Need Help With First System

[gc8ej25]

I don't know too much about building a home theater but I'm very willing to learn. I'd like to start out by building a 2.1 setup, then gradually adding on, as money permits. I have some questions regarding what I would like to do. I spend about 50% of time listening to movies and 50% music and my music tastes vary greatly, all the way from death metal to acoustic rock. For the fronts, I have chosen the B&W 683's with a B&W ASW608 sub.

For now, I'm curious if just a receiver is adequate to drive the above speakers or if I should add an amp (don't really know if an amp is in the budget right now). If you guys recommend an amp, should I go for Rotel, and if so, what model? For the receiver, I'm contemplating a Marantz SR4002 or an Onkyo TX-SR605.

I'd also like a somewhat-budget standalone CD player. Can anyone recommend anything? Also, what kind of cabling should I use for the speakers and sub? Gauge and brand? Thanks in advance.

As of now, I have:

50" Sony KDF-50E2000
XBOX 360
Sony PS3

-Nate

[wkhanna]

What is your budget?

[Hdale85]

Yes we need to know what a budget player is for you

[Finleyville]

If you want a truly budget CD player I would have to recommend Sony's CE595. It is a 5 disc changer that plays SACD as well. Apparently, it sounds pretty good and some companies are modding them to sound even better. You can find them online for about $100 shipped.


(Funny how all the 'Burgh members are happy to help. GO STEELERS!)

[Alaric]

Hey , Michael! I'm thinking 13-3 as a worst case scenario! Great game against the "hated Browns".

[wkhanna]

Ah shucks, Lee......

We don’t hate the Browns. At least those of here on the forum don’t, and I feel confident in speaking for us all. It reminds of how on Thanksgiving in the little coal mining town I grew up in not more than 50 miles East from the Burgh, we would have the town ‘Turkey Bowl’. It was a true Across the Tracks rivalry. The kids from the North side of the train tracks in town would play the South end kids. On the field it could get a little rough, but at the end of the game we were all from the same place.

The only Browns we may hate are the ones who went to Baltimore. We felt your loss on that one.

[Club1820]

Go Bears! :rollhead:

[Finleyville]

Ah shucks, Lee......

We don’t hate the Browns.

Speak for yourself Billy! I love to hate the Browns! :P :takecover:

I missed them so when they went away.

I just love the rivalry, that's all.

[Hdale85]

I don't really like the Steelers though.....

[Finleyville]

I don't really like the Steelers though.....

And I thought we were friends....