New Build help

[Convo]

Hey everyone. Hoping I can get some help with a 5.1 build I plan to do. I'm redoing my basement and currently have it down to the studs so I figured now is the time to start planning for some good surround. The room is going to be roughly 20x20. My budget is flexible but I really want to keep it between $500-800. I know that limits me a bit. I was looking at a few systems like Orb but it sounds like should I probably go with something bigger for better quality?

 

[KenM10759]

Yeah, very limiting budget. Finish the room, then start saving as much as you can. A dedicated HT of that size deserves the best you can get. An Orb system is something you'd be looking to upgrade the second you experienced an even slightly better system.

Now with a room that size and starting a build, why would you not consider future planning for a full Atmos/DTS:X or at least a 7.1 system? If it were me (and it well could be in a couple years), I'd be at the stud level with CL2 rated speaker wire in my hand stapling it up for up to at least a 9.2.4 system. Wire is cheap compared to trying to run it after walls are up.

Good luck.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

at your budget you need to stop and rethink. Yes - you can bunch of crappy speakers and have 5.1 OR you could start with few quality speakers and add more when budget allows.

for speakers - you'd hard to find anything better than these:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

receiver: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marsr5008/marantz-sr5008-7.2-network-home-theater-receiver-airplay/1.html
you could go with cheaper: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavr2113ci/denon-avr-2113ci-7.1ch-networking-receiver-w/airplay-3d-ready/1.html
but biggest feature you'd be missing is pre-outs

 

[Cosmic Char]

For bookshelf speakers, you can't beat the deal on affordable accuracy speakers from Phillharmonics. They are clear, good range for the money, and very inexpensive.

 

[Convo]

Thanks for the info so far guys. I have a lot to think about. I've never even heard of those brands. Sounds like I could get away with no Sub with the Phillharmonics? The reason I haven't gone all in is I don't plan on staying in this house. I guess I could slowly add to a 7.1 and take everything with me when I move.. I certainly don't mind wiring now. I honestly don't know where I would place all those speakers so I need to research that. I really don't want wires running around the room so I guess I'd have to mount stuff to the walls? Is there a good site that shows speaker layouts? I watched some stuff on Crutchfield. The plan for my room is to mount the TV on the wall, have a large surround sofa then behind that a high top with some high top seating so people can see over the folks on the couch, so speaker placement would probably be pretty important. I'm considering placing 2 in the ceiling above the sofa.

Also, here is the other system i was considering http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-PK52FS-Theater-Speaker-Package/dp/B00IK8I9K2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1460467829&sr=1-1&keywords=pioneer+andrew+jones+home+theater+system+5.1

 

[everettT]

Where are you located. Have you considered used? A system like this is a great bargain for a starter set.

 

[herbu]

Is there a good site that shows speaker layouts?

Yep. A plain Google search of "7.1 surround speaker placement" gives you this: https://www.google.com/search?q=7.1+surround+speaker+placement&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwia4-mLqInMAhVFTSYKHQP4CVoQ_AUIBygB&biw=1081&bih=558

You can see all are some variation of this:

To read about it, go here: http://www.dolby.com/us/en/guide/surround-sound-speaker-setup/7-1-setup.html

Now, the Affordable Accuracy speakers are generally agreed to be the best you can get for the money, ($200/pair). But for a good home theater, you also need a good sub. And a good sub will cost more than your whole budget. So my recommendation is:
1) Run good wires in your walls while you can. Terminate them in wall connectors at the approx speaker positions.
2) Send Dennis Murphy an email at this site: http://philharmonicaudio.com/
He's the owner/designer/builder of the speakers we suggest. A good guy. He'll get back to you. Talk to him about your budget and speaker desires. He'll help.
3) Forget the sub for now. You need one, but if you include it in your budget, you won't be happy with the speakers or sub. You can enjoy your system while saving for a sub.

 

[Convo]

I'm located in Philly. So doesn't look like I can jump on that deal

I hope I didn't come off as a lazy poster. I did do some googling and that's where I came across the crutchfield speaker layout guides.

I didn't realize they were 200 for the pair.. That is good. i thought it was 200 per speaker.

I think my only issue would be the surround left and right. I really have no place to put a left speaker without running exposed wire. Could I place those in the ceiling instead? If so, I guess the mounting would be similar in distance or maybe a little closer together since they aren't aimed at the viewing area?

I'll reach out. thanks for the email

 

[Cosmic Char]

Save up for a sub. Dr Hsu has a nice 15 that will knock your socks off for about a grand. I intend on adding a second at some point this year, money willing!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm located in Philly. So doesn't look like I can jump on that deal

a) Dennis would ship for a reasonably small charge and b) Philly to DC is a short ride - under 3 hours.

 

[Convo]

$1000 for a sub!? jeez.. I don't know about that lol... Has to be something a bit more reasonable in price for my needs?

So I talked to Dennis.. He gave me some really good insight on speaker selection. I'm going to go with 2 of his Accuracy speakers(I need to find stands for these) and a center channel speaker he also makes.

He also recommended NHT SuperZero for my rears so I can hang them on the wall. So now I just need to find some decent in ceiling surrounds to cover the left and right surround placement.

One other issue I'm concerned about.. I have a soffit that runs thru my basement. It's towards the back wall about 3 feet off. It's roughly going to be 3 ft wide when I rock over it. My concern is if I put the rears on the back wall, the soffit may block the sounds since I want to mount them higher up on the wall closer to the ceiling?

 

[everettT]

$1000 for a sub!? jeez.. I don't know about that lol... Has to be something a bit more reasonable in price for my needs?

So I talked to Dennis.. He gave me some really good insight on speaker selection. I'm going to go with 2 of his Accuracy speakers(I need to find stands for these) and a center channel speaker he also makes.

http://www.amazon.com/BF31-B1-Speaker-Stands-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JQ5O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1460499943&sr=8-6&keywords=speaker+stands

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

http://www.amazon.com/BF31-B1-Speaker-Stands-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JQ5O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1460499943&sr=8-6&keywords=speaker+stands

These are decent stands - I have them and bought them a bit cheaper few years ago. They come in 24" and 31" height.
Try to estimate than Left/right speakers tweeter would end up at ear level and for surrounds - a foot above your ear level.

 

[lovinthehd]

2) Send Dennis Murphy an email at this site: http://philharmonicaudio.com/
He's the owner/designer/builder of the speakers we suggest. A good guy. He'll get back to you. Talk to him about your budget and speaker desires. He'll help.
.

Just FWIW he designed a new crossover for the Dayton BR-1 speaker in the case of the Affordable Accuracy; the kit sells for not much less than he sells it put together which is amazing. I built a set of these and would like to hear what difference his xover made.

OP, having heard of a brand in the speaker world doesn't mean a whole lot....depends on what you read/where you shop. Bose is arguably the most famous/well known brand and look what kind of overpriced dreck that gets you these days....

 

[noflers]

Just FWIW he designed a new crossover for the Dayton BR-1 speaker in the case of the Affordable Accuracy; the kit sells for not much less than he sells it put together which is amazing. I built a set of these and would like to hear what difference his xover made.

OP, having heard of a brand in the speaker world doesn't mean a whole lot....depends on what you read/where you shop. Bose is arguably the most famous/well known brand and look what kind of overpriced dreck that gets you these days....

Mine will be here tomorrow, can't wait. Unfortunately I'm moving two days later and might not get a chance to hook them up for a while, after this week. Nonetheless, excited to finally hear what everyone is raving about.

 

[Convo]

Let me know how you like it. The more I read about the speakers the more I'm looking forward to getting them. It's probably going to be a month or so before he can make them tho.

 

[Cosmic Char]

I have them, and they are great!

 

[Convo]

awesome.. did you get the center as well or just the 2 bookshelves?

 

[noflers]

Will do. They've been at home all day, I'm on my 13th hour of work and I just wanna get home to play with them.

 

[Convo]

looking forward to it. What do you guys think of these http://www.amazon.com/Micca-R-8C-Reference-Rimless--Ceiling/dp/B008QQ9SB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1459363142&sr=1-1&keywords=micca r-8c&tag=viglink20246-20#Ask

for in ceiling?