Video Asylum

Posted by tsranga on November 28, 2000 at 16:13:51:

With a budget of about $2.5-3K, please help me put together a system. I have been auditioning equipment for the last 2 months but I am unable to do any meaningful comparisons at the stores as they do not have the right setup or do not stock the product.

I am looking for a system which will give me very good music performance in stereo (2/5ch) as my likely use of the system will be 80% music/20% movies.

I like the idea of a single multi-purpose source (DVD changer) as this system will be mainly used for casual listening/parties. I have a 27" SONY XBR (no component video) which I may upgrade in future. I am not sure if progressive scan is worth it.

As far as speakers go, I am looking at bookshelves or satellites due to placement considerations. See my earlier post - http://www.VideoAsylum.com/ht/messages/3851.html

Will any of the satellite systems (Def Tech 100.6, atlantic tech) etc. be as good as the bookshelves in the $300/pr price range?

I am not a big DTS/DD movie buff, does it make sense to buy a 5.1 set or am I better off with just the front speakers & sub? I would like to be able to listen to SACD/DVD-Audio in future though.

I would like suggestions on a complete system within my budget that I can get started on at least before upgrading.

These are the options I am looking at -

Receiver ($700-900)
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Features required -
Better for music, easy to use, 5-ch stereo, direct/stereo mode, co-ax digital in/outs, assignable digital inputs, crossover - 80Hz or adjustable

Nice to haves - component video (for HDTV/DSS)

Models -
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Outlaw 1050
Onkyo Integra DTR6/7
Onkyo TX777/787
Denon 3801
Yamaha RX-V800/1000 (Did not like the sound compared to Integra DTR7)
Marantz 7000 (Bass mgmt crossover at 100Hz a problem?)

DVD player/changers ($350-500)
=======================
Features required - changer with random play, component video, co-ax digital out, analog out.

Nice to have - progressive scan

Models
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H/K DVD50 (P
Pioneer DV-C603

Speakers ($1000)
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Features required - above 88db sensitivity, 8ohms (min 4), front ported, wall mountable.

Acoustic Energy Aegis one (x4) + Center
PSB Image 2B + 8C center
B&W 302/CC3
Paradigm mini-monitors + center

Sub-woofer ($500)- Suggestions?
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Hsu
SVS

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