[jdoyle]

I've been lurking here for a while, but I'm hardly an expert,    I would like some advice and guidance... so this is what I currently have:

Elite VSX-94TXH
Klipsch Quartets & KG's + a Klipsch SW-8 (7.1)
OPPO DVD player

I'm 60% HT, & 40% Music, but want to switch that around.  My plan is to ease into this gradually, I can't afford to switch out everything.

So I'm thinking of starting by replacing the Quartets with some VSA VR-22's and keeping the Elite (since the VR-22's apparently don't require a lot of power).   I might add an amp anyway though, so please advise here too.

I'd also like to upgrade my SW, (not sure with what yet, possibly the Rythmic F12) with one geared more towards music.  I also might entertain two subs based on what I've read in the bass circle.
For music, apparently I should use my Main pre-outs to the sub rather than the LFE (or possibly do both depending on the sub I choose)

My main question is how do I hook up the three pieces if I go with an amp to power the mains and also 2 subs.

Do I use my main pre-outs with a Y cables?  Is it safe to split that signal 3 ways?  One to the Main amp and another two to the subs?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

~jd

[geowak]

More information might be needed for anyone to share advice.

The first question that comes to mind is; "What are you trying to do?" "What is missing from the sound?" "What are you not happy with?" There are many directions you could go, with much based upon what you want to spend. "Are you interested in both new and used gear?" "Do you want more power to fill a room?" What kind of music do you like to play and how loud"? "What is your budget?"

These are the first questions that need answers from YOU before anyone can lend a hand... IMHO

[jdoyle]

More information might be needed for anyone to share advice.

The first question that comes to mind is; "What are you trying to do?" "What is missing from the sound?" "What are you not happy with?" There are many directions you could go, with much based upon what you want to spend. "Are you interested in both new and used gear?" "Do you want more power to fill a room?" What kind of music do you like to play and how loud"? "What is your budget?"

These are the first questions that need answers from YOU before anyone can lend a hand... IMHO

I'm not really happy with my speakers for music, I'm easily fatigued by them at any decent volume. 
I have about a $5-6 K budget for my initial upgrade.  I'm not opposed to used equipment (I look all the time), but I'd prefer to buy new.  I also want to see if I can pull this off with the Elite AVR for a year or two before I upgrade that piece.

I like Jazz & Classical, and grew up in the 70's so obviously Rock.  No more ear splitting volumes, but I like to crank it up every now & then.

I'm thinking my priorities would go...
1) New speakers
2) A new (musical) sub
3) A second (musical) sub or an amp to drive the speakers better (which ever is the better choice)
4) what ever is the leftover choice from #3?

Let me know if I'm missing any other info...

Thanks,

~jd

[charmerci]

I'm sure many others will tune in here with good advice but my first suggestion would be to look into Salk speakers. Based on what I've read, yes many people around here aren't too crazy about the Klipsch sound, so starting with the speakers would be a great starting point. (Growing up, my brother and I would be constantly upgrade our Klipsch speakers graduating to 4 Klipschorns! What good times those were!)

You may want to ask back on the bass circle whether keeping the SW-8 and matching it with a Rythmic sub (which would be an excellent choice) would be kosher.

[Gzerro]

My main question is how do I hook up the three pieces if I go with an amp to power the mains and also 2 subs.
Do I use my main pre-outs with a Y cables?  Is it safe to split that signal 3 ways?  One to the Main amp and another two to the subs?

~jd

If you want to add an amp, you would go from the pre-outs of your receiver to the main left/right and from the sub out(s) to the subwoofer. You can use a Y-cable from the sub out to multiple subwoofers if your AVR doesn't have multiple subwoofer outs. The AVR will handle the crossover point and subwoofer integration.

You don't want to use the main pre-outs to a sub with an AVR. Possibly if you had a pre-amp with no subwoofer outs you would do it that way.

My other suggestions is to post some information on your room size and layout, WAF restrictions, any preferences (bookshelves vs floorstanders, etc)

[geowak]

While not getting into a specific recommendation, I have learned some hard lessons and have received great advice that I will share:

#1 Do not believe any hype about any products, especially speakers. Every one's ear is different, everyone hears differently.
#2 Always listen to a product before you buy it. The possible exception would be the the in-home trial. If one is willing to incur
any expense that might come up here.
#3 It's hard to objective if one falls in love with product ABC based upon what was heard about it, or how it looks. (Try to be objective if HQ sound is imperative to you.)
#4 One might not have to spend as much as originally planned. (By taking your time, and listening to many products, you can find a good system that sounds great to you! But conversely, you could buy something that is not made well, or sounds awful and often have to sell it at a loss because of impatience or being impulsive).
#5 Have fun and get informed about products. Also get advice from others. A flea watt tube amp probably will provide sound to low sensitivity speakers but it may be be a match that yields "good sound".