I am trying to figure out how I should set up 1, if not 2, stereo systems with my limited budget and pieces I've complied over the years. Ideally, I would like a 5.1 surround sound system with room for growth in my basement and a Hi-Fi system for my other living room. I have 2 different turntables and an old Technics receiver that I could use as well. Okay, I'll just list what I have and what I thought about setting up and I'll wait for your approval.
What I have: 2 32" Sony TVs (not HD) Pair of Wharfedale Sapphire SP-87, 125W @ 8 ohm Pair of Wharfedale Sapphire SP-83, 100W @ 8 ohm Pair of Bose 141 speakers, 40W Xbox 360, PS2, DVR, Apple Airport express, Technics SA-80 Receiver, Technics SL-B1 turntable, ION Audio USB turntable
For the surround sound, I had looked at Marantz SR 6003 because it has bluetooth that I could also sync up to my computer to play music. I was also recommended to the Integra 50.1 and NAD T747 HD which both have iPod docks. Which receiver should I go with? I'd like to stay around or under $1,000. I'd then hook up the ION turntable to that along with the Xbox, PS2, etc. and hook up my Wharfedale speakers to it.
In the other living room, I thought about either getting the SolaraHome SolaTube which I listened to a demo at a local retailer that blew me out of the water. http://www.solarahome.com/solarasound/product_solatube.html
Or I could hook up the Technics SA-80 and run a DAC pre-amp to it to hook up to my Bose speakers. Or should I get the DAC pre-amp to plug into the surround system to get some better quality sound?
Joe you certainly will need different receiver if you want to setup a 5.1 system. The Marantz is a good receiver for a cheaper budget look in the Onkyo (may be an SR508) receivers. You won't be disappointed and it should have enough ports to all your gadgets, but if you're really into records then you need to look for a receiver with a RIAA input.
As for your speakers, you can certainly use the Wharfedales as front and back for a 5.1 surround, but you will probably need to spring for a matching center channel. You can try the Bose may be for sides, but I don't know if they will add much to the system.
I thought about Onkyo since it is at the top of the mid-level receivers, but I was hoping to get better sound which is why I was looking at the NAD or Marantz.
I could wait until June when the 40.1 Integra comes out which is 3D ready and at/or around $1,000.
I can't search Ubid or eBay at work, but I couldn't find a Wharfedale Sapphire center speaker at all.