you looking to build or buy?

You can keep your old receiver but you would be sacrificing quality. If you are only going to be putting it off for a while then you would be fine. But keep that in mind.

It is hard to outline an entire system for someone. If you choose to DIY then a Dayton (Parts Express) makes some great drivers for cheap which a lot of people have had GREAT results with...

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

Hmm...are meaning building the drivers? No, i have no idea what im doing with stuff like that. I just plan on piecing the stuff together (ie, speakers, sub, box, reciever) and then installing it myself. Im a little "build-impaired." lol

And ya, i was just thinking maybe i should buy the surround speakers first, then the reciever and then get the sub last. (i definantly want all new stuff)

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

I don't mean building your own drivers... Very few people have the knowledge/training to do that properly...

Anyway, my best suggestion to you if you want finished speakers is to listen to every/anything you can.

Find a store in your area that carries several types/brands of loudspeakers and gather up your favorite CD's and have a listen. Listen to stuff in your budget range and out of the range. Find what you like and can afford. No two people like the same sound, so that is why it is SO hard to recommend someone a loudspeaker brand.

I would defiantly DIY your subwoofer. In the lower price ranges (and even in some of the higher price ranges) a DIY subwoofer is going to be a MUCH larger bang for the buck...

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

You might have to go to a couple of different shops too...

Look for places that have Boston, Klipsch, B&W, Definitive Technology, Wharfdale, and Paradigm.

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

Do you mind giving me some suggestions on models to look for though. I mean, i can understand why its so tough, but i really dont have that good of an ear for SQ, never really have. I know that i dont like some speakers that have a metalic sound to them, but i bought the set i have out of a box, it had everything i needed and it sounds decent to me but i know to someone with an ear it would sound like crap. lol.

And i suppose the biggest thing i should spend my money on would be the receiver, so what should i be looking for with one of those? I found a decent looking Onkyo at a pawn shop yesterday and was surprised since it was only like 50 bucks, i thought that was a good brand? I just need some guidance really, like an example of someones build or something? Im not trying to go outrageous (ive seen some of you guys HA systems and ****! lol. I just want it to be full surround with nice clean crisp sound and a nice low end that will rattle my rafters.

What are some good subs to look at for HA? And i will also need someone to build me a box eventually.

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

Well... To be honest you should spend the most on the loudspeakers...

Then the pre/amp... Then the source...

I'll look up some prices on stuff....

NVM... You want surround...

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

what else would i do besides surround? Ya if you dont mind just giving me an idea of some good equipment and then ill try and go around to a few places and see if i can find that stuff and listen to it. Id greatly appreciate it, because i have no clue what would be good...lol

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

Look for places that have Boston, Klipsch, B&W, Definitive Technology, Wharfdale, and Paradigm.

See above...

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

Receivers & Electronics...

Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony ES... ETC ETC

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

any certain model numbers that i should make sure i look at?

 

[joetama 5,000+ posts]

Speakersaradigm Monitor Series, Klipsch RF Series, B&W 600 Series, Definitive Technology BP Series, Monitor Audio BR Series...

I like the B&W and the Monitor Audio...

Receivers: Denon AVR-1508 or 1707, Onkyo TX-SR605, Sony STR Series, Yamaha RX-V Series...

I like the Denon and the Yamaha...

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

Thanks man, im gonna check those out, and im sure ill have more questions..

BTW-what is a good HT subwoofer?

 

[jdawg 5,000+ posts]

honestly one you make yourself and add an amp to it

 

[2002XLT 5,000+ posts]

honestly one you make yourself and add an amp to it

I guess im just not quite understanding how to do this? Please explain how i would make build my own system?