I'm trying to build a sub-$3000 system (not including Subwoofer) and would appreciate comments on the setup and suggestions. I'll start off by saying that I live in Hong Kong.
The system should be expected to run PS3 Blue-Ray movies, Media Center movies (Surround, sadly by Creative Labs's Xi-Fi and their horrible analog surround setup), and play music from both CD player (computer) or collection (MP3s, WMAs).
I currently have a small living room (a 10x13 feet space within a 10x18 room), but am expecting to be using this system in a larger setting in the future.
I'm currently contemplating:
1. Receiver - Denon 1909 or Onkyo 606. I've heard salespeople go either way, and have done a little reading. From what I understand, the Audisey Dyanmic Volume in the Denon is superior to the one in the 606, and also I've been hearing about humming sounds with the 606. Additionally, upscaling on the 1909 is apparently to 1080p while the 606 is 1080i. I'm leaning, therefore, towards the Denon 1909.
2. Front Speakers - Initially I went for a ~$1K budget here, but I did also listen to Dali's IKON 6, and I was very impressed with their sound quality. Further reading found a very favorable review with Stereophile (http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/706dali/), best stereo speakers of 2005 (What Hi-Fi), and all around good reviews in forums. The other option I was OK with was the Focal 714v (which was 1/2 of the Dali's price).
3. Center - In the same store where I listened to the Dali Front Speakers, I also tried out their IKON VOKAL 2. I can't really find any reviews that specifically speak for it, but the all-around series setup is favorable. However, they're twice as expensive as another one that I was fine with - the HECO VICTA. Apparently a well-known German firm, but with little (if any in English) reviews available.
4. Surround - I'm hearing "get pretty much anything" on this one. Is this true?
Any comments / suggestions / specific experiences would be appreciated!
I'm trying to build a sub-$3000 system (not including Subwoofer) and would appreciate comments on the setup and suggestions. I'll start off by saying that I live in Hong Kong.
The system should be expected to run PS3 Blue-Ray movies, Media Center movies (Surround, sadly by Creative Labs's Xi-Fi and their horrible analog surround setup), and play music from both CD player (computer) or collection (MP3s, WMAs).
I currently have a small living room (a 10x13 feet space within a 10x18 room), but am expecting to be using this system in a larger setting in the future.
I'm currently contemplating:
1. Receiver - Denon 1909 or Onkyo 606. I've heard salespeople go either way, and have done a little reading. From what I understand, the Audisey Dyanmic Volume in the Denon is superior to the one in the 606, and also I've been hearing about humming sounds with the 606. Additionally, upscaling on the 1909 is apparently to 1080p while the 606 is 1080i. I'm leaning, therefore, towards the Denon 1909.
2. Front Speakers - Initially I went for a ~$1K budget here, but I did also listen to Dali's IKON 6, and I was very impressed with their sound quality. Further reading found a very favorable review with Stereophile (http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/706dali/), best stereo speakers of 2005 (What Hi-Fi), and all around good reviews in forums. The other option I was OK with was the Focal 714v (which was 1/2 of the Dali's price).
3. Center - In the same store where I listened to the Dali Front Speakers, I also tried out their IKON VOKAL 2. I can't really find any reviews that specifically speak for it, but the all-around series setup is favorable. However, they're twice as expensive as another one that I was fine with - the HECO VICTA. Apparently a well-known German firm, but with little (if any in English) reviews available.
4. Surround - I'm hearing "get pretty much anything" on this one. Is this true?
Any comments / suggestions / specific experiences would be appreciated!