How to get started?

Rawrmander

I've never dealt with Home Theater Systems before but while browsing Newegg I noticed they had a Polk Audio Monitor50 Series II floorstanding loudspeaker available for $90. I figured this was a hell of a deal and I'd jump on it and buy two.

Now; I don't want to go all out, spending over $600 total on this wouldn't be too great for me. I'm fine without surround sound, I could maybe add on to the setup later on. For now, I know on top of that I'd want a subwoofer, and I'm guessing I'd need a receiver of some sort to make it all actually work.

This setup would mostly be used for movies, and video games. (PS3, and hooking up the PC) But with great speakers how would I pass up listening to some great music as well?

So basically, what subwoofer and receiver would you recommend for such a modest setup?

nedh84

I spent 3 times as much on my receiver than I did on my speakers. You don't have to spend that much but look at Yamaha's on newegg. They are a good bang for the buck. Maybe find something nice in the 300-400 range new

Make sure it has pre-outs

djperez81

well it all depends on your budget. like me im not rich but have created a slamming system for less than 500 bucks including receiver and all my speakers and sub. i have found great bargains on Cl but beware there are some people tryin to rape you on there also. But my system sounds awesome i was more than amazed at the sound it produces. then from there you can slowly upgrade little by little. I just bought some r50's tonight. but you dont really have to have the best of the best to start off. but as far as a receiver fine a nice used on( i like onkyo myself). i found my receiver for 120 bucks and its in perfect condition. bottom line do a lil research before you jump on something.

mdaudioguy

I hate risking getting raped just to buy some speakers and crap.

djperez81

mdaudioguy wrote: »

I hate risking getting raped just to buy some speakers and crap.

what do you mean by that?

JakeCourtney

Look at Polk's PSW505 Sub on Newegg, I just got one from there for like $225 shipped.

tonyb

Since you have limited funds,I would suggest you go the used route,better bang for your buck. Also keep in mind, the receiver you buy now may not be good enough for later when you want a whole surround system. Also the price on a receiver will vary greatly depending on the bells and whistles you want,connectivity, sound quality, pre-outs,and power. Look at some refurbed HK'S and a polk 505 sub to get you started. Welcome to the club BTW.

djperez81

tonyb wrote: »

Since you have limited funds,I would suggest you go the used route,better bang for your buck. Also keep in mind, the receiver you buy now may not be good enough for later when you want a whole surround system. Also the price on a receiver will vary greatly depending on the bells and whistles you want,connectivity, sound quality, pre-outs,and power. Look at some refurbed HK'S and a polk 505 sub to get you started. Welcome to the club BTW.

i agree with you about buying used equip BUT make sure you test it out thoroughly before you buy anything. And remember you can always upgrade in the future.

B Run

My first system was my living room setup and i got the whole thing used on craigslist. I got the rt800's, cs245 and rt f/x's for $300, the sony sub for $50, and the pioneer vsx1015 for $150. I don't think i could put together a better $500 system if i tried, and i'm very impressed with it. Keep your eyes peeled on craigslist and you can find some crazy deals. Good luck!

mdaudioguy

djperez81 wrote: »

what do you mean by that?

djperez81 wrote: »

i have found great bargains on Cl but beware there are some people tryin to rape you on there also.

Idk, what do you mean by that?

newbie308

I'm with you on the low budget systems. I have too many expensive hobbies that drain my funds, and spending $1500 on a new amplifier is simply not possible without my wife threatening to get revenge while I sleep! Ebay prices are inflated, bargains are few and far between there, and I don't like buying something I haven't had a chance to hear. I find my best deals on CL and local pawn shops.

Rawrmander

Thanks for the tips, and the numerous responses!
(You weren't kidding about the receivers; the cheapest 'decent' one I could see was a $400 Denon, and that's already going to kill my budget if I want a sub on top of that.
(I actually have my eyes on the Polk Audio PSW125; really killing the wallet at the $350 price point; but I can't help wanting the shiny, crystal-clear, loud things.)
At least this still wouldn't match up to the expenses of my photography hobby.

I guess I'll go try and find some stuff on craigslist and kijiji then.

renowilliams

Rawrmander wrote: »

Thanks for the tips, and the numerous responses!
(You weren't kidding about the receivers; the cheapest 'decent' one I could see was a $400 Denon, and that's already going to kill my budget if I want a sub on top of that.
(I actually have my eyes on the Polk Audio PSW125; really killing the wallet at the $350 price point; but I can't help wanting the shiny, crystal-clear, loud things.)
At least this still wouldn't match up to the expenses of my photography hobby.

I guess I'll go try and find some stuff on craigslist and kijiji then.

Sounds like your in Canada since you mentioned Kijiji. Have a look on Canuck Audio mart. I have got some good deals there. I bought my reciever there.

djperez81

i have spent less than 600 bucks on my receiver and speakers and sub and it sounds amazing but i definitely know there is way better equip out there but if your on a budget you gotta start somewhere and upgrade little by little