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Best HT starter system?

Not sure if I'm posting this in the right place. I'm a newbie, so please excuse me if i do anything incorrectly here.

I'm trying to begin putting together a Home Theater system. At this point in time I only have about $750 to $800 to invest. I have a sub, and a pair of junk Yamaha bookshelf speakers. From my research so far, I'm thinking that I'd like to spend this $750 to $800 on a HT receiver and an pair of good speakers to use up front. Eventually I can add more, but I thought this would be a good starting point. I plan on using front speakers and receiver for music almost as much, or more, than I use it for Home Theater purposes.

Does anyone have any recommendations? The last time I owned any "quality" audio equipment was 15 years ago, so I know very little about HT receivers, etc. Basically, I'm asking for suggestions for a pair of up fronts, and a receiver for $800 or less, that would be a could system for music initially, and could be built into a good HT system. If it makes a difference, the room this system will be used in is roughly 15x20 with cathedral ceilings.

Thank you very much in advance for any suggestions.
loki485
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
Go to harmanaudio and look at their Factory Remanufactured receivers.I suggest the 340Z for about $350. The main difference between newer and older receivers is how up to date the switching of video sources is. If you do that elsewhere (like at your TV), then you can save a lot by buying an older receiver.
If your room is not too large the Sound Dynamics RTS-3 is an excellent low priced speaker. This might even leave you enough for a sub.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
Maybe a used Denon AVR 3800, or AVR 3802 for a receiver. Definitve Technology towers with buit in subs. Buy used for very resonable prices. Lots of bang for the money.
bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
for speakers, think used. You should search the archives here for recommendations in your budget range. Now and then you can find Vandersteen 2C listed for ~$400 or so. Some older Paradigm may be a good value too (I have an old pair of Paradigm 7se that are quite nice considering they're not worth much). I'm sure there are others worth considering. If you get floor standers you'll want to shop for something here or on ebay that you can pick up locally. I wouldn't get a center channel speaker now - just set your receiver to "Virtual center". You can get a way with using your yamaha for rears, but you will want to consider replacing them with speakers of the same brand as your fronts eventually. If/when you add a center channel speaker it's critical that it matches your mains - more critical than it is to for the rears to match. This should be a consideration when you purchase your mains. Otherwise purchase your mains now with the intention of selling later and replacing them with a full matched 5.1 system.

Finally, if you haven't subscribed to the Audiogon Bluebook, you should. It's a great research tool that's worth the cost.
loki485 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for all the help!

As far as the component switching, I have a new Sony Bravia 46' LCD, and do all of my switching there, so it's not an issue. That being said, should I consider an older HT receiver (more bang for the buck)?

Also, I was considering the DM603's for the front and eventually building that into a full system w/ the 601's, etc.
Good idea or not?
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hi Loki.

Several years back, I put together a 5.1 system for my ex-wife: 603s up front and 601s in the rear. They were driven by a Yamaha 100w x 5 avr. This was in a room a little smaller than yours. The B&Ws are excelent. Problem is, I don't think there is a matching center channel speaker. I used a large Polk center which does okay w/ the 603s.

For a receiver, you might look for a used Onkyo 605 or, much better, an 805.

Mike
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