Suggestions for HT + Music setup on tight budget

[aramosfet]

Hi All,

This is my first post. I've been following the HFV Home theatre section for sometime now. I've finally decided to get into the audiophile scene.

For bit of History.. So far, I've mostly been into DIY. My first effort was a 5 channel diy amplifier and a bunch of cheap speakers from SP road. That was ~10 years ago. Later when the financial situation improved, I built another 6 channel amplifier complete with Microcontrollers driving the User interface and remote control, the audio processor etc. The speakers to go with it are all DIY. I made four two way bookshelves using "Dainty" branded 5 1/2" drivers a 3" dome tweeter and a subwoofer with a 10" "Dainty" driver. That was 4 yrs ago and it still works fine. So far all the music I've listened to, are on my own setup. so i have no clue what an audiophile setup should be or what it sounds like. Sorry, if I'm boring with the long history.

So coming to my requirements now.
My budget is 40-45K
I have a 11"x8" room and my preference is 50% movies and 50% Music

I've been looking at Onkyo 3400/3500. There have been comments that its good for movies and below average for Music.

So, I'm thinking of getting the Onkyo 3400/3500 now and replacing the fronts with a good pair of bookshelves or FS few months down the line. that should fit into the 40-45K nicely (FS might stretch it though).

So what would you guys suggest? should I consider other options for Onkyo 3500?

I'm planning to go for demo of Onkyo sometime during the next two weeks..

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[aakashr]

Onkyo is better suited for movies. So if you were only into movies I would have told you to go ahead with Onkyo. If you really want a good system mainly for music then suggest to go with a stereo amp + 2 good BS. This will sound a lot better than Onkyo.

However, if you also want to add 5.1 for movies then suggest to go with an entry level Marantz 5.1 receiver with 2 good BS. You can later add more speakers for a full 5.1. system.

 

[avidyarthy]

You room size of 11' x 8' is a bit too small even for the BS, IMO. It would be better if you took the satellite (5.1) route OR check out the recent Thread on Hi-Fi show at Navi Mumbai ... for more intelligent ideas!

 

[aramosfet]

You room size of 11' x 8' is a bit too small even for the BS, IMO. It would be better if you took the satellite (5.1) route OR check out the recent Thread on Hi-Fi show at Navi Mumbai ... for more intelligent ideas!

Thanks, But will the small satellite speakers be good for Music? My primary need is for Music, movies will be less important.

 

[Sumanta]

Aramosfet,
I would have in your situation stick to DIY.
What are you missing in your present setup?

Can you add a computer, USB sound card and play 5.1 through it? It will be with active cross over system too.
If your present am can take individual 6 channel or 2 stereo front, 2 back or surround and one sub in connection, then you can buy a sound card. This will channel your sounds with required delay and active cross over channelization.
But you need to play all your music too through your computer.
This will be cheap.
Upgrading your speakers can be then done with more investment.

 

[avidyarthy]

Thanks, But will the small satellite speakers be good for Music? My primary need is for Music, movies will be less important.

At least mine are .... Wharf Moviestar 70+ ... very very good for music, in addition to the flexibility of hearing it 3 ways ... pure stereo (2.1), 3.1 (with centre on) and 5.1 mode. Yes, I had to take the extensive auditions route and net study to zero on to the 70+, but it was worth it! Dunno, whether 70+ is still avlv or not, but, a great buy!

 

[aramosfet]

Aramosfet,
I would have in your situation stick to DIY.
What are you missing in your present setup?

Can you add a computer, USB sound card and play 5.1 through it? It will be with active cross over system too.
If your present am can take individual 6 channel or 2 stereo front, 2 back or surround and one sub in connection, then you can buy a sound card. This will channel your sounds with required delay and active cross over channelization.
But you need to play all your music too through your computer.
This will be cheap.
Upgrading your speakers can be then done with more investment.

You see, this was my first attempt in diy speakers and it was using cheap speakers. So I wouldn't call it anywhere near "audiophile". That's what i'm looking to do.. taking baby steps into good quality audio.

I do have a Creative X-fi USB 5.1 Sound Card hooked to my laptop, which I use for both Music and Movies. My current DIY Amp can handle 5.1 channels.

So you are suggesting me to look for good BS start using with my DIY amp?

Thanks.

 

[Sumanta]

I am suggesting to listen to good so called audiophile grade (?) speakers, come back home, kisten to your present setup and then think, read, research and make speakers for your own requirement.
I think deciding a goal is the most difficult part. Reaching there happens automatically thereafter, sooner or later.
Knowing which kind of sound you like is difficult.

I think, DIY speakers can surpass quality of output that your tight budget speakers can give.
Your laptop, USB sound card, amd 5.1 amp can create HT ambience with some trial and error in delay and gain tweaking through foobar or some such software (should be used to control your USB). I have read that Creative software is not much good and so never tried to use it for any purpose other than its equaliser.

I hope it helps...