Please Help Me Choose The Best Home Audio System. (Speakers And Receiver)?
I'm in the market for an home audio system to go with Samsung UN55B8000. Finding the right TV wasn't so hard, I'm having a very hard time choosing between audio systems.
I plan to listen to music from time to time, however the main function will be movies, TV (Mostly Sports) and games.
The TV is around 10' from viewing position in a 10' high ceiling living room.
I don't know if that's even relevant when choosing a sound system, but I thought it might matter for better acoustics.
Should I even consider a 7.1 system?
I never even considered a 7.1 system, until I began my search.
It seems like I could end up kicking myself later on, if I don't get a 7.1 system now.
I plan to keep this entire home theater system for a long time, perhaps until there's another ground breaking change in entertainment systems, like HDTV.
My price range is around $2,000, however I'm willing to take recommendations over my range, if the extra cost is justified.
I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I do have ears and I'd like to pick the best audio system for my price range. 
I have looked into Klipsch and Definitive Technology speakers.
For receiver, I've looked into Onkyo, Denon and Pioneer.
Here are links to specific models, I've considered.
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProCinema-Speaker-System/dp/B000TDENA6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249000005&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Cinema-800-System-Black/dp/B001JQZXCO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249000005&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-300-Definition-Theater/dp/B001XURGSK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249000300&sr=1-4
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR607-7-2-Channel-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001VEI2KO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249000547&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR806-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B001AMUF7K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1249000547&sr=1-2
Please help me choose the right system.
Any recommendations, help, advice, etc will be appreciated.
Please, please do not reply with a simple brand name or model, this wouldn't help me much at all.
Thank you in advance!
Home theater system will be placed in a 15' x 20' living area, but the area extends to dining room, kitchen, hallway, etc.
What I mean is that the area is in the open and not closed with walls.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3770491139_5793e1cba3_b.jpg
Do you like mine?I think Onkyo 806 is too much for you, how big is your room? If you are ok with 90 watts why go for 130, mine is OnkyoTX-SR605 and the speakers are all JBL I made the installation , wires inside the walls, everything a $600 value. E mail me if you like it. I guarantee you this toy sounds great!
You can get the receiver online if you want to, I got it in a store (Miami) and the speakers in Best Buy, waiting for a coupon or a sale, saved few hundreds.
I would simply look into BOSS sound system. or Toshiba brand as they are high quality low price top rated technology.
References :
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/3770491139_5793e1cba3_b.jpg
Do you like mine?I think Onkyo 806 is too much for you, how big is your room? If you are ok with 90 watts why go for 130, mine is OnkyoTX-SR605 and the speakers are all JBL I made the installation , wires inside the walls, everything a $600 value. E mail me if you like it. I guarantee you this toy sounds great!
You can get the receiver online if you want to, I got it in a store (Miami) and the speakers in Best Buy, waiting for a coupon or a sale, saved few hundreds.
References :
You are definitely in the right ball park. This system I think represents the best bang for your buck and a great savings off of regular price.
http://astore.amazon.com/ewarehouse-20/detail/B002BJPWDS
References :
For the tv, I recommend sony bravia better than samsung for a home theater experience.
For the receiver, because you also love to listen to music I recommend marantz which’s very popular with combining music & movie listeners. Most people say that marantz is the best for music if you compare with other home theater receiver. You can also try harman kardon, it’s one of the best receiver for movie. I don’t recommend onkyo because of some experiences with my friend who has onkyo (not broken, it’s just the sound quality). For your choices up there onkyo, denon, & pioneer; I will recommend denon. Beside marantz & harman kardon; denon is also popular with its music sound quality & surround system (denon receiver create same balance for each speakers). Have you considered yamaha? Yamaha is also famous for movie after harman kardon & has a decent music quality too. But yamaha has a cheaper price than harman kardon.
7.1 system is a must right now. Especially if you have blu-ray player. Without 7.1 system your receiver can’t handle dolby true hd & dts master hd. If you want to invest your home theater system for long future ahead I suggest you buy good full hd lcd tv (or full hd plasma & full hd dlp can be some option), 7.1 receivers, & hdmi cables.
For speakers, I’m sorry I don’t know about your brand but I recommend b&w, dali, whaverdale, & jbl.
References :
I use sharp aquos lcd tv, yamaha receiver 7.1, jbl front speakers, yamaha surround speakers, yamaha subwoofer, sony blu-ray player, & pioneer dvd player for my home theater room.
Ok – The Onkyo line of receivers have been getting rave reviews from all the magazines so you have a coke-vs-pepsi decision in the two models. I would go with the 607 my self.
For speakers – Definitive Technology is probably more musical than Klipsch (but I’m biased – I own DefTech).
I would go for the 800 system, but shop around as Magnolia/BestBuy also sell these so you can go out and audition.
Take 2 favorite CD’s (Yes, CD’s, not MP3′s or a DVD, but music you are familiar with) and go listen.
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