Howdy from Houston!

I'm Chad, one of the new guys around here. I guess you could say the name of my game is getting the best possible sound out of really cheap equipment. I know that might be a blasphemy of sorts around the home theater world, but some of us don't have thousands of dollars to spend on these toys!

The 'heart' of my current system is my Sony STR-DE845 receiver. It's about 5 or 6 years old, but it gets the job done. I like the auto-switching inputs and fairly detailed EQ settings. I'm trying to wait to upgrade it until I need something with HDMI/component switching (I don't have an HDTV yet.)

The Sony is pushing 5 Infinity Primus HCS speakers. I'm in a tiny apartment, so for me (and my wife) they were a good compromise between tiny satellites and my previous Boston Acoustics A100's that my brother is babysitting for me.

He also gave me my Acoustic Research 12" 120-watt sub. I can't remember the model number, and I don't feel like moving it out of the corner to find out. Sorry!

Other than that, most of my music comes from my Xbox running Xbox Media Center and streaming music from my 'home server.' It's kind of hacked together, but it does the job.

I look forward to reading more in the forums and getting the most of out of my cheap system. I just went out and bought a Radio Shack SPL meter yesterday, and I plan to use it to finally get my sub under control!

[Darren]

Welcome! Budget minded audio is not blasphemy

[Sir Terrence]

Cebaily,
Welcome to the Shack. Everyone has to start somewhere, and starting off with budget stuff means you have nowhere to go but up.

You are off to a good start with the radio shack pressure meter!

[Sonnie]

Hello Chad and welcome to the Shack!

I'm in the process of selling my Maestro M2 pre-pro and my Earthquake Cinenova Grande 5.... I will be replacing those with a Yamaha receiver. This is a pretty big downgrade, but there's no doubt I'll still be satisfied with my setup and I'll be saving some big bucks. I'm all about inexpensive myself...

[Prof.]

Hi Chad and welcome...

I have what would be considered a budget home theater, and I love the image and sound...
If you are happy with your setup, then that's all that really matters..and you will find plenty of people here that can make what you have even better..

[nova]

Hi Chad, Welcome to the Shack. I also have an older Sony,... mine has been pressed into duty exclusively for my PC. It does what it needs to and keeps me warm and toasty

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Nice to see another local here, Chad! I’m another tight-fisted audio buff - most of my gear I bought either used at pawnshops or on clearance. God bless eBay, the cheapskate’s wonderland!

Regards,
Wayne