New speakers for a novice

[DMBmike]

Hello all,

I spent all day looking at how to upgrade my speakers in my home theater. I would like new surround sound speakers (two in front, two in rear), to go with my current set up. I can only spend about $450. Here's a rundown of what I currently have:

TV: Sharp 50" LED (if that matters)
Receiver: Yamaha Natural Sounds AV receiver HTR-3064
Sub: Yamaha YST-SW012
Center speaker: Bose VCS-10
Additional inputs: Cable, PS3, Xbox 360 and Apple TV
Room dimensions: 16' x 17'

I have been looking at the Bose (I know, so generic-combo of Bose 161 and 201 series), Pioneer (Pair of SP-FS52), Wharfedale Diamond (Wharfedale Diamond 10.1), and Monitor Audio MR2 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers.

I really only use my system for Cable/Blu-ray watching and video gaming.Let me know if you suggest any of these or anything else in my price range. Also, what wires should I use? Thanks in advance.

 

[ImcLoud]

Scrap the bose center, and go with wharfedale 10.1 with 10cc center

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speaker-pr.aspx
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-99605-wharfedale-diamond-10-cc-center-speaker-black-demo.aspx
then pick up anything for surrounds, or use anything you already have...

Another option and what I would do is go 200se all the way around http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/htm200/htm200.html
2+center would cost $468
4+center $722
I would personally buy the 2+center then http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-652 for surrounds... I own them all they sound good..

 

[zieglj01]

The Pioneer towers and center, will keep you in budget.

And this is a solid performer, that will stomp the Bose
HTD Level Two
HTD Level TWO Bookshelf Speakers

Level Two center
HTD Level TWO Center Channel Speaker

For surrounds, a pair of NXG 4.1
http://www.amazon.com/Nxg-Pro-4-1-Satellite-Speaker/dp/B0044UHVOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354161385&sr=8-1&keywords=nxg+4.1+speakers

 

[ImcLoud]

Just got a coupon for 40% off these polks...

Newegg.com - Polk Audio CSI A4-Cherry High Performance Center Speaker Each
Newegg.com - Polk Audio RTI A1-Cherry High Performance Bookshelf Speaker Pair

with the discount you can get 4 of the bookshelfs and one center for $539 shipped
code is BTEJJHB24 Im not sure if it invite only but it works for me... them speakers are nice.... they also have black...

 

[GFOViedo]

I second the HTD set up.

 

[DMBmike]

Should I go ahead and get another pair of HTD level 2 speakers for the back surround sound speakers or should I stick with the NXG? I just want to know if it will make that big of a difference in a 16' by 17' room.

 

[zieglj01]

Should I go ahead and get another pair of HTD level 2 speakers for the back surround sound speakers or should I stick with the NXG? I just want to know if it will make that big of a difference in a 16' by 17' room.

If you are going to also listen to some surround music,
then HTD > If budget is really tight, and mainly Home
Theater, then NXG will be fine for surrounds.

 

[DMBmike]

Ok. I think I am going with 2 pairs of the HTD Level 2 speakers and the HTD level 2 center speaker. Any recommendations on speaker wire/banana plugs/wall mounts?

 

[Transmaniacon]

Ok. I think I am going with 2 pairs of the HTD Level 2 speakers and the HTD level 2 center speaker. Any recommendations on speaker wire/banana plugs/wall mounts?

HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more! for any of your cable needs. Grab a spool of 14 gauge wire and banana plugs if you want, they sell good quality products at a very good price.

 

[zieglj01]

One popular option for wall mount, is the PinPoint
Pinpoint Mounts AM40-Black AM40 | Performance Audio

And these were made for the Level Two
http://www.htd.com/Products/Wall-Mount-Speaker-Brackets/BR1-Heavy-Duty-Brackets

HTD also sells wire and plugs - however, wire is cheaper at MonoPrice.
http://www.htd.com/Products/Speaker-and-Subwoofer-Cables

http://www.htd.com/Products/Cable-Connectors-and-Wall-Plates

 

[sevenz]

Ok. I think I am going with 2 pairs of the HTD Level 2 speakers and the HTD level 2 center speaker. Any recommendations on speaker wire/banana plugs/wall mounts?

To stick to your budget, you can go for monoprice cables. If you can get your hands on terminated belden/canare speaker cabels, go for it.

 

[sevenz]

Should I go ahead and get another pair of HTD level 2 speakers for the back surround sound speakers or should I stick with the NXG? I just want to know if it will make that big of a difference in a 16' by 17' room.

Concentrate your monies on better front and centre speaker as those are the key speakers that will make a bigger diff. Spend less on the surrounds. Later on as your budget goes up, u can slowly upgrade your surrounds.