Suggestions of speakers to pair with Denon AVRS500BT

[Rohan]

Hello experts,

I have decided to build my Home theater system. I would like to spend around 600$ on speakers and woofer.

I have decided to start the system using Denon AVRS500BT.
Wondering about which speakers and woofer to pair with the above receiver.

Some threads recommend pioneer speakers (SP-FS52, SP-C22, SW-8MK2 and SP-BS22-LR). Is it a good idea to go with this recommendation?

Alternatively, is it a better idea to start with a 2.1 system and then buy additional speakers in the future?

I am looking a system to mostly watch movies and occasionally listen to loud music where I listen to the bass.

My L shaped living room measures 16 X 17 ft.

Your expert comments and inputs are appreciated.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Some threads recommend pioneer speakers (SP-FS52, SP-C22, SW-8MK2 and SP-BS22-LR). Is it a good idea to go with this recommendation?

They generally get good reviews, but frankly every time I’ve bought speakers or headphones based on someone’s recommendations I’ve been disappointed. It’s really best to audition speakers first hand. That can be hard to do these days given the scarcity of brick-and-mortar stores, so I’d consider buying from an on-line retailer with a generous return policy. While you’re at it, pick up your top 3-4 contenders at the same time; that way you’ll be able to compare them all side to side. The potential downside is eating the return shipping for the “rejects,” but the benefit is the opportunity for an in-house audition, which is in every way superior to one at a store.

Alternatively, is it a better idea to start with a 2.1 system and then buy additional speakers in the future?

If you’re going to go the route suggested above, yes 2.1 would be best simply for the cost of return shipping. After you’ve decided which speakers you want, you could then add the rest.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

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[raisincane]

I am by no means an expert, but just finished putting together my home theater system. What a chore that was, leading to crown molding to hide wires and all the fun that goes with that. My situation was/is much like yours. I have an "L" shaped listening/viewing area, started with the receiver I wanted, and then picking out the speakers that would fit in my budget, with the exception being my choice of speakers was also dependent on the size, due to placement space and my listening viewing space being over 2 times yours. My home theater is set up in the upper left corner of the "L" area(living room). One surround in the lower left corner(dining area) and the right surround middle ways on the lower right wall(kitchen). The surround speakers are as close to equidistant from my main viewing area, which is my couch, set up diagonally, directly in front of tv/home theater setup. I started with the Yamaha HTR-4066 and added JBL ES20 speakers for my left and right fronts, JBL ES25C center speaker, JBL ES10 for surrounds, and Yamaha YST-SW216 subwoofer. Again, I want to stress the size and cost of the speakers were the determining factor in the purchase of these JBL's. Had I more space I would have went with the JBL ES30 for left/right fronts and JBL ES20 as my surrounds for maybe $30 or $40 bucks more. The point I want to get to though is, I am blown away by how good what I went with sounds. No need for the bigger speakers for what I was looking to achieve. I couldn't imagine how much better it would sound in a smaller area, such as yours. Anyway for what I have in the whole system, I couldn't be happier with the sound this setup produces for my needs. I shopped online to find the best deals and availability, but have right at $550 in speakers.
JBL ES25C-$160.45
JBL ES20-$138.44/pair
JBL ES10-$149.75/pair
Yamaha YST-SW216-$104.99
In your case, with more allowance for speaker size, I might go with the ES30's as fronts and ES20's for surrounds, for as little as $40 dollars more, putting you at your $600 budget.
Hope this helped. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[markw]

Some general suggestions:

First, if you're buying sight unseen (unheard), make sure you have return privileges. What pleases one person may not please you.

Second, get the front fright and left speakers first. Make your judgment on these with music, not movies. Movies sound stunning on everything. They are engineered this way.

Make that selection without using a subwoofer. They can distract your attention from your main goal of selecting the best mains. Subs can make any speaker "system" sound glorious, even crappy ones.

Once you've selected the first two, then get the matching center as soon as possible. These should acoustically match the other two front speakers and manufacturers change their lineups fairly frequently. He who hesitates may be lost. It's nice if the surrounds match, too but it's not as critical as the front three.

You can get a sub at any time. They don't have to be the same make/model as your other speakers.

Get the best sub you can afford.