2. amps-preamps
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Point me in the right direction

Since I'm new here I know my question has been asked before. So if I can view or research some threads please help me find them. My question would be how to get started on a new/first system? Also why would it not be better to just purchase a boxed home theater system(it seems it would be cheaper)? Also what could be used in startup of a system from components from the early 90's? All hobbies are addictive and they get expensive but when first starting out you do until you can do better that I understand hopefully there's some help on this subject already here help me find it.
bigken

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
6,935 posts
 
Pabelson gives some good advice. First, you/we need to know the intended purpose of the system. Are you going to listen to music only, or is it going to be a Home Theater system? What formats does it need to play, ie CD, DVD, radio, TV, LP, etc.?

We also need to know your budget. Decide your budget and stick to it. If you have some components from an old system that you may want to use, list them here so people can help you determine if they are useful in the new system.

You have a huge choice concerning the number of speakers you plan to use. Personally, if you have a limited budget, I would suggest that you forget about trying to set up a multi-channel HT system. It is much easier to set up a good sounding inexpensive 2-channel system vs. a 5.1 (or more) channel system.

Provide a few more details and you will likely get some valuable advice.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
6,935 posts
 
Bigken,

If the Onkyo is still working, there is no reason why you can't still use it. You can simply buy a DVD player and connect it via L&R RCA analog outputs to any of the available inputs on the Onkyo (like CD). You would need to go into the menu of the DVD player and set it up for "stereo" or "PCM" output. This will force the DVD to output all sound through the L&R stereo outputs of the DVD player. So, for CDs it would play as a normal CD player. For DVDs, it would down-mix the 5.1 channel outputs to a 2-channel output.

So, if you plan to use the Onkyo, you would only need to buy a DVD/CD player and 2 speakers for now.

If you plan to stick to your $500 budget, I would suggest looking for a pair of floorstanding speakers in the $400 range and then buying a $100 (or less) DVD player. I've read plenty of reviews from folks that were very happy with the audio from a sub-$100 DVD player. I'm not one of those folks, but I'm the obsessive type!

For floorstanders, I know you can get the Athena 2.2 for $400 from www.audioadvisor.com and they come with a 30 day return policy. I would also suggest asking for $400 speaker recommendations in a new post. List the equipment you plan to use, i.e. Onkyo TX-902 and an inexpensive DVD player. You might get some great suggestions.....

Enjoy,

TIC
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