I need comments on two possible setup or help with existing setup

[AMenard]

My current setup is:

HK AVR-1700
Technics SBT-200 (x2)
Warfedale Modus 150w powered sub

It's an ok 2.1 system that I use to listen to music. It used to be a 5.1 system but I'm not much into movie these days and the 5.1 stereo mode isn't really doing it for me.

I was thinking of maybe trying something new and original (at least to me).

What would be the pro and cons of replacing my setup with a pair of Mackie TH12a 2 way powered speaker coupled with a pre-amp for component switching?

Another scenario that I'm also considering is using a pro amp like the Crown XLS 200 and a pair of Peavey PV 112.

My biggest complaint about my present system is that I have the feeling that the HK isn't really getting along with my speakers when it comes to stereo music material. It did a fine job for movie, although I had to crank it up in the -20db range to get some nice effects. I never went above -30db with my previous 2 AVR to get the same volume.

The SBT-200 have, per spec sheet, a response bw of 38hz-40khz with 100w continuous, 200w rms max.

If my two scenario aren't realistic, what could be done for a budget of $1k Cdn to get a good 2.0/2.1 music system?

 

[TLS Guy]

When people don't like what they hear, it is time to go speaker shopping and not amp shopping.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't think it's the amplifier section that is the weak link. It is usually the speakers and processor.

New speakers or perhaps you need a processor with good automatic subwoofer EQ like Audyssey XT + Sub EQ + DEQ.

 

[zieglj01]

The receiver is fine - the Technics speakers are the weak link

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Sign me up for another vote for crappy speakers.

btw: response bw of 38hz-40khz doesn't mean it's +/- 3db rated

Start shopping for speakers. You might find better deals from local vendors like PSB Image B6 and this sub - SB12-NSD Powered Box Sub, 12 NSD Woofer /Charcoal Black Vinyl [SB12-NSD] - $669.00 : SVS Subwoofers Canada : sonicboomaudio.com

 

[AMenard]

Thank you!

I'm an audio noob

Those SBT-200 were bought in 98-99ish, the bronze age of my HT experience
At the time they were a good deal.

My problem is that I just don't know what to look for when reading speaker spec sheets.
For exemple, if I look at the spec for some Klipsch SF2 that a friend own I see the following:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 35Hz-20kHz(+-)3dB
SENSITIVITY: 96dB @ 1watt/1meter
POWER HANDLING: 100 watts maximum continuous (400 watts peak)
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8 ohms
TWEETER: K-101-S 1" (2.54cm) Aluminum dome compression driver
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN: 5" square 90(o)x60(o) Tractrix(r) Horn
WOOFER: Two K-1078-SB 6.5" (16.51cm) IMG cone / cast polymer frame
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL: Medium density fiberboard construction (MDF)
ENCLOSURE TYPE: Bass reflex via rear-mounted port
DIMENSIONS: 35" (88.9cm) x 8" (20.32cm) x 13.6" (34.54cm)
WEIGHT: 38 lbs. (17.25kg)
FINISHES: Black ash vinyl veneer
BUILT FROM: 1999
BUILT UNTIL: 2004

Is the FR and Sensibility a good match for my AVR 1700?
Is it better than my SBT-200? I bet they are... but I just don't know.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You can't always (or more correctly) solely judge speakers by their specs. Klipsch speakers (especially inexpensive ones) for example have a typical issue with piercing highs - which most people find ear fatiguing for long term listening, but at the same time same pronounced highs appear like speaker has "lively" and "detailed" sound. Others love it...

Bottom line - specs (if they are even nearly half-honest - I think AH wrote good article about it, can't find it now) - one must listen to the speaker before making decision, not but specs alone.

p.s: I recommended PSB since they don't make crappy speakers.

 

[AMenard]

Thanks again.

I'll look into them. I know a place in Montreal that sells them.

 

[zieglj01]

Sign me up for another vote for crappy speakers.

btw: response bw of 38hz-40khz doesn't mean it's +/- 3db rated

With Technics most of the time - it would really be around - 16 db

 

[zieglj01]

I'll look into them. I know a place in Montreal that sells them.

On a side note - Crutchfield CA also sells PSB products
Crutchfield Canada

http://www.crutchfield.ca/SearchResults.asp

 

[AMenard]

Yes I saw this while looking up the PSB speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

what could be done for a budget of $1k Cdn to get a good 2.0/2.1 music system?

Holly macaroni, I just looked up the Denon X2000 just for fun. For US, it's $399. For Canada, it's $1,020.

http://www.amazon.ca/AVR-X2000--command-7-1-Channel-Networking-Receiver/dp/B00CALM2KS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400851154&sr=8-1&keywords=denon+x2000

Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X2000 7.1 Channel Integrated Network AV Receiver with AirPlay (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

It is tougher for me to recommend components because I am not as familiar with availability or shipping cost to Canada.

Personally, I think you should get 2 bookshelf speakers + 1 subwoofer + an AVR with Audyssey XT + Sub EQ + Dynamic EQ.