|   Lighting strike creates opportunity to shop for new stuff... | G. Gordon
Jul 3, 2001 9:11 PM | | This past April my house was hit by an electrical storm. Needless to say after waiting 2 months to hear from the insurance company that they can't repair my TV, DVD or receiver, they've now told me to go out and buy new stuff. Some might see this as a problem (I didn't have my system for 2 months and still without) - but I see it as an opportunity perhaps to make some changes.
I could replace with the same - which I've had for a year and a half now - or... I could change/upgrade. But I need some suggestions as I am a neophyte when it comes to audio/visual technical jargon.
My current system:
- 32" JVC TV (AV-32D500)- Fried and needs to be replaced
- Onkyo Receiver: TX-DS575 - Fried and needs to be replaced
- Sony DVD: DVP-C650D - Fried and needs to be replaced
- Panasonic VCR: PV8451
- Paradigm PS - 1000 subwoofer
- Paradigm center speaker - CC-350
- Paradigm matched with center - don't recall number
- Boston Acoustic rear channel - VRS series
I was thinking of upgrading my TV to a 'big screen' but I don't know much about the technology (don't want to pay for HD at this point). I have to guess that there are some values with HD coming out. Don't know which brands to look at here. Budget: Under $1600.00 if possible
Was also looking to change DVD - don't feel I need the $500 DVD player that won't play CD-R's... pretty ticked about that one. Any suggestions in the under $600 category here? Dual disks would be nice - don't have to have the 5 disc changer, don't have many CD's to be worried about. So mostly just for movies.
Lastly, with the receiver, was happy with Onkyo... but the whole arguments about Dennon/Yamaha/Pioneer, et al... is it Ford vs Chevy or am I missing the boat? I really don't know all the technical stuff... but willing to learn and try a better product with in price range. I considered a Yamaha before I bought last time, but the 'convenience' factor of the Onkyo seemed to sway me at the time.
Just got married... so I've got to justify the whole purchase in terms she'll understand. I would appreciate any direction or suggestions anyone might have. Thanks in advance. Sorry to be so long winded... I'll keep it shorter next time!
- Gordon |
| re: Lighting strike creates opportunity to shop for new stuff... | RSW
Jul 3, 2001 9:30 PM | | toshiba is the undisputed king of "most bang for the buck club" as far as rptv hdtv's. with your paradigm speakers, they are usually highly sensitive, you could use just about any rcvr to drive them. if you like onkyo's features and inputs stay with them. this is mostly what you are looking for in this league. go for inputs and features that you need...100wpc minx5 should do the trick for you... |
| re: Lighting strike creates opportunity to shop for new stuff... | Mr. Bigglesworth
Jul 4, 2001 6:19 AM | | Well I hope this time you throw a surge protector into the mix before you hook it all up. A mere couple hundred bucks would buy you a nice monster power unit that would protect all your equipment from lightning, backed with a guarantee. Panamax also makes a nice unit. You could even get some protection from a cheap power strip, but probably no guarantees.
Not to confuse your decision making any further but, I find the Marantz receiver line to be very good value for the money also.
Good Luck, hope this helps! |
| re: Lighting strike creates opportunity to shop for new stuff... | johnnyk4
Jul 4, 2001 10:01 AM | | I agree marantz has some great stuff for a good price. I also agree with the guy who said toshiba is the way to go for a good non-hdtv. I know this sounds bad but go to costco if you can find one and look at their RPTVs they had a Toshiba 65 HDTV there for 2800. I know thats a lot of money but that shows they have really good deals on some good pieces of equipment.
As for justification, I just got married, graduated college, moved to cleveland, changed jobs and bought my first house in the last 25 days. So to reward myself I bought a 65" Mitusbishi Diamond. Just tell her it's either now or later. You might as well buy it with the insurance's money otherwise she gonna spend it on towels or something. Long live man logic. Or if you don't own your house you could say I have to buy it now before you have to start paying a mortage. Both are effective strategies. It also helps to have a cool wife like my lovey, perfect, beautiful, intellegent, ect... get the hint.
Good Luck |
| If your happy | Bryan
Jul 5, 2001 7:51 AM | | Might as well go ahead and get the Onkyo 595. It is the replacement unit for the 575x. The Panasonic RV-31 dvd player will play CD-Rs, MP3s, etc. and goes for under $200. |
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