2. misc-audio
  3. 134430-109961

Newbie with some turntable, cable, pre-amp, and speaker questions.

I am very new to "higher end" audio equipment and I have a few questions for the professionals. I thought I bought a decent used system until I saw a pair of $25k speaker for sale on one of the pages here. By no means did I think I purchased anything "amazing" but those speakers were certainly a reality check! lol :) Wood cones?....wow!

I’ve always wanted a nice sound system for my house, nothing crazy, but something I can play pretty loud and not distort the speakers.
I ended up buying a used H/K AVR 7300 and some Polk LSi 15s, Center, and a RSW 400. Paid $675 for the lot and I’m pretty happy with what I got.
I definitely need to complete the surround and would like to find at least a set of F/X’s and possibly 7’s to finish it off.

This system is probably substandard to most, but for a newbie with my 1st decent sound system...I am absolutely elated with the sound I am getting out of what I have. I’m not sure I want to even listen to a very high end system as I’d like to enjoy what I can actually afford!

I have a few questions about some items I received with the lot and some accessries I am looking for.
I would like to add a turntable to the system, and would like to get some opinions on H/K models that would be best to match up with what I have. I don’t need anything super high end, but don’t mind keeping my eye out for the best possible one to grab either. I’ve also been told I’ll need a pre-amp if I want to add a TT...not sure why, but if this is accurate, I’ll need some advice there as well.
Also, the system came with Monster cables but the ends are cracked and are now useless. Does anyone know if they honor their LT Warranty to 2nd owners?

Finally, if anyone has a pair of LSi F/X’s...I am looking to buy a pair immediately. I’m located in North Western NJ.
Thank you all in advance for any info you can pass along. It is much appreciated.
jomat77

Showing 4 responses by jomat77

jomat77 OP
4 posts
 
Thank you for the response.
What about speakers for that particular setup you mentioned? I will certainly keep my eyes out for those components and perhaps start to build a "music only" setup.

That said, I'm not at all unhappy with the H/K receiver for my HTS, so I don't mind simply adding to that at this point.
I currently do have it hooked up to the TV and I do plan on getting a much nicer DVD player as opposed to just a CD unit.
I also have a laptop connected for streaming as well. 
I enjoy listening to vinyl, so a TT is a must for me. That's just a personal preference.

Thank you again for the feedback.
jomat77 OP
4 posts
 
I'd prefer something of decent quality but wouldn't even know where to begin with budget. If you can recommend something realistic I will keep my eyes open and wait until I find a good deal on one. Is sticking with an H/K unit a bad idea? $500 range maybe?

You are correct, I'd like to finish off the 7.1 system and I like the Polk LSi  speakers I have.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I want to get the 1000w sub for that set though. The one I have is underpowered.

That said, I wouldn't mind building a system specifically for music though. I can certainly keep my eyes out for nice components in the meantime.
jomat77 OP
4 posts
 
lol, you guys are funny. No need for banter, just looking to get some info from the pros.
I'm a clean slate at this point and I have no preference towards analogue gear or digital. I assume it is just a personal choice.
I am happy with my music sounding really good when it's loud. As long as I'm not distorting speakers...I'm pretty happy. 
I'm mostly into classic rock and I am a HUGE Floyd fan. I enjoy sitting in the middle of my living room, drink in hand, and just listening to loud music. 
I'll listen to mostly anything but country, rap, or R&B. Everything else is fair game though...even classical and big band. lol

I do appreciate the feedback so far and I'll certainly take all advice into consideration. 

Question, what am I not going to get out of this HK receiver that I would get out of an analogue unit. Are these AVR receivers juat not capable of picking up certain sounds in the music? 
I'm not going to lie, the first time I turned this system on, I couldn't believe the sound that was coming out of it! Guess that's from not knowing any better. :)

Swampwalker, I used an old cheap-o Pioneer All in One system. I've never owned a good system before. Trying to up my game just a little bit. :)

jomat77 OP
4 posts
 
So am I correct in this....
The TT will either have a built in amp, or it will need to hook up to a separate Pre-amp, and then that will hook up to my AVR which runs to my speakers? 

If that's the case, I've seen multi channel pre-amps...should I be looking for one with a specific # of channels?

I do already have a vintage Pioneer PL-a25 TT sitting in the closet. Wasn't sure it was worth using or not. Sounds like I still need a pre-amp regardless, unless the TT I end up using has one built in. I'm gathering these built-ins can be of lesser power/quality...perhaps? 
Still learning some of the jargon on here so my apologies if I don't pick things up immediately. 

I'm trying to take all the info I'm seeing in here and research it out on the web. 

Thank you all again.
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