Help for aesthetic 3.1 system in high ceiling!

[Pepito]

Hi Guys,

I expect to be crucified as I am not really in a “sound purity” quest but… We all have constraint to live with right? And I do need help to figure out what could be good in my case.

So the constraint are 11 feet ceilings in a hardwood floor kitchen/living/dining room (15ft * 32ft) with typical distance to view/listen TV (52” Pana) being 12feet in my sectional.

Other constraint are the wife and babies… Budget of $1500/$1800, Tower speakers forbidden (babies) and “speaker look” very important (wife), 5.1 system forbidden (wiring/babies).

So, I plan on focusing on a 3.1 System and tried to find stylish and good speakers.

What do you think about the following combination:
Cheap Receiver with enough power???
$270 for YAMAHA RX-V475 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver | Accessories4less

Powerful Subwoofer for my high ceilings
$600 for HSU VTF-2 MK4 Subwoofer

Stylish & Quality Speakers
$700 for 3 Klipsch Gallery G-16 Flat Panel Speaker (black)(each) [G-16] - $214.20 : New Audio & Video, New Electronics at Lowest Prices!

Summing to $1570 without some extras (cables…).

Other potential options:
4 Focal SIB? $400
Monitor Audio 2 MASS 10 + Mass Centre?
KEFT HT3001 $600 at Accesories4less (2 HTS3001 + HTC3001)
POLK TL3?

My main worries:
1- What should I expect frm the G16? I could not hear them and do not know if “Newaudio.com” is a serious store…
2- Does the Yamaha 475 give a good sound? A sales guy that seemed knowledgeable recommended a Pioneer Elite VSX43 for “fuller sound”… I do not know what fuller means! But I do know those go for $500…
3- $600 in the Subwoofer hurts me a bit… Should it? Any other recommendations on the sub?

As you can see, for a first time buyer, I tried to do my homework and fit in all the constraint for something that I hope will sound good.

Any input appreciated.

 

[ImcLoud]

I have dual vtf15's while I think its the best bang for buck sup on the market rite now, I don't think its nice to look at, aesthetics are your concern take a good look at that guy before you buy, they come in black or black too, so no wood grains...

Look into the ascend sierra 1's they are attractive speakers, also Wharfedale diamonds are nice to look at and sound good....

For good looking subs, you may want something small and either piano or wood, svs sb2000's may be a good fit...

 

[Pepito]

Thanks ImcLoud,

I am more worried about the aesthetic of the speakers than the one of the Subwoofer... Especially, I am looking for "narrow" speakers, Klipsch Gallery G-16 are super stylish and 6" wide... 6" would be our max... More than that and I need to buy a new TV Stand...

I know I am putting a lot of constraints but... I went through this over and over again...

Anyone with a feedback on the G-16?

 

[zieglj01]

I am not a fan of the Polk and Klipsch

Yamaha is fine - for the most part, I do not listen to receivers -
I listen to speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks ImcLoud,

I am more worried about the aesthetic of the speakers than the one of the Subwoofer... Especially, I am looking for "narrow" speakers,

I know I am putting a lot of constraints but... I went through this over and over again...

I would look at the Boston P442 - they come with 2 grills (black and silver) for your color choice.
BOSTON ACOUSTICS P442 LCR (Left,Right,Center) Speaker Black Each NEW | Accessories4less

 

[Pepito]

Sure zieglj01!!!

I saw you recommended those Boston Acoustics elsewhere... You said you are not fan of Klipsch but... These Boston will do better?
BTW, whatabout Receiver and Sub? Good enough? I should get some nice experience with that system?

 

[Pepito]

Dumb question...

About the Boston Acoustics P442 I read "first to provide left, center, and right channels in one simply stunning unit." so I would buy only one unit?
Whereas for the Klipsch G-16 I would buy 3 units (one for center and 2 for the sides).

Or am I getting this wrong?

 

[psbfan9]

Hi Pepito,

Here's a system that would work well for what you want to do. It includes a Denon receiver and 5.1 speaker setup. You can set up 3.1 and use the other speakers for a two channel rig or use for zone two.

DENON AVR-E400 7.1 Airplay Receiver & Focal Sib/Cub 3 Speaker Package | Accessories4less

And yes, the Boston unit that Z posted is similar to a sound bar.

 

[zieglj01]

Sure zieglj01!!!
I saw you recommended those Boston Acoustics elsewhere... You said you are not fan of Klipsch but... These Boston will do better?
BTW, whatabout Receiver and Sub? Good enough? I should get some nice experience with that system?

Dumb question...
About the Boston Acoustics P442 I read "first to provide left, center, and right channels in one simply stunning unit." so I would buy only one unit?
Whereas for the Klipsch G-16 I would buy 3 units (one for center and 2 for the sides). Or am I getting this wrong?

I am not a fan of the Klipsch signature sound - and they tend to lack in definition and
can be aggressive sounding. However, you may like them - you seem to want them >
If you desire, then go for it. However, I am not comfortable with that website - and
would look some place else.

Boston tends to have a more smooth response, with better detail and definition.
Boston can be robust sounding - however, not aggressive sounding.

With the P442, you need 3 each > l/c/r means they are made for the fronts and the
center - and can be mounted vertical or horizontal

The Yamaha is fine - HSU, or SVS is fine for subwoofers

Focal is also a nice option

Your choice and call

 

[zieglj01]

And yes, the Boston unit that Z posted is similar to a sound bar.

The P442 is a Flat Panel speaker (need one for each channel), they can also be
mounted on a cabinet or table, with optional stands.

The P400 is a passive soundbar with the front 3 channels built in.
BOSTON ACOUSTICS P400 Soundbar Speaker Black NEW | Accessories4less

 

[psbfan9]

With the P442, you need 3 each > l/c/r means they are made for the fronts and the
center - and can be mounted vertical or horizontal

l

Zieg, Am I misreading the description?

"And for those looking for the ultimate in simple elegance, there`s the P400. It`s a left, center, and right channel in one incredible speaker. This sleek unit transforms your favorite movies and shows by providing an incredibly accurate and truly amazing soundstage."

To me that's saying that 'one' can be used as a sound bar.

 

[psbfan9]

The P442 is a Flat Panel speaker (need one for each channel), they can also be
mounted on a cabinet or table, with optional stands.

The P400 is a passive soundbar with the front 3 channels built in.
BOSTON ACOUSTICS P400 Soundbar Speaker Black NEW | Accessories4less

Ah, got it.

 

[crossedover]

Maybe check out some of ones at artisonusa.com

 

[ImcLoud]

I have to go with zeig on this one, I heard the ba's they are nice...

 

[Pepito]

Maybe check out some of ones at artisonusa.com

Well... seems out of my budget when I add Subwoofer ($600) and Receiver ($300 bp) even if the design is indeed there!!!

Thanks for the suggestion Crossedover

 

[Pepito]

I keep working on that one.

I realized that the Boston Acoustics P442 were discontinued (which gives great pricing) but... The corresponding Speaker stands (P4TS) were hard to find (I only found some "funny website" selling them...).

No choices made... I need to find where to make holes or look at the other choices i identified before:
Monitor Audio 2 MASS 10 + Mass Centre?
KEFT HT3001 $600 at Accesories4less (2 HTS3001 + HTC3001)

Honestly, The FOCAL Sub&Cub3 seem to small to me for the volume (especially ceiling) ...

Now, if you think I am picky, please say it... I am far away from knowledgeable !!

 

[zieglj01]

The Focal has a 5 inch woofer

With Boston - just mount them

 

[tmurnin]

The GoldenEar SuperSat series may work for you. You can mount them or keep them on a stand. I haven't heard them myself, but if you're a DefTech fan, a lot of people seem to think they have similar sound characteristics

 

[Pepito]

The Focal has a 5 inch woofer

Well Cub3 is 8inch in fact but... I still think it "may" be small, I am considering VTF-2 MK4 Subwoofer which is 12inch & 250W.

BTW, I can finally add a map of my place FYI...

So I keep looking (cheaper subwoofer, I hate paying shippping) and terms/warranty on stuff bought at Accesories4less but plan on making a decision/purchase this week-end...

I will post pictures... And comments... When I receive/set up the thing!

 

[zieglj01]

Well Cub3 is 8inch in fact but... I still think it "may" be small,

I am talking about the SIB sat woofer - not the Cub 3 sub.

The Sib can be used with another subwoofer.