Burning A hole in my Pocket

rockynbruno

I need some help. I've been reading the boards trying to figure out what I need based upon other peoples posts but I'm still clueless. If I were to say to you I have a Tex Tan 15 1/2 seat with quarter horse bars you would most likely scratch your head and ask WTF is that?

Soooo....after purchasing the TSI200's I'm thinking I should probably buy a new receiver? The set up my mom now has is a Sony "system" aprox. 15 years old with an ampliphier,am/fm tuner, casset deck, and 5 disk cd player. It says it is a suroundsound system. She also has a 42" Sony BRAVIA HDTV that is about 4 years old.

Anyhow, she enjoys watching A LOT of tv and movies. I want to get her (and myself) set up with something that gives her the most of what she has.

The room is aprox. 18x20 with a slanted ceiling. At the short end it's 7ft. going to 15ft. with two skylights (if that matters).

She has another room that is 13x18. At some point she wants to get a new tv for that room and wall mount it.

My thought is, get new stuff for the bigger room cause that is where she spends most of her time. I could then take her old system and move it to the smaller room?

Some "BASIC" questions I have are 1.) What's the difference between a sterio receiver and a home theater receiver? 2.) What does A/V and HDMI stand for? 3.) For channels, what does 7.1 7.2 7.9 stand for?

Try to contain yourselves and not laugh too hard:redface:

I don't have an ipod, iphone, or game system. I'm not interested in hooking up my computer to the tv.

As far as budget, if you think I should start with a new receiver of some sort I'm willing to go about $500. I know it will probably cost me a little more by the time I add incidentals. I've seen a lot of post about cables and blah blah blah. So, if you could help me with SPECIFICS on what additional thing I would need based on the main component it would be greatly appreciated. Once I get everything I'm sure I can figure out how to get it hooked up. If not, I can always head back to Radio Shack and give them the "bumb blond" look and get some help:biggrin: THEN, I would be SURE to come back here and tell you what THEY said so I can get the CORRECT answer

I'm headed for Long Island tomorrow and won't be back till Monday. If I get any responses or questions before I leave I'll try to get back to you.

FIGHT NICE!!

rockynbruno

By the way, to all you Vets, a great big THANK YOU!

reeltrouble1

rockynbruno wrote: »

I don't have an ipod, iphone, or game system. I'm not interested in hooking up my computer to the tv.

I love you, really I do!!:biggrin:

Help the lady out.

RT1

messiah

Nice saddle.

1.) What's the difference between a stereo receiver and a home theater receiver?

A stereo receiver is a 2 channel (left and right) system. A home theater receiver is a multi channel receiver, also called "surround sound" because it surrounds you with sound. The center channel locks dialoque to the screen when appropriate, and the rest of the speakers distribute the sound effects between the remaining speakers to make you feel like it's all around you and realistic. The subwoofer fills in the deep bass or LFE (low frequency effects).

2.

What does A/V and HDMI stand for?

A/V stands for audio/ video. HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface. It's bascally a 1 wire high def solution that can carry both audio and video signals down 1 wire. It's necessary to use one if you want to display 1080p (the current top end of High Def).

3.) For channels, what does 7.1 7.2 7.9 stand for?

5.1 is a 5 channel surround system consisting of a left, center, and front speaker, 2 rear surround speakers, and a subwoofer (the .1 part). The subwoofer is the .1 part, because it isn't a separate channel, rather it produces the bass for all of the speakers beyond what they are capable of.

A 7.1 channel adds an extra 2 surround speakers. 5.2 or 7.2 add an extra subwoofer.

Hope this helps

rockynbruno

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

I love you, really I do!!:biggrin:

Help the lady out.

RT1

LOL! If you love me so much, YOU help me out

rockynbruno

messiah wrote: »

Nice saddle.


:eek: GOT ME!! I'ts for sale. Not gonna be needing it anymore.:frown: Trying to find a good home for my horse too. I don't want any money for him; just want to make sure someone takes good care of him.

Yes, you did help. Based on what you said I'm assuming I want a home theater receiver and don't really need anything more than a 5.1 for my needs?

messiah

rockynbruno wrote: »

messiah wrote: »

Nice saddle.


:eek: GOT ME!! I'ts for sale. Not gonna be needing it anymore.:frown: Trying to find a good home for my horse too. I don't want any money for him; just want to make sure someone takes good care of him.

Yes, you did help. Based on what you said I'm assuming I want a home theater receiver and don't really need anything more than a 5.1 for my needs?

Yep, 5.1 should be fine. In most rooms it's actually preferred if you're using it for anything other than a theater room.

If my folks still had the ranch, I'd find you a home for your horse. Good luck in your search for a home.

reeltrouble1

rockynbruno wrote: »

LOL! If you love me so much, YOU help me out

sure be happy to. your cute with your tongue out!!!

So Messiah did a good job with your questions.

Your older Sony, does it say Dolby Pro-Logic Surround or Dolby Digital Surround?

So I would recommend you do get something that has hdmi capability. Its just easier these days and who does not like easy. One of the major decisions you are going to have to make is whether or not your new AVR is going to have "pre-outs". The preouts connect to a separate amplifier, you use this with speakers that are up the chain just a bit, but the seperate amplifier generally makes the system sound better.....for now no need to worry about why....its extra power you may need. Of course these AVR cost a bit more.

All the major audio vendors have receivers with pre-outs, alot of the members use onkyo, pioneer, H&K, yamaha and so on.

Have fun.

RT1

halo71

I bet Moms would be happy with a Polk Blackstone set up.

rockynbruno

messiah wrote: »

rockynbruno wrote: »

Yep, 5.1 should be fine. In most rooms it's actually preferred if you're using it for anything other than a theater room.

If my folks still had the ranch, I'd find you a home for your horse. Good luck in your search for a home.

Thanks. I'm sure I'll find someone. He's a beauty. Bought him when he was 4 months old. He's going on 11 years now. 16 hands, mostly black Paint only white on him is 2 hind socks and a blaze. Trained him myself. I miss him.

I got to thinking maybe you googled tex tan to see what it was!

rockynbruno

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

sure be happy to. your cute with your tongue out!!!

So Messiah did a good job with your questions.
Your older Sony, does it say Dolby Pro-Logic Surround or Dolby Digital Surround?
So I would recommend you do get something that has hdmi capability. Its just easier these days and who does not like easy. One of the major decisions you are going to have to make is whether or not your new AVR is going to have "pre-outs". The preouts connect to a separate amplifier, you use this with speakers that are up the chain just a bit, but the seperate amplifier generally makes the system sound better.....for now no need to worry about why....its extra power you may need. Of course these AVR cost a bit more.

All the major audio vendors have receivers with pre-outs, alot of the members use onkyo, pioneer, H&K, yamaha and so on.

Have fun.

RT1

I'm cuter with a fishing rod in my hand:biggrin: I can bait my own hook too ! Ever been ice fishing?

It says Dolby Digital Surround.

I am having fun. This is a challenge for me. I like easy too, but that tends to bore me real quick.

Got to go get some sleep. I have a long drive tomorrow. Thanks for the help. I'll check back in on Monday. Have a great weekend.

daboyz

I have one of these and love it. All the latest codecs,preouts and a great sound.
Should be able to get for under 300 bones. You'll have cash left over for other things.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Harman-Kardon-HK-AVR-254-7-1-Home-Theater-Receiver-HDMI-/180585173875?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item2a0bb71373

K-daugh

i would definately go with an h/k from the harmon kardon ebay store .....they are refurbished ......cheap ....and the cost/performance level is off the charts.....i purchased my h/k avr 247 for 160......there are definately deals to be had just dont jump on the first one you see ....i would reccomend an h/k avr 254 or 354 .....you will be very pleased im sure

rockynbruno

Thanks for the input. I'll do some looking around on the internet for one when I have some time. I know Dealnews.com and Dealcatcher.com posts some good deals on electronics.

reeltrouble1

rockynbruno wrote: »

I'm cuter with a fishing rod in my hand:biggrin: I can bait my own hook too ! Ever been ice fishing?

cool, ice visiting opportunities have been rather limited over the past 10 years as I am on the Georgia Coast just above the Florida line.......but did a bit when I was sationed in Pa.....

presenly reeltrouble splashes in the salt and she puts me on the fish.:biggrin:

so since your older reciever is DD it should work fine for the smaller room you are planning.

keep the rubber down.

RT1

grkstl

I just redid my family room also. I upgraded my TV and needed to upgrade everything else. The problem on my end was the same you had. What the new things are out there and what do you go with.

Luckily I am an engineer and was able to ask the correct questions and make a list of what I need.

My old system had front towers that were on either side of the rear projection big screen. The rear was a set of Boss speakers, the sub was a velodyne unit that had an 8 inch sub firing out and a 6" firing down. The reciever I had was an early model HK AVR 20. I was happy with the power th HK unit put out, if i remember correctly 65 watts per channel. but after a while the speakers were an eye sore just sitting there.

My new system is:
HK AVR2600
Polk TS80i Qty 4 These are in wall ceiling speaker that sound awsome
Polk CS20 Qty1 this in my center channel
Polk PSW505 Qty 1 This is my sub

I ran all 12guage inwall speaker wire, the stuff with the white sheathing for inwall use. My room is 18 x 22 with 9 foot ceilings. The first night i hooked everything up and ran the setup for the AVR 2600, (it set all the speaker levels). This setup spounds awsome. I was able to get just the components listed above brand new for just under $1000. I tell you the sleak look of everything in the ceilings is nice. At first I wondered how it would sound, but let me tell you you cannot tell the sound is coming from the celing. Now when I change over and listen to normal music, the sounds like a club, crips clear and loud. The sub shakes everything and doesn't break up, the speakers are crystal clear regardless of the music your playing. The key thing is when picking out speakers makes sure you match them based on frequencies you want to hear out of them. That is why I chose 4 of the same for the fronts and surrounds.

I can post pictures if you want to see my finished setup. I am currently waiting for new furniture so the room looks empty.

Big Dawg

rockynbruno wrote: »

messiah wrote: »

Nice saddle.


:eek: GOT ME!! I'ts for sale. Not gonna be needing it anymore.:frown: Trying to find a good home for my horse too. I don't want any money for him; just want to make sure someone takes good care of him.

Yes, you did help. Based on what you said I'm assuming I want a home theater receiver and don't really need anything more than a 5.1 for my needs?

If you're serious about finding him a good home, I do know of a very nice family near Red Bank NJ with a beautiful horse farm. I think that they ride English style though. Would that be a problem?

I also have some friends with a horse farm in Monroe NJ. They use their horses for some kind of therapy for children with physical and emotional issues. Let me know if you'd like to learn more about either.

Is $500 your budget for your whole system, or just the receiver? If it's your whole budget, I might recommend starting with an AVR receiver, but in a stereo configuration. You may also wish to consider used equipment, as the value is much higher.

rockynbruno

Big Dawg wrote: »

rockynbruno wrote: »

If you're serious about finding him a good home, I do know of a very nice family near Red Bank NJ with a beautiful horse farm. I think that they ride English style though. Would that be a problem?

I also have some friends with a horse farm in Monroe NJ. They use their horses for some kind of therapy for children with physical and emotional issues. Let me know if you'd like to learn more about either.

Is $500 your budget for your whole system, or just the receiver? If it's your whole budget, I might recommend starting with an AVR receiver, but in a stereo configuration. You may also wish to consider used equipment, as the value is much higher.

Yes, I do need to find a home for him. He needs an experienced rider though, he would not make a good kids horse. In time he could. He has no vices. He needs miles under the saddle. Jersey would be a long haul for him unless they have a horse to bring along for the drive. The only time he was in a trailer is when I bought him and they pretty much manhandled him to get him in. NOT a good experience for him.

$500 is the budget for the receiver. Based on what I know now, looks like I won't have to spend that much. I just need time to search the web for one.


Can you explain this for me? I don't understand how the value of used equipment is higher; unless your refering to he fact as soon as you buy the latest "thing" six months later there is a new and improved version. Thanks.

rockynbruno

grkstl wrote: »

I just redid my family room also. I upgraded my TV and needed to upgrade everything else. The problem on my end was the same you had. What the new things are out there and what do you go with.

Luckily I am an engineer and was able to ask the correct questions and make a list of what I need.

My old system had front towers that were on either side of the rear projection big screen. The rear was a set of Boss speakers, the sub was a velodyne unit that had an 8 inch sub firing out and a 6" firing down. The reciever I had was an early model HK AVR 20. I was happy with the power th HK unit put out, if i remember correctly 65 watts per channel. but after a while the speakers were an eye sore just sitting there.

My new system is:
HK AVR2600
Polk TS80i Qty 4 These are in wall ceiling speaker that sound awsome
Polk CS20 Qty1 this in my center channel
Polk PSW505 Qty 1 This is my sub

I ran all 12guage inwall speaker wire, the stuff with the white sheathing for inwall use. My room is 18 x 22 with 9 foot ceilings. The first night i hooked everything up and ran the setup for the AVR 2600, (it set all the speaker levels). This setup spounds awsome. I was able to get just the components listed above brand new for just under $1000. I tell you the sleak look of everything in the ceilings is nice. At first I wondered how it would sound, but let me tell you you cannot tell the sound is coming from the celing. Now when I change over and listen to normal music, the sounds like a club, crips clear and loud. The sub shakes everything and doesn't break up, the speakers are crystal clear regardless of the music your playing. The key thing is when picking out speakers makes sure you match them based on frequencies you want to hear out of them. That is why I chose 4 of the same for the fronts and surrounds.

I can post pictures if you want to see my finished setup. I am currently waiting for new furniture so the room looks empty.

I've thought about putting some in the ceiling. I just don't have time to mess with that kind of thing now. I'm trying to finish putting Christmas lights on the house and my bathroom has been torn apart for several months. I need to finish some skim coat and put moldings back on; then put in a new vanity top and faucet. I should have been a man:rolleyes:

rockynbruno

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

presenly reeltrouble splashes in the salt and she puts me on the fish.:biggrin:



RT1

Must be nice! But isn't that cheating?

reeltrouble1

not really, I go complete stealth dive in an snatch them with my teeth.

RT1

rockynbruno

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

not really, I go complete stealth dive in an snatch them with my teeth.

RT1

LOL!! Well, excuse me! That makes all the difference :biggrin:

I'm leaving tomorrow for a 4 day trip. Hopefully when I get back I can get this receiver issue squared away. Works slows down after the holidays so I should have some time to get things set up. In the mean time, I can think about what I specifically want. I'm open to suggestions if you have any.

Have a great weekend. Take care.

rockynbruno

$265 New: Yamaha 525W 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $265 + free shipping
Electronics Expo offers the Yamaha 525-watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver, model no. RX-V467BL, for $299.95. Coupon code "LSDA1116" chops it to $264.55. With free shipping, that's $6 under our June mention and the lowest total price we could find by $31. Features include 105 watts per channel into five channels, built-in Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, and DTS decoding, four HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, and other video inputs. Coupon expires December 5.


How about this? Should I hold out for something better?

jimmydep

If your going with the Yamaha I'd do the RX-V665 or the newer model V667 as they have pre-outs.

rockynbruno

jimmydep wrote: »

If your going with the Yamaha I'd do the RX-V665 or the newer model V667 as they have pre-outs.

It was just an option. I generally don't have any hard and fast rules when it comes to brands. UNLESS it's a purse!

I'll keep looking. I'm not under the gun, so to speak, to find something right away.

jimmydep

rockynbruno wrote: »

UNLESS it's a purse!

Now that's an idea.....If I sell off my wife's purses, I'd have one heck of an audio budget!

I'm not suggesting a brand, but many "last years model" can be had for a very reasonable price.


Jimmy

AudioGenics

good luck on finding a new home for the horse.
owning a horse is a huge responsibility.

check on Amazon.Com
They have a Home Theater promotion going on.

WilliamM2

rockynbruno wrote: »

It was just an option. I generally don't have any hard and fast rules when it comes to brands. UNLESS it's a purse!

I'll keep looking. I'm not under the gun, so to speak, to find something right away.

Do you plan on adding separate amplifiers to the system? There really is no need to. If not, you don't need pre-outs, and that unit would work just fine.

rockynbruno

WilliamM2 wrote: »

Do you plan on adding separate amplifiers to the system? There really is no need to. If not, you don't need pre-outs, and that unit would work just fine.

Based on advice from other posters here, I don't need a seperate amplifier therefore I don't need the pre-outs. I'm far from being techno savy enough to get into ALL that. But I'm catching on and know more than I did when I started.

rockynbruno

What about this from dealnews.com?


New: Pioneer VSX-1019AH 7.1-Ch Home Theater Receiver for $299 + free shipping
Amazon.com offers the Pioneer VSX-1019AH 840-watt 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver in Black, model no. VSX1019AHK, for $299 plus free shipping. That's $84 under our mention from a year ago and the lowest total price we could find by $131. It's also the least expensive 840-watt 7.1-channel receiver we've seen. Features include 120 watts per channel into seven channels, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital EX, DTS Neo:6, Pro Logic IIx, and DTS-ES decoding, Sirius Radio ready, 4 HDMI inputs, remote, and component, coaxial, and optical inputs.


I know it's more channels than what I really need. I don't know what the other STUFF means other than I know I want the HDMI inputs. I just hate to buy something with less to save a few dollars and then find out later I wish I had spent more for more options. Kind of like, you can pay more now or even more later. Know what I mean?

rockynbruno

Switching gears a bit, dealcatcher.com has this:


Polk Audio CS1 Series II Center Channel Speaker
$199.99 $59.99 at Newegg posted about 14 hours ago
Use Newegg coupon code EMCZZZX25 during checkout. Newegg is selling this Polk Audio CS1 Series II Center Channel Speaker for $59.99 after coupon savings. Handles up to 125 watts of peak power at 8 Ohms. Shipping is $2.99. (Expires 11/25/10)