Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners What would you buy next?

Well, I know my humble system and aspirations are far below the level of many folks here, but I was wondering what your opinions would be on what my next equipment purchase should be...

In January I'll be able to spend maybe up to $2000 on my HT system. Here is what I have so far:

Mediocre HT components anchored by a Sony STR-DE1075 6.1 channel receiver. Attached to it are various Costco-quality peripherals, cd-changer, Sony single disc cd player, Proscan vcr, and a laptop for internet listening.

8 y.o. Panasonic 54" rptv.

Pair of Axiom M22ti as front surrounds. Other non-descript but functional speakers complete the 6 channels.

One given is I am getting a Hsu subwoofer soon, so thats taken care of.

But here is what has been itching me for upgrades, in no particular order:

A projector and screen. Like an Infocus X1, Panny L300, etc.

An Outlaw audio 950 pre-amp and 755 5.1 amp. (My room really isn't good for 6.1 channels - the sofa is right up against the back wall).

A new universal player for DVD, DVD-A, and SACD.

A turntable.

Or should I round out my Axioms with a VP150 and pair of QS8's?

Thanks for your thoughts. I enjoy lurking here and look forward to your ideas.

Walt

With $2K to spend, I would round out the Axioms and get that HSU sub, then look at upgrading your receiver with the money left over. If your current receiver has preouts, then you could also get an amp and use the Sony as a pre-amp until you have extra money to buy a dedicated one. However, now is the time for last year models with numerous brands, as they are discounted greatly. I got my HK 525 refurb from HK for $500 shipped and have loved it since getting it.

I too would complete the Axiom package first. The VP150 and QS8's will make a big difference.

That would be my first choice, and then use the pre-outs on the Sony to power a good amp. Or, you could get a Tivo!

It just occurred to me that I'm asking if I should buy speakers in a speaker forum. LOL! Oh well, 100% of you say go for the speakers. I can't complain about that! I appreciate the input.

We're pretty good on this board about being straight shooting. In your case though, it seems like the best option for now. You're already 1/2 way there. You should finish up the speakers, then move on to the next step.

There are many members of this board who don't even own an Axiom product.

Hi Surfaday
I'd agree with the other posters, these guys are sharp! If you have $2000 to spend, you should be able to pick up just about everything you need, short of an upgrade in the TV department.

Outlaw 750 amp $1100 (hookup to Sony preouts)
Axiom VP 150 $ 350
Axiom QS8s $ 470
Pioneer DV563 $ 200 (I think that's close anyways)
Total $2200

Just over what you want to spend, but would set you up pretty sweet.

You can always call them and get on a list for the B-Stock's to save some money. The Pioner 563 is supposed to be one heck of a bargin.

Dang Sony doesn't have pre-outs! Arrrgh! Actually, I've known this and have lamented it frequently to myself. Also, the WAF would be non-existent if I indulged in everything at once. I have to purchase one at a time. But thanks for the suggestions - its nice to dream....

As another cost-conscious (er, cheap) music- and HT-lover, I want to make these suggestions:

1. Listen to the speaker mantra heard on this forum. You will notice this difference more than the other upgrades right now. Sub ($400), QS8s ($470), and VP 150 ($350) is a great foundation, and as others say, you should buy the best you will want now with the money you have now, instead of compromising and kicking yourself later. That leaves you $780 to spend (leaving aside the troublesome issue of tax).

2. Now I'd buy the Panasonic F85 DVD player. It has a five-disc changer for playing CDs, it costs $125-135 at many stores and Internet outlets, gets great reviews, and it will play pro scan DVDs, DVD Audio, and SACD along with the expected run of everything else. You will have one slim, well regarded unit that can play CDs, DVDs, and DVD-A once you have your speakers. By purchasing this, you'll save money without sacrificing quality. Many audiophiles will disagree, but I think so long as you purchase a good, solid unit with a proven track record (important caveat) at a reasonable price, you're fine. Beyond that, the gains in quality you see with higher priced digital components can be hard for anyone to discern, except the people who lay out $1000 for a CD or DVD player and then find themselves needing to justify the purchase psychologically. IMHO there's more than a bit of the 'emperor's new clothes' syndrome when higher priced digital components are discussed.

3. You will now have about $600-650 remaining. That's enough to purchase a new AV Receiver, such as the HK 525 or the Yamaha 1400, both well regarded by people on this forum. Two notes here -- 1) you can enjoy your new system before purchasing the new receiver, then bring home the receiver for a test run to see what kind of difference it makes. This way you can be sure you feel the purchase is justified. 2) I don't think the HT separates route is for you. This takes you into a new league of expense and discernment. If you want to spend that much money, you could set up a much less expensive but higher performing 2-channel audio deal just for music. But I suspect like many of us you'll be thrilled enough with this new setup to pause and enjoy for quite awhile -- years and years if you like (or atleast until you decide to add 7.1 rears to go with your new receiver).

Sum:
* QS8s
* VP150
* New sub
* Panasonic F85 DVD / CD 5-disc player
* If desired, new AV Receiver like an HK 525 or Yamaha 1400

I envy your imminent outlay.

Um, try A/B'ing that DVD player with a higher quality one. You will see and hear a difference. That is nto to say the DVD player you mentioned is crap, but there are noticable differences in that one and, say, the Denon 2200.

In reply to:

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2. Now I'd buy the Panasonic F85 DVD player. It has a five-disc changer for playing CDs, it costs $125-135 at many stores and Internet outlets, gets great reviews, and it will play pro scan DVDs, DVD Audio, and SACD along with the expected run of everything else.

---

According to the information online that I have been able to find, the Panasonic F85 does not play SACD's...unless you know something we don't...

Just an FYI,

WhatFurrer

Thats just what I was going to ask about the Panasonic player.

The HK 525 looks pretty good though, except no phono jack, and I was just thinking of trying to play some vinyl after about 20 years of being away from it. Decisions, decisions.

Though I'm pretty much set on rounding out my speaker set now. I just missed a VP 150 for $225 on Audiogon!!!

Thanks for all the well thought-out input. I really appreciate it.

Walt

My mistake on the SACDs - you're right, so that could be a sticking point for those banking on SACDs.

My interest in the Panasonic F85 started with Gene DellaSala's recommendation for it as a choice component for an under $3000 HT set-up. I'm sure one could find some differences on more expensive machines, but if you're looking at a $3000 system more or less, I'd go with Gene's advice. And if you're edging over $3000, I'd put the money on speakers first, receiver next, and only then, if there's money left over, would I look at an expensive CD and DVD -- and I'd do blind testing on any coveted expensive players before spending.

Gene DellaSalla's review: http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/systemguide/entry_system.php

Your system is better than you're giving yourself credit for.

I'd start with the speakers to finish off your 5.1 setup. QS8s are amazing, and virtually eliminate the need for 6.1 anyway. The VP150 is great, but unless your room is large I'd buy a VP100 and get a few extra DVDs.

The Denon 2200 will be the last player you'll need to buy for years, and plays everything wonderfully. Pioneer and Onkyo make universal players that are cheaper, but the Denon is well worth the extra bucks.

As far as your display, the X1 and Z1 are both great buys, as is the Hitachi Home-1. You might also save your cash for the Panny or Sanyo Z2, which offer big performance improvements. Get out and audition.

Your receiver is more than adequate. At the worst, if you decide on the VP150, you may need a monoblock for the ever-starved-for-current center channel.

Walt, so far as better sound goes, you certainly should go with the new sub and speakers. A new player or amp would probably do little or nothing for sound quality and should be left for last. Incidentally, relating to your comment about not having room for back surrounds, have you tried the Virtual Matrix feature on your 1075 to create virtual back surround on 5 channel material?

If despite your comment that your list wasn't in any particular order, your itch for the projector and screen is number one, in the absence of Sushi I'll suggest that it wouldn't be a bad thing to do that first if it fascinates you.

The x1 is cheap entry level projector with great picture quality. I can vouch for that. The Panny 300 is also great but I have heard lots of quality control issues and low bulb life on their units. The Sanyo Z1 or Z2 can be another option.

JohnK is talking about our much-loved, much-missed FP guru who goes by that username, not raw fish rolled in rice.

As much as I think about FP, I don't think we have enough information to know if it makes sense here, especially given the budget. How is the ambient light control in the room? How big is the room? What is the split usage between HT and music? How serviceable ARE the existing speakers? How committed are you to SACD and/or DVDA?

I'm pretty much with austinbirdman on this deal so far, I think. I guess the cost of the projector and screen would pretty much preclude ANY other upgrades except the sub, and I don't know if it would be worth it - especially since you've already got a very large display.

btw, I think most Denon receivers at the 1804 level and above have phono inputs. You might like a 1804/2803/3803 or something. I don't know anything about the Sony, so I'm just flapping my lips here.

This has been a regrettably beer-free thread so far. What kind of beer do you drink in this room? The acoustical diffraction from pilsner glasses is VERY different from tulip glasses, for instance. Not to mention the absorbency from stouts vs. Belgians.

Geeez, a little help here...

One more note on the inexpensive DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-A front: On another thread Spiffnme recommended the Pioneer DV563A, which plays all these formats and retails for about $150 at etronics (I know nothing about etronics, but they seem to reflect base street prices):

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_15020669_2046370,00.html

It's a one-disc player, not the 5-disc changer that the Panasonic is. I don't know about its outputs -- don't know it from Adam, in fact, but Spiffnme always seems to know what he's talking about. Perhaps worth a look. I'm sure the Denon Universal is the best, but it does cost about $1000.

i suggest you spend 2000 bucks on ONE kick ass speaker and build your way up from there.

Well thats a stupid idea. What a waste of server space...


I would go with
2 QS8s-470
2 m60's 800
1 VP 150-350
SVS 25-31pci-550
thats a total of $2120

You can get a denon 2200 for about $500. I think the denon's video performace has been claimed to be better than the Pioneer 563A. (But again, it's more than 3x the cost too.)

I'd swap out that SVS for a Hsu STF-2. That'll save you $150 and sound as good or better. Other than that, I agree. Those are sweet speakers.

I got my STf-2 yesterday, and it is simply awesome for the price.

go to the outlet store for the QS8s and the VP150. Get the SVS 25-31PCI (from experience, louder, deeper, and cleaner overall than a comparably priced Hsu). Look for a Parasound HCA 855a amp. Although recently discontinued, they can be found new (as I did) for about $450. 85 X 5 is plenty if using a solid powered sub and crossing over at 80 hz or higher in a normal sized room. That leaves about $200 for the Pioneer universal player. By the way, I LOVE my 950...it was a huge upgrade from my NAD, but better speakers make a bigger difference. the Axioms will give you a much bigger gain in sound quality, and the biggest impact in my system was easily my SVS 16-46PCi (although a Hsu is comparable). Get a Behringer Feedback Destroyer (12 ch. fully parametric EQ to tame your room's response) and live the good life of quality audio!

On the amp...remember that 170 watts is only 3 dbs louder than 85 watts, and is barely noticable.