So I finally decided it’s time to ditch the cheap computer speakers, and HDMI switcher I have connected to my TV for a real setup. I’ve been doing a lot of research over the past week and I think I am happy with my potential setup. However, this is all based on self research, so I would would feel much more comfortable with some expert opinions.
My budget is a soft ~$1200, shipping and taxes included. I would consider going up to $1500 if there is something that will significantly increase the quality of my setup. I have a 1080P TV already, and 3.1 is the only realistic setup in my current living room setup. Primary usage is watching television/movies, but also a bit of gaming, and casual music listening. I plan to move within the next 12-18 months, so I’ll likely be making the jump to 4k and then getting into a 5.1/7.1 setup.
All the links are Amazon, just because I stuffed everything into a wishlist so I could keep track of it. I’ll likely search for better deals on individual parts if there are serious savings involved.
Receiver, Denon S950H (2019 refurb’d): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V3NTH2R/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AOK2P0ZR3L2AZ
I believe I can get this with free shipping from accessories4less. The 2 outputs are important to me, because I have a dynamic LED setup around the edge of my TV. I can send the second receiver output to the device that translates to LED lighting and completely eliminate splitters from my setup in favor of the receiver.
Bookshelf Speakers, Fluance Signature: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A5UB4JU/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1WPEQCN6WJKZG
Center, Fluance Singature: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A5TNHWS/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1WPEQCN6WJKZG
I was also considering getting 3 of the Wavecrest HVL-1 for my L/R/C, but they appear to be currently sold out. The site does not seem like it is updated often, do they still even make these? Would it be worth the wait? I would say the speakers are the components I’m most unsure of, but I’m currently using 2.1 PC speakers, so I’m sure anything will sound better than that.
Sub, BIC F12: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015A8Y5M/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AED492BX4II6G
Beyond that, I got all the wiring required (speaker wire, RCA for the sub, new premium highspeed HDMI cables), some velcro loops for cable management, and a new surge protector, comes to about $1,175 with shipping/tax if I just bought it all on Amazon.
Looking forward to your thoughts, thank you!