Home Audio

[AJ]

Well we ended up passing on the AVR-1908 as only places online that had it in stock where questionable in getting ahold of them. So we went to CC and looked at this years model of it, and liked it, but we ended up going with the onkyo tx-sr606 instead. It was cheaper in the store, same features, and from what I can follow this is the first year where the HDMI is really one cable use. Last year's models where all "pass through" and you still needed the audio cable. Does that seem accurate to everyone?

Anyway, we have 2 of our small side speakers and a center channel hooked up, and for "system in a box" speakers they already sound much better.

We have already found a few sites that carry the onkyo tx-sr606 a bit cheaper yet (like newegg.com) so we will look to get another chuck off I think with the price match. Otherwise, if the price drops anywhere for black friday we can get it cheaper then as well.

Right now I'm all about getting some dough free'd up to get some better speakers! Starting with a sub most likely.

 

[YSOSLO]

Yeah a good sub makes a huge difference. Jess was all about making sure we had a sub that could easily be shut off, because she was concerned about the rumble waking up Ella at night when we're watching a movie. I hadn't really given it that much thought, but there have been quite a few times we've turned it off when the action was getting a little too explosive. Just something to consider I guess, since you're going to have a new little one soon.

 

[Jana]

That's exactly what I was saying last night too! I'm pretty happy so far with the receive we chose. It seemed easy to hook everything up, and now we can build as we go with better speakers, etc.

 

[Workdawg]

... we ended up going with the onkyo tx-sr606 instead. It was cheaper in the store, same features, and from what I can follow this is the first year where the HDMI is really one cable use. Last year's models where all "pass through" and you still needed the audio cable. Does that seem accurate to everyone.

I'm not that into home audio, but I did hook up my uncles expensive setup up north. He's got a Denon 3808ci and all the devices (PS3, DirectTV box and 360) that had HDMI used only the HDMI cable going from the device to the receiver; no audio cable. Maybe that's the first year that specific model did it, but I'm fairly certain it's not new to have one-cable use.

 

[AJ]

I don't think I'm going to worry about it that much, but I'd like to hear what some of you guys are rocking for speakers. I don't want to spend much, but I do want something that will hold up for a while. I have no problem buying a speaker online if that's the way to go price wise.

The end result is that there could be a good chance all the TV and shit ends up downstairs which some of you know is a more enclosed space, while the living room is much more open.

 

[DrWebster]

I've always been a fan of Infinity gear; they've got individual speakers (as well has whole home-theater sets) in several price ranges.

 

[YSOSLO]

If you're looking to save some cash on speakers and aren't in a big hurry to get them all at once, I would recommend checking in at CC and BB every once in a while to see what they have for "open box" merchandise. I was just at the BB at Northtown this weekend and they had at least a dozen different pairs/sets of speakers that were clearance priced....all different brands.

 

[DrWebster]

If you're looking to save some cash on speakers and aren't in a big hurry to get them all at once, I would recommend checking in at CC and BB every once in a while to see what they have for "open box" merchandise. I was just at the BB at Northtown this weekend and they had at least a dozen different pairs/sets of speakers that were clearance priced....all different brands.

This is a good idea, but if you go this route you'll want to make sure you pick up speakers from the same series. Manufacturers design speaker series to have the same tone to them, so they work well together. If you get your front speakers from one series and your rears from another, you may find that the sound is a little off because the tone doesn't mesh well.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Personally, I consider the sound coming from Infinity speakers to be muddy. I personally have last-generation KEF XQ series speakers in both my den and middle floor, and would recommend the brand. I also tend to like Boston Acoustics products for their clarity.

 

[mOjO]

Boston Acoustics rock.. .would have been what I have sitting in my living room if Ultimate Electronics didn't ditch them just prior to me buying them. Currently I've got Definitive Technology speakers, but I won't comment on them much here since I think they'll probably price out over what you're looking to spend.

Whatever you get, you'll want to audition them in the store. Preferably in a quiet place, with media you brought with you. Having your own media is important. Ask and see if they'll position the speakers so that they sit similar to how you would in your own place. I wouldn't do this on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday... since they'll be busy as FOC. Mid-week if you can swing it will get you way more attention from a bored-out-of-his/her-mind sales rep.

Lastly, there is a mountain of different things you can/could listen for when picking out speakers. As James mentioned above, much of this is based on your own preferences. I'll leave it to you to decide if you want me/us to muddy the waters here with copious amounts of info on what to listen for during your audition. Frankly, I think it might complicate things though. Going, listening and finding something that really appeals to you is far easier then figuring out WHY it sounds good to you.

I'm done blabbering. Hope this provides some semblance of use to you.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I agree with mOjO that speakers are highly subjective. I tend to like speakers other people consider overly "bright" whereas the speakers they like for their "warmth", I tend to think sound "muddy".

I'm going to keep it simple on methodology as well. Personally, I think you don't need any special media or positioning to rule out the vast majority of speakers outside of the very high price ranges, so I don't believe in dealing with all that until you test the finalists separately on a follow-up visit.