Need advice building Home Theater system.

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Canvas_Of_Flesh

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#1 Canvas_Of_Flesh
Member since 2007 • 4052 Posts
I'm planning on purchasing a new television and I thought I would replace my current HTiB as well. I'd like to build my own, but I don't really want to go over $1000. I've found what I think is a decent receiver http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081N916M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER, but I'm not 100% certain on it. As far as speakers go, I'm not sure where to start. I've been looking at a Pioneer set that looks about right http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers/SP-PK52FS. Essentially I'm looking for something that's nice looking (so the wife won't complain), has meaty bass, and can easily service a 20' x 15' living room. The receivers need to have 3D pass-thru, and I'd like one with the auto calibration feature. Any advice on alternate receivers and speakers would be much appreciated.
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Bozanimal

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#2 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
Some follow-up questions: 1 - Does that budget include the cost of your new television, or is it just for the home theater? 2 - Is there a reason you picked the "slim" receiver? Is this just for the SAF (Spousal Approval Factor)? 3 - Does she prefer piano black or wood grain finish on your speakers? Happy gaming, Boz
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Canvas_Of_Flesh

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#3 Canvas_Of_Flesh
Member since 2007 • 4052 Posts
SAF is great. I've never heard that! Speakers should be piano black. The budget does not include the TV, which is the Panasonic 65GT50. I picked the slim receiver simply because it looks sleek, it's got a front HDMI input which would be nice for my phone, and it's got the auto calibration feature. I'm open to alternatives if there's a receiver that does the same and is cheaper.
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kraken2109

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#4 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

I thought the term was WAF - Wife Approval Factor

Since it's a big room look for more power, my Denon was cheaper than that Marantz and it has 7 90w channels.

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Canvas_Of_Flesh

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#5 Canvas_Of_Flesh
Member since 2007 • 4052 Posts

I thought the term was WAF - Wife Approval Factor

Since it's a big room look for more power, my Denon was cheaper than that Marantz and it has 7 90w channels.

kraken2109
I checked the Denon out and I quite like it. I also came across the Yamaha RX-V671 and was wondering if that one was comparable. Also, I don't really plan on using any streaming capabilities, so I wouldn't really need a receiver that provides that. Thanks!
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kraken2109

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#6 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts
[QUOTE="kraken2109"]

I thought the term was WAF - Wife Approval Factor

Since it's a big room look for more power, my Denon was cheaper than that Marantz and it has 7 90w channels.

Canvas_Of_Flesh
I checked the Denon out and I quite like it. I also came across the Yamaha RX-V671 and was wondering if that one was comparable. Also, I don't really plan on using any streaming capabilities, so I wouldn't really need a receiver that provides that. Thanks!

Yamaha make some great receivers too, the 671 reviews well. I don't use streaming with my Denon (or half the features for that matter) I just picked it because I got a great deal.
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Mozelleple112

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#7 Mozelleple112
Member since 2011 • 11293 Posts

Hey there, I wouldn't go for a pre built 5.1 surround like the Pioneer you posted, though Pioneer does have some EXCELLENT budget speakers. You should have a look at Parts Express.

Pioneer centre channel speaker: $100

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=250-657

Pioneer bookshelf speakers ( x 2 ) $130

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=250-656

Dayton SUB 1200 120 watt 12" sub woofer $109

$130 + $130 + $100 + $120 = $471.

Well under half of your budget on the 5.1 surround, great sound, good bass. This leaves a lot of money for speaker cables (you can future proof and buy relatively expensive cables) and the receiver of your choice.

That $400 Marantz looks sleek and fantastic, not sure how it performs compared to similiar priced receivers.

I would go for this $280 Denon AVR 1612 5.1 receiver:

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-1612-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B004U403WM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347307047&sr=8-1&keywords=Denon+avr+1612

Total price of the system is $750, and you'll have great 5.1 surround :)

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Mozelleple112

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#8 Mozelleple112
Member since 2011 • 11293 Posts

I thought the term was WAF - Wife Approval Factor

Since it's a big room look for more power, my Denon was cheaper than that Marantz and it has 7 90w channels.

kraken2109
The term is WAF - Wife Accepte[QUOTE="Bozanimal"]Some follow-up questions: 2 - Is there a reason you picked the "slim" receiver? Is this just for the SAF (Spousal Approval Factor)? Boz

The correct term is WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor :)
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Bozanimal

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#9 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
You want the Energy 5.1 Take Classic speakers. They're small, piano black, very highly rated, and absolutely wonderful. Need more incentive? Energy is under Klipsch, which also owns Mirage and Jamo, all highly-reputable brands for good reason. As for your receiver, multiple models have already been suggested, but really anything in the $400 to $500 range will offer you very good performance. I use a Yamaha receiver myself, but if you're not buying into their Aventage line, Denon and Onkyo generally offer better values. The Denon recommended by another user is excellent, but I might consider instead the Onkyo TX-NR616. Both are highly regarded, but the Onkyo offers a bit more versatility in terms of hooking up components (more digital inputs, two HDMI outputs, etc.). Between the two, this should leave you with a couple hundred bucks for accessories. You'll need sufficient speaker wire and connection cables to connect all of your devices. I'd expect at least three (and probably four) HDMI cables (cable box to receiver, Blu-ray/DVD to receiver, receiver to television, and possible your game console). You may require additional digital or analog connections if you have CD players, tape decks, etc. You'll need at least one mono RCA cable - often called a subwoofer cable - and fifty feet or more of speaker cable, either 12 or 14 gauge (14 is usually fine). Lastly, I would strongly, strongly advise you to buy a high-quality universal remote. I cannot emphasize this enough if you are introducing a home theater to someone for the first time that is not tech savvy.
The correct term is WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor :)Mozelleple112
I did some digging, and as it turns out the original term was, in fact Spouse Approval Factor. Wikipedia incorrectly lists 1988 as the publication date of "Peter McWilliams' personal electronics book" (which I actually had, oddly enough), where the term was (supposedly) originally documented. It was actually published in 1987 and printed in 1988, according to the Library of Congress. The Absolute Sound published its article using "Wife Approval Factor" a few months later. Neither term is "correct," though I prefer SAF, since it is non-gender specific. I must really not want to work today! Good luck! Boz
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Mozelleple112

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#10 Mozelleple112
Member since 2011 • 11293 Posts
[QUOTE="Bozanimal"]You want the Energy 5.1 Take Classic speakers. They're small, piano black, very highly rated, and absolutely wonderful. Need more incentive? Energy is under Klipsch, which also owns Mirage and Jamo, all highly-reputable brands for good reason. As for your receiver, multiple models have already been suggested, but really anything in the $400 to $500 range will offer you very good performance. I use a Yamaha receiver myself, but if you're not buying into their Aventage line, Denon and Onkyo generally offer better values. The Denon recommended by another user is excellent, but I might consider instead the Onkyo TX-NR616. Both are highly regarded, but the Onkyo offers a bit more versatility in terms of hooking up components (more digital inputs, two HDMI outputs, etc.). Between the two, this should leave you with a couple hundred bucks for accessories. You'll need sufficient speaker wire and connection cables to connect all of your devices. I'd expect at least three (and probably four) HDMI cables (cable box to receiver, Blu-ray/DVD to receiver, receiver to television, and possible your game console). You may require additional digital or analog connections if you have CD players, tape decks, etc. You'll need at least one mono RCA cable - often called a subwoofer cable - and fifty feet or more of speaker cable, either 12 or 14 gauge (14 is usually fine). Lastly, I would strongly, strongly advise you to buy a high-quality universal remote. I cannot emphasize this enough if you are introducing a home theater to someone for the first time that is not tech savvy.
The correct term is WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor :)Mozelleple112
I did some digging, and as it turns out the original term was, in fact Spouse Approval Factor. Wikipedia incorrectly lists 1988 as the publication date of "Peter McWilliams' personal electronics book" (which I actually had, oddly enough), where the term was (supposedly) originally documented. It was actually published in 1987 and printed in 1988, according to the Library of Congress. The Absolute Sound published its article using "Wife Approval Factor" a few months later. Neither term is "correct," though I prefer SAF, since it is non-gender specific. I must really not want to work today! Good luck! Boz

Lol Boz, its redudant being non genger specific, because lets face it, a wife will NEVER buy large speakers and then have her husband complain about it :lol: its always the waifu who b*tches :p
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kraken2109

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#11 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts

Make sure you don't get ripped off by expensive cables. You should be able to get 2m+ top spec v1.4 cables with gold connectors for less than $5

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johnasjade

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#12 johnasjade
Member since 2012 • 25 Posts
I will go with the advice of Denon.... It will be a better option....
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ultimameteora

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#13 ultimameteora
Member since 2003 • 2573 Posts
In my experience it's better just to buy a 'package deal' than to build one.
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kraken2109

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#14 kraken2109
Member since 2009 • 13271 Posts
In my experience it's better just to buy a 'package deal' than to build one.ultimameteora
Nope
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Bozanimal

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#15 Bozanimal
Member since 2003 • 2500 Posts
In my experience it's better just to buy a 'package deal' than to build one.ultimameteora
If you're talking about buying a lot of different components at once from a dealer, this can be true. I've gotten great deals at State Street Discount and Tweeter (back when Tweeter existed). If you're talking about HTIBs (home theater in a box), though, they're generally packaged for consumers on a budget, and are often poor in terms of quality relative to what you can assemble with a bit of research. Happy gaming, Boz
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Mozelleple112

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#16 Mozelleple112
Member since 2011 • 11293 Posts
In my experience it's better just to buy a 'package deal' than to build one.ultimameteora
Then you clearly lack experience.
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deactivated-57ad0e5285d73

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#17 deactivated-57ad0e5285d73
Member since 2009 • 21398 Posts
With that budget it is better to build in sections. Get a 5.1/7.1 amp with options(pre outs/etc). To go along with that get a decent pair of l/r channels. If that eats up most of your budget you can skimp on the rear channels for the time being and go with something much cheaper that you won't mind replacing in the future--you'll still get the surround effect. Also, depending on room size, a center channel is not always necessary--IMO that should be the last thing to get. If I were to recommend a surround amp that performs well per the dollar, I'd say a mid range Denon or Onkyo is the way to go. If you have a stereo shop in your area, you can check out what they offer used. For the front channel, to save budget, I'd recommend the cambridge audio s30s. These perform rather well for the price, and also could end up being your surround channels down the line. Or, I'f you are happy with them, you could just pick up another pair. Edit: actually, two sets of those can be bought for around $400, that link says $220, but I've seen them for as low as $180. That would leave you with enough money to buy a mid level surround amp and maybe even a Cambridge audio center channel S50(?) which is around $200. Skip the bass for now. Good bass is pricey. Onkyo TX-NR717 7.2-Channel Home Theater A/V Receiver@ $550 Cambridge Audio S30 2 pairs @ $400--$440 Cambridge Audio Sirocco S50 Center Channel @ $200 (I've seen this for less, as well) That totals around $1200, but like I said I've seen all the speakers for less. I wouldn't be surprised it you could put that setup together for just over $1000.
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