Newbie Advice

ck2506

Let me preface this by saying I am clueless in this area:

I am piecing together a home theatre system. I am having a house built that includes wiring for surround sound and 4 separate zones where I will be mounting either cieling or outdoor speakers. For the surround system I am planning on RTi 8's or 10's, CSi5 for the center and a pair of RC or TC cieling speakers for the rears. The room is about 20x25 with 10 foot vaulted cielings. What do I need in the way of receivers and amps to power this system? Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Early B.

That's a nice size room for HT. First, a few questions...

What's your budget?
Do you like it loud, impactful, and full of ear-blistering bass?
Will you be using the HT system for music, too?

ck2506

I will be using the system for music. I'd like it to be loud I am also planning on getting a subwoofer (PSW 404). I was budgeting around $500.00 for a receiver. Have not looked at what amps run. I am not opposed to buying used or refurbished units either.

Tour2ma

With a 5000 cu ft room (not even considering the open adjacent spaces) you can forget the 404. Need a major league sub to fill that cavern.

First, consider wiring for side surrounds as well as rears now, even if you do not install the sides at this time. And don't forget the sub... but pre-wiring a sub obviously limits its placement, and it is hard to anticipate where it will sound best.

Consider postponing the sub and put the 404 $$$ with the AVR budget to open up some more possibilities. You can always save up for a sub next year. If you go this way, the 10's make sense to me for your mains. If you go ahead with the 404, the 8's should do.

Used equipment is great to be open to, but biggest benefit is in amps and sources, not AVR's and Pre/Pro's. With the latter you tend to find outdated electronics. However, if you are willing to be a half or full step behind the latest and greatest, you can save some serious coinage buying used...