TV/Sound System Recommendations

[Midpack]

• I am going to buy an Onkyo TX-SR507 receiver, that much I know so far.
• I will probably try my old existing speakers to see how they do before I buy speakers.
• If I buy speakers, it will be front R & L, maybe center, but not rear speakers. Everyone tells me I HAVE TO HAVE 5.1, but I don't want the extra expense or wiring. I am in a small room and my hearing ain't what it used to be. I am sure a 2/2.1 or 3/3.1 system will be a huge step up from nothing.
• I talked to a few people at work who aren't sure they like subwoofers, found them a little overwhelming, one guy took his back and the other guy leaves it off much of the time. So I'm on the fence on a subwoofer.

[thefed]

you dont know what youre missing without a sub. especially music....there's some songs that have entire instruments you dont even hear properly/at all without a sub

[NW-Bound]

Nowaways, the trend is to use 5 small surround sound speakers for aesthetic reasons and ease of home decor. These puny speakers MUST be supplemented with a subwoofer.

However, if one retains the old 70 and 80 era speakers in big wood cabinets, then these 3-way or 4-way speakers have 12-inch woofers or even 15-in woofers in them. They pack a lot more punch than the newer little subwoofers, unless you talk about a subwoofer the size of a small refrigerator that not too many people buy these days.

PS. On the other hand, these old-style speakers may be lacking in the high end. I saw some with their mid-range and tweeter drivers deteriorated to the point the sound becomes muddy and dull.


It also occurred to me that the new 5.1 receivers may cut-off the bass going to the L/R front speakers, to prevent from blowing them out, and sends all the bass to the subwoofer. If so, using the larger and old-style speakers may not help getting the bass. Hmm... something for me to experiment with, if and when I get bored.

[ls99]

Look on Craigslist, six or seven months ago found a pair of Infinity Qb speakers (info @ Infinity Qb Speakers) in fine condition for a hundred bucks.. They are splendid speakers, though they need a good amp. I use these with a Technics SA-450. Yeah, I have a few systems.