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recomend me a sound system

W

wtiger

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
1,600
Hi. I just bought a HDA Mystique and my current sound system doesn't do it justice. So I was thinking of upgrading sometime in the next 6 month. So i figured I'd start the trek to a good affordable sound system now by asking you guys what's the best i can get with the money I have and what I'm using it for. I'm thinking I won't go over 600 dollars for everything you need for a descent 5.1 surround system Minus the sub. I've already got a pretty descent sub for the size room this is going into. I'll be using it for music, movies and gaming. Suggestions, recomendations and links appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Those speakers suck. What is your subwoofer? Have you got old speakers that could serve as rears? If you sink your budget into a decent refurb receiver, you can get some really decent fronts.

Will this be for single listener computer use, or generalized couch audiences?
 
My sub is an Aiwa ts-w1500u. Not incredible, but as good as is necessary. my surrounds are Aiwa sx-r1900's ok, but not all that great. It's primarily for my comp, but general couch audience is a close second. At least til I get a house and seperate the two, but that'll probably be a little while. I bought this setup before I had a clue about home audio. To be perfectly honest I still kind of don't, but know well enough to know my current system has some serious weaknesses.
 
I think then that your $600 should go towards a stereo pair of mains, a center and a receiver.

av123.com said:
SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a RSC 100 MKII at just $199.00 and receive up to (2) pair of RS 150's for just $199.00/pair.
Click to expand...

You should call them and see if they can help you out on a receiver for $200. I know they sell some Denon stuff on an unofficial basis. Eventually, the RS150's can go to the back and you can get some better fronts.

Alternately, there is a factory-direct refurb HK that looks nice.
http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=AVR 130-Z&status=

Harman Kardon
AVR 130-Z
5.1 Home Theater Receiver
5 X 45 watts per channel
2 X 55 watts stereo mode
Dolby Digital/PL II/DTS 5.1
Original Accessories and Warranty Included.
Factory Remanufactured
$197.00
Original Price: $399.00/Each
Click to expand...

There also is probably some stuff for ~$200 over at ecost.com.

edit: like this one.

The component video switching is the big advantage on this one, and the poor warranty support (30 days) being the chief disadvantage. I'm pretty sure that either one will drive the speakers you have adequately.

The AVR-1705 combines solid Denon construction, plenty of convenience features, and all the processing you need for outstanding 6.1 surround sound — whether you're enjoying movies, TV, music, or video games. Thanks to 75 watts x 6 channels of Denon's acclaimed high-current amplification, you'll always be treated to clear, dynamic sound.

An advanced 32-bit SHARC processor provides decoding for virtually any surround source you can throw this receiver's way. It's even got Dolby® Pro Logic® IIx, which lets you turn any stereo or surround source into dazzling 6.1-channel audio. 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters handle all your digital sources with extreme precision.

You get loads of connectivity for system-building, including HDTV-compatible component video switching, digital inputs and outputs, and front-panel A/V inputs that allow quick and easy hookup of camcorders and game systems. Component video conversion provides easier TV hookup and video switching. All video signals can be passed from the '1705 to your TV via a single component video connection — you won't have to select a different input on your TV when you switch from VCR to DVD, for example, and all your sources will look their best.

The handy remote not only controls this receiver, but also TVs, DVD players, and VCRs from almost any manufacturer.

Key Features: *75 watts x 6 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD *Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS Neo:6 processing *192kHz/24-bit Analog Devices DACs *component video conversion *component video switching: 3 in, 1 out (100MHz bandwidth) *digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial *optical digital output *5.1-channel input *2 audio, 4 A/V (including 1 front-panel and 3 S-video) inputs *no phono input *multibrand-for-video remote *high-current, low-impedance amplifier design *56 AM/FM presets *2 sets of main speaker outputs *banana plug-compatible speaker binding posts for all main-room speakers *17-1/8"W x 5-7/8"H x 16-15/16"D
Click to expand...
 
Mind you, that those RS150's are not nearfield monitors and could probably stand to be at least 3' away from the listener.
 
would you say that denon onkyo and hardon karmon are about the same when it comes to sound quality of the DACS and features they offer?
 
GodsMadClown said:
Mind you, that those RS150's are not nearfield monitors and could probably stand to be at least 3' away from the listener.
Click to expand...


not a problem. I take it the RSC 100 MKII is shielded.

So you're saying that the RSC 100 MKII's, RSC-150's, and a reciever equivalent to one you posted should pretty well kick ass? can those rsc-150's be wall mounted.
 
I've not heard either of them, but I'd wager that the HK sounds better. Just a guess, however.

One could go listening around. I think Circuit City sells HK stuff. Buy one on a CC and return it after the audition. :)

av123.com said:
SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a RSC 100 MKII at just $199.00 and receive up to (2) pair of RS 150's for just $199.00/pair.

What's new for MkII?

The new RSC100 MKII is basically an ELT Center Channel at its core, but with a tad more “oomph” in its belly --- while being housed in an enlarged RSC100 chassis. The result...a serious knock-out of a product at $399 dollars.

If you were to examine the individual sound channels in a typical Dolby Digital or DTS movie soundtrack, you'd find that the center channel carries more than it's share of the load. It's responsible for projecting crystal-clear dialog, compelling background music, and startling front sound effects. That's why audio experts agree that the center channel is the most important loudspeaker in your home theater. With that in mind, we developed the magnetically-shielded RSC100 MKII, an aggressively-priced three-way, four-driver center channel comprised of our custom 1" aluminum-silk hybrid tweete, two 5.25" aluminum alloy woofers (just like those found on our top-of-the-line RS750 tower), and a VERY special 2.5" dedicated midrange driver for crystal clear dialogue reproduction. In addition, the RSC100 MKII has been carefully voiced to timbre match ALL speakers in the Rocket line, and works especially well in conjunction with a pair of RS150s as rear surrounds or a pair of RSS300s at the sides.

* System: Three-way, four-driver direct-radiating system, vented enclosure with rear-firing flared port
* Drivers: Custom 1" aluminum dome tweeter, two custom 5.25" long-throw aluminum cone woofers, one custom 2.5" dedicated midrange driver.
* Crossover: 3.8 kHz, 3rd-order alignment
* Frequency Response: 55 Hz to 20 KHz (± 3 dB)
* Impedance: 4 Ohms nominal
* Efficiency: 92 dB (@ 1 watt / 1 meter)
* Dimensions: 10.1" H x 8.4" D x 20.5" W
* Weight: 30 lbs (11.3 kg); ship weight = 33 lbs
Click to expand...

[edit]
Oops. I just realized that you're going to need a receiver that's stable into a 4 ohm speaker.
 
Found one.

Make a ClubOnkyo.com membership.

Go to shoponkyo.com.

You should see aon offer for a TX-SR502S for $199.99- $10 in new member points.

It's rated into a 3 ohm load. It should be fine with the Rockets.

I used to own the SR500. It was a very decent bang/buck product.
 
thanks guys. I think I've found myself a system. I think I'll order the stuff monday or tuesday. I'll let you know how it turns out.
 
Receiver sound quality is subjective just like speakers. The only way to determine what you like is to listen to them.
 
i (and a lot of others) would consider NAD a step above the "consumer" brands...
 
I had NAD in mind, and excluded it for that reason. It's also not as widely availible. If you find a decent used model at a yard sale or on Cragslist.org, it would be something to consider. If you aren't in a suber hurry on the receiver, you could keep an eye on your local Cragslist. What general metro region are you in?
 
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ele/73744134.html

Harman Kardon AVR 80 MKII THX Receiver, Millenium DTS Decoder, Harman Kardon ADP-303, Harman Kardon FL 8300 5 Disc CD Player

I'm Accepting Offers! Just e-mail me! I'll let you know!

I am willing to seperate components!

You'll Never find All this Equipment Near this price anywhere! Don't wait! Buy it Now! It won't last long!

Up for auction is my home theater setup I've built over the years. Any audiophile can tell you that seperates (components) are where its at.

Millenium DTS Decoder 2.4.6 (msrp $249)

Harman Kardon ADP-303 Dolby Digital Decoder (msrp $899)

Harman Kardon AVR 80 MKII THX Certified Receiver (MSRP $1799)

Harman Kardon FL 8300 5 Disc CD Player ($399)

Total Price $3349

All items are working perfectly (Like New)!

I'm parting with it for $499 just because I need the money. I hate to let it go, but need to.

I've been running this setup for the last few years powering my Paradigm Studio Setup flawlessly. All the item are in near MINT condition and include the remotes, power cords, etc. I do have the original box for the AVR 80 MKII. All of the items also include manuals printed from the Manufacturers website. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me.
Click to expand...

E-mail him and see if he'll sell you the receiver and DD decoder for ~$200
 
On second thought, after reading through the manual, you'll want a modern receiver. I'd go with the refurb Onkyo 502.
 
I went ahead and ordered the speakers before they sold out. probably go to circuit city sometime next week and look at some recievers and look around some more just to see what I like best.
 
the rosewood was sold out of one model so I got ebony. I saw that the rosewood was sold out and that's why I decided to hurry up and order before they were all gone.
 
These Speakers sound absolutly fantastic and they look great too. Now for a good receiver. My Aiwa craptacular receiver is doing ok for now, but If a good receiver makes half the difference as these speakers did then I will be very happy.
 
I doubt a good receiver in your price range (meaning not going to separates) will yield half the difference relative to when you first plugged in your speakers. Expect maybe a 10-20% improvement, not 50%. All I'm trying to say is that dont get your expectations too high.
 
I might spend a tad more a reciever; since I just got my tax return in. Either way it'll sound better than it already does; which is significantly better than it was.
 
I just got the receiver in today, but I'm having some problems. It almost seems like it's overheating and shutting off or something. after a couple minuted it says protect and shuts down. Now I thought maybe It didn't like my 4 ohm center channel, but I unhooked the center channel and it was douing the same thing. Since the fronts are 8 ohms they shouldn't be a problem and the POS reciever I was using before was working fine with the speakers. I double checked all my connections and can't find anything wrong. Anyone know what's going on? I'm gonna call ecost in a couple minutes and try and resolve the issue.
 
I talked to a guy at onkyo and he said the receiver is not compatible with the audio signal that my soundcard outputs. I'm gonna try hooking up a dvd player directly to it later and see what it does. Yep tried the fm reciever and it works fine. Looks like I have to return it.
 
I don't think the guy at Onkyo knows what he is talking about regarding the Mystique. Other people have gottent it working just fine with digital receivers. Dolby Digital is pretty standard. Try it with a DVD.

Man, I'm sorry for steering you wrong. Now you've gotta eat shipping.
 
It happens. I appreciated the help you were giving me. I tried playing a DVD through my comp and no matter what I do I run into the same problem. I hooked a cd player up to it and it worked flawlessly. Sounded fantastic. They're gonna semd me the info on returning it in a couple days through e-mail. Just gotta find another receiver that will work properly. My budget's a bit bigger now anyway; since I finally got my tax return back I can dump up to 500ish on a receiver now.
\
I'll just call a rep of whatever other reveiver I decide on looking into and make sure it works the way I'm gonna be using it.
 
It should work with a Dolby Digital signal. Are you sure that your card is outputing a DD signal properly?
 
as long as the receiver has either an optical or coaxial input, it's going to work fine :)
 
It works perfectly fine with my Aiwa receiver at any volume and was playing fine with the onkyo up until the volume was set to about 50 then it would say protect across the screen and shut off.
 
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