*PICS* Is this good for my first Home Theater system?

I know you folks hate these threads.....from newbies.....but I ask you to bear with me. I did a little research and came to the following conclusion and need your opinion as to whether this will be a good decision on my part.

About me:
Room: 10ft x 13ft x 9ft high
Enjoy: Hip-hop/club music and pop

Use of system, mostly CDs. But do plan to use it to watch DVDs.

I'm coming from a real cheap system (total cost of $400).

This is my first "real" home theater system. Let me know what you think. I plan on going 5.1 right now. But thinking about a 7.1 A/V receiver just in case I want to upgrade in the future.

I plan to go with Axiom since a lot of people speak highly of them.....and they seem to be a great bang for the buck deal. Is there anyway I can sample how these speakers sound? I mean, if they distribute them directly, electronics stores won't have them, right?

Well, here's the setup I plan to have:

Pair of M22ti for the Front



VP100 for the Center



EP175 Sub



Pair QS4 Surrounds


Let me know what you think. That'll set me back a good chunk of change.......I know I know, that's cheap compared to you hardcore audioholics!

Now, time for a receiver. Can someone recommend something? Is 5.1 significantly cheaper than 7.1? Should I even bother with 7.1?

Now, how long do you think this setup will last? The reason I ask is because my cheap system (cheap Sony receiver & cheap JBL speakers) is breaking down. The foam around the speaker is cracking and tearing off. The receiver is acting up. And this system is just a few years old.

If I'm going to spend all this money, I hope it will last me a good 10 years. Is that asking for too much?

Since this is my first "real" system, I'm obviously looking for the best bang for the buck. If you guys think of a better 5.1 combo for $1,500 or so, please share!

Again, I will need advice on a receiver. I don't need the best.....just something that will work real well with this system. I was thinking Yahmaha RX-V1500....but that may be too much receiver for me.

What do you guys think? If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

I would drop the EP175 subwoofer. It doesn't stand up to other offerings in its price class. The specs speak for themselves. At that price, I would look at these products:

http://svsound.com/products-sub-box-10isd.cfm
http://www.hsustore.com/vtf2.html

The SVS will go deeper than the Hsu, but I prefer Hsu subs for music (just a personal preference).

As to hear the speakers, check out this listing on the Axiom forums. You should be able to find someone near you that you can visit for an audition:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=Auditions&Number=76567&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=

How far away from the center will you be sitting?
If you are sitting far enough back, you may want to get the VP150 center instead.
*Edit: you should call Axiom with this information and let them tell you which center you need. there have been lots of threads on how good their customer service is and how they will only recommend what you actually need, not just try to sell you stuff because they can

Also, I might suggest you move up to the QS8's for surrounds as they go a little deeper for bass.

IMHO for receiver you should look at Harman Kardon as a lot of people on the Axiom boards love the pairing. Also, if you use the vp100 or the vp150 for that matter, HK receivers let you set the bass crossover differently for the front speakers and the surrounds and center so you could have the m22's crossed over at 80 and the center and surrounds at 100 (if you wanted to) as far as I know, no other "cheap" receiver does this. It may be important to you.

Hope this helped a little bit.

I agree with jaxvon re: ep175. but would suggest the SVS instead, we almost have the same music tastes and the bigger your sub, the better.

and before you ask ... no, the sub does not have to match your speakers.

Jaxvon/Mike,

Someone on the other board gave me the EXACT suggestion. I think I’ll have to find a place to listen to these two subs and see if I can tell which one sounds better. If I can’t, how should I decide which one to get? I’m sure I can’t tell the difference because coming from a garbage system right now, anything will sound light years ahead.

Mike, that’s what I’m afraid of! When you say, they don’t match, do you mean cosmetically or in terms of quality? To be honest, I’m not an OCP (in my cycling forum, OCP = Obsessive Compulsive Poseurs, when someone who can’t ride 20 miles buys a $4,000 bike and averages 10mph). I really don’t care if one speaker is orange and the other one is blue. As long as the sound quality is there and as long as the sounds of each speaker (from different companies) are able to complement each other, I’ll be real happy.

If they don’t match in terms of sound quality, why are you guys recommending them? Sound quality is on top of my list. I’m confused now.....

Pianoman, I will be sitting about 8 - 9ft from the TV (center speaker). Do you think the VP100 will be enough? Regarding the surrounds.....I’m really on a budget! I really don’t want to spend more than this. This combo is already above my original budget.

I’ll take a look at Harmon Kardon receivers. Any recommendation on something specific I should look at? Obviously, I want the best bang for the buck.....but at the same time, I don’t want to cheap out on quality.

I know I’m asking a lot, but can you give me a brief idea on what crossing over does? I kinda have an idea.....it has something to do with now allowing certain speakers to hit low notes and redirecting those lows to another speaker. Something like that?

Again, thanks for your help guys! I’m really excited and ready to do more research. Since I have close to no knowledge of speakers, receivers, I really feel intimidated going to specialty stores. I live in NYC by the way. Only if I had someone who is knowledgeable to go with me!

As in life, I always try to do as much research before purchasing....but one bad thing about doing research is that once you know what’s good & what’s not, you always end up spending MUCH MUCH MUCH more than your budget! And much more than what you actually need.

Cadd, that system will be fine... except the sub. The guy's are just telling you that a much better sub can be had for the same amount of money.

Audition as many speakers as you can. About 5 years ago I spent about twice as much as originally planed on speakers (Paradigm Studio 20s) and I love them enough to have no real urge to upgrade. MY point is that IMO that if you find speakers that you really love but they are more than originally planed go for it if you can afford them (no plastic!). That way you will not be haveing speaker upgradeitice in six to tweleve months. You can cheap out on the reciever or DVD player but not speakers. At least that how it works for me.

hi cadd, I was talking about sound quality ... the speakers and sub don't have to match because BASS doesn't have the same "characteristics" as sound coming from the speakers. SVS speakers are mostly available in black et al so you dont have to worry about orange or blue speakers

How much is your total budget?
Things can add up very fast.

Reorx

Just last week when I was thinking about it, my total budget for recevier & 5.1 speakers was $1,000 total. After reading many many many posts here, I upped my Recevier & Speaker budget to about $2,000.

Note: I still have to get wires ($100?) and stands ($200?). So, I really don't want to go higher than $2k for speakers & receiver.

If you're on a budget you can save a few bucks by getting a 5.1 receiver instead of 7.1, also if you go with a factory refurbished model you can save a few more. Checkout this link for a list of factory certified used H/K receivers. You can get a decent 5.1 receiver for $266 +shipping, or a 7.1 for around $300 +shipping.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/default.asp?sp=S&cat=REC&market=HOM

One thing I noticed is that Harman Kardon receivers tend to have less power than other brands (that I looked at....Pioneer & Yahmahas) that's in the same price range.

Should I be worried? How much power should I be aiming for in my set up?

That spec is misleading, there are lots of ways to give a power rating for an amplifier. H/K's receivers compete favorably with other brands that quoted higher power ratings, sometimes double the power of H/K. You can hear this for yourself by going to any Circuit City and comparing H/K receivers to their other brands. Make sure all the tone settings are equal for the receivers, and you'll hear the diff i'm talking about. I have a 65 watt H/K receiver that sounded more rich and full-bodied compared to other brands on the shelf at circuit City 15 yrs ago, Onkyo included. I've had that same H/K running almost every day ever since and it's performed pretty well. I had the power supply replaced a couple years ago, and the "CD" input no longer works, so i just plugged the CD into the "Aux" input and kept on going. I usually turn the treble up a notch or two compared to other brands, but the other brands couldn't match the richness of the H/K in my opinion.

The beauty of getting bookshelf speakers w/ a powered sub is that you don't need to pay for a big receiver to get a big sound. The sub will get all it's power from it's own built in amplifier, leaving the moderate receiver to focus it's moderate power on the smaller bookshelf speakers. If you choose good components like you've listed and take the time to blend them properly, you should end up with a 2.1 system that will have more range and depth than a 2.0 system consisting of two large speakers and no sub. Plus the 2.1 system will do a better job with movies than a similarly priced 2.0 system.

I think a good 2.1 system is a great way to start an all around audio system on a budget.

As far as how much power to get, I don't think you'll hear a big diff unless you make a big jump in power. If you go with H/K, I think a 50 - 60 watt receiver is a good value. If you can spend a little more, then go for more - say 75watts. I think the new models will sound exactly the same as the older ones with similar specs. The newer ones are usually more expensive due to exotic surround modes, or auto calibration features. You don't really need them and I think you're better off buying older receivers with more power, than buying newer receivers with more features. Just make sure the receiver at least supports Dolby Digital and DTS.

Axiom system

Based on your music preferences, you might consider starting with the Axiom M60's and a HSU or SVS sub. The M22's plus stands are close to the cost of the M60's and floorstanders will play louder and lower. When you save more money, you can add the VP150 center and QS8 surrounds.
Also, check their Outlet page for 10% off.

For <$500 a refurbished Yamaha RX-V2500 would make a great receiver.

mkinder, thanks for the advice. I think I'm going to go with the AVR635. I found a few places here that sells them for around $650. Are prices normally this competitive or should I be worried?

jcPanny, I really don't have the room for the towers.....besides, how on earth did you compare prices? The M22s are $460/pair and the M60s are $960/pair. Even with the stand, the M22s are still $300 less.

I was told to look at SVS bookshelf speakers as well and see that they are pretty reasonably priced. They're less expensive then the Axiom I picked out. Do you think they're better than the Axiom speakers I picked?

I'd stick with the Axioms. The SVS speakers - from what i've read - are good for movies but lack the detail and clarity of the Axioms for music.

The AVR-635 will make those Axiom's sing, I think that's definitly plenty of receiver. But don't blow your budget on the receiver, make sure you can afford enough subwoofer. Those Axiom's will need a sub, I think you said your room wasn't that big so a HSU-STF2 should do it.

Sounds like you're on your way to putting together a very nice system. The Harmen Kardon power rating is EXTREMELY conservative. I would put the AVR235 or 335 model up against any 100 watt/channel unit you can find at the box stores. But the AVR635 will be a truly kick a@@ unit with that Axiom setup. Paired with one of the HSU or SVS subs others have mentioned and IMHO you will have a wonderful sounding system. Enjoy.

Cadd,

I'd be careful looking for the cheapest price on a AVR635 or any receiver. Check to see if the unit was a demo, or refurbished. If so it may not be covered under warrantly unless it's coming from a certified H/K dealer. If you're not sure, call the number on the www.harmanaudio.com site and ask them if they'll honor a warranty from whoever you're planning to buy it from. Even if it's a refurb, you should make sure it's got at least a 3 month warranty which will give you time to make sure it's working like it should.

If you have any doubts, just order one from the harmanaudio site. Looks like you can still pick up the AVR520 - which is also 75 watts - but a few years older. I would think it'll sound exactly like the 635, for less money.