Hello all...figured I'd finally sign up, and join this community. I was referred by my brother, who is also a member of the forums...so, I guess the 'Axiom' product line speaks for itself, alongside his guidance. Now, on to the good stuff...and the reason I joined. Knowledge.
I am in a state of limbo...and will hopefully be moving to a bigger and better place, in terms of housing within the next few months. (fingers crossed). Currently, I sold all my older Sony stuff, alongside yamaha satellites, etc. Done.
Now, in my current apt. I have a LR that is about 16 wide by 22 long. Ideal, one would think for the perfect setup. However, the older woman that lives below us...well, let's just say we get the point. It's only a matter of time till we move on, to a house...where crankin' it up, isn't gonna be an issue...(or so I hope)!
So, I have looked at receivers. I have searched here, and read. I've done some homework. Here's my choice of receivers to go along with the xbox 360, dvd player, and eventually, an LCD HDTV display.
HK AVR-7300 -- I can get the one on one-call for a decent price, or can even drive into NYC to get it...no biggie. Ebay has one refurb listed, but it's getting up there, in price...so, might as well get a new one, at their significantly reduced price.
Second, the Boston Acoustics AVR7120. I have read some good reviews, and as such BA is a pretty nice company, when it comes down to it.
Third, the Onkyo SR803 (S -- I would like the silver one). Lots of comparable features, the cheapest of the bunch...etc.
All three are within almost the same price range...so, no issues there.
Now, the speakers. I was looking at the outlet store, and seem to like the setup that my brother has -- 2 M80's, 4 QS8's, EP500, and VP150 (let's hope I got all that correct). However, for here, it's going to be a bit much...remember the old lady here. The new place (depending on what happens) will probably have a nice space (trust me, I am looking for it...) so, might it be better to just start with 2 M80's, and 1 VP150, for now, and then move onto other things? Which of the three receivers will handle this...(I know the HK will) how about the other two. So many questions, so many questions...
Anyway, apologies for the long rant...and TIA for all your support, and welcomes. Take care. i.
Hi and welcome, sounds like you are on your way to some great sound. From everything that I've read, the HK sounds like an awesome receiver, its been proven to drive the 80's with no problem, that would be my choice.
Welcome inthedeck! Are you going to fess up as to who your brother is, or are you going to leave us in the dark? Or, perhaps I should ask your brother to fess up himself.
I regret I can't help you much with the receivers. I've not heard the HK or the BA, but I believe several members are successfully using the HK with M80s (Mdrew?).
I do have an older Onkyo (TX-DS797) which I've thoroughly enjoyed, and used with the Axioms without incident. However, I used it with the 8 ohm M60s, rather than the 4 ohm M80s. Regardless, I suspect the Onkyo would serve you well.
As for the older woman living below you, your biggest problem will be the bass from the subwoofer. However, my experience with older people leads me to believe that she will be unhappy if she can hear anything at all, even your breathing. this means that if you're really concerned, you shouldn't have any speakers at all and should use headphones at all times.
Again, you are most welcome here.
Oh, I have a feeling most people are going to recommend the HK 7300. That would definitely be my choice as well. I would be hesitant on the Boston Acoustics although I know nothing about it. Heck, I didn't even know they made AVR's!
No one is going to disagree with your speaker selection, that's for sure! There would be no reason for you not to get the entire set as long as your not playing them at loud levels.
yeah...the woman downstairs complains too much...even though aren't that loud at 2 P.M. !!!
As for my brother, I will let him fess up, if he wishes...that's his choice.
The struggle with the receiver continues...and so does the one with speakers. I know for here, 2 M80's and 1 VP150 would be fine for now...and I can always add the rears, and subs when I have the home I am dreaming about.
Thanks again...and let the search continue...that's how I see it.
Welcome to the party!
Take a look at the HK website, they sell refurb gear there. Also, I didn't see Denon in your short list. The 2106, 2807 and 3806 are pretty good units.
One thing to note is you receive an additional 5% if you order 5 items at once from axiom.
I personally would go with the HK. JMHO
As far as the speakers go get the whole set up so that you get the discount and just don't set up the sub until you get into the new place. Keep the volumes low after hours. I have a grandson living with me so music after 8:30 is kind of difficult. I forced myself to be good and you know what? I have been blown away by how good these speakers sound at low volume. Something I had never experienced before the Axioms.
disclaimer: I have the 60's but I'm sure the 80's will offer just more of what I experience with mine. The 80's go a lot louder and a little deeper so you might have to watch the LF's for the old lady. You have a great system picked out. Just be patient until you can utilize it to it's fullest.
oz
By the way welcome to the boards!
oz
Thanks for the welcome...much appreciated oz.
I am fairly patient about the system...maybe I should just wait to get it...but I would like to have some surround back. At least it will be a start. The discount I will be receiving, already, for 5 pcs...so that isn't what's bothering me.
Darn...I would have liked to have had a smoother transaction...with moving/packing/buying new stuff, to replace it, whilst I live here. I guess I will start off small, w/ 3 speakers 2 Fronts, 1 Center...and possibly 2 rears. Then, wait for the sub...till later...and keep the rears packaged...till the move is done.
Boy...so many decisions to make.
Thanks again for the warm welcome...and advice.
In reply to:
I guess I will start off small, w/ 3 speakers 2 Fronts, 1 Center...and possibly 2 rears. Then, wait for the sub...till later...and keep the rears packaged...till the move is done.
My guess is that the rears won't go unpackaged...
Once they are in the house it will kill you to not open them ...This hobby is a terrible disease.
Oh yeah, another vote for the HK. It is a brute. And welcome!
Deck, another welcome. Any of the receivers that you're considering would be fine, so if you can't decide on the basis of features let price be your guide. As to the speakers, if you're going to delay getting a full setup, I'd suggest that you get the QS surrounds rather than the center speaker, since your M80s could at least temporarily serve to form a "phantom" center, while the QSs would substantially contribute immediately to your enjoyment of both music and movies.
Thanks for the suggestion, and welcome. I will definately take that into consideration.
2 Fronts and 2 surrounds is also doable...but I don't want to have to make new holes in the wall (trying to sell the place)...and don't have space for stands, in the current living room. That's why I was thinking just the fronts, and a center...for now...and then the other 4 pieces when I find the right space/room/etc.
Thanks again...the search continues.
You could very well just run the M80s in stereo mode until you get new house. I too will give the edge to the H/K.
Welcome
Definately. And a center channel would help provide the 'middle' sound, that I would be missing. So, the three pieces would work well for me here, I believe. Then, the rest is up to time.
Thanks again.
Deck, the point is that no "middle sound" is "missing" with the two stereo speakers.
Exactly
so...they are that good...eh? and no, I just like saying 'eh?' mmkay.
See, I have heard my brothers' setup, and that's what impressed me the most. However, that was with every piece imaginable. I didn't (as yet) have the chance to listen to just the fronts, by themselves...so I can't say what that really sounds like. Maybe I will pay him a visit one of these days...
I think I at least put together my 3 speaker package, for now...and will take a trip to the city, once the speakers arrive...to get the AVR...or maybe get the AVR and wait for the speakers to arrive...ACK! Don't ya just despise addictions!!!
I will let ya know how it goes. Thanks again.
I have the Boston avr7120 running m60 mains a 150 center and a pair of m3's as surrounds with a 350 sub.I have yet to have one person listen to it that didn't say it was the best system they ever heard.It's as big as a Buick and damn near weighs as much.Home theater mag. or one of them tested it as high as 240wpc at 4ohms.It will power 9 speakers at once,2 main 1 center 1 sub 2 rears and 4 surrounds.I got mine just to be different. I think it's the best I've ever had.I replaced a 170wpc Sony with it and I have also had a HK that I loved,you can't go wrong with them.Also a Denon,sorry guys I wasn't impressed.BTW why can't I get the smileys to work????
I really like the look of the Boston, very interesting for the price OneCall is asking. Too bad I'm in Canada and they won't ship outside of the States.
Oh well, more money saved.
Any way that you could explain a little more? I would like some more details on that AVR...as I have shortened my list even further. It's between the HK and the Boston...as I feel those two will stand the test of time, a little more than other receivers.
TIA.
I have to agree with John K and wid. With the 80's you will not miss the center. I would go with a ghost center and get the QS8 for surround. You will get much more of the effects that way. Get the center and the sub later when you are settled.
oz
Thanks for the suggestions. I finally broke down, and ordered the three speakers that I thought would 'fit' in the room, without taking up much more space (I am still trying to sell the place...so don't want to have to rewire everything). I ordered 2 M80's and the VP150. I figure this will suffice, for now, till I get a new home...and then I will create the master setup.
Now, just to figure out which receiver...hehe! Leaning towards the HK but would also like more detail about the boston.
See ya, and thanks for the help.
Welcome and congrats on the order!
I can't find the link, but somewhere on the forums I read about BA being bought by one of the big box stores. It should lead the BA being offered at that store. Maybe somebody can help me with that link.
Here it is, not big box store, but D&M Holdings... "the merger of Denon, Ltd. with Marantz Japan, Inc. to form D&M Holdings Inc. and the subsequent acquisitions by D&M Holdings of Boston Acoustics, ReplayTV, Rio, Escient and McIntosh Laboratories". Quoted from Simpson Thacher website.
Maybe the BA electronics line is going away?
I don't know who bought them, but they are sold at Best Buy.
Thanks...guess I am just going to stick with the HK. I am sure that everything will come together quite nicely...once it's all here.
The HK will do you well. Many users on this forum.
The brother will indeed fess up....
I AM THE BROTHER.
And since Mr. Deck didnt entirely believe that the 7300 was the best, I told him to ask you guys.
But, I hear now he has made his decision on the 7300 and speakers.
He has auditioned them many a time at the brothers household.
WELCOME DECK.
yup..indeed you are (the brother, and right!). So, ordered the HK, and also the 2 M80's and Vp150. Should suffice, for now...until I get a new place...and more money.
Thanks again for everyone's help/responses. I am sure to enjoy everything, once it gets here...in time.
See ya.
Great system, looking forward to your thoughts after they arrive.
I definately will. I won't even know how to handle the joy of having a system back in the apt. since I sold everything I owned, a couple of months ago. Sure did help purchase some of this stuff...though...so, hopefully I will keep this for a long time to come.
The question I want to know is...who Mom likes best???
In reply to:
The brother will indeed fess up....
I AM THE BROTHER.
Cool! To the best of my knowledge, you are the second brother tandem on the forum (pmbuko and AdamP88). Nice to have you both here. Deck, I hope you really enjoy your Axioms.
She's partial to neither Tarun, or I, or the youngest brother...so she has love for us all. Plus, Tarun has an unfair advantage, since she lives with him, and his family...hehe! -- so for now, he's the favorite -- and gets to eat her home cooked meals... drool...!
The meals are great....and after those great meals it certainly feels nice to sit down to a great flick with my axioms and hk7300....
LOL