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View Full Version : VSX-1015 + cheap speakers, Opinion?


Iolaus
06-13-2005, 02:34 AM
Ok, noobie here with questions.

Long story short, my used all-in-one 5-slot DVD/CD Panasonic SA-HT70 started life with me, crippled; the rear speakers never worked right (random rough static with no sound when needed, so I just dis-connected them), and now the unit refuses to recognise disks, even the cleaner disk wont do anything! I bought a $40 DVD/CD player at Circuit City that I hooked into the TV, and then amp. thru the Panasonic; that's worked so far, but I'm really disillusioned on the whole "multi-function-unit" thing (and more important, so is my wife :thmbsp: ) and I"ve started to look into the component set-ups. The problem is cost; I've got to build slowly.

I've been looking around the local shops and reading reviews on line, and it appears to me that the Pioneer VSX-1015 seems to be a relatively cheap, yet capable, central unit. The 5.1 30w speakers I have currently will not be sufficient. I can't afford to spend a ton of $ right away, so I started looking for 7.1 sets on ebay and found some Sony SA-VE367T sets for under $200.

Now, I know, I need a lot more to make a complete starter system (it doesn't appear to include a radio reciever; I'll have to find one, but the boombox is working so far), and I assume I'll be upgrading the speakers in the future, but an input (DVD/CD player), an amp, and speakers is the basic minimum for starting a component system, right?

What do you think? Is there a better solution for getting started? A better deal for starter speakers ... maybe getting (and listening in) a better 5.1, and then upgrading the main front channels later and moving the old front speakers to surround mode?

One of the reasons for that last last suggestion was because, somewhere, I saw something about running a second set of primary speakers (A/B) requireing a different ohm rating ...eventually, I'd like to set up a pair of speakers in the back patio, which would apparently mean a whole new set-up for the front channels anyway.

What do you think?

gyusher
06-13-2005, 04:40 AM
The Pioneer VSX1015TX is the same receiver as the ELITE VSX52TXi so you have a great HT receiver. . .

Buy 7 Titans (Paradigm) using one for center (yes you can do this)
You must have a subwoofer for the experience to be right.

There are tons of inexpensive powered subs on the market that are fine for starters. In my mind the SVS 10in box sub is the best bang for the buck.

There are other alternatives. Main thing is to get started however you can. . . I had the VSX1014 for a time connected to a DCM 15in sub that I bought for 200 bucks brand new and I used every vintage speaker I owned regardless of brand just to get going untill I could afford to do it right.

Now that I am doing it "right" I will tell you that there is very little difference in how it sounds. It sounded great then and it sounds great now. . .


My system,
then Pioneer VSX1014 (400.00) now Elite VSX56TXi (1800.00)
vintage speakers (100.00) now all JBL E100s with EC35 center (3750.00)
Toshiba DVD player (100.00) now Denon 2910 (759.00)
Sony 32in TV (500.00) now Sony 55WF655 (3300.00)
DCM sub (200.00) now SVS PB12 plus/2 (1500.00+)


Among other things but the point is now after spending way too much money I have sold my new JBLs and gone back to my vintage speakers.

I will tell you that few people on this planet can tell the difference in sound quality. . . Yes there are subtle differences, bigger picture, deeper bass, cleaner more refined sound but sure as hell not as much difference in what I can hear verses what I spent. . .

Iolaus
06-14-2005, 10:14 AM
I haven't been able to find much on line about the Titan speakers (including $$), but there's an authorised Paradigm dealer about 10 mi. down the road from me; I'll check in with him the next time I'm in that area.

MannyE
06-16-2005, 08:57 PM
I'm with gyusher on this one. You have to build one component at a time. At whaich components you get are a matter of personal preference. I blew my entire wad on the TV when I started, so I had to make do with a KEF sub/sat for the front, the TV as center and RAdio Shack Minimus 7s for the rear and a Pioneer bottom of the line surround receiver hooked up to my only source at the time a Pioneer LD. The entire source/audio part of the HT including the receiver cost less than 400 bucks.

Now the TV remains, but the audio is a B&K Ref30, with an Outlaw amp and Definitive Tech all around. The LD is now a Marantz, but now all the others are there too. The best thing is to get wifey involved...lol Then you can blow the rent on rear surrounds!

MannyE
06-16-2005, 08:58 PM
oh and don't forget ebay. Tons of great used stuff is available there that can help you save money and get started quickly.

Iolaus
06-17-2005, 04:27 PM
Yeah, you're right; I need to start somewhere.

I may be jury-rigged for entertainment right now, but at least I've got entertainment for the time being. I'm going to get the reciever first, then start looking for some decent front speakers and a center; that's all I've got right now, so it wouldn't be any loss. I'll start building from there, as I can.