An overall sound system under $700

[MHPHD]

Hi All,

I just simply have a TV at this moment, and nothing else.

I would like any sort of sound system (be it bookshelf speakers + receiver, or a soundbar, or a pre-packaged unit), but I want it under $700 overall (my original post was $300 budget but I was convinced to increase my budget, so I edited this message now)

My main focus: 80% movies, 20% music.

• The dimensions of the rectangular room is 9' x 13' (where TV is at the end of the 13' length).
• The space is pretty open for any kind of set up.

And I will not be planning on slowly adding to my budget throughout the years. This will be a one-time purchase and I will not slowly build the system.

Thanks for your help. I know you guys can help me with awesome suggestions.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

A pair of philharmonic AA bookshelf speakers and craigslist's receiver

 

[shadyJ]

I would get a pair of these guys in that situation.

 

[MHPHD]

That's doable and seems like an awesome suggestion. I can give it a try.
Any other possibilities or suggestions?

 

[MHPHD]

Well, those JBL LSR305 Monitor would get me to $300, which then I would have to get a receiver as well, which takes the whole thing above my budget unfortunately.

 

[slipperybidness]

Well, those JBL LSR305 Monitor would get me to $300, which then I would have to get a receiver as well, which takes the whole thing above my budget unfortunately.

No, those JBLs are powered speakers, no amp required.

But, I'm assuming that you want/need to control the volume with a remote control on this setup?

 

[MHPHD]

No, those JBLs are powered speakers, no amp required.

But, I'm assuming that you want/need to control the volume with a remote control on this setup?

if that's the case, then do you mean they will be directly connected to TV? and if so, then wouldn't TV volume automatically control their volume?

[yes, any method of remotely controlling the volume, either through TV's remote or any other way is definitely necessary]

 

[afterlife2]

What is your TV model? Does it have a headphone jack?

 

[slipperybidness]

if that's the case, then do you mean they will be directly connected to TV? and if so, then wouldn't TV volume automatically control their volume?

[yes, any method of remotely controlling the volume, either through TV's remote or any other way is definitely necessary]

Well, keeping it under $300 is gonna be tough, but not impossible.

We need info on your TV to help you out better. Make and Model?

Another option would be the Philharmonic AA already mentioned (just do a google search), then choose a low end refurb receiver from A4L
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

 

[MHPHD]

My TV is Samsung 55".
UN55KU6300FXZA

 

[afterlife2]

Ok you'll need this to hook up the speakers: https://www.amazon.com/RuiPuo-Digital-Converter-44-1kHz-Coaxial/dp/B01HZ986MW/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1474065426&sr=1-20&keywords=optical+converter+to+rca
With these speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR-CR3-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4E/ref=pd_lpo_267_bs_lp_t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BNZQZ3TK8NM715B6ENW0

 

[shadyJ]

Afterlife is right, it does not look like that TV has any analogue outputs. You will want to use the HDMI. I would just get a reasonably priced used AVR and used bookshelf speakers. $300 is a very tight budget to get anything new. You might get this and a pair of powered speakers.

 

[afterlife2]

Alternative:
199 + free shipping and a great deal:
http://www.harmanaudio.com/refurbished-speakers/AVR+2700+REFURB.html?dwvar_AVR 2700 REFURB_color=Black-Z#prefn1=brand&prefn2=isRefurbished&prefv3=false&prefv1=Harman+Kardon&prefv2=true&prefn3=isSupport&start=1
and
AA's ($210 + shipping): http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
or
$99 Fluance: http://www.fluance.com/bookshelf-speakers/av5-powerful-dynamic-two-way-bookshelf-speakers

 

[MHPHD]

Awesome, Now I know what I would do. This has been a blast. Thanks so much. Time to try these two options out in person.

 

[afterlife2]

You won't find those in person I doubt it. The JBL's will be a hassle to hook up, so you don't want those.

 

[MHPHD]

On another note, your suggestions excited me up so much that I managed to convince my roommate to chip in as well. So now my budget just went up to $600-$700 range. Would you mind please recommend another set of options considering this new budget of mine?

maybe I get the refurbished HK AVR 2700 that afterlife2 recommended for $200, and then I have $400-$500 left for a pair of speakers? and what speakers then?

 

[shadyJ]

You might take a look at some JBL Studio 230s in that price range. Also some Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 speakers, Hsu Research HB-1 mk2, and SVS Prime bookshelf speakers.

 

[speakerman39]

Here is an option for you:

http://www.fluance.com/home-theater-systems/av5htb-dynamic-home-theater-surround-sound-speaker-system

Get a Refurbished HK AVR 2700 receiver as Afterlife2 mentioned and you are all set. That would only come to $400, leaving the rest for a sub. I would get one of these:

http://www.harmanaudio.com/infinity/REFERENCE+SUB+R12.html?dwvar_REFERENCE SUB R12_color=Black-Z#prefn1=brand&prefn2=isRefurbished&prefv3=false&prefv1=Infinity&prefv2=true&prefn3=isSupport&start=1

That would then total $600 leaving the rest for cables, speaker wire, and etc. That really would be a decent setup inmho. Best wishes!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[cel4145]

You might take a look at some JBL Studio 230s in that price range. Also some Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 speakers, Hsu Research HB-1 mk2, and SVS Prime bookshelf speakers.

+1


Good speaker choices. Ascend and SVS may have b-stock to save you a few dollars.

Here's a subwoofer to add some bass: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[herbu]

Taking some from above and combining...

$169.99: This Yamaha receiver w/ sub pre-out: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamhtr3067bl/yamaha-htr-3067-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-a/v-receiver-same-as-rx-v377/1.html
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamhtr3067bl/yamaha-htr-3067-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-a/v-receiver-same-as-rx-v377/1.html
$210: Two of these Philharmonic Audio AA speakers: http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

$200: One of these subs: http://www.harmanaudio.com/infinity/REFERENCE+SUB+R12.html?dwvar_REFERENCE SUB R12_color=Black-Z#prefn1=brand&prefn2=isRefurbished&prefv3=false&prefv1=Infinity&prefv2=true&prefn3=isSupport&start=1

That's $580, which leaves plenty for shipping & cables, then a Bluray player if you don't have one... or just a bunch of beer & pizza. You will be absolutely amazed with the difference from just your TV. (And though you swear you'll never want to expand the system, I'll take that bet. And just in case, this system will allow it without buying all new stuff.)