Club CDFreaks - Knowledge is Power - View Single Post - Home Theater System for $1500

*Hypnosis4U2NV* · 28-11-2005

Ive been pretty happy so far with my stereo system, but I think the time has come to get with the program and upgrade my system.. Currently Im using an ancient Technics SA-EX500 Dolby Pro Logic Receiver (120wx2, 110wx5) and two Bose 301 Series 3 bookshelf speakers.. They are hooked up to my 65" Widescreen Sony HD Projection TV..

The sound the Bose speakers can dish out is incredible, highs and lows are handled very well through the 8" woofer.. Ive had no complaints or problems with the Bose speakers or the receiver, they have been rocked hard in my home and they continue to perform like new!

So I set out one day looking for a speaker system and happened upon the Bose outlet.. I was there and heard a demo of the the Bose Acoustimass 16 series 3 speaker system and I was impressed; enough to buy it for $1150.. I took it home and never took it out of the box because of two things: 1) I need a receiver capable of 6.1 surround sound since it has 6 satellite speakers and 2) I need to run the wiring through the wall as I would like to have them mounted to ceiling..

I figured I get down and start looking for a receiver to match this speaker system and was shocked to see all the bad press over them.. Audiophiles called the acronym for Bose - (B)etter (O)ff (S)omewhere (E)lse.. While funny, I cant say I was too happy with my purchase anymore.. Which brings me to my dillema.. Im in a market for satellite speakers so I can wall mount them.. I have a somewhat large living room, but I want to avoid the cluttered look of putting speakers on stands.. Which is why the Bose speakers are so well suited for that purpose.. Ive also looked at the Infinity TSS-1100 speaker system and that seems like it would be just as good if not better at the $650 range.. I would like 5.1 or 6.1 speaker sets or the ability to upgrade to additional speakers..

Basically I looked a few recievers and decided on two.. The Onkyo TX-SR703 and the Sony STR-DA3100ES.. The major difference is that the Onkyo supports the THX Surround EX (Select2) format and the Sony has 120wx7 power vs. the 100wx7 with the Onkyo.. I want loud controlled sound from my reciever and since I had 120w before, I dont want to step down if its going to noticable.. The reciever needs to be 7.1 in case I decide to actually set it up for 7.1 down the road..

My questions for you audiophiles:
1) Should I take back my Bose Acoustimass Speakers system?
2) Which satellite speaker system would be a better bang for the buck?
3) Which reciever would provide a better bang sound wise?

Your opinions and recommendations are well appreciated..

28-11-2005	#1 (permalink)
Hypnosis4U2NV CDFreaks Resident Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: If you can find me, I didnt do a good job hiding! Posts: 713	Home Theater System for $1500 - Your Thoughts? Ive been pretty happy so far with my stereo system, but I think the time has come to get with the program and upgrade my system.. Currently Im using an ancient Technics SA-EX500 Dolby Pro Logic Receiver (120wx2, 110wx5) and two Bose 301 Series 3 bookshelf speakers.. They are hooked up to my 65" Widescreen Sony HD Projection TV.. The sound the Bose speakers can dish out is incredible, highs and lows are handled very well through the 8" woofer.. Ive had no complaints or problems with the Bose speakers or the receiver, they have been rocked hard in my home and they continue to perform like new! So I set out one day looking for a speaker system and happened upon the Bose outlet.. I was there and heard a demo of the the Bose Acoustimass 16 series 3 speaker system and I was impressed; enough to buy it for $1150.. I took it home and never took it out of the box because of two things: 1) I need a receiver capable of 6.1 surround sound since it has 6 satellite speakers and 2) I need to run the wiring through the wall as I would like to have them mounted to ceiling.. I figured I get down and start looking for a receiver to match this speaker system and was shocked to see all the bad press over them.. Audiophiles called the acronym for Bose - (B)etter (O)ff (S)omewhere (E)lse.. While funny, I cant say I was too happy with my purchase anymore.. Which brings me to my dillema.. Im in a market for satellite speakers so I can wall mount them.. I have a somewhat large living room, but I want to avoid the cluttered look of putting speakers on stands.. Which is why the Bose speakers are so well suited for that purpose.. Ive also looked at the Infinity TSS-1100 speaker system and that seems like it would be just as good if not better at the $650 range.. I would like 5.1 or 6.1 speaker sets or the ability to upgrade to additional speakers.. Basically I looked a few recievers and decided on two.. The Onkyo TX-SR703 and the Sony STR-DA3100ES.. The major difference is that the Onkyo supports the THX Surround EX (Select2) format and the Sony has 120wx7 power vs. the 100wx7 with the Onkyo.. I want loud controlled sound from my reciever and since I had 120w before, I dont want to step down if its going to noticable.. The reciever needs to be 7.1 in case I decide to actually set it up for 7.1 down the road.. My questions for you audiophiles: 1) Should I take back my Bose Acoustimass Speakers system? 2) Which satellite speaker system would be a better bang for the buck? 3) Which reciever would provide a better bang sound wise? Your opinions and recommendations are well appreciated.. __________________ Abit NF7-S v2 D22TicTacTurbo AMD Barton XP 2500+ (O/Ced to 3200+) Kingston 2GB PC3200 Dual Channel BenQ DW1640 BSoB LiteOn 812S@832S CG5J (OmniPatched) WD SATA 250GB HD (Primary) Maxtor SATA 160GB HD (Secondary) Radeon 9500 Pro