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For the money, Best set up for HT and music

I have been reading for about a year; about all the different equipment you can buy to make the sound be the best it can be. I know it sounds extreme, but I want a good starter that I can build on.
He is my history (you can skip this if you like I'll put separator in front of my question)
I'm not super rich, but I do have a crazy love for music, unfortunately I'm young and haven't had enough time to build wealth to build on this hobby. Originally I was looking for the best surround sound (5.1, 7.1) for music and home theater. I came to the conclusion after a while that the Denon 2808ci would provide exactly what I wanted and give me room to grow in the future. I figured with this receiver I could pair it up with KEF 3007 5.1 speakers. I then found that, this might not be ideal. I have picked and matched other speakers and receivers, but at this point I've read so much I've become lost. So if anyone could help it would be much obliged.
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In my (short story above if you didn't read) I originally picked the Denon 2808ci for my receiver and KEF 3007 5.1 speaker system. From what I've read though, a 2.1/3.1 might best fit my needs though for now; while optimizing my money.

What would be the best set up for 4500 or less for a nice sounding home theater and music combo. It seems seems 2 speakers, with a center and a sub would optimize the sound quality; but then others say the center won't be needed for the stage if you position the two speakers correctly.

Sorry for the epic writing, but your help would greatly be appreciated, if you need any other details I'll gladly post. By the way, the living room is 18x18; unfortunately wood floors, but I suppose I could get an area rug.

Thanks so much in advance for your help and again sorry for the epic read.
bluvision

Showing 2 responses by chadnliz

chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I would think twice on Room EQ many units I suspect would be affordable do nothing more than can be done in 15 minutes and a knowledge of your speakers so its fluff that offers no real value after you set it up....and may come at a premium in price for percieved value.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Boy for that money you could get used Processor from Rotel, Parasound, NAD, Anthem and the like and add a multi channel amp for a better sound a reciever wont match. Look into a Rotel RSP 1068 for example and an Emotiva 5-7 channel amp, go with the Oppo get an HSU Research sub and Def Tech and other speaker can be considered. I know HDMI is not a concern but do keep in mind to get a reciever or Processor that has 7.1 bypass inputs so you can in future decode the HD audio from Bluray players. A reciever makes sense for a one box solution but is most certain to not provide the audio for music that sperates can perform.
a used Rotel 1068 is under $1000 and a used 1066 is around $600.
Emotiva 7 channel amp 200 watts per is $1700 brand new.
Oppo players are $250
HSU Research subs are $300-$500 used
This leaves little for speakers but if you either consider some or any combination of ideas or save a bit more cash you will end up with a system that will almost certain keep you happy monger than a reciever can.
Onkyo and Denon do make some great units to consider if you are set on the receiver idea....I had a Onkyo TXNR901 140X7 reciever that was $1600 new in 2000, I have seen them as low as $100 but generally $300-500 and it works pretty darn good.
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