HT help! Budget 10k


Hello Audiophile,

Please go easy on me and a noob here when it comes to HT. I do apologize as I know thread like this comes up all the time, but everyone's situation and configuration are different.

I've been running my current system for quite sometime now and it's time to upgrade or replace to a much better HT system that will last me 10+ years. My current budget is $10,000 excluding the TV. If I can spend less, great!

This is not a dedicated HT room. This will be in the living room and the size is 32'x20' (640sqft). We primarily will be using this HT system to play movies, music, and some occasion games. Music is more Trance, Hip Hop, and Rap.

I need real world advice and experience as to what would be my best option here. I'm not against using old speakers or the newest and greatest speakers. Whatever will bring out the best sound for the price is what I am looking for.

I would love to implement a 7.1 or 7.2 system, but I understand price will be a huge factor here so I will consider a 5.1 or 5.2 system as well. Whatever brands and models you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to run a separate setup as well to fully bring out the potential on the speakers.

Below here is my very basic current simple setup:

Denon AVR-790 (Just Died on me)
2 Audiofile 830LR floorstanding speaker
1 Klipsch RC52 Center
1 Klipsch RW10 Subwoofer
quasimotoftw

Looking at the size room and your choice of music, it will be best to use speakers with a high sensitivity, like Klipsch. Also, they will be extremely dynamic for movies. Going to a much lower sensitivity speaker after using Klipsch may prove to be a disappointment. Look at their recommended systems, and add a second subwoofer or extra rear channels, or both.


Driving higher sensitivity speakers can save many $$$ when driving 5-7 channels.

That is a pretty good size room(5000 to 6200ft3 +) and larger/dynamic speakers may be in order.  Klipsch speakers are dynamic and efficient and I would not vote against them in your room.  I think a full Klipsch RF-7II setup(RF-7IIs, RC-64II, RS-62II's) would be a good direction to go.  This setup should run you in the range of $4500.00 to $5000.00.  Mate them with a pair of SVS PB2000 subs($1499.99 shipped) and that would leave you with $3500.00 to $4000.00 for a flagship AVR or a midlevel AVR and a 5-channel outboard amp.  

Sell your current speakers and apply that +/- $400.00 to your new setup.

Bill


Do you have any local dealers you can visit?  Might be a good idea to go check out a few different options to see what you prefer.