Topic: Home Audio System

[Stogi]

I'm looking to get an entirely new home audio system.

I'm looking to spend no more than 500 bucks on a receiver. The receiver must have HDMI and also it would be nice if it was THX certified.

So far I've found this:
http://www.testfreaks.com/receivers/onkyo-tx-sr705/

I'm also looking for speakers and a NICE subwoofer (I love bass). I need the speakers to be clear and the subwoofer to well defined. I have over 12,000 songs and I get more everyday; so I want to enjoy them. I'm willing to pay maybe a grand total when it's all said and done.

So far I've found this:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/performance2.html

Any help would be gladly appreciated.

[BranDonk Kong]

THX certification doesn't really mean anything. It's not an actual spec or anything, unless things have changed.

This seems like a pretty decent solution - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8945449&type=product&id=1215819129104. 4 HDMI inputs, and 1 output. Make sure when you look at a system with HDMI in, it doesn't just use it as a "pass through" and can play the audio as well as the video. This system plays the audio...and I think I might have to buy one as well. You can plug an iPod directly it as well.

[Shift Key]

http://www.testfreaks.com/receivers/yamaha-rx-v661/

My folks got a new home theater package less than 12 months ago. This one does 2 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out (no pass-through, listening to HD sport in 5.1 goodness) and it supports iPod docks too (but I don't use it), as well as a lot of optical, component and composite outputs. Its been great for watching movies and playing games, but I can't speak positively or negatively about bass-heavy music (probably comes down to a combination of receiver and speaker choice).

The speakers used with this receiver are Wharfedale brand, but I don't have the model details on me. I the brand two thumbs up based on my dealings. I'd have more advice if I could remember what the salesmen I interrogated said about speaker selection.

I do remember the salesman saying "speakers make a greater difference overall than the receiver, so spending a bit more and getting a better speaker package is worth your while." How much are you looking to spend all up (speakers and receiver, I'd consider the TV separate because you don't need surround sound to enjoy a HDTV) ?

[Stogi]

I'm planning on spending no more that $1500 total.

That Sony Receiver is pretty neat. I like the fact that it has 4 HDMI inputs, but one thing that is very important to me is the ability to upscale every input to HDMI; I want just one wire to go to my tv. Also the ability to mix and match audio and video inputs (such as seeing the Wii while hearing my CD player) is important. One other thing is the subwoofer outlet. I HATE the RCA jack for the subwoofer that Sony pretty much uses in all their receivers. I'd much rather prefer wire inputs.

As for the speakers and subwoofer, I have no idea. The Hsu Research was critically acclaimed 4 years ago, I don't know what they have done since then. What are the brands that I should be looking at? I want the underrated category of speakers since my sub will be the most important part of the setup. I make bass heavy music and I also love watching a movie with great bass response. I really don't mind spending the majority of my budget on this.

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

A total system over $400 is just splitting hairs.

[Stogi]

I'm not sure what you mean?

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Rapid diminishing returns on audio quality vs. retail price.

[Stogi]

I see.