Advice on Home Theatre components...


Hey guys, I'm a relative newbie to higher end audio, and I can't really afford a lot of the high end stuff that seems to be pretty standard on here, but I wanted some advice on my system if anyone is game. I just bought a new house, closing is sept 1st!) and the designated room is 23'x15'

I currently have:

Recently purchased:
Receiver: Denon AVR-3805
TV: Samsung HLN507W
CD/DVD player: Sony DVP-CX985V 400 disk (was a gift)
Monster MP HTS 3600
Cables: Monster Cable Interlink Datalink 100, and M series M500V x2.

Several years old:
powered Subwoofer: psb Century subsonic 2i
center: psb century 200Ci

~15 yrs old:
Front speakers: BIC America Venturi V830 (x2)
Rear speakers BIC America Venturi V52 (x2)

Other:
PS2, VCR, etc

On the right front speaker, one of the woofers moves freely when pushed in, but the other has a slight grinding feel to it (still sounds ok though). The tweeter on the front left speaker is gone. I probably have to replace the front speakers and possibly rear/center to match it since I can't even find SPECS on these things, much less replacement parts.

Anyway, I've gone on a few trips to some stereo shops to listen to some speakers, and I really liked the Martin Logan electrostatic lines, (Clarity, Aeon, Ascent front, cinema center) but I was concerned with the dispersion (~30 degrees?) I'd also like to keep it semi-reasonable pricewise. My main use for the system is for movies, football games, etc. I do listen to music on it, especially when friends are over, but I'll be honest, I do most of my music listening in the car. This system would be mainly for movies.

I wanted to know what you guys suggest. If I have to replace my speakers rather than repair, what kind should I get? What are the weakest points of my system? (Like I said, I'm new to this). Do I need to have the front/rear/center speakers from the same company? I was hoping to keep the speakers under 3k-ish (under 2k would be even better). Used would be fine so long as they're in good shape. What other things should I worry about? I've never set up a high end system before, so forgive me if the answers to some of these questions are glaringly obvious.

Thanks in advance!

-Mike
aesculapius

Showing 1 response by chaskelljr2001

Mike:

From what I have read here so far, it looks like you have put together an impressive system so far. At looking at your speakers, I was hoping to look for a quick fix and suggest that you round off your PSB Century 200Ci Center Channel and Subsonic 2i with fronts and rears also from the PSB Century series. But after visiting their website, what I hoped to find as a quick fix ended up in vain. PSB no longer makes or markets the "Century" Series. If you wish to stick with PSB, then I'm afraid that all new speakers will be have to be the order. And if you want something that is similar to the now discontinued "Century" series, you will have to take a look at their more current "Image" series. And if you want to keep the price of the total package to under $3K (or as you might prefer......... $2K), the PSB and MAYBE (!!!!!) KEF are probably your only options. If you intend to use the Denon AVR-3805 as a standalone control/power center, these are in fact your ONLY options. Martin Logans definitely will sound better than PSBs or KEFs. But the price for such a package will make Martin Logans prohibitly expensive. And......... unless you're planning on adding an outboard power amplifier in order to power the M/Ls and use the Denon AVR-3805 as a Pre/Pro, I don't really see the feasibility in using such an exotic speaker such as a Martin Logan with a $1,200.00 receiver. You might want to take a hard look at the PSB Image Series, or the KEF Q Series. These speakers will be a better match for the Denon than will the Martin Logans. And at prices starting at about $2K for a complete package sans subwoofer, they're much easier on your wallet too.

Otherwise, great system (and not bad for a first timer).

Good Luck........

--Charles--