Pioneer Andrew Jones vs. Wavecrest HVL-1?

[maverick22]

I am trying to put together a budget (~$1,000) 5.1 system. How do the Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers sound compare to Wave Crest HVL-1?

The area is about 25x20 with an 11 foot ceiling. It will mainly get used for watching blu-rays (ps3, also have Uverse receiver). I won't be listening to music much.

If you think HVL-1s are better, can you use them for all 3 in the front (left, center, right)?

Before I go through all of this trouble, would both of these be better than what I currently have (Sony CT350 soundbar + sub)? http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HT-CT350-...ct_top?ie=UTF8

Looking for ~$300 receiver and $300 sub as well to go with the speakers.

Thanks!

 

[slipperybidness]

The Pio or the Wavecrest will kill that sony setup.

 

[maverick22]

Good to know! So either would be good enough to fill the 25x20 (open living room into kitchen) area?

Do you know which sounds better (Pio or Wavecrest)?

 

[slipperybidness]

Good to know! So either would be good enough to fill the 25x20 (open living room into kitchen) area?

Do you know which sounds better (Pio or Wavecrest)?

Someone else will come along with better info than me.

That is a pretty big room, it will take a big subwoofer or a pair of big subwoofers to get great bass in that room.

Which sounds better? That is a subjective question that only you can answer.

Personally, I would choose the Wavecrest, even though I have not personally heard them. But, for a large room, the Pio may be a better choice.

Be patient, someone will come along with intimate knowledge on both these choices and tell you the strengths and weaknesses of each.

 

[maverick22]

Thank you for taking the time to try to answer, slipperybidness!

 

[psbfan9]

Hi Maverick22,

I've heard the pioneers and the HVL-1's. I bought the HVL-1's and love them. I have them set up in the configuration you're thinking about. L/R/C. I have them toed in about 20 degrees crossed over at 80 hz. to a SVS NSD 12 sub.
The HVL-1's go loud and clear. I'm driving them with a Yamaha A830. In a review by Jman, he says," They seem impervious to power". So if needed you can add and external amp to fill your room, but I'm not sure it (an amp) would be necessary.

Plus, Curtis was/is great to work with before and after the sale.

Cons: Only color option available is black.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/wave-crest-audio-hvl-1.94454/

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/72159-wave-crest-audio-hvl-1-speaker-review.html#ixzz2pI53Dbd4

 

[maverick22]

Hi Maverick22,

I've heard the pioneers and the HVL-1's. I bought the HVL-1's and love them. I have them set up in the configuration you're thinking about. L/R/C. I have them toed in about 20 degrees crossed over at 80 hz. to a SVS NSD 12 sub.
The HVL-1's go loud and clear. I'm driving them with a Yamaha A830. In a review by Jman, he says," They seem impervious to power". So if needed you can add and external amp to fill your room, but I'm not sure it (an amp) would be necessary.

Plus, Curtis was/is great to work with before and after the sale.

Cons: Only color option available is black.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/wave-crest-audio-hvl-1.94454/

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/72159-wave-crest-audio-hvl-1-speaker-review.html#ixzz2pI53Dbd4

Are you using the HLVs as rear/surrounds also? I am wondering how I would fit those back there in the corners of my walls? What speaker stands did you get for the LCR?

Thanks

 

[psbfan9]

Do you have any rear/surrounds? I am wondering how I would fit those back there in the corners of my walls? What speaker stands did you get for the LCR?

Thanks

I have an older pair if PSB Mites that I'm using for surrounds now. I plan getting another pair of HVl-1's to use as rears soon though. I have an entertainment stand that I have the center on and I wall mounted the left and right with these;

http://www.btechavmounts.com/product-range/products/bt77

Pics of set up;

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/barrys-before-and-after.93790/page-3

I'll try to answer any questions you have.

 

[maverick22]

I have an older pair if PSB Mites that I'm using for surrounds now. I plan getting another pair of HVl-1's to use as rears soon though. I have an entertainment stand that I have the center on and I wall mounted the left and right with these;

http://www.btechavmounts.com/product-range/products/bt77

Pics of set up;

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/barrys-before-and-after.93790/page-3

I'll try to answer any questions you have.

Thanks for the pics--looks good. I am just starting to look into audio more seriously. So is it fine that those 3 are all the same (LCR all the same as opposed to a set where the center is a dedicated center speaker)?

 

[KEW]

Some options for your receiver:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1100w/denon-avr-x1100w-7.2-4k-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay-w/3-yr-warranty/1.html

If you don't need the Wi-fi/BT, this is a better fit:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr2113ci/denon-avr-2113ci-7.1ch-networking-receiver-w/airplay-3d-ready/1.html#!specifications

For the Subs, a pair of these:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

I have bought three of these (two for a setup for my GF). Instead of tuning for 25Hz and getting a sub that pumps out mush, they tuned the port for ~35Hz and have a sub that sounds good for $150! In a way, what it is is a really, really good woofer to round out your bookshelf speakers. It puts my $600 SVS SB12-plus to shame for playing music, though the depth and output of the SVS for an explosion is better.

I have mostly reached the conclusion that if you want a good sub for both music and HT, the starting price is about $1000.

Jim Wilson's review:
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/71766-dayton-audio-sub-1200-subwoofer-review.html

 

[maverick22]

Some options for your receiver:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1100w/denon-avr-x1100w-7.2-4k-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay-w/3-yr-warranty/1.html

If you don't need the Wi-fi/BT, this is a better fit:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr2113ci/denon-avr-2113ci-7.1ch-networking-receiver-w/airplay-3d-ready/1.html#!specifications

For the Subs, a pair of these:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

I have bought three of these (two for a setup for my GF). Instead of tuning for 25Hz and getting a sub that pumps out mush, they tuned the port for ~35Hz and have a sub that sounds good for $150! In a way, what it is is a really, really good woofer to round out your bookshelf speakers. It puts my $600 SVS SB12-plus to shame for playing music, though the depth and output of the SVS for an explosion is better.

I have mostly reached the conclusion that if you want a good sub for both music and HT, the starting price is about $1000.

Jim Wilson's review:
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/71766-dayton-audio-sub-1200-subwoofer-review.html

I would like Bluetooth although I probably wouldn't use it a ton. I saw Jim said that the HLVs might not work well with the Dayton sub.
"I wouldn't notrecommend that pairing, but it didn't strike me as ideal. If someone is looking for inexpensive speakers they will generally be looking for a budget-friendly subwooferas well. The SUB-1200is still an excellent value in my opinion, but the HVL-1's resolved better than the Dayton sub was capable of.

If that configuration is what finances allow I don't think anyone would be disappointed, I just felt the Wave Crest speakers favored something a bit more articulate."

Read more: http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-speakers/72160-wave-crest-audio-hvl-1-discussion-thread-4.html#ixzz3eV5axT4l

You are the 2nd person in a short list of suggestions that recommended that 1100 Denon receiver. Must be pretty good. Might just go with that. Does it have all the latest decoders (dts, Dolby, etc.), or is that above what my setup needs? *edit--I just saw that it has those

I will definitely be using the whole setup more for TV/movies than I will music, if that changes anything regarding the sub suggestion. Is front firing better than down firing for subs? My wife may hate 2 subs in the room. Is 1 of those not good enough? Maybe I could try 1 at first, then a 2nd later if I feel necessary.

Thank you very much for the reply!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Since you have such large room, I have to suggest option C , and yes it's a bit more expensive, but I think it will provide massive improvements (due to very large space)
It's HSU Hybrid 3 HP - 3.1 Package in Satin Black.
Only thing missing is two surrounds - which could be pio's BS22, Micca 42x or almost any pair of old speakers you can find.
The reason for my recommendation is these HSU speakers will be able to play louder with ease.
I think based on reviews HLV-1 is great speaker, but in terms of dymanics not in same league as HSU speakers. The package also includes amazing value VTF3-MK5 sub which should fill your very large room with great bass. Later on you probably would want to add a second one.

Another bonus - you won't need to go crazy with AVR power - these would very loud even with 50w per channel

 

[maverick22]

Since you have such large room, I have to suggest option C , and yes it's a bit more expensive, but I think it will provide massive improvements (due to very large space)
It's HSU Hybrid 3 HP - 3.1 Package in Satin Black.
Only thing missing is two surrounds - which could be pio's BS22, Micca 42x or almost any pair of old speakers you can find.
The reason for my recommendation is these HSU speakers will be able to play louder with ease.
I think based on reviews HLV-1 is great speaker, but in terms of dymanics not in same league as HSU speakers. The package also includes amazing value VTF3-MK5 sub which should fill your very large room with great bass. Later on you probably would want to add a second one.

Another bonus - you won't need to go crazy with AVR power - these would very loud even with 50w per channel

In the little research I have done so far I haven't seen these yet. I'll have to to look more into these.

 

[psbfan9]

Thanks for the pics--looks good. I am just starting to look into audio more seriously. So is it fine that those 3 are all the same (LCR all the same as opposed to a set where the center is a dedicated center speaker)?

Yep. In fact, this is an ideal set up. With all three speakers the same model in the same series they are exactly timbre matched.
You can orient the center either horizontally or vertically. It's personal preference. I thought vertical looked better. Well, If I'm honest, my wife told me vertical looked better ...

 

[KEW]

theJman wrote:
That's a very good question.

I suspect they would integrate rather well. The speakers mandate the room not be too large, but given they were designed for precision - as was the Rythmik - it seems the pairing could prove to be ideal. I would actually like to hear that combination myself.

Read more: http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/home-audio-speakers/72160-wave-crest-audio-hvl-1-discussion-thread-4.html#ixzz3eVKC3aJZ

The Rythmik is also my favorite sub (I have dual E15HP's) because I like the outstanding articulation it offers. Without budget concerns, I would recommend the F12, which run about $950/ea. shipped.

Note that the ported Rythmik is not in the same class for articulation. Here is the port spectrogram from the ported Rythmik LV12R; see how the port tune doesn't drop below yellow (~80dB) until 75-80 milliseconds:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/67309-rythmik-lv12r-subwoofer-review.html

Here is the Port spectrogram from the SUB-1200; it is out of the yellow about twice as quickly:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/speaker-subwoofer-reviews/71766-dayton-audio-sub-1200-subwoofer-review.html

This is a perfect example of what I am talking about, the LV12R puts out incredible amounts of bass in the 20Hz range, but you can see that the SUB-1200 doesn't attempt it, but does offer competent control over what it does produce. To Rythmik's credit, they state on their website that the LV12R is for Home Theater use (and specify sealed units like the F12 for music).

And here is the Rythmik E15HP. This is the state of the art as far as I have been able to determine:

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1471574-rythmik-e15-vs-svs-sb13-ultra-4.html#post24544440

So, to fit your budget, I would stick with the SUB-1200. Your idea of buying one and seeing if you need a second is practical, but get two if you can. Dual subs give you smoother frequency response for the low notes that tend to resonate inside a room.

 

[psbfan9]

I think based on reviews HLV-1 is great speaker, but in terms of dymanics not in same league as HSU speakers.

Oh man! .... Dissin' my speakers?!

Maverick22, the Hsu's get good reviews and BSA know his stuff but these are two completely different speakers.
Have you auditioned any speakers? Both Wavecrest and Hsu have liberal return policies so you could order both and do your own review in your room.
I'm not sure which you'll like better, it will be the HVL-1's, but it will give you a better idea of what to look for in a speaker. You may not like either one.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Yep. In fact, this is an ideal set up. With all three speakers the same model in the same series they are exactly timbre matched.
You can orient the center either horizontally or vertically.

You probably shouldn't place HLV-1 on the side, but even compared to dedicated MTM center speakers, a simple vertical bookshelf could sound better, and yes - identical lcr is good, identical all speakers = ideal for surround music.

disclaimer: I haven't heard hlv-1, but did heard HSU speakers and subs. My comparison is based upon specs and design elements of both speakers.
Again - hlv-1 is great value speaker, just hsu would be a bit closer to "movie theater" sound

 

[maverick22]

I have not listened to either. I have only read here, avsforum, googled, youtube'd, etc. Someone at avs said that it's $200 to send HSU equipment back if you are not satisfied. That, and the lack of reviews/info worry me a little to be honest. At the same time, I'm sure they sound great, but once again, they are a little over my budget. $1239 + $169 shipping + $100 taxes + $250 for the receiver = $1760 if I went the HSU route.

I already got the "spending $1,000 on a sound system?" from the wife. She is a very frugal woman who wants better sound, but only if we happen to win it for free haha!

So, are the HVLs definitely better than the Andrew Jones Pioneers?

One thing also, if I go with the HVLs, those suckers are too big to mount in the small corners of our walls. They would stick out like a sore thumb.

Will the 3 HVLs in L-C-R still sound good if I decided to go with a different brand and smaller size for the rears/surround? Thank you all very much for the info and suggestions! Kurt, thanks for taking the time to show the graphs. Honestly they are a little over my head, but I am slowly learning!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

There was a time then Dennis Murphy ran a line of modified AJ's Pioneers under name of AA - affordable accuracy. (Unfortunately not anymore) Tbh only these speakers could go head to head with HLV-1s. Com[ared Original Pioneers? Not so much, due to issues of large variances in quality of tweeter.

Speaking of Andrew Jones - I don't know if you heard, but he left Pioneer and joined Elac.
Already has new line of speakers - Elec Debut - it's not quite as cheap as Pioneers, but in same ballpark.
Supposed to be available this September.

 

[maverick22]

There was a time then Dennis Murphy ran a line of modified AJ's Pioneers under name of AA - affordable accuracy. (Unfortunately not anymore) Tbh only these speakers could go head to head with HLV-1s. Com[ared Original Pioneers? Not so much, due to issues of large variances in quality of tweeter.

Speaking of Andrew Jones - I don't know if you heard, but he left Pioneer and joined Elac.
Already has new line of speakers - Elec Debut - it's not quite as cheap as Pioneers, but in same ballpark.
Supposed to be available this September.

So you are saying the HLV-1s are better than the Pioneers? Yes I did hear he is leaving for Elac.

Sorry for the noob question, but if I got 5 HVL-1s (thinking just 3 for now), does the receiver know how to utilize the speaker best once each speaker is plugged into the receiver? Just seems weird to me that 5 of the exact same speaker are better than 5 speakers in a set designed what they are each supposed to do. Again, I am a noob haha.

Thanks!