Concerns: Have two kids (ages 1 &2) ergo concerns of speakers getting tipped over =)
Bookshelves on solid stands are pretty difficult to tip over. Perform a search in this forum for Jun G. Reyes stands.
Receiver: Yamaha's particularly because of its price and wide spread popularity in this forum. Am looking at the RXV-630 (lowest price canvassed so far is at P24,600 from Upscale Mega), I might not be able to use the 6.1 function, but am looking at a little head room for any future adjustments.
I think 6.1 is necessary only for really wide rooms. Your room is 16sqm so the longest side would probably be 5m+ (then ~3m on one side). I doubt 6.1 would matter in that room.
I auditioned extensively when I bought my receiver (though not the current models). For what it's worth and assuming the brands have retained their characteristic "house" sound, I find Yammies great on HT but rather bright, lean, and flat-imaging on music. Denons and Onkyos are warmer (good for typically bright entry-level speakers) with an expansive soundstage. I bought a NAD T760--warm like the Denon/Onkyo with a smaller yet more accurate soundstage. I'm biased towards receivers with solid solid Hi-Fi roots like NAD, Arcam, Rotel, and Harman Kardon among those available locally.
I agree with your choice though of an entry-level receiver only. I think that speakers contrbute more to the overall sound than do electronics so I'd put more money there.
Speakers: Am considering Missions, B&W, and JBL's. A question that I would like to throw to the forum is whether my room of 16 sq meters can take floor standers or should I definitely go for bookshelves?
While floorstanders tend to be boomier, than bookshelves, it isn't always the case. The svelte Mission m773 comes to mind. Dynaudio bookshelves (I have the Audience 40) on the other hand would put may floorstanders to shame with the quality of their lower frequencies.
The Mission m71/m72 are solid value for money speakers. As for B&W, I much prefer the DM303 over the more expensive DM601 S3! (Maybe cheap tenga ko--he, he). You can audition these side by side at Hyperaudio's place. I see you complained about the service in most of the Upscale stores. I bet Hyperaudio would change your impression on Makati stores. ;-) Also check out Sonny Tuazon's Home Theater behind Makati Sports.
I met Nico once also. Yes, he is very, very nice and knowledgeable. I agree with your hope that he carry a wider range of stuff. I told him this when we met.
Also check out Tannoys, PSBs, and Acoustic Energy.
Subs: Am really not very particular about the brand, all I know is, since there is this thread about subs below 10K, I'm just thinking of the Dynaquest D120, lowest quote so far 7t, Sound Dimension, PS.
I hate to sound like a broken record and at the risk of being labeled as a "bass snob," let me say these:
1--good bass is expensive. good subs need solid cabinets, lots of quality power, a great crossover, and a driver that can take a beating. These cost money.
2--no bass is better than bad bass.
These said, I like subs from PSB (PhP20k range) and REL (PhP30k up). M&K, Velodyne, and Paradigm subs I like tend to be sealed designs.
Let me put it this way, you'll spend several thousand on a sub anyway, might as well spend it right. If you can't afford a good one now, be patient and save up some more. You'd not only enjoy better bass later, you'd also enjoy the addtion of a sub more than if you had one from day 1.
First Shop that I went to: (forgot the name...Mordaunt Short
This should be 5th Avenue/Audio By Design.
Sights & Sounds
Was assisted by this Freddie guy.Grabe talaga ang Park Square gang...a little customer empathy naman, a little common courtesy. I mean, I get more polite treatment from the parking attendants for crying out loud!!!!
Upscale Audio
See a thread I started several months ago on Reviews of Philippine Audio Stores. More at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pinoydiophilesHe also suggested that I get real expensive cables, as in 300++/meter, ganyan ba talaga kamahal ang cable?!
At that price range, you can get the Ixos 6003/6006. I moved from a 16 guage Monster Cable to a bi-wire rin of the Ixos 6003 and boy it was an ear-opener. I've since believed in good cables. I now use Analysis Plus Oval 12. Don't ask how much, OK?
1. What is the usual terms of payment for the stores? Kung cash diba may discount? Hindi pa pwedeng COD?
2. When you buy, do the shops "deliver", tapos pag delivery nila kasama na ba sa service nila ang installation, hook up and eveything?
3. What is the usual warranty for HT equipment? May pull out ba or carry in?
Cash is best. They'll deliver after paying. I tend to deposit straight into their accounts so I hold a document from a 3rd party (the deposit slip from the bank proving the transaction) and so I don't bring cash in the malls. I haven't heard of a store running away with your money.
They will install but to make the most of it, tweak the system yourself.
What's pull out/carry in?
Hope this helps!
