Video Asylum

Posted by monk (A) on March 09, 2002 at 11:52:31

In Reply to: $3000 budget surround system ideas? posted by Bixby on March 03, 2002 at 10:03:26:

Denon 3300 used $400
Panasonic RP56 DVD $200
Radio Shack Gold Interconnects/Speaker Cables $100
(presume he has a TV/Monitor ?)

Now you've got $2300 for speakers ...I'd recommend 4 X B&W Matrix 805 speakers and a Matrix HTM center (you should find these used including shipping for this money).

To begin, this will be a great, ...but there's plenty of room to grow. A sub may seem the obvious first upgrade, but I'd go first for an amp upgrade ; get a good amp and take some of the load off the Denon. This could be a Stereo, 3 Channel or 5 Channel amp,...let the Denon drive the balance of the speakers if getting 2/3 channel amp.

Another option, if you get a good deal on the Matrix speakers would be to spend more on the Denon and upgrade to a used 3802. Dolby Pro Logic II processing would then be available and it *is* worthwhile. There's also more room to grow to 7 channel surround with this newer Denon.

Another option,...Yawa.com are selling small PSB speakers for about $100 a pair . Buy 3 pairs and a sub ($700 delivered + *X* amount for sub). Stay with the $400 3300 Denon and the Panasonic ..and you'll have a decent surround system for half the budget (but the B&W matrix speakers would be more than twice as good ...diminishing returns would kick in strongly after that).

Regards, M.