I have a pretty big living room that is open to my kitchen and breakfast area in a house I am building. I am tired of walking into audio/visual shops that push their one or two brands they keep on the floor. Here is what I am looking for in the room:
I need a new receiver to run movies/watch tv and of course, listen to music. I have a record player, so phono is a must. About $1000 budget.
I need a new tv. Looking for a 50 inch flat screen. Less than $2000.
I need in ceiling speakers (I know, not even close to ideal) for the front and rear. The house is wired for 7.1, but I think I will stick with 5.1. I am more interested in music than the best movie sound possible. I can use a center channel that will sit out just below the tv rather than putting that in the ceiling. I can also put a sub in a cabinet rather than in the ceiling. I don't want to go too crazy on the in-ceilings, but want a decent sound.
As for the rest of the house, I am running a Sonos system that I already own and need a bunch of in-ceiling speakers that will strictly play music off of my NAS through my Sonos system. These are more for ambient music than serious listening. But I want a decent speaker throughout the house without killing my wallet.
I am fairly tech/mechanical savvy, so I am thinking of just building the system myself including installing all speakers. Am I making a huge mistake?
Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
Gregg
For the AVR, check out the $899 Onkyo TX-SR706 (reviewed in Issue 188). In flat panels, it's hard to beat a Vizio for the money. For ceiling speakers, Definitive Technology makes some good-sounding models.
Regarding your screen, given your budget you can get you a very, very nice 52" Samsung LCD that you will be oh-so-happy with!