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For the money, Best set up for HT and music

I have been reading for about a year; about all the different equipment you can buy to make the sound be the best it can be. I know it sounds extreme, but I want a good starter that I can build on.
He is my history (you can skip this if you like I'll put separator in front of my question)
I'm not super rich, but I do have a crazy love for music, unfortunately I'm young and haven't had enough time to build wealth to build on this hobby. Originally I was looking for the best surround sound (5.1, 7.1) for music and home theater. I came to the conclusion after a while that the Denon 2808ci would provide exactly what I wanted and give me room to grow in the future. I figured with this receiver I could pair it up with KEF 3007 5.1 speakers. I then found that, this might not be ideal. I have picked and matched other speakers and receivers, but at this point I've read so much I've become lost. So if anyone could help it would be much obliged.
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In my (short story above if you didn't read) I originally picked the Denon 2808ci for my receiver and KEF 3007 5.1 speaker system. From what I've read though, a 2.1/3.1 might best fit my needs though for now; while optimizing my money.

What would be the best set up for 4500 or less for a nice sounding home theater and music combo. It seems seems 2 speakers, with a center and a sub would optimize the sound quality; but then others say the center won't be needed for the stage if you position the two speakers correctly.

Sorry for the epic writing, but your help would greatly be appreciated, if you need any other details I'll gladly post. By the way, the living room is 18x18; unfortunately wood floors, but I suppose I could get an area rug.

Thanks so much in advance for your help and again sorry for the epic read.
bluvision
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
well what there WILL NOT BE is audio perfection on your first shot! You can pretty much count on that. You could, indeed start with a receiver, and a couple of the Kef's you intended, and a subwoofer, and see what kind of sound you can get. Then, if you like what you're hearing, you could add more speakers, then a separates amp in the future. You could even then add an outboard 2 channel pre/pro, er whatver, later if you want to upgrade even further. You can also look into inexpensive SACD/DVD players and such.
I would first figure out how to make 2.1 speaker setup sound good, by learning about seating and speaker placement! Then if you figure out how to make 2 speakers and a sub work, you might figure out what's happening with a center channel from your seating position(s).
good luck
High end sound...it's a journey
zigonht
124 posts
 
Bluvision,

Following Knownothings advice. Used Denon or Yamaha, Oppo and that will leave you at least $3700 for speakers and a sub. SVS and Definitive would fit your budget(great for HT, but not well liked for 2ch.)You could always add on a seperate amp and use the receivers pre-outs down the road....just my thought...
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Boy for that money you could get used Processor from Rotel, Parasound, NAD, Anthem and the like and add a multi channel amp for a better sound a reciever wont match. Look into a Rotel RSP 1068 for example and an Emotiva 5-7 channel amp, go with the Oppo get an HSU Research sub and Def Tech and other speaker can be considered. I know HDMI is not a concern but do keep in mind to get a reciever or Processor that has 7.1 bypass inputs so you can in future decode the HD audio from Bluray players. A reciever makes sense for a one box solution but is most certain to not provide the audio for music that sperates can perform.
a used Rotel 1068 is under $1000 and a used 1066 is around $600.
Emotiva 7 channel amp 200 watts per is $1700 brand new.
Oppo players are $250
HSU Research subs are $300-$500 used
This leaves little for speakers but if you either consider some or any combination of ideas or save a bit more cash you will end up with a system that will almost certain keep you happy monger than a reciever can.
Onkyo and Denon do make some great units to consider if you are set on the receiver idea....I had a Onkyo TXNR901 140X7 reciever that was $1600 new in 2000, I have seen them as low as $100 but generally $300-500 and it works pretty darn good.
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
Yeah. Sorry I didn't look at your budget (my bad). For $4500, you could accumulate quite a bit of good toys.
I would be looking at separates with that budget. Actually, I'd be looking at a 2 channel pre, a good 2 channel amp, a budget receiver with Audyssey, a deal on a subwoofer, and some good interconnects, wires, and surge!
Look for high end speakers, that excel at dynamics and HT! Look for higher efficiency designs, preferably dual mid/woof designs, at the very least. I would go with full range towers if I were you - so you know what full range speakers sound like with no sub, stereo! Then, I'd still be using an EQ. But, you might never know what full rangers soud like, othewise.
For me, I'd go satalite speakers, and a sub - cause I know the flexibiliy, and I'll be using a sub, likely, anyway.
Still, you gotta experiement. you won't get on first go.
It's a hobby if you want results. For everyone else, it's throw money at it one time and pray!
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
What matters most to you?
If I could only have one system, (mine are separate), I would take the same 2 channel system I have, and just add a decoder/HT preamp, with a multichannel amp to drive the extra channels for HT. Any decent DVD player would do. I would not replace my music sources at all.

Most HT systems on a budget will be a compromise for music. If you have the bucks then anything goes.
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