Some guidance please?


As you can all tell from my last thread, I'm new to HT. I'm completely dumbfounded by the magnitude of options when it comes to purchasing speakers. I have decided on a Denon 3805 receiver and an SVS 20-39 PC+ sub. But when it comes to speakers, I have no idea where to begin. I've read several reviews and from what I've gathered, pretty much everything on this site is excellent. I'm fairly busy, so I don't have much time to dedicate to learning all the particulars of different speaker set-ups. I just want something that is going to sound good for mostly action movies and regular T.V. I also listen to quite a bit of rock music and a little bit of country occasionally.
I've seen some of the prices on speakers here and they're staggering. I'm looking to spend less than $2,000 on speakers(surrounds and center included). Used is probably the only route to go with a budget like that, unless I settle on the Polk RTi series. They are the only decent speakers I've heard that I can afford new, so I have nothing to compare them to. I don't have an issue with buying used from this site. I've heard everybody is very honest and forthcoming with the equipment they sell here. In the short amount of time I've browsed this site it really shows too.
So, saying all that, I would greatly appreciate it if several of you could shed some light and make my decision a little easier.
Thanks...
colyerdogoff
If you do decide to plunge into the used market for speakers, you might also want to consider trying to go for local pickup. It beats the heck out of shipping damage, you get to see them just before you hand over your cold hard cash (not that there have ever been grading disputes here ;~), and you know they didn't get thrown off the truck at the end of your driveway.

I've been very lucky in my limited experience - shipped speakers arrived just fine, and driving to pick up some other (and larger) pairs worked wonderfully, too (though I'm still paranoid about the shipping and figure it's just a matter of time until the luck runs out). And the best part about pickup? I've met a couple of the absolutely finest class acts you could ever imagine - worth the trip! (And I agree w/ those Paradigm, PSB, etc. comments, too - they can be a great combo w/ a 3805). Good luck!
Colyerdogoff,

I will second the recomendation of the B&W 600 Series which can be had in your price range new. They are larger monitors so you will need stands and don't forget deecent speaker wire. A friend has the Denon and the 600 series with very good results.
I just wanted to thank you all for your input. You have certainly pointed me in the direction I think I want to go. I went to the local high end audio store and auditioned a set of Paradigm Reference Monitors. I was impressed with the sound quality to price ratio. I felt the highs were a bit muffled though(my only complaint). It was certainly something I could live with. Then I went directly to the B&W room. After 30 seconds of pure sonic bliss, I was like Parawho? The Paradigms seemed like a well enough speaker, but the highs in the B&W's were so much more crystal clear to me. I've heard some say that B&W's aren't good for rock music. I think they'll work superbly for my applications.
I'm a big Offspring fan, so naturally I took one of their CD's with me. I was completely unprepared for the sound quality of these speakers. I politely excused myself and picked my jaw up off the floor! It sounded like Dexter Holland was belting out line after line right in front of me.
I may have gotten myself into a bit of trouble here. I think this might be comparable to a heroin addiction!
I've decided on the B&W DM603 S3's for the front, an LCR600 S3 center and the DM 601 S3's for surround. An SVS 20-39 PC+ will compliment the low end. I'll do a Denon 3805 for now to run everything. I'm not ready for pre amps and amps yet. Although I can see them in the distant horizon.
Again thanks a million everybody. If anybody has any of the above B&W equipment, I would be more than happy to take it off your hands.

Rich
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