Rate my beginner build?

[rileyparrish]

So i figured out what im gonna spend my money on, and here it is:

Reciever: Sony STR-DG720
Blu-Ray: Sony Playstation 3
Speakers: Precision Acoustics
--Center: Precision Acoustics 2-Way Center Channel Speaker (HD-C)
--Left/Right: Precision Acoustics 2-Way Tower Speakers (HD25)
--Rear Left/Right: Precision Acoustics 2-Way Tower Speakers (HD25)
*And when i want 7.1 i will add two bookshelf speakers at the very back of the room, i am not using a sub since im in an apartment and i should get more than enough bass from the towers*

Pairing with what I already have:
42" Plasma 1080P HDTV
Shaw HD-PVR
Xbox 360

this is my amatuer paint layout, lol

[PlaceHolder]

hehe on the drawing... you need a better paint program... get Paint.NET... its free! :-)

[Toolatecrew]

No offense but it looks like a best buy salesperson put the system together (since the receiver is on sale at BB and I think they are the only supplier of Precison Acoustics)

I ahevn't done much listening to them but from what I've seen 60$ center ch speakers aren't very good. Since you are in an appartment you'd be much better off with say 4 bookshelf inexpensive Polk or Infinity speakers and a center for another $100 or so over your budget now. Even better would be to look into the used market for speakers. You can get MUCH better used speakers for what you'd pay for new precsion acoustics plus save the tax.

I would avoid low end Sony AVRs myself.

[kev604]

What about a subwoofer.

[DGenerate]

I agree. If your going to spend some money, save up some more and get quality speakers and a quality AVR. I know I got very VERY lucky on my speakers but I'd go with Polk Audio. A 10 sub would be good but if you can afford a 12 inch, go for it.

[eljay]

rileyparrish, if you're going with this set-up because you have a tight budget and want a 5.1 system asap:
- you probably can't beat those prices ($169 for a pair of tower speakers?! ); and
- you may very well be satisfied with the set-up.
However, I think you'll want a subwoofer to properly deliver the LFE. Most speakers - including those towers - won't cut it.

If you're looking for a long-term system, you should consider what the other members are suggesting and buy better gear a little bit at a time. For example, start with a good receiver and a pair of towers, then add the rest (center, subwoofer, surrounds) whenever you have the money to do so.

Regarding the receiver, check out this thread: FAQ - If Only I'd Have Known - What Features to Look for in TVs and AVRs.

All the best, regardless of which way you go with this!

[rileyparrish]

Just wondering if anyone here owns or had a chance to hear any of the Precision Acoustics brand speakers? They are based out of Montreal and owned by Eriksson consumer, only place I can see that they sell them is BB. I'm gonna go check them out on friday but wanted to see if anyone here had thoughts or opinions. They are fairly inexpensive but the few reviews on the site are all positive.

http://www.precision-acoustics.com/index.html

[cooper83]

Just wondering if anyone here owns or had a chance to hear any of the Precision Acoustics brand speakers?

rileyparrish, you are losing out on a great opportunity to listen & learn from the members of this forum. Despite all the advice given in this thread, you're still stuck on these speakers and the Sony receiver. Clearly you're not interested in any other options, so I would suggest you buy your original setup and enjoy it, rather than trying to defend your purchase to us. If you're happy with it, that's all that matters.

Good luck

[Troll]

I've heard the PA's you're speaking of, and nearly bought one of their centre channels years ago. But remember, at the price they sell them that nobodies gonna give them a bad review. If they were selling them at the same price of more capable speakers then those negative reviews would be flying in.

Like I said, I've auditioned them and they're just OK. Not mind blowing, but also better then 'white van' quality. Alot of people here are giving you sound advice, but you've clearly made your mind up on these.

I classify PA's as Bestbuy's low end affordable brand. Every big box store has similar brands. Like buying a Venture TV from Canadian Tire.

[wgauci]

Thought I might add an opinion and observation. I can't speak about the receiver, sounds like you've made you mind up and if it meets your needs then more power to you.

As for the PA speakers. Spend a little time researching independant reveiws, they're virtually non existant. That says something. Floor standing speakers with dual 5.5" domes for $169 sounds to good to be true doesn't it? The few reviews out there are mostly from sights like this that advise to stay away from them. One thing I did find was someone pointed out the weight of them. They weigh just a fraction of other comparably sized speakers I compared them to and in fact they weigh less than half of what a $179 pair of Polk RTIA4's bookshelves with single 5.5" domes. That tells me that they're made for less than ideal materials and small magnets which translate into low quality compared to others in this price range.

[Dadius]

it seems Sony has a tendency to generate extreme reactions from people. They have their die-hard fanboys and people that hate them viscerally

Kind of like Bose?

I think the best beginner build for the buck would have been, as stated already, to just do some research and find a decent av receivver for under $300, for example a Yamaha htr 6140 I think actually makes use of the HDMI for more than just video passthrough like the 6130, (many low budget gamers seem to like the 6140), along with a decent set of tower speakers for around $300 - $400 if you catch a good sale and do research and audition.

For about $600 total you can have a good start with a decent av receiver and respectable towers, if you do some research first and catch some sales.

[TECHNOKID]

Kind of like Bose?

I don't think your comparision is fair at all. The low end products that Sony sells are priced accordingly. While I don't think they make the most suitable HT receivers, they still carry some that are worth spending money on. Sony is much more than just receivers. As I pointed out I don't care for BluRay but as far as I am concerned and in all honesty, Sony is th expertise when it comes to such product. Sony also always had a good name when it comes to their TV. In most instance they are the front line of technology development. Therefore, I consider your comparision with Bose is totally un-justified.

The OP is asking for positive opinions not for us to bash everything he may consider. I don't think the negativity and/or sarcasism will help in at all. The goal is to help the OP to make a sound decision for himself not to get him to think he is dealing with a bunch of fanatic fanboys. ALL the good points that are brought forth are useless when mixed with negative.

Good reasonning like you have after the comment may be helpfull but definitively not after a disrecpectfull comment. Arguying does not help but sound advices with valid points to back them up will. If anyone can bring valid serious and un-biased reviews which invalidate the Sony receiver than fine. wgauci, brought some valid and logical points to the table concerning the speakers. The same logic should be brought forth when it comes to the receiver otherwise it remains a simple matter of preference and choice and will definitely not be considered by the OP.

Cheers!
René