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Best 5.1 complete system under $3000

I want to buy a 5.1 system for under $3000 and need help.  I need everything as I am starting from scratch so everything has to be included in the price.  I will use it for both music and TV.  My favorite music that I love to listen too would be yanni's live concerts. I believe there is nothing like it.  Any suggestions would be very helpful.  I wish I could just go somewhere and listen but the only places around here have expensive systems.  Any help would be appreciated.  Currently I have Sony soundbar 5.1 system their top of the line which is good but it is a soundbar and I want better.  Help me out if you can.  Thank you.
BTW never built a home system and it's been 20 years since my last car stereo build. 
jayjay75

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
10,015 posts
 
Maybe somebody should think about starting a music store that has a large variety of stuff that you can try out or take home and listen to them lol
Yeah, somebody thought about it. Crutchfield, Audio Advisor, Music Direct, just to name a few of the bigger ones. I came up with a system that puts most of the $ where it counts for stereo but will also do a very respectable job for HT. Here goes...

  • Wharfedale Diamond 11.3 towers - $800/pr
  • Wharfedale Diamond 11.CS center - $400
  • Wharfedale D310 surrounds - $200
  • NuPrime IDA-8 integrated stereo amp - $650 used from US Audio Mart
  • Yamaha RX-A780 A/V receiver - $500 from Accessoriesforless.com
  • SVS SB1000 subwoofer - $500 from SVS
  • Cables/interconnects from Monoprice to get started
This system can be seamlessly integrated so only the IDA-8 (which also includes a pretty decent DAC BTW) is in the circuit for more critical 2-channel listening while the AVR is only engaged in HT for signal processing and powering the center and surround speakers. Basically it’s a nice and pure 2-channel system that can convert into a home theater with the push of a button — literally. Best of both worlds. I and others have done it this way with great results, and it also offers good flexibility for future upgrades. If this sounds interesting I can go into more detail about the hookup, but suffice it to say it’s very easy.

You can buy the Wharfedales at Crutchfield or Music Direct, and I think both offer a 60-day trial period. SVS also offers a generous trial period. Anyway, just another option for your consideration, and best of luck.
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