Hello...

I have been running a simple Yamaha Home Theater In a Box setup (YHT-755) for the past 3 years and am ready to upgrade everything.

I am running an HTPC setup via HDMI into a 60" plasma TV. My sound runs via SPDIF into my receiver (which does not support the newer sound formats).

My room (which I suspect I will be using for at least two more years) is 15' x 14' 8'(ceilings). Even if I were moving, I would expect a new A/V room to be no larger than 15 x 20 x 8.

What I want is the ability to switch audio and video via HDMI and have it processed through a receiver. The receiver must handle the new formats (TrueHD, DTS-HD) and have a good bit more power than my current receiver (100 watts x 6).

In terms of 5.1 vs. 7.1, I am undecided. I have never been able to get a straight answer on this issue. On one hand, the idea of a 7.1 system sounds awesome. On the other, if my room is not big enough, the 7 channels will all bleed together and sound like crap.

My first order of business is replacing the surround speakers. I have ordered a pair of the QS8s for my rear speakers.

The question now becomes, assuming I get the proper receiver (which I hope everyone will help with), what should I focus on next, the mains or the center channel?

It seems clear that based on my needs and room size that the M80s are way too much speaker for me. I have been looking at the M60s as a possible choice, but cannot make a decision between them and the W22s. I live in a townhouse and share a common wall so I would need to build a box to house the W22s if I decide to go with them.

Where should I begin overhauling my system? With careful planning and some attention to detail, I could potentially build a SICK system.

Thanks for your help!

I think m22's ep500 vp150 and QS8's would be great in your situation.

If you want them m80's don't let your room keep you from getting them though.

Recommended receiver from me would be a 3808 if you went with the m80's and maybe a yamaha or one of denon's lower end models if you go with the m22's or m60's. 6ave.com sells the denon 3808 and 2808 for about 1098 and 850 dollars respectively (i think). You have to call them and ask for the price. While you're at it ask them the price on any receiver that you might be interested in and there is a good chance it will be a pretty good deal. Axiom also sells some S/N receivers

Dusty, hello again. Since you've ordered QS8s for side surrounds, the next step in my view should be the main speakers. Unless you have a compelling reason to use on-wall speakers I'd suggest that you consider the M22 instead of the W22, or the M60s if you decide to go with towers. You can temporarily do without a center speaker and have the mains form a "phantom" center. The receiver in the HTIB system can temporarily power the new speakers satisfactorily.

As to a new receiver, in the room sizes that you're speaking of don't worry about "a good bit more power"; it shouldn't be needed and any of the receivers with ratings in the 100 watt area should be fine. Even 200 watts would only mean that a brief split-second peak in the sound could be played 3dB louder, e.g., 108dB instead of 105db, a slight difference. For a receiver with more up-to-date features, including decoding the new audio formats(actually not essential if a player did it)consider units such as the Onkyo 706 and Denon 2809.

On the 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setup question, it isn't so much the size of the room which should be the primary determining factor, but how much space you have behind the listening position(at least 4' would be desirable)for a rear soundfield to form.

As Randy pointed out don't let the size of your room deter you from buying M80s if you want them. I have M80s in a section of a basement that is only 12X16 and open to another 12x16 section in an 'L' shape, I love the extra punch I can get when I want it. I did have M22s in there and they also did a great job, I just wanted a little more and had always desired floorstanders, either of those speaker choices would be excellent.

Once again I too will recommend the Denon 3808, as it is a rock solid amp and has all the features you have listed.

I would also suggest looking to Monoprice.com or Axioms own wiring for a more designer look, for any extra cabling you may need.

You mean David not Randy

Sorry, David, we voted to change your name to Randy.

What was I thinking? Obviously not about your name, sorry.

Ummm, I'm a little worried about you Jay, I'm a married guy.

I blame the constant lack of sleep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I'll echo JohnK's always sage advice.

Get front main speakers first. That will make much more of a difference than new electronics.

M22's are wonderful speakers. I got M60's and have never been sorry. I don't see the wisdom of the W22's in your situation.

My experience was that going from 5.1 to 7.1 was not really "worth it". The new formats will still give you uncompressed audio even if you're listening in 5.1.

While the 3808CI is universally revered, I think the best value out there right now is the Onkyo TX-SR705, 706, 805 or 806. ESPECIALLY since you have an HTPC. You don't need the scaling and you don't need the ethernet streaming. By joining ClubOnkyo, and with the current 10% off sale, you can get a 706 refurb for about $500 including shipping.

It's pretty unlikely that your HTIB is actually putting out its rated power, so any dedicated receiver from a major manufacturer in the 90-100 watt range is going to be just fine. Likewise, the Axiom speakers are likely to be much more efficient than your current setup.

Don't skimp on the sub. I'd get that before a center channel.

I'll second Jim and Frank's suggestions, we can always count on them for great advice.

Um, that's "Harry" to you, Bob.

Whatever you say, Ben.

David's signature even has his real name in it, not some confusing 2-liner ending with Calvin when your name is Ken!

Sorry Jay, there's no excuse on this one!

My general recommendation is to take a look through the Denon and Onkyo Receivers. Start at the top and work your way back peeling off features that are unimportant to you. Usually off the top models you peel back things like network media streaming, additional hdmi ports, etc. But, you can get all the current formats on quite a few of them.

The remainder of your prescription is to get the rest of the Epic 80/500 set and a PS3.

It could have been worse and I could have called him bbigwyrrs or something like that.

Well, true, that would have been worse.

I was incorrect about my rear speakers. I just received a pair of QS4's, NOT QS8's. I am looking forward to testing them out, but I am worried that paired with the M60's, they may be overpowered.

Should I return the QS4s and upgrade to the QS8's?

Thanks

If you calibrate all your speakers to have the same dB level using a Radio Shack SPL meter, or the built in mic setup on many new AVR's, you won't have issues. The Qs8's will handle more power and have better bass response due to the larger woofers, but the Qs4's are no slouch, they are great speakers.

Nope, you'll be fine, set 'em up and enjoy 'em! Follow Randy's advice for setup and you should have no issues.

Jason

ONe more for keeping them, at least until you try them out, if, after a proper setup, you still feel they are not holding their own, go for the upgrade to the QS8's, you will only be paying for the difference in costs from the QS4s to the QS8's, Axiom has in the past paid for the shipping while upgradeing during the 30 day trial period and I haven't heard otherwise.