Newbie here, never had good speakers

ScottL79
ScottL79 Posts: 48
edited February 2011 in Speakers
Okay, Ill be honest, Im not an audiophile. Just a normal guy who loves electronics and movies.

In my living room I have a 47" Vizio LED tv, WDTV Live Hub with all my Blurays ripped to it and an old Sony home theater in a box I bought about 10 years ago. Receiver is STR-SE501.

That being said, I really love my tv and bluray, but often wondered what Im missing out since I cant get TrueHD audio. I have also longed for the Polk RTIA5 or A7 speakers. I think they just look great and I love the thought of some towers!

so i been thinking about these for over a year now and seen them at my local Frys. But its hard to tell how they really sound since their demo rooms are not setup at all like a real persons house...

so my question is this.... $2000+ is alot of money to me, especially for some speakers... so I want to know, how much of a difference would a set of TSI or RTI really be over my little cheap theater in a box? i actually think mine now sounds pretty good and loud....

obviously the TSI is cheaper, would I still be happy with that or always wish I had gone RTI? what about something older like RTI 150??? saw some of them on local craigslist really cheap.
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  • gsxr141
    gsxr141 Posts: 143
    edited January 2011
    i haven't heard the rti's, but i can vouch for the tsi's. i can also tell you that bestbuy.com has the tsi400's for $224 each. imo, you can build a pretty darn nice system with the tsi line.
    50" samsung dlp
    receiver... pioneer elite vsx72txv
    front... polk tsi400's
    rear surrounds... polk tsi100's
    center... polk csi3
    subs... psw150..... 2 of them.
    surrounds.....polk owm3's
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    I am leaning towards the TSI mainly because of price... what would be the main difference in the 400 vs. 500? worth the extra $$ ?

    btw, i see bb.com at $299
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  • gsxr141
    gsxr141 Posts: 143
    edited January 2011
    the 500's need more power, i think. the black ones were on sale for $224 as of a few days ago. check at the store if you have one nearby,they are still on sale near me.

    i see that they ended the sale online. you can also get them from other online stores like , newegg.com.
    at the top of the page is the "where to buy" heading. click on there to find the cheapest places to buy polk stuff.
    50" samsung dlp
    receiver... pioneer elite vsx72txv
    front... polk tsi400's
    rear surrounds... polk tsi100's
    center... polk csi3
    subs... psw150..... 2 of them.
    surrounds.....polk owm3's
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  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited January 2011
    The difference will be profound in my opinion. If you can get those RTI 150's for a decent price, your off to a great start. Find a CSi40 center and get a new better quality receiver that has pre outs in case you want more power. That will make a huge difference in my opinion.
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808



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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    Okay, Ill be honest, Im not an audiophile. Just a normal guy who loves electronics and movies.

    In my living room I have a 47" Vizio LED tv, WDTV Live Hub with all my Blurays ripped to it and an old Sony home theater in a box I bought about 10 years ago. Receiver is STR-SE501.

    That being said, I really love my tv and bluray, but often wondered what Im missing out since I cant get TrueHD audio. I have also longed for the Polk RTIA5 or A7 speakers. I think they just look great and I love the thought of some towers!

    so i been thinking about these for over a year now and seen them at my local Frys. But its hard to tell how they really sound since their demo rooms are not setup at all like a real persons house...

    so my question is this.... $2000+ is alot of money to me, especially for some speakers... so I want to know, how much of a difference would a set of TSI or RTI really be over my little cheap theater in a box? i actually think mine now sounds pretty good and loud....

    obviously the TSI is cheaper, would I still be happy with that or always wish I had gone RTI? what about something older like RTI 150??? saw some of them on local craigslist really cheap.

    Your opening statement probably describes most of us here :cool:

    The RTi's are very hot, love them, wish I could own the 9's. Definitely the 9's and maybe the 7's would require an extra power amp to fully drive that kind of wattage.

    The TSi line is cheaper for sure and doesn't carry the power of the RTi's and would be more user friendly for your receiver.

    That said, the Monitor line is almost identical to the TSi line and even lower priced through online dealers. Look into the Monitor series II line, you'll find speakers like the 70's, 60's, 50's, 40's and 30's.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Earthy wrote: »
    The difference will be profound in my opinion. If you can get those RTI 150's for a decent price, your off to a great start. Find a CSi40 center and get a new better quality receiver that has pre outs in case you want more power. That will make a huge difference in my opinion.

    thats exactly what he has, 2 RTI150 and CI40 for $350... says in like new condition, only thing is black and i wanted wood :(
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    Your opening statement probably describes most of us here :cool:

    The RTi's are very hot, love them, wish I could own the 9's. Definitely the 9's and maybe the 7's would require an extra power amp to fully drive that kind of wattage.

    The TSi line is cheaper for sure and doesn't carry the power of the RTi's and would be more user friendly for your receiver.

    That said, the Monitor line is almost identical to the TSi line and even lower priced through online dealers. Look into the Monitor series II line, you'll find speakers like the 70's, 60's, 50's, 40's and 30's.


    will probably upgrade to a new receiver like an Onkyo TX-SR508 or something to take advantage of TrueHD audio and HDMI
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    so which monitor series 2 floors would be equivilant to the RTI 150?
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    so back to my original question, lets say I go RTI 150, Monitor 70 or TSI400 or 500.... something like this with a compareable center... ill probably wait and get a new sub and rears a little later... just get new receiver, center, fronts right away....

    how big a difference would this really be?
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited January 2011
    Any of your listed speakers will make a HUGE difference. Clarity, depth, slam, and simply volume will be night and day different. You will hear all sorts of sounds you never knew were there. Get yourself a decent sub (such as the polk psw505 often on sale on newegg) with even smallish bookshelves like the rti A3s and you will be blown away.

    FWIW, I always say that unless you find insane deals (like the monitor series on newegg or refurbs through polk's ebay store) go used, you get so much more bang for your buck.
    Good luck!
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited January 2011
    I'd definitely go Monitor 60's, Cs2, Psw505 and a new receiver. They don't have to be all at once or in any particular order, but that's a great sounding setup for the money and it'll last you a long time (until you get the upgrade bug). I like craigslist a lot and traded my way up to a free Pioneer 1120 by just buying under priced receivers and selling them for more when I was ready to upgrade. A nice used Denon 1910 or onkyo 608 would be a good performing budget receiver.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    so which monitor series 2 floors would be equivilant to the RTI 150?

    I haven't seen the RTi150, I can tell you the 70's are pretty awesome as I currently own the 70's, 30's and a CS2 powered by an Onkyo 807.

    Also, the 70's are on sale for 169 a piece right now, darn good deal for the speaker you get.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    where do you get the 70s for 169? i been looking at them on ebay
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    where do you get the 70s for 169? i been looking at them on ebay

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290209&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL012711&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL012711-_-EMC-012711-Index-_-HomeAudioSpeakers-_-82290209-L0H
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    hmmm, im getting kinda excited now. I just so curious what these would sound like... so as for receiver, is the onkyo 508 not a good choice? would need to step up to 608?
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited January 2011
    Geoff beat me to the Newegg link... just in case you needed another endorsement I got a pair of Monitor 70's from them and that's a pretty phenomenal deal. They may not be quite as nice as the RTi line, but I decided I'd rather have some left over to spend on other audio equip and haven't regretted the decision at all. I also have the PSW505, which is a beefy sub and good for HT and a good deal at $200 (they don't make them in cherry). If you're patient I've seen promo codes take the price of the CS20 center down to $120 - 130 and similar discounts on the Monitor 30's and 40's. (Sign up for Newegg's emails if you're interested in those deals.)
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    cant find many specs, but this is a picture of what i would be repacing. sony str-se501 and little speakers

    2005101007015014F0002050.JPG
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    hmmm, im getting kinda excited now. I just so curious what these would sound like... so as for receiver, is the onkyo 508 not a good choice? would need to step up to 608?

    I just looked at the two receivers. If you go to the Onkyo website and do a side by side comparrison, you can see the differences. The 608 will have more power which will be benenficial for running those awesome speakers you want. Plus, it has THX certification (don't know how important that is) and probably of some importance, the 608 allows a second sub where the 508 doesn't.

    You can also find smoking deals on Onkyo receivers through the egg as well, especially on Saturdays, they like to run "weekend" deals.

    One place to compare prices is, and I can't tell you the name, but the initials are: B o u n t i i d o t c o m
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    cant find many specs, but this is a picture of what i would be repacing. sony str-se501 and little speakers

    2005101007015014F0002050.JPG

    Oh yeah, dude, I've been there. My first dive into H.T. was a phillips HTIB, had it for a grand total of two weeks, boxed it up, took it back and started building.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited January 2011
    I'm not very good at describing subtle differences between different speakers in terms of their sound. To my ears, the Monitor 70's don't have a super powerful low end, but paired with a sub they sound great. The RTiA7 are a little more balanced in that regard, meaning their bass seems to be better balanced, and the RTiA9's go a little too far with the bass, IMHO. Bear in mind that I only have heard them in a Fry's show room too, and there is no worse environment than that for listening to a speaker.

    I'd make the same decision over again and go with the 70's and get an Onkyo NR708. I like streaming music from my Windows 7 PC to my receiver and have a Rhapsody account. If you have that or Pandora and can run an ethernet wire to the NR708 you're on your way to chucking your CD's. Well, at least ripping them and putting them away in storage somewhere. :smile:
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    i already have my home theater center networked with my WD TV live hub... i stream pandora already and have all my songs shared.... easy as pie :)
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    Oh yeah, dude, I've been there. My first dive into H.T. was a phillips HTIB, had it for a grand total of two weeks, boxed it up, took it back and started building.

    well funny thing is, i actually think it sounds pretty good... but i also thought my 720p LCD looked good too, until I upgraded to my new LED 240hz!! im just hoping for the same kind of reaction if i make the plunge to new speakers.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    i already have my home theater center networked with my WD TV live hub... i stream pandora already and have all my songs shared.... easy as pie :)

    You might like this.............. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120166
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    well funny thing is, i actually think it sounds pretty good... but i also thought my 720p LCD looked good too, until I upgraded to my new LED 240hz!! im just hoping for the same kind of reaction if i make the plunge to new speakers.

    Oh yeah, 240hz LED is a happening thing.

    Yes my H.T. friend, without knowing what kind of reaction you got visually, I can tell you audibly, if you don't have a 100 hour silly grin plastered to your face, you're probably deaf :cool:
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    Oh yeah, 240hz LED is a happening thing.

    Yes my H.T. friend, without knowing what kind of reaction you got visually, I can tell you audibly, if you don't have a 100 hour silly grin plastered to your face, you're probably deaf :cool:

    awesome!!
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited January 2011
    Oops, sorry missed the part where you mentioned your WD box. Yeah, if the 608 is the receiver you'd like to go with anyway, that Klipsch deal is pretty sweet. I think you'd definitely want a sub with those tho.
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    awesome!!

    What kind of budget do you have for your receiver? Did you see the link I gave you for the 608?
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • rdb2001
    rdb2001 Posts: 791
    edited January 2011
    http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=JAMS426HCS3WE

    Sixth Ave has a special going on and Jamo makes nice speakers. They have a coupon code "AFLJAM298" which brings the total down to 298. Add a nice receiver and a sub and you can have a complete theater for 1000-1200. Just throwing out some options for you.
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  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    What kind of budget do you have for your receiver? Did you see the link I gave you for the 608?

    379 is good, i can handle that if its really worth it over the 508? whats big deal with THX anyway? i mean it is for movies, so probably should go that route.
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited January 2011
    For under $400 you have several options for receivers new and used. I think the 608 is definitely one of the best ones. Denon, Pioneer, and Yamaha also make some in that range but the 608 is a solid recommendation. I started out with a Onkyo 504 and within a week I found a 674 and snagged it, it was a much better receiver. From the 674 I went to the Denon 1910 which I personally liked a little better, but the 608 is much better than my old 674 was so I can't directly compare.
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