Jonesing for an upgrade...

[packetjones]

Well my small bonus check finally came in and I have $700 to spend on my HT setup. i am not sure exactly what i want to do with the cash so thought i would ask around here to get some opinions on what others would do. Currently I am looking at either a new subwoofer, an external amp, a BDP, or a combination of these. Based on my system what would everyone recommend and why?

I was leaning towards a SVS pc12-nsd, but this is almost the entire budget that I have. I then thought about maybe an ED A2-300 and an amp. What do you guys think? My current system is the speakers in my sig along with a HK 254. I would say that i am about 50% TV, 30% music and 20% movies. The room is approx 13x20 with standard ceilings.

[comfortablycurt]

Buy everyone from Club Polk a CD or record of their choice.:p;)



You should always try to upgrade your weakest link. What aspects of your system do you want to improve?

One thing I'd consider, is upgrading your CSiA4 to a CSiA6. That will make a BIG improvement in your sound. You'd still have a good chunk leftover, plus you'd be able to sell the A4 and recoup some of the cost of the A6.

A new subwoofer would make a big difference too. The PSW110 is a decent sub, but it does leave a bit to be desired.

I'd say your money would be best spent on a center channel and a sub.

[packetjones]

I would like to upgrade to the A6 but it will not fit in the cabinet that i have now. I would need to get a new entertainment stand and the wife would not really approve of that. The A4 fits perfectly in what I have now so it will be a while before i can get a new center.

I think a sub is happening for sure. I am just torn between using the entire budget on a new sub or if I should go 50/50 with a sub and a mulitchannel amp. Something like a used adcom or carver would be nice. The HK i have now is rated at 50 wpc so it is not that powerful at all. Even a 100 wpc amp would be a big step up in that regards as well.

[comfortablycurt]

Well, the RTi series is pretty efficient, and doesn't really require a lot of power to sing.

Do you use your equipment mostly for HT, or do you do any 2 channel listening on it?

If you do a lot of 2 channel listening, you might want to consider just getting a nice 2 channel amp, and let your AVR run the rest of your speakers. The rest of your speakers will have a bit more breathing room too, if you let an external amp power the front two.

An Adcom GFA-545 sounds great with RTi's...I've run both my old RTi8's, and my RTi6's off of my 545, with great results. The 545 can be had for $150-$200 on average.

[halo71]

Just my .02, but I would look at the used market. I have been seeing a bunch of deals on my local Craigslist. But I am broker than hell atm...so all I can do is look.

Like these examples
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ele/1590514768.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/ele/1593633430.html

[packetjones]

I am intereseted in the used market for the amp. I have looked through the craigslist ad's in my area and there is nothing there. I guess there is not much of a market in oklahoma. i have looked through audiogon and the for sale section here. I know if i am patient then i will find a good deal.

Looking for other opinions on what others think would be the best investment. Should I use all of the budget on a very good sub or should i step down to a lower sub and get an amp as well. Would the investment in an amp be a substantial upgrade from the AVR that i have. Enough to out way the difference in quality of the sub? All opnions are welcome.

[concealer404]

If you're an HT guy, blow the whole budget on a sub. :D

[thsmith]

If HT is the most important then a sub, if music then an AMP ideally tube.

Does your HK have preouts ?

[domflane]

He has preouts, so I would suggest an amp. Mulitchannel is a good idea considering what you use your rig for. I have the HK354, which is 75wpc and I couldn't believe the difference my 80wpc Carver AV505 made, especially in stereo mode. My amp was $300, and there are other 3 and 5 channel deals out there from other companies for the same price or less. This would still leave you with a decent amount of money to buy a sub, which is what I would look into next. Theres a 10" Sunfire for sale in the classifieds for around $500, so thats where I would start. Good luck and enjoy your new gear.

Dominic

[Sherardp]

+1 for the sub upgrade. Also check out Epik's new Empire sub.

[McLoki]

Sound treatments (ATS Acoustics is a good choice, but there are many others as well)

If sound treatments don't float your boat - spend the lot on a great sub.