Upgrading from Yamaha to Denon

IndiansFan

I've just purchased a Denon AVR 884 from e-bay. One of my requirements is that I be able to hook up my vintage Lenco turntable. This has the connections for a turntable.

http://usa.denon.com/ArchivedAVReceivers.asp?archivedModelSearch=true&clearCurrent=true&archivedCategory=AV&archivedModel=AVR-884&imageField.x=109&imageField.y=8

Currently the system use is 60% television, 20% music, and 10% movies.

I've had a Yamaha entry level YHT-15 One-Box Home Theater Audio System for the past several years (The YHT-15 includes the RV 503 receiver, a pair of NS-A203 satellite speakers, an NS-AC2A center channel and a pair of NS-A76A effects speakers, and the YST-SW40 powered subwoofer).

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200374&CTID=5000800

I know that these speakers are the bottom of the barrel quality, but they will have to work for the short term. My last of three children is about to enter college this fall, so educational expenses have been and still are a priority for the next few years.

I would like to purchase used/reconditioned speakers from e-bay. I can't afford to replace all at once, so I'd like suggestions as to which to buy first, and then to follow.

I thought that I'd purchase the bookshelf fronts and center first, and then a subwoofer. Next I'd move the bookshelf to the surround back and purchase towers of some sort for the front and then the center back.

I am considering the Monitor 30 and CSi25 for the initial purchase. Would this be a good place to start? Or is there something better in the long run for a few dollars more?

The Yamaha, would move to the bedroom.

Thanks,
IndiansFan in Cleveland

Pycroft

To answer your question, I have Monitor 30's that I use as my surround speakers in a 5.1 system. I think those are fine surround speakers, but you may want to go a little more power for the front speakers. If the ones suggested are too expensive, you may look at the Monitor 50's or 60's for front speakers. I have the monitor 50's, it wasn't too expensive (89 each I believe new...i'm sure less for refurb's), and I'm very happy with them. CS1 or CS2 is the usual suggestion for a center. Newegg.com currently has a CS1 on sale for 60 dollars with free shipping. The CS2 is an upgrade and is more expensive.

Good luck!
Pycroft

IndiansFan

Thanks for the quick response and advice. I just found this site, but it is very similar to one I utilize and contribute to for my automobile.

This all started two weeks ago when I decided to put my Lenco turntable back into the system and bring out the vinyl. The sound was lacking with the Yamaha receiver and speakers compaired with my two channel system. That is what prompted me to purchase the Denon receiver.

I just bought a pair of Monitor 30's from Polk eBay. I plan to use them as my main's for the next few months and then move them to the surrounds and purchase a pair of towers for the mains.

Polk eBay has the CS1 for $60.00 buy it now or the CSi25 for $109.00. They both have a 55Hz - 22kHz response. Which of these would you suggest, since I can't listen for myself. I would want one that would be compatable with a future more expensive main/tower.

Again, thanks for the advice.
Indians Fan in Cleveland

IndiansFan

speakertweeker:

I searched eBay for the CSi3 and found one. If that is better than the CS1 or CSi25, what would be a fair price to offer?

Thanks,
IndiansFan

IndiansFan

Keiko:

If I go with the CSi3 for the center, are there any negatives to using the Monitor 30 as my mains temporarily until I upgrade to the RTi series? Perhaps several weeks.

I'm not familiar with "timbre matched". Is this only achived with speakers from the same mfgr? When I upgrade to the RTi, can I or should I use the Monitors as the surrounds and or back speaker? Have I exceeded my question limit? So many ?'s, so little time.......

Thanks to all for you assistance in getting this two channel guy up to date.

IndiansFan in Cleveland

IndiansFan

Keiko, took your advice and bought the CSi3 from this forum's flea market. Next step will be the RTi's and a sub woofer up grade.