Mid or Beginner Home Theater Setup Help

[BJamin]

I had a small cheap Costco surround sound system that I was using for a few years and crapped out recently. Upon this happening I decided I should try to improve my system and speakers a ways since I needed to get something new anyways. My budget isn't huge and I admittedly don't know tons about audio, but I tried to do some research and find some decent pieces at good deal prices.

So far for about $200 I got a Sony STR-DN840 and then for another $200 I got a pair of Infinity Primus P363 Floorstanding front speakers.

Can someone let me know if I'm doing alright so far? What gauge/type of speaker wire would be best to connect these? 16 gauge? What type of connectors would be best? Banana plugs or dual banana plugs maybe?

Then it sounds like I should stay with the same brand and quality with a center speaker, but doesn't it matter much for the rear/surround speakers or sub? Could I get something cheaper for the rear speakers? Like Newegg has Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair) for only $50 maybe?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[tyhjaarpa]

For speaker wire I myself would get this: http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Enhanced-Oxygen-Free-Copper-Speaker/dp/B003L14ZAQ For connections I would use bare wire, but you can use banana plugs if you like to.

For center I would suggest this : http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Three-way-Speaker-Center-Channel/dp/B0044D1788
And for surrounds these: http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-P153-Primus-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B004649W1Y

What is your budget for sub? And what is your room size?

 

[TheWarrior]

I think those Infinities will introduce you to a new world of sound. The good thing about speakers, vs. electronics, VERY LITTLE CHANGES. So buy a pair for now, sit with them, get to know them, and relish the advantages and ease of 2 channel or 'stereo' sound. Cause they'll be around for a decade or more! And then start adding as time and money allows. You may also find your tastes change....

 

[BJamin]

For connections I would use bare wire, but you can use banana plugs if you like to.

What is your budget for sub? And what is your room size?

Is it better to use bare wire connections instead of banana plugs? I don't know much about it I just assumed banana plugs were better/easier to manage and keep from having problems.

Also since I have started with the infinity primus series it would be best for me to stick with that brand/model for the rest of the speakers as well then? I thought it only really mattered for the front 3 speakers to be the same type/brand/model, but if I should stick with that for all of them that's fine too.

As for sub, I'd say my budget is prob <$200 and preferably 50-100 though mostly just looking for something solid that will last and is a good deal (since I'm in no rush), and won't overpower the speakers/receiver I've got. I'd be willing to pay a bit more if necessary but that's my preferred range. My room isn't that big currently only about 17 feet by 14 ft, but whatever sound system I build I plan to move to a bigger place after not too long and am hoping to be able to use it there without issue and perhaps even improve some at that point.

 

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to the forum BJamin. The Infinity are a 4ohm speaker. I have reservations on the Sony lasting very long with these. I think you would be taxing that Sony if you like to listen at spirited levels.
Your sub budget is pretty anemic. Don't expect too much for less than $500. In fact $500 is kind of the starting point.

Perhaps a different route. How about Ascend Acoustics 340SE's. That shaves a couple hundred off your fronts to put toward a sub.
For that I would honestly try to save up toward the 1k mark. If that's not an option or patience is not a virtue you possess here's something to consider.

If you have some basic woodworking skills, a kit from Parts Express will give you the best bang for your buck.

http://www.parts-express.com/cat/subwoofer-system-kits/287

The kits listed have everything you need to build a quality sub at a very reasonable price.If you need a fully assembled sub, plug and play, try this.

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/rythmik-audio-lv12r-subwoofer

There are certainly other speaker sub combos that may work in your budget, but this would be a pretty solid 2.1 to build on IMO.

 

[BJamin]

Thanks for the Welcome JohnnieB. Are the Ascend Acoustic 340 SE's you mentioned the same as the CMT-340 SE MINI-TOWER MONITOR speakers for $568 a pair? If so that's actually more expensive than I paid for my current fronts. If those aren't the ones you were referring to can you maybe give me a link?

Other than that I appreciate the sub advice and will definitely look into a kit with the possibility of assembling something pretty solid at a more reasonable price for my current budget.

Also how many ohm speakers should I be looking for with my current receiver? Or should I be looking for another receiver?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[tyhjaarpa]

From HK site I read that those speakers are 8Ohm, if that is correct your receiver should be fine.

Barewire vs banana plugs is more of preference, bananas are easier if you need to move your cables often. In theory bare is slightly better as there is less connection points, but shouldnt effect on real performance how ever.

And like you said its most important to match front speakers, I myself like to match the rear too, but that is not necessary.

For your sub budget I would look for this : http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B00669L3HS

 

[JohnnieB]

You're welcome Ben. I stand corrected. I read over what you had paid for the Infinity's. I looked them up to see what the specs were and went by msrp which was back in 2012 so yes the 340's are more expensive.

From what I read the Sony is rated at 6ohm. It also states it has 4ohm/8ohm switching. I don't know for certain that they didn't rate the Sony at 6ohm to boost the output numbers. This doesn't necessarily mean it cant handle a 4ohm load. Its all speculative on my part. Point being, I would do a little research to be certain it is capable of running a 4ohm load for extended periods. If its not, you will burn out that receiver in short order by demanding too much from the amplifier.
The 93db rating of the Infinity's is also suspect since Gene found them to actually be a 4ohm speaker.
I would look for speakers with a minimum of 6ohm impedance and 8 would be better.
The decision to go with a different receiver or different speakers is entirely up to you. See how the Infinity's sound. If you like them and want to keep them, you need to make sure your amp section is up to the task.
Here's a couple links to read through and maybe help with your decision making process.

http://www.audioholics.com/loudspeaker-design/loudspeaker-sensitivity

http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/primus-p363

Maybe I'm way off base with concern, just trying to head off a relatively costly mistake if it can be avoided.

 

[zieglj01]

Also how many ohm speakers should I be looking for with my current receiver? Or should I be looking for another receiver?

I would not fear your receiver - there is too much fear of receivers going around.

Also there is no known collection dump station for receivers, that have been burned
up by Infinity Primus speakers. That has been way over-hyped.

What you do for upgrade or build up, is up to you - however, I would be looking more
at speakers - or completing your speaker and sub system.

 

[BJamin]

Thanks for all the information everyone. For now I picked up 16 gauge oxygen free speaker wire from monoprice (16 since I don't have to run it very long, only about 5 feet right now for the fronts), connected the bare wire to the infinity speakers and used banana plugs to connect the receiver. It sounds fine so far I'll give it a week and see how I like it.

I continued by researching a little more on subs after the information you guys provided. I think I'm leaning towards either the build your own model the JohnnieB suggested or one of the 12 inch subs around the $200 range. Specifically the Polk PSW505, the Klipsch 12-HG Synergy Series, the BIC F-12, or the Dayton SUB-1200. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts between these choices? Good, bad, or otherwise, I appreciate the advice.

Also I had a question about whether I could use the rear speakers (and maybe center speaker as well) from the cheap costco setup I had previously with my current set up until I fill in the rest of the holes with better speakers. From my limited research, using cheap or low powered speakers has the possibility of blowing out the speakers, but since I'm getting rid of them anyways I don't really care if they get destroyed. My only worry is whether it could damage my receiver at all. Any advice on this front would be awesome.

Thanks again everyone for all the help and advice!

 

[corey]

I recently bought a Klipsch 12-HG, and think it has a lot of bang-for-the-buck. With Prime, Amazon shipped it to Honolulu for $200 delivered!

 

[BJamin]

Right now it's for 300 on amazon, the cheapest I see is $230 at Fry's. As far as price goes, all 4 that I mentioned go for between $150 and $230 at the cheapest, at least that I've found so far. I could always just wait and watch for one of them to drop in price for a sale or something also since I don't need to rush too much.

 

[rojo]

I continued by researching a little more on subs after the information you guys provided. I think I'm leaning towards either the build your own model the JohnnieB suggested or one of the 12 inch subs around the $200 range. Specifically the Polk PSW505, the Klipsch 12-HG Synergy Series, the BIC F-12, or the Dayton SUB-1200. Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts between these choices? Good, bad, or otherwise, I appreciate the advice.

Of those choices, go for the Dayton. If you can bump your budget up just a bit to $270, I think you'd be happier in the long run with the NXG NX-BAS-500. See this review for justification.

Also I had a question about whether I could use the rear speakers (and maybe center speaker as well) from the cheap costco setup I had previously with my current set up until I fill in the rest of the holes with better speakers. From my limited research, using cheap or low powered speakers has the possibility of blowing out the speakers, but since I'm getting rid of them anyways I don't really care if they get destroyed. My only worry is whether it could damage my receiver at all. Any advice on this front would be awesome.

Thanks again everyone for all the help and advice!

Rear speakers, I don't see why not. You can always replace them later if you want.

Center, definitely not. Get the Infinity center from the same series as your mains. Your front stage needs to be timbre matched. I don't think there's much danger of anything blowing up, but having one of those disposable HTIB speakers responsible for dialog will make everyone sound like they've got their hands cupped over their mouths in contrast to your Infinity mains.

 

[BJamin]

Even if it's not great sound in comparison to my fronts, as long as it doesn't cause damage I'm fine with having crappy backs until I can afford to replace them with better ones. Unless you think it would be better just to run the fronts and no backs at all instead of crappy ones for the time being.

 

[ARES24]

I would suggest waiting until you can afford a sub that can fill your room. I know patience is hard but I find that cheaper subs are more likely to 'overpower' other speakers with deficiencies. A good sub will sound good even with acoustimass modules

 

[zieglj01]

Like Newegg has Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair) for only $50 maybe?

The Pioneer will be fine as surrounds

 

[shadyJ]

The Sony will be able to handle the Primus speakers just fine. Lower resistance will become a problem if you use the speakers really loud for a long time playing full range with a crappy receiver. I have used the Primus speakers hard on a bunch of different receivers and have had no problems. A lot of people are making a big deal out of running 4 ohm speakers on entry level or mid level AVRs. The real problem is heat generation. Keep the AVR in a well ventilated area and in room temperature, that will make a bigger difference than a somewhat lower than normal impedance of the speaker. If you are not in a hurry to buy your setup, the Primus frequently goes on sale for 100 - 130 each. Killer deal on a relatively powerful speaker.

 

[corey]

Here's my thoughts on your 3 issues:
1) Speaker Matching. You should match your center with your RL & LF, surrounds, not so much.
2) Receiver. I'm not a big fan of Sony, but it should be fine, especially with a sub. The low frequencies are what soak up power, and you'll be off loading that to your sub.
3) I don't like the Klipsch at $300 as much as $200, but I would still consider it. The NXG NX-BAS-500 has 500 watts of "dynamic power", which means it has 200+ watts RMS. I don't like companies that don't use RMS. The Dayton is 120 watts RMS, which is a bit anemic. The Klipsch is 300 watts RMS. I also own a Hsu STF2, and the my Klipsch Sub-12 compares favorably.

Another option is Craigs List. My STF2 was $160.

 

[beakergeek]

I had a small cheap Costco surround sound system that I was using for a few years and crapped out recently. Upon this happening I decided I should try to improve my system and speakers a ways since I needed to get something new anyways. My budget isn't huge and I admittedly don't know tons about audio, but I tried to do some research and find some decent pieces at good deal prices.

So far for about $200 I got a Sony STR-DN840 and then for another $200 I got a pair of Infinity Primus P363 Floorstanding front speakers.

Can someone let me know if I'm doing alright so far? What gauge/type of speaker wire would be best to connect these? 16 gauge? What type of connectors would be best? Banana plugs or dual banana plugs maybe?

Then it sounds like I should stay with the same brand and quality with a center speaker, but doesn't it matter much for the rear/surround speakers or sub? Could I get something cheaper for the rear speakers? Like Newegg has Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair) for only $50 maybe?

Thanks,
Ben

The gauge depends on how long the wire is and how many ohms you are driving (I'm guessing 8 ohms). There is a recent article on this site about speaker wire guage, but 16 is likely ok for most. I like Blue Jeans Cables. I prefer to just use bare wire termination. You should try to match your front three speakers first, yes. For rears you can go cheaper.