is it worth it?

[nairb]

Hi, I'm Brian. New here to home audio. I'm into car audio (active Pioneer P99rs, rainbow germaniums, alumarpo sub.) and now that I have a place of my own I want to build a simple system. Mostly listen to R&B/HipHop; use would be TV, music, occasional moves...

My problem is the space, see pic below....I don't want to change the layout since the furniture is new and this layout seems to best maximize my space. Behind the picture is a open kitchen, no wall.

I want to keep things simple (2.1) but don't know if the odd wall angle will make a system tough and I should just get a sound bar? I was thinking PSB minis? B&W 685? on stands right next to the TV (needs to be narrow since the walkway between the tv stand and counter is 3.5 ft. Are bookshelf's sitting on the stand in front of the tv a no no?

Any recommendations on receiver? Anthem MRX 310? Marantz slime line to save money?

I'm thinking < $1300 for a av receiver, < $800 for bookshelfs, < $800 for a sub (don't know how homes compare but I prefer a sealed 12 in my car).

I don't even know where to hear all of this! I'm in hawaii and bestbuy seems like the best place next to hifihawaii which is mcintosh level equipment...

 

[nairb]

annnnd I already messed up. meant to put this in the beginners section....sorry.

 

[gene]

Before defining a budget for equipment, please consider addressing the room acoustics first. Your room is very lively and will negatively impact the sonic enjoyment as a result. You need a nice thick throw rug in the center of the room to absorb the first reflection point. You then need some thick curtains to cover the glass doors and help tame the room.

If you can accommodate small thin towers for the front L/R with a small center under the TV and some bookshelf speakers towards the rear that will do quite well for you. Shift your TV/unit to the left so you can fit the right speaker. You can tuck a sub on either side of the couch though I'd go towards the corner where the glass door is. You will have to slide the couch over a bit to accommodate.

I recommend the NHT Absolute Towers, Absolute center, Absolute bookshelf for the surrounds. For a sub, you can go with SVS SB-2000.

Edit: I just saw your budget. You can switch to NHT bookshelf versions. Also check our RSL speakers too.

 

[nairb]

Before defining a budget for equipment, please consider addressing the room acoustics first. Your room is very lively and will negatively impact the sonic enjoyment as a result. You need a nice thick throw rug in the center of the room to absorb the first reflection point. You then need some thick curtains to cover the glass doors and help tame the room.

If you can accommodate small thin towers for the front L/R with a small center under the TV and some bookshelf speakers towards the rear that will do quite well for you. Shift your TV/unit to the left so you can fit the right speaker. You can tuck a sub on either side of the couch though I'd go towards the corner where the glass door is. You will have to slide the couch over a bit to accommodate.

I recommend the NHT Absolute Towers, Absolute center, Absolute bookshelf for the surrounds. For a sub, you can go with SVS SB-2000.

Edit: I just saw your budget. You can switch to NHT bookshelf versions. Also check our RSL speakers too.

Thanks for the acoustics tips. Trying to find a rug at the moment; thicker curtains sound like a good idea, I want to change out that pink curtain cover things anyways. Just moved in a few months ago so it's pretty bare for now, couch just came last Friday! I did want to keep the system pretty simple for now, especially since I'm just starting. a L/R/Sub. If this ends up being like my car I think i'll be buying/selling speakers for a while before finding things I like. I'll start looking at towers too since they seem just as wide as bookshelfs, the Absolute isn't that far from my budget. I keep reading good things on the SVS subs, I have a feeling that would probably what I lean to.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Gene put it all pretty nicely on one post. That room for sure has its own challenges but hopefully you can get nice setup that works for you!

edit: As for speakers decision, it is best to go around stores and listen speakers on your budget and decide after that what to buy. Or even better if they let you take some you like to your home to test them out on your room with more time.