How should I spend 1000.00 on Audio Equipment? (Long)

MADGSF

Later this year I will have about 1000.00 to spend on the system in my signature. I would like to do some room treatments but since this is also my living room esthetics are important. With RTi10s and a PC Ultra already in the room I don’t think adding large bass and HF traps that look good is an option at my price point. In addition my room is not that big (15’x19’), one wall is a fireplace and another opens to the kitchen. So after furniture there is not a lot of room left.

I was thinking of the following:
•Rotel RMB-1075
$999.00 plus tax, local store might get 10% off this price.
•Outlaw 7125-7
$999.00 plus shipping.
I have read it sounds the same as the Rotel and is 7 channels.
Maybe can bi-amp the 10s with the extra channels?
•Velodyne SMS-1 and ?
$599.00 plus shipping.

Considerations:
•Esthetics and limited room space for sound treatments.
•Due to space constraints equipment size can’t be more than 16” deep and 9” tall.
•Prefer new for warranty purposes and I like the new Outlaw look.
•80% movies 20% music.
•Don’t listen at reference level much.
•Eventually want to move to separates.
•No room for 7.1 so staying with 5.1 for now.
•New amps don’t leave much money for interconnects.

Eventually I want to try separates, thinking Rotel currently, and I know the RTi10s and CSi5 would benefit from better amplification now. Currently for music the RTi10s seem bright at high volume and a little thin at all volumes. I know they are not the best choice for music but they are great for movies and I hope the amp will help for music.

The combination of SMS-1, Pioneer’s MCACC and some tweaking could hopefully flatten the response curve in my room or at least get it close.

Any comments on the above or any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

halo

I've always felt that Rotel tends to be on the bright side. Parasound is a bit warmer IMO - Might help to take the edge off LINK LINK 2. I never heard Outlaw so I can't comment. Link 1 gives you power for the 10's so you can let the receiver handle your center and surrounds plus you'd have money left from some IC's from SC or AQ or cables from BJC.

lanion

I love my new outlaw 7125... just got it bstock for $900 with shipping, so I will vote for that!

wingnut4772

I can tell you from experience that the SMS-1 made a HUGE diference in the sound of my system. It is amaing what some of those boomy frequencies can occlude. I was never interested in EQ before but now I would never be without it.

tryrrthg

If you're semi into tweeking, just buy yourself a Behringer Feedback Destroyer for $99. It is a very flexible and inexpensive option for EQ. That paired with a Radio Shack SPL meter and Room EQ Wizard - you'll have yourself a very powerful tool for that very powerful sub. It will just have more of a learning curve than the SMS-1

and most importantly you'll still have plenty of money left over for that amp upgrade.

BFD Help:

http://bfdguide.ws/

condensed BFD setup

sub help, in general, also includes Room EQ Wizard tutorial

Although I haven't gotten to it yet. Here is a quick and dirty graph of what the BFD and room EQ Wizard is supposed to do to my sub.

MADGSF

Great suggestions and information!

I had forgotten about the BFD and it's a good idea. While more work I could get it and the 2-channel Halo amp, what is it about Halo amps that make me want one. However I sure would like to have the same amplifier for all channels.

Anyone know if the Halo and Classic line share the same sound qualities. They are not as pretty as the Halo line but they are shorter. This is important when considering 5-channel amps as my shelf depth is only 16" with a solid back for most of the stand.

Another thought is get a new TV stand with a shelf depth greater than 16" plus the BFD and wait on the amp. I currently have and like the BDI products and while they are expensive the lack of space limits future improvements.

Didn’t think there were so many options with a 1000.00 budget when I originally wrote this. Thanks again for the help and keep them coming!

Mark