$2000 system please help

[rich0372]

Hey I have a friend that wants to buy a 5.1 home theater system (not including TV)with a budget of $2000. He is 60/40 music/movies. What speakers, sub, receiver combo do you guys recommend. thanks

[audioqueso]

What kind of music preference?

If he's like me that likes pretty much every type of music on CDs, then based of my personal experiences, I would recommend the following:

Speakers: B&W 600 S3 ($1500)
- Main: 600/1
- Center: LCR60
- Rears: 600
- Sub: ASW600

Receivers: Marantz SR5600 or SR6500 ($500 )

Now, are you suppose to include a DVD player for that price as well? Please advise.

[rich0372]

Thanks for the reply, no dvd player just receiver/sub/speaker combo. He likes rock mostly.

[wkhanna]

If it was me, and I was on such a budget, I would go with a used or demo receiver in the $600 to $800 range, such as a Denon, Marantz, Yamaha or Sherwood. I would then get one of the Oppo DVD players new, and then find the best front main and center speakers I could (new or used) with the rest of the $. I would then save a sub purchase for down the road. Oh, and don’t skimp on a digital coax cable from the DVDp to the receiver. (I Highly recommend Doug’s Cat Cables).

Of course, all IMHO and skin the cat as you will.

[dyazdani]

The B&W system is a good buy... I also like the Marantz receivers.

Coincidentally, I'm looking to build a system in the same price range for a family member. I'm probably going with a Marantz receiver (used) and DIY speakers, more than likely Modula MTs.

[dyazdani]

I would then get one of the Oppo DVD players new, and then find the best front main and center speakers I could (new or used) with the rest of the $. I would then save a sub purchase for down the road.

I agree, it is better to stage the upgrades for quality, i.e. get higher quality main/center channel speakers and add a sub/surrounds later.

I usually center things around the main speakers - get what I want in the ballpark price range and make decisions on the rest of the speakers to come within budget. This may mean going without surrounds or a sub for a short period of time.

[aud19]

Rotel or Sherwood receiver and B&W, Energy, Paradigm, Polk, PSB or Totem speakers. SVS sub.

[rich0372]

Yeah this was my first thought, I told him to spend as much money as he could on the receiver, main speakers and center.(this is what I did with my own system) This way he could have a quality set-up since he prefers music to movies. Then he could get the sub and surrounds at a later date when he had more money. He didn't seem to like this idea, so here I am.

[dyazdani]

He didn't seem to like this idea, so here I am.

You mean that he wants to get the whole thing (5.1 system + receiver) now?

[rich0372]

You mean that he wants to get the whole thing (5.1 system + receiver) now?

yeah...he wants a receiver/sub/and 5 speakers for under $2000. I'm tring to talk him out of this cause he's a drummer in a band and likes heavy rock and alternative music like Korn and Disturbed. I don't think he will be happy, but he's not into it like us maybe he will be

[audioqueso]

You mean that he wants to get the whole thing (5.1 system + receiver) now?

Why not? Not such a bad idea if he has the money. That's what I did with my first B&W system.

[rich0372]

Why not? Not such a bad idea if he has the money. That's what I did with my first B&W system.

this sounds like a very good idea there's is a b&w dealer right near his house

[dyazdani]

Why not? Not such a bad idea if he has the money. That's what I did with my first B&W system.

I was just trying to clarify what "idea" of his that was not liked...

As far as why not, it may be a question of quality. There is room to work with a $2k budget, but that's not always the case.

[Azeke]

You could also check out orbaudio, they have full systems in that price range. I heard a friend's setup, and it was impressive at least for HT, didn't hear it for music. It also includes auto-calibration. Check out the reviews around the net.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[wkhanna]

Wasn't SVS supposed to come out with a 5.1 speaker package too?

[Azeke]

Wasn't SVS supposed to come out with a 5.1 speaker package too?

Yes, they have one available now, and two others available later in 2006.

[wkhanna]

SBS-01 7.1 Set with PB10-NSD $1,149 Plus shipping.

Looks very nice actually for a stater kit or secondary HT system.

[audioqueso]

SBS-01 7.1 Set with PB10-NSD $1,149 Plus shipping.

Looks very nice actually for a stater kit or secondary HT system.

Has anyone actually had a chance to listen to these though?

[RH Customs]

I would also go with the B&W 600 seriers setup. I currently own the 300 series and love them.