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Audiophile considering HT

Well, I'm thinking of adding HT to my 37" Sony TV, DirectTV Dish, Toshiba HiFi VCR. I've got plenty of audio systems, and good ones at that, but have no interest in including audio and video together, so I'll need to build a HT system from scratch. Since the sound isn't critical (movies, sports), I don't want to spend a bunch on money on it but being a 'phile I don't want junk either. I know very very little about HT other than I'll need a DVD player, fronts, backs, sub, center channel and some sort of amp. The smaller and less obtrusive the stuff is the better. Budget is undetermined but I figure a couple of grand for some reasonably current (but used stuff) should do it. Any suggestions is much appreciated, Jeff
jeffloistarca
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
Okay, so a NADT770 receiver, B&W DM302's for front and rear, B&W ASW1000 sub, B&W CC6 center ought to do the trick. Throw in a DVD player and several miles of speaker cable and I'm all set. From the sounds of things I'll need a spool of decent wire, I suppose it'll depend on the type of speaker output jacks on the NAD as to what gauge of wire I can use. Couple of questions linger, do you have the speakers set up like in audio so the tweeters are approx ear level, or does it matter? I figure the center channel sits on top of the tv and the rear and fronts pointing in the general direction of your head. Sub doesn't matter where it goes? Finally, any idea what I should expect to pay for the NAD receiver, B&W sub and center? Personally I never watch movies, I'd rather read a book or listen to music but you gotta entertain the family too. Thanks all, you guys are a big help. Jeff
marklivia
60 posts
 
Hi. I had a very expensive ht setup and then I realized (as you did) youdon't really need it for good movie enjoyment. I chose Marantz sr7000 reciever (excellent reviews, good remote, plenty of power), Monitor Audio silver series speakers (reasonable used, MADE for ht), Toshiba dvd. Good luck. I
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If used is OK, there are usually B&W ASW subs here and other classified sites, such as Audioshopper and Audioweb. If the seller shows the list price, you can get an idea of new with no discount. A both B&W and NAD dealer I can recommned is Northampton Audio/Spearit Sound.
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
Thanks Tom, I'll keep my eyes open...
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Jeff- the location of the L&R isn't that important, but I would say ear level is right. Center channel is key, and on top or below TV are both used. Probably don't need great cable for rears. Save $ from the long runs and get good cable for LCR. Rear placement is probably an experiment, but I am told reflected sound may be best (like along side wall at watching position but pointed at rear wall). Thats why lots of dipole/bipole designs for rears. I would think 5-700 used for the NAD. Have fun. It actually makes TV and movies lots more fun.
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