2. home-theater
  3. 1093226259

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
aesculapius OP
6 posts
 

Thanks Seminola, appreciate the input. Do you have any recommendations as to where to buy ML speakers? Where did you get yours? If I were to buy them used, are there any places aside from here and ebay in which I might find used high end speakers for sale?

Anyone have any recommended dealers? (I'm in Philadelphia if that helps).
obrown
80 posts
 
There are two Tweeter stores in Philly . They started selling ML this year and can demo them for you hooked to a 3805.
aesculapius OP
6 posts
 

Thats actually where I heard the ML speakers (Aeon / Script), and they were hooked up to the 3805 at the time. Sounded fantastic.
obrown
80 posts
 
Aesculapius , did you form an opinion at Tweeter about their selection of wide screens ? I am in the market and don't know whether to go with a close out (on sale) 65' Mitsubishi or a new (3rd) generation Samsung DLP.
aesculapius OP
6 posts
 
I looked into big screen TVs for a while before I picked mine up. I think part of it is personal preference, but I would recommend going to a best buy or a circuit city where they have a large selection of big screen TVs (tweeter doesn't have as large a selection). Take a look around and see which style of picture you like best.

My personal preference was the DLP because they're a nice compromise between a plasma and a traditional big screen. The DLPs have higher resolution than most rear/front projection TVs, and I liked the quality of the picture better when compared to projection OR plasma. They also don't have the limited lifespan that plasma televisions suffer from, and they're a MUCH more economical choice. (50" DLP ~3k, 50" plasma ~8k, but those are just ballpark estimates). The only reason I would get a plasma is if space was a serious consideration, or if I wanted to mount the tv in an odd place, such as over a fireplace.

The mitsubishi has a beautiful picture, but check the weight on it... the thing is like a battleship! 333 lbs when compared to the DLP 61" which is ~100 lbs. It's also a much deeper set. If space and weight are not limitations, you can get a really nice picture for less money with the mitsubishi.

Anyway, check em out and see how you like the picture on the different types, and make your decision based on that. :)
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