Need some help.

[the7comeback7ki]

I have about $400 to spend on a receiver and subwoofer. I currently have r50's and a csi3 up front with r150's in the rear. room is only about 10x12. Any help is appreciated.

[hockeyboy]

Save for some good equipment, you have a good start.

[the7comeback7ki]

Seems I will have to extend my budget. At this point I was thinking either a harman/kardon 146 or 147, and the av123 x-sub in cherry to semi-match my polks. Any comments on either of those that anyone has from personal experiance?

[Sherardp]

go for SVS sub, and get a receiver that offers preouts on the back in case you wanna use external amps later on.

[daboyz]

Check HK Direct on ebay for a refurb if so inclined. Great deals. Definitely make sure of the preamp outs.

[hockeyboy]

IMO I always recommend multi zone receivers also. I end up using the second zone sometimes, (although it may add marginally to the price) and a receiver is often a piece of equipment you use in other rooms as you upgrade your primary.

Thats good advice on the pre-outs. It sounds like you are just getting started so try looking here, and reading the reviews:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-6466_7-0.html?tag=ont.ha.av

This is absolutely, positively where you should buy a sub. They often have b-stock.

http://svsound.com/

If you are trying to save cash, just buy used! Everyone does it. You can do that here:

http://audiogon.com/

[the7comeback7ki]

Thanks for the advice. I will definately check that out. Those svs's sure look pricey though:eek:

[Sherardp]

Thanks for the advice. I will definately check that out. Those svs's sure look pricey though:eek:

They're worth every penny you invest into it trust me, I have two.

[hockeyboy]

I have two as well. I bought passive subs and drive them with my amp. This is definitely next level for you but you can get a good deal on something that is smaller, and b-stock.

[the7comeback7ki]

Won't one of those things dominate my current speakers something fierce? I dunno I was thinking x-sub at 150 rms would be a good match. But I'm a rookie so go figure

[hockeyboy]

If you have the settings right it should not overpower your speaks. My deal is to buy the best of whatever I am buying so there is less desire to upgrade later.

[danger boy]

spend your money on a decent receiver.. and forgo the sub right now.. and run your R50's on large. they will do ok for bass. then when funds allow.. look into a nice DSW sub from Polk. :)

[hockeyboy]

Just blow off the sub entirely right now bro. Danger Boy is right get a good AVR to quarterback your system.

[the7comeback7ki]

I bit on a H/K 146 for a good price. Powers my speakers plenty and I will be able to live without a sub for a bit. Enjoying some crystal clear audio.(ok I am sure I can improve much but it beats logitech computer speakers ;) ) Time to save some cash for a sub now!

Are dsw polks good for the price point? Never heard one.

[ben62670]

I bit on a H/K 146 for a good price. Powers my speakers plenty and I will be able to live without a sub for a bit. Enjoying some crystal clear audio.(ok I am sure I can improve much but it beats logitech computer speakers ;) ) Time to save some cash for a sub now!

Are dsw polks good for the price point? Never heard one.

Well I guess you don't have to listen to good advice.
NO PRE-OUTS!:confused:
http://www.harmankardon.com/back.aspx?prod=AVR%20146&cat=REC&sType=&Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&ImgName=AVR146B.jpg
You saved the wrong dime in the wrong spot. With Pre-outs you have room to expand until you start getting silly with components. No Pre-Outs limits your whole system.

Sorry about being blunt, but you really need to spend a little more to do it right. Its kinda like buying a Chevy Chevette. Yes Chevy makes some decent cars, but there are many option, and performance lacking aspects in a 147. You can get much better for little more.

[ben62670]

get a receiver that offers preouts on the back in case you wanna use external amps later on.

He said it.

[ben62670]

Definitely make sure of the preamp outs.

And He said it.

[ben62670]

Thats good advice on the pre-outs.
And He said it.

[ben62670]

spend your money on a decent receiver.. and forgo the sub right now.. and run your R50's on large. they will do ok for bass. then when funds allow.. look into a nice DSW sub from Polk. :)

And He said it.

[the7comeback7ki]

This is solely for a tiny-esk room. I would be concerned for my health if I ever needed external amps to power anything...I still have 30 days to return the receiver if I don't want to keep it. I am still testing the waters with it. I know I didn't follow the "get preamps" advice. But those cost about 200 bills more. For a rather simplistic surround set up it seems unnecesary?

edit: I completely appreciate the advice, but given the budget and the room situation, Pre-amp outs just don't seem to be able to fit. I am sure if I had more cash to put into the system and a better environment External amps would be awesome.

[ben62670]

Thats cool. If you plan on keeping it in a small room, and plan on running smaller speakers with it at moderate levels you should be fine. HK is a great begining receiver that has a very nice sound to it. A receiver from HK direct can be had for about $250 with pre outs. You just need to take your time, and not jump on the first "deal". BTW amps are not necessarily for going louder, but also add quite a bit to the SQ.

[the7comeback7ki]

Yeah when I bump up to a bigger room I will definately invest in a better receiver than what I can afford right now anyways. Not trying to come accross as an idiot that doesn't listen to advice. Just went with what was practical for my application.