Video Asylum

Posted by ROBERT G on January 13, 2000 at 21:43:36:

In Reply to: Re: Novice needing help: Looking to build first-time Home Theatre system. posted by Richard Griffin on January 07, 2000 at 13:08:47:

The AVR and speaker combo is a complicated issue since you don't state whether you are in Canada (stick with their speakers as you will get more bang for the bucks) or US (I suggest check valuepass.com and download the RadioShack). I would suggest the HK AVR-5 for several reasons: 1) your DVD player has 5.1 decoding so this is you best buy as a DD ready AVR, 2) This AVR uses binding posts for all speakers so wire choice and upgrades are simplified, 3) High current amp sections for good music/movie performance, 4) Price ($197 but it was at JandR, Soundcity, or OneCall couldn't remember which and included free shipping a month ago), 5) A reliable HK (haven't seen any probs on any review sites), and 6) Pre-outs for all channel which allows an upgrade to more powerful amps and can be used as a pre-amp. The speakers I'd suggest are the Radio Shack Pro-CS5II center, Pro-LX5II for front/rears (if you have room as these tweeters need to breathe), or the Pro-X(88 or 55)AV for front or rears and after using the coupon it will cost you under $300. If you want a tight and musical sub order the Atlantic Technology PBM162 (very comparible to the Energy ES8) for $149 + shipping from SoundCity or the AudioSource SW15 from CostCo for $199 + shipping if you want a visceral movie sub. I would get the AT as I think it would match the RS speakers easier since large subs sound boomy crossed at 120hz which the Toshiba DVD player will force you to play at with it's built in Bass management. Doing the above will allow you to make your $750 budget.