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Posted By: JServ Which component to upgrade? - 07/10/05 06:22 PM
My current setup is as follows:

M22ti fronts
VP100 center
QS4 Surrounds
HSU VTF-2 sub
Harman Kardon avr-125

I know I would like to upgrade my system. The only thing is that I don't know what I should put money into. Things I've considered so far are upgrading my m22s to m60's or m80's, upgrading my receiver, buying an power amp (athem, b&k, etc), or perhaps selling my entire system and reinvesting that into a really nice set of fronts.

I anticipate one of the first questions will be, what do I use my system for and what size room will is my system filling. Music vs HT is pretty even. I would like a very balanced system. As for the room, that is a little harder...right now I'm living at home and it's simply set up in my bedroom...in two months I be back at school and living in an apartment with a living room of about 14x25. Then after graduation I will be moving into my own place...which of course I have no clue of the dimensions.

Would a 5x100 anthem amp benefit my current system. I never really thought of buying an amp until the other day...I don't know if it would improve things all that much. My budget is flexible, but probably no more than 1500 or so. Preferrably less...more if it's something that is really futureproofing my system.

I'm very interested in hearing what you guys think. Thanks!
Posted By: NeverHappy Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/10/05 07:10 PM
I don't have a problem with any of your speakers but if it was me, I would go this route and in order:

1 - Upgrade receiver
2 - Mains

Honestly that is about it. The VP100 is a great speaker so are the QS4's so I think your fine there. The HSU is also good to go so no need to swap that out unless you end up in a huge room.

In reply to:

Would a 5x100 anthem amp benefit my current system.




If you had any other receiver other then a HK I would say yes, but the HK has plenty of power for what your doing now.
Posted By: JServ Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/10/05 08:40 PM
I could pick up some M80's for 750 shipped. I am worried that this may be too much speaker for me though. I read that they thrive on power, and my HK is only 5x50 watts. I considered buying the M80's then as soon as I had enough money to get a good receiver, I would upgrade that.
Posted By: rcvecc Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 03:08 AM
does your h/k have pre-outs?if it does than you can get the 80s for 750 and grab a used amp for the other 750 you will have left over....just an idea..good luck
Posted By: rcvecc Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 03:11 AM
by the way....i hate to break it to ya...but...there is no such thing as future proofing your system
Posted By: md55 Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 03:19 PM
Given that you are moving around a bit while in school and will be in smaller spaces your set up seems like a pretty good one. I would suggest a carousel type dvd/cd player to make your collection more accessable--something like the sony dvp-cx985v or the new dvp-cx995v with hdmi output.
Posted By: bugbitten Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 03:59 PM
I think this is a good option. You would love the 80s. I use monoblocks on my fronts and centers.
Posted By: jorge016 Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 04:28 PM
It looks like you have a pretty solid system right now. I ran the HK125 and 130 before finding a great deal on my HK 630. At the present time I've got no upgraditis with regards to my receiver. The HK 630 (or 635) is a powerful receiver and may be overkill for your present situation. I agree that "future-proofing" is impossible-upgrading is an integral part of the process of achieving audio nirvana.
Posted By: TNTguy Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 07:26 PM
In reply to:

upgrading is an intergral part of the process of achieving audio nirvana.




Sad but true. It also gives you something to drool over for months at a time and also time to come up with some ideas as to what to do when the wife comes at you with a cleaver after you mention how much you just spent to upgrade.
Posted By: JServ Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 09:27 PM
I completely understand that "future-proofing" a system does not exist, but at the same time it seems that (especially in lower level consumer audio/visual stuff) the electronics seems to become more outdated than the speakers just because of new technologies that come out. I guess I was fishing for someone to agree with me that upgrading my speakers would be a better route.
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 09:37 PM
Upgrading your speakers would be a better route.




Posted By: Wid Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 11:26 PM
I think with a speaker upgrade you notice the difference more than with electronics.There I agree,I also beleive this to be true .Go for the M80s.
Posted By: bugbitten Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/11/05 11:44 PM
Get the best speakers you can afford. Then get the electronics to run them. Pre/pros have to change to keep up wth tech. Amps can be around for a while.
Posted By: ratpack Re: Which component to upgrade? - 07/12/05 02:53 AM
I have to agree with Bug! The processing algorithms and switching found in receivers and pre processors will most probably continue to change.

A good set of speakers will last a long, long time. A set of separate amplifiers should last just as long.

Good Luck!
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