Need help choosing sub $500 stereo speakers for start of 5.1 system

L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
Hi all,

I recently picked up a Samsung ht-5500w home theater system on the cheap from a local store (paid $50). It comes with the amp, wireless surround hub, all 5 speakers and a sub. I am planning on changing (as my budget allows) mostly every component in the system, starting with the stereo speakers, then the sub, then center, then surround, and finally the amp (it runs on 1000 watts and can basically run anything that I can afford to a good level for the time being). I realize that the 2.1 part of a speaker system is the most important part, and was starting to look at some stereo speakers. My main purpose for the speakers would be to play music, mostly classical and electronic (dubstep- type, or think James Blake if you know who he is). My main preference is clear vocals, with clear, compelling bass a close second. I understand that it is not easy to find both of these in a sub $500 package, but I am just looking for an upper- entry level system that will sound better than my current Dayton b652s. I am on a budget, and the speakers would be set up in either a small bedroom or a small dorm room, so I don't especially need it to be overpoweringly loud, but am more interested in the quality of the sound. As a point of reference, I have been considering Klipsch's Synergy B-20 speakers, as well as their Reference RB- 61 speakers (I know these are just different tiers of the same brand, but part of what I am asking is if the extra money is worth the difference in value of these, or any other speakers within this range), the Wharfedale Diamond 220 speaker pair, and am also curious as to what something like the JBL Studio 500 would offer that the afforementioned speakers would not. I am looking for value, as I am a college student and this is a newfound interest of mine, but I would like it to be a pair of speakers that I am wowed by, and not just something that "eh, its better than the Daytons". I am a musician (a cellist) and am in school for it, so I am more sensitive to lower and midrange frequencies than to the upper ones, and to me, the daytons sounded great in the upper range to start. I know I still have more listening to do before I really develop a sensitivity to good vs great speakers, but I would love something that I hear a definitive difference in, and that I don't regret spending what would be a significant amount of money for me. Any help would be very much appreciated.

tldr: Looking for a pair of sub $500 stereo mains to start my 5.1 system with, supported by a 1000 watt Samsung ht- 5500w amp. Am curious to the difference in sound compared to the difference of price for something like the Klipsch Synergy B-20s vs the JBL Studio 500 (specific differences). Don't need loud, but would like as good sound quality as possible for the price. Preferences in order: clear vocals, compelling bass, rhythmic mid-ranges. Don't care about aesthetics. At all.
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
Please feel free to include some speaker slightly above my price range if it is a real difference compared to ones within my range. Thanks, all!
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
Thats an HTiB, you will not be able to change speakers!

It is designed to work with exactly what it came with, and nothing else. You will need an actual receiver when you are ready to upgrade!
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
I have some daytons running with it that are doing alright. No distortion or anything. I got it with some LG surrounds too so it never came with the full setup. I have the wireheads as well so I actually can use thicker wire with it. The impendance doesn't seem to be an issue so far. If you could explain that would be awesome. I'm new so don't know too much beyond what the specs mean and the different parts of a speaker. Also, you may want to post another reply anyway cuz you are at 666 messages :D
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
Thank you as well agarwalro, that thread was very helpful. Sorry I didn't look around before posting- I was too excited to get started looking.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
Also, you may want to post another reply anyway cuz you are at 666 messages :D
Wow, and to think I was heading to his house, uh demonic lair, when the trip got scuttled!
Hope he posts again before his wife gets home! Might not be a pretty scene!:eek::D
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
I recently picked up a Samsung ht-5500w home theater system

Am curious to the difference in sound compared to the difference of price for something like the Klipsch Synergy B-20s vs the JBL Studio 500 (specific differences). Don't need loud, but would like as good sound quality as possible for the price. Preferences in order: clear vocals, compelling bass, rhythmic mid-ranges. Don't care about aesthetics. At all.
To put it simple - the JBL Studio 530 is more refined and defined
compared to the Klipsch B Synergy sound signature. Also, to my
ears are more smooth with better detail and definition compared
to the Klipsch Reference speakers.

Voices and instruments are produced nicely with the Studio 530.

Some people who prefer a more aggressive, forward and blaring
sound signature, may prefer the Klipsch.

If you really like music - then you need something above the Dayton
and Samsung stuff. It would be an ear opener.

Enjoy the journey.
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
The tiny transformer found in there is going to cook itself alive very quickly if you use anything but the standard speakers. The fact that you need to use specialized connectors should reaffirm this fact for you!
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
As for 666:

"The Demon Code prevents me, from declining an (audioholics) challenge.... what are your terms, whats the caaaatch?"

- Pick of Destiny
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
The tiny transformer found in there is going to cook itself alive very quickly if you use anything but the standard speakers. The fact that you need to use specialized connectors should reaffirm this fact for you!
Alright I just assumed the specialized connectors had more to do with Samsung trying to maintain exclusivity with the set. So... What would be some good receiver options for a beginner? Let's assume I'm planning on rocking a pair of the jbl studio 530s and putting the Daytons on surround duty with the same center and sub I listed for the time being.
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
To put it simple - the JBL Studio 530 is more refined and defined
compared to the Klipsch B Synergy sound signature. Also, to my
ears are more smooth with better detail and definition compared
to the Klipsch Reference speakers.

Voices and instruments are produced nicely with the Studio 530.

Some people who prefer a more aggressive, forward and blaring
sound signature, may prefer the Klipsch.

If you really like music - then you need something above the Dayton
and Samsung stuff. It would be an ear opener.

Enjoy the journey.
This was very helpful, thanks.
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
Alright I just assumed the specialized connectors had more to do with Samsung trying to maintain exclusivity with the set. So... What would be some good receiver options for a beginner? Let's assume I'm planning on rocking a pair of the jbl studio 530s and putting the Daytons on surround duty with the same center and sub I listed for the time being.
Denon and Yamaha get the most praise around here. Identify your needs for video performance, if any, and then select a new or even used AVR. Plenty to be found under $500!
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
Denon and Yamaha get the most praise around here. Identify your needs for video performance, if any, and then select a new or even used AVR. Plenty to be found under $500!
Eh I mean I originally started my audio interest (which is becoming an obsession) because I wanted to match it with a 4k tv I bought (cheap one(relatively(yes I use parenthesis too much))), so I guess the video performance is somewhat a factor but I'm really more concerned with the audio. There are just so many more dimensions to it. Is it possible to splurge on speakers and keep my receiver budget a bit lower? Or is that something that would be not reccomended? How much effect do the receivers have on the actual sound quality of the system?

Sorry I know I'm asking a lot but I am genuinely interested in this and want to make it sound as good as I can on a budget. Thanks in advance for the help.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Alright I just assumed the specialized connectors had more to do with Samsung trying to maintain exclusivity with the set. So... What would be some good receiver options for a beginner? Let's assume I'm planning on rocking a pair of the jbl studio 530s and putting the Daytons on surround duty with the same center and sub I listed for the time being.
Look at the Denon S700W
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S700W-7-2-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00JRTMOGS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1437621020&sr=8-3&keywords=receivers&refinements=p_89:Denon

Plus Amazon has a used one for $275.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JRTMOGS/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

It will drive the JBL and surrounds - I would go phantom center and save
for the proper center channel

Your call
 
L

Louis Rizzo

Junior Audioholic
Look at the Denon S700W
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S700W-7-2-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B00JRTMOGS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1437621020&sr=8-3&keywords=receivers&refinements=p_89:Denon

Plus Amazon has a used one for $275.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JRTMOGS/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

It will drive the JBL and surrounds - I would go phantom center and save
for the proper center channel

Your call
Thanks, this seems like everything I would want in a receiver- one question, however- is there anything with similar specs but without the 4k features, that may sell for cheaper? I can afford it if it is the option to go with, but depending on the price difference, I may be ok with foregoing the av features. Most of the wow factor for me comes from the audio, and less from the visual.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Thanks, this seems like everything I would want in a receiver- one question, however- is there anything with similar specs but without the 4k features, that may sell for cheaper? I can afford it if it is the option to go with, but depending on the price difference, I may be ok with foregoing the av features. Most of the wow factor for me comes from the audio, and less from the visual.
If you want to go budget - then look at the S500
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S500BT-Receiver-Capability-Bluetooth/dp/B00JR6GJLW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1437624301&sr=1-1&keywords=denon+receiver
 
TheWarrior

TheWarrior

Audioholic Ninja
Sorry, saw this on my phone last night, but I hate commenting with that thing. Looks like you found a new direction, so please enjoy! Be sure to post pics when its all set up!
 

Latest posts

newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top